I am looking in the 200-300 range for a new baitcaster. Strongly considering grabbing the new Lews Custom Lite SLP but wanted to hear other opinions in that range of your favorite. Already got a few Tatula SV's, Tatula Elite, Curado K's, Mach Crush, and Alderbaren BFS XG's, so, something different than those!

You have some nice reels already, but I would recommend trying the Curado DC, Chronarch MGL, Daiwa Tatula Elite, or the Daiwa Costal TWS. It all depends on which application and weight to balance whichever rod you want it paired with. That's my thoughts. Goodluck.

3 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

You have some nice reels already, but I would recommend trying the Curado DC, Chronarch MGL, Daiwa Tatula Elite, or the Daiwa Costal TWS. It all depends on which application and weight to balance whichever rod you want it paired with. That's my thoughts. Goodluck.

Thanks Stephen! You like your Curado DC or Chronarch MGL better?

Chronarch MGL, hands down. This reel is an absolute gem in the Shimano lineup. 

5 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

Chronarch MGL, hands down. This reel is an absolute gem in the Shimano lineup. 

Got me strongly considering that now...does it handle lighter lures well?

1 minute ago, ctg0311 said:

Got me strongly considering that now...does it handle lighter lures well?

I can bomb a Manns Baby 1- with it using 12lb fluoro. That's a 1/4oz bait. 

The models that are a year or two older and get marked down into the $100-$150 range...You can find some good deals on the Daiwa baitcasters at certain times of year. Shimmano reels seem to always hold their price but they are worth the money as I still have an Old Green Bantam Curado that has to be 25 years old and is still fantastic...Not sure I have ever done much more than clean it and grease and lube...

 

Hard to go wrong with any Shimano. If you want to sell it in a few years to upgrade, it will still get you a good return on Ebay, guys pay good money for them used or not...

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! Much appreciated.

So far I love my Curado DC.  It's smooth and casts a mile.   

Buy the Lews at Sportsmans Outfitters. You'll live it and sell all your others.Its lk like 179 there.

Love my Lew’s HyperMag..very smooth, casts far, handles light lures no problem. Although I feel like all the high end Lew’s are the same at least as far as internals are concerned. They’re just made out of different materials, the body that is lol.

I'd go Chronarch MGL for bottom baits or Curado DC for reaction.  The Metanium MGL would be around 300 from Digitaka, but it does have a 70 sized spool and no U.S. warranty. 

Get a reel different than those you already have.  In that price range they all are good, but most likely a little different.  Then you'll be an expert on all those reels.

Bantam MGL is another good choice. Or the Daiwa SV103. 

My two favourites are chronarch mgl and bantam mgl! The bantam might be just above or top of the range. The chronarch is probably my all around favourite reel! Have 3-4 of them and got them on anything from finesse to frog, t-rigs/jigs!!

I think mine would be the Daiwa SV105.

Definitely go with a Shimano or Daiwa. No comparison as they are the best

Crrrrrrraaaaap !!!

Do I have to choose ?

So many options ....

Zillion SV TWS

 

Once I fished one I sold all my Shimanos and made the switch to Daiwa.

8 hours ago, Raul said:

Crrrrrrraaaaap !!!

Do I have to choose ?

So many options ....

Nope.  Just keep buying another one every couple months.  Problem solved. 

It’s hard to beat the Chronarch MGL and they can be had in your price range.

You have some Tatula SV TW already. Not many reels outperform the SV TW.

12 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Nope.  Just keep buying another one every couple months.  Problem solved. 

Been doing that for years, just to be sure I ain't missin anything !

Stretch and get a Bantam. You won't regret it. Most solid and smooth baitcaster I've used, and most people seem to have the same impression.

My next reel in that price range will be the Daiwa Coastal SV