Hello everyone,

     So I need a baitcaster to pair with my 7'3 MHF rod and am looking for one that's capable of frogging, buzz baits, walk the dog lures, worms, jigs, chatter baits and swim baits. Mostly light lures for bank fishing. I'm thinking of the SLX but it has only 4 bearings. The Tournament MB is my top choice but doesn't have the P2 pinion and didn't know if it would get loose and or grind over time. Tatula's an option. I know nothing of braking systems and wanted to know which reel is the best of these. Thanks for your input. 

I don’t own or intend to buy a Lews but I hear they make a good product and very popular on here. 
 

I just wanted to comment on your bearing content concern. 
In my opinion, The total number count does not make one reel better than another. 
It’s where they’re at and what they’re made of, is what should be considered. 
 

The SLX gets a lot of play here so I would think those 4 are enough. 
I just don’t read them. 

 

Those guys should be around shortly. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

6 minutes ago, Mike L said:

I just wanted to comment on your bearing content concern. 
In my opinion, The total number count does not make one reel better than another. 
It’s where they’re at and what they’re made of, is what should be considered. 

Example of this.

Diawa Fuego CT

Daiwa Tatula CT

 

Same basic reel. Tatula adds the T-Wing system and 2 bearings. Want to know where those extra bearings are?

 

In the handle-knobs. Doesn't affect the internal working at all. So more bearings don't necessarily mean a better reel.

53 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Example of this.

Diawa Fuego CT

Daiwa Tatula CT

 

Same basic reel. Tatula adds the T-Wing system and 2 bearings. Want to know where those extra bearings are?

 

In the handle-knobs. Doesn't affect the internal working at all. So more bearings don't necessarily mean a better reel.

Not to mention that you could add those two extra bearings yourself for under $10..

I appreciate the responses. Does anyone have a recommendation for which one of these reels is the best? 

I've been really happy with my (4) Fuego CT lineup, they can be found usually $65-80. I think it's the best reel out there for the price. I've used Shimano and they are also good quality reels that I have used. I've never used or owned a Lew' product so I have no experience with them.

I've owned the lews mb and the daiwas mentioned.  For me, the lews is the better reel.  Feels much more comfortable in hand due to size and is pretty slick. I'd suggest a lews tournament pro lfs for 140 if u can swing the much $. Simply unbeatable at that price point. The slx is decent but I wasn't very impressed with it.

If people with the tournament mb haven't had any issues with the pinion ( because it's not a P2) is 7:5:1 the correct gear ratio for the presentations I wanna use? Or do I need something with more IPT