So by way of background, I'm a relative newcomer to baitcasting reels; the one I currently have is the best one I have owned.  I currently have the Lew's black Speed Stick combo that Walmart was selling a while back for 79.99.  I think it is called the "Classic Speed Stick" combo.  It looks to me that the reel is comparable to the current Lew's Classic Speed Spool SLP reel (4+1 bearings, etc.).  The rod is the "Classic Speed Stick" rod with IM6 blank.

 

I've had my eye on the Mach Crush combo for a while (side note, I know there are arguments about Daiwa/Shimano etc., better for the money, but I've read good reviews about the Mach Crush and petty or not, I just like the way it looks).  I'm wondering how much of an upgrade I can expect, not having spent that much on a baitcaster before.  I have one kid in college and another soon to be, so money is tight...I'm willing to spend it on the Mach Crush if it is really going to make a noticeable difference in things like casting distance, rod sensitivity, drag power, and so on.  BUT, if the difference is only going to be marginal, I'd rather spend the money elsewhere bc as we all know, fishing ain't cheap.  If I'm not going to notice much difference, I'd rather upgrade on down the line when I have a few more pennies laying around.

 

Just looking for some honest thoughts from those who have gone through a similar upgrade process.  

If your current combo isn't giving you problems, and if you don't feel you have need for two baitcasters right now, I'd say save your money.  You just aren't likely to notice huge performance upgrades moving one 'tier' at a time.  You may gain in durability or longevity,  but I think you should ignore the monkey for now.

14 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

If your current combo isn't giving you problems, and if you don't feel you have need for two baitcasters right now, I'd say save your money.  You just aren't likely to notice huge performance upgrades moving one 'tier' at a time.  You may gain in durability or longevity,  but I think you should ignore the monkey for now.

The Crush may be a 'better' reel then what you have, but you're still moving from a plastic-frame reel to another plastic-frame reel. I'd wait and get a good aluminum frame reel on a better rod when you have the money. Entry level to that is around $200-$250 (Pflueger Supreme on a Diawa Tatula XT/Diawa Fuego CT on a Dobyns Fury).

Lews Speed Spool LFS. Aluminum frame and 99.99 on Tackle Warehouse.

You could probably find it cheaper though.

FFO has a 7’ Ike Casting for 65.00 It’s med fast action

 

No real remarquable difference between both reels. You might see an upgrade since the reel is new but both will perform in the same way. Save your money

When your sons graduate college tell them one owes you a darn nice reel and the other one owes you an even nicer rod...

After my personal experience with the Mach crush, I would say hold off on it. It is actually the only item I have purchased from Lew's that I have been disappointed with. It feels much cheaper than its price tag and just lacks overall refinement in my opinion. If you are dead set on a combo I would spend a little more and get the custom black speed spool lfs combo. 

The BPS spring classic is coming up soon.  You may be able find a decent combo there in your budget.  The PQ is usually dirt cheap for that sale and I believe it is an aluminum framed reel.