Just placed an order for an older Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier Tournament PQT10HB. It's the one with the black flake paint. It's a 6:4:1 baitcaster. Anyone have this reel or familiar with it? Looking for suggestions on a good rod to pair this reel with. Ideally want a nice weight balance between the rod/reel combo as well. 

Hey, I know it's been a while, but nobody responded. I picked one of these up off a guy locally for $20. I put some Spool Speed bearings in it, cleaned it all up, replaced the handle, and use it for my squarebills. I love it! I'll have to snap a picture tomorrow.

That’s a good looking reel. Also what rod did you put it on?

On 3/25/2021 at 4:25 AM, Eric 26 said:

That’s a good looking reel. Also what rod did you put it on?

 

I'm not OP, but I put mine on a 7' medium Aird-X for squarebills

I have one in left hand, bought it years ago new at BPS. I haven't used it much but it's a good reel with dual braking. I should bust it out this week and give it a spin. Good find, good reel. I think it's the same frame as the gold BPS Carbonlites from years ago.  I've put my PQ on various rods from 6'7" to 7'1" from med to MH.  Gear ratio I think is perfect for crankbait and spinners. But I've used mine with various lures and handles them quite well.  Good casting distance too. The braking can be a bit finicky at times.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/UmHrQ3t.jpg[/img]

 

Here's a photo of mine. Agreed about the braking being a bit finicky. I've had the most luck turning the centrifugal brakes completely off and running just magnetic.

Sorry all, looks like this forum doesn't use BBCode, here's the photo

I still geek out on these reels. Basically a carbonolite with better handle. Back when carbonlites were actually awesome reels. Not the cheap junk they are now. How did yours hold up? 

18 hours ago, genericname said:

Back when carbonlites were actually awesome reels. Not the cheap junk they are now.

I'll second this. I bought a pair of carbonlites 3 years ago. Felt cheap from the start and got geary in a hurry. They still work but don't see much use anymore. No more BP reels for me.

Over the years pro qualifier reels have actually been really good. This was a set up I would generally get if I needed to get a few rods that I knew would hold up but didn't have super big funds. They perform well.