So...in early August, my Fenwick HMX70M-FC rod snapped at the last two inches on a hookset. Who knows why? Only had it since May so it wasn’t abused. Just found out today it will be replaced under warranty, but not until October (damned COVID-19 strikes again!). 
 

I bought a Daiwa Aird X in the interim, so if I will be getting a warranty replacement rod (a 7’ MF) in October, I’ll need another baitcaster. I’d like something that’s a step up from the two Black Max’s I currently have. Maybe something in the $100-$125 range. I prefer a reel with a magnetic vs centrifugal braking system. Other than that, I’m open to suggestions. 
 

 

I have two reels in that price-range that I'm using on Aird-X rods

 

Pflueger Supreme - MH/F - spinner/chatter/buzzbaits, jigs, T-Rigs

Diawa Fuego CT-XS - H/F - flip/pitch/punch, frogs, topwaters, Bubba-shot. The best reel of the pair - MagForce-Z beats standard magnetic brakes.

I like the specs on that Fuego. Is yours the 8.1:1 ratio? 

Just now, BrianMDTX said:

I like the specs on that Fuego. Is yours the 8.1:1 ratio? 

Ya - want the speed to haul them out of the slop.

 

I've got another Fuego in 6.3 on a Fury 705CB as my main crankbait rig...only 'dedicated' rig I have. I'm considering getting the 7.3 to put on the MH/F Aird, moving the Supreme to my M/F Aird which has a President currently.

14 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

I like the specs on that Fuego. Is yours the 8.1:1 ratio? 

7.3:1 and 8.1:1 available, comes with braid and a hard bait. 79.99.

 

https://north40.com/daiwa-fuego-ct-bait-casting-reel

That’s a deal!