The Shimano/Daiwa/ all other reels minutia discussion can go on forever.  For purposes of that line of reasoning, I'm a Shimano guy.   What I'm saying is don't stack all your spinning gear in the corner and go bait caster all the way.   There is a time & place for spinning gear.

3 hours ago, David Austin said:

I just checked out that site and something seems kinda fishy that they have reels that cheap.  

 

What are some other daiwas you'd recommend around 250 or less?

Coastal 200HS if you need plenty of line.  Coastal TWS (has SV spool).   I have both, but have not spooled either.  Haven't been getting out much the past 2-3 years, but did not stop buying rods and reel.   

 

I really like that Tatula SV, but feel I cast well enough not to need the SV spool for much of my fishing.  However, I do not just use it for light lures/windy days.  Like it too much for that.  I have the feeling that the finish is a good one.  Have a 'blem' Elite that I picked up cheap, but the 'blem' is not cosmetic as I had assumed.  It is internal and has to be sent out for repair.  Unusable as is.  I'd rather spend the money on repair rather than returning and paying full price on a non-blem reel because I know it will be properly cleaned and lubed when I get it back.  Plus I always get Carbontex drags installed.

 

I trust dodgeguy and PhishLI and in fact own a couple Quantum Icons based on his opinion of the.  Hard to pass up a $130 for $40 after reading his take on the reel.  Only reason for not picking up one of dodgeguy's suggestions is it is another $100 over the Icon and I already have about 95 baitcast reels.

 

I did pick up a Quantum KVD Smoke S3 as many comment on how good these reels cast. I got the left hand here.  https://vandamwarehouse.com/kvd-smoke-s3-pt-baitcast-reels-by-quantum/?sku=120QUSKVD101HPT&gclid=CjwKCAjw07qDBhBxEiwA6pPbHiRXtWCBF52u0vTRFB2_RdzOkBsuqeAAB__hGN_gj_dSSitkVV3FvRoCUx0QAvD_BwE

 

A $180 reel for $100.  Legit seller.  Still in box as are several of my other reels.  If I remember correctly, the Quantum Smoke S3 is a bit better reel.  And a little more expensive.

 

EDIT:  BTW, Pflueger was selling the Patriarch XT for $100 about a year ago.  I picked up the Supreme XT for $60 and a Patriarch for $80 during their sale.  Still in boxes.  Didn't get the Patriarch XT because of owning 3 of the older ones.