If you could get any new baitcasting reel right now - money is no object - what would you get and why?

I’d probably just get the Shimano Curado DC, since my most expensive reel is a Black Max.

I am very pleased with the performance and ease of use of my Shimano Bantam's and Metanium's (2020 model). The new frame design of the Bantam's and now the 20 Met's make for a super solid feeling reel that works great no matter what bait I am throwing on them. I've got a couple of Diawa Coastal SV's that are pretty nice too. I just don't have the time on the water with them yet.  

FM

If I could find one - another Patriarch or even the Patriarch XT...love my Pat.

 

Currently available retail? Simple needs but want Dual Braking now after my Patriarch experience...

 

Lews Tournament MP in 6.8:1

Seriously considering a Shimano Bantam with a Curado K handle. Don't need it, but you know how it goes

I'm not sure honestly. I've used Met 16's, Curado DC's, Steez SV TW's, Hypermags, and many other reels most would consider expensive. I think I'd have to go with the Steez CT or Metanium 20. 

Since you didn't specify low profile only...I would get a Shimano Calcutta.  Reason:  I currently do not own anything that I think will still be in working order to pass down to my kids.  One day soon I hope to be able to afford a nice Calcutta and put some mileage and memories on it in preparation to be passed down.  

Probably the new Diawa tatula sv tw just because of the technology it packs and the versatility it offers.

I pretty much all the baitcast and spinning reels I want. I have two many reels already.

I wouldn't mind picking up a Conquest DC 100 in the low gear ratio -just to try it out.

Zillion G .   I would like the US version with brass gears.  I want a refined tank and the zillion is that.

I can think of some rods I'd like in this scenario but I don't really have a fantasy reel

Steez A TW, and a few aftermarket specialty spools. Why? After living with my JDM Catalina for a season, it's clear that the Mag Z Metal Zillion platform reels are in a different category compared to the Tatulas, and even the previous gen Zillion SV TW. If I want to plop the Catalina on a light rod with light line and chuck a small bait easily, no problem. If I want to upsize and throw a 3 oz swimbait halfway across the lake, no problem. No fuss either, but not over braked at all. Truly rock solid. The Steez A is smaller, lighter, and by all accounts as smooth as anything out there, and it's salt rated.

I asked myself the same question a few months back and came up with the Daiwa Steez CT SV - so I bought one.  Highly recommended for UL or L bait cast use cases.

I'd get a top-of-the-line reel with DC cast control.  I have more than enough reels but kind of have an itch to try one with DC...

4 minutes ago, Columbia Craw said:

Zillion G .   I would like the US version with brass gears.

My next reel.

A Shimano Chronarch MGL, dream fishing reel right there!

Megabass Black Jungle.

It would be my Lews Custom lite. Why ? Value would be one reason. It's weight of 4.9 ounces is another good reason.it casts further than any other reel I've owned or used. It's also as backlash free as a baitcaster can get. The gears are smooth as is the 20lb. Carbon drag. I absolutely love this reel.it casts Ned rigs easily and pitches jigs with ease. I really have no dislikes about it.

I know there's many excellent mid priced reels out there. I have tried many of them, but if money was no object, then why settle.

If someone said i could have any vehicle out there, I'm not going to settle on a Toyota camry, even though its a really decent vehicle. Give me the Lamborghini aventador.

Metanium.  

 

Why?  I am not likely to spend $500 on a single reel, so it would be a treat.  I have absolute confidence in my Shimano reels, and have to imagine a higher end reel would be nothing less than a pleasure to fish with.   

Hmmmm, tough question.  I already do own a Millionaire CT SV and that's about the most I've spent on a reel.  I supposed it would have to be a Ryoga 1016H, just because I'm a sucker for a nice round reel.

Curado 200 E7 

Just Because 

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

The next generation Steez, hopefully it comes out soon.

Never had a daiwa bc reel be at ease if you please, because I’d get a steez. 
 

or that older yellow pixy. 

Probably another Shimano Curado.