There's so many reel options on the market it seems overwhelming lol I'm in the market for a $200-250 reel and I'm having a hard time choosing without having any experience with the vast majority of the market. I currently use a shimano SLX and have used lower end abu garcias and lews in the past, that's it.

 

My main requirements are:

Size(palmability)

Smooth and quiet

Cast control/manageability

 

I will primarily be using it for pond fishing mainly lighter setups like texas rig, senko, ned rigs, smaller football jigs, flukes but I will also be throwing some spinnerbaits, topwater ploppers, poppers or occasional buzzbaits etc. 

 

I'm thinking 7:1:1-7:3:1, something like that. It will be going on a Fenwick HMG

 

I realize it comes down to personal preference but I'm looking for some opinions to help point me in the right direction for the best reel for the $$$. I am not against buying used either off of marketplace or ebay if I can get a better deal on a better reel there. 

 

Any help is appreciated, TIA

 

 

Forgot to mention. I have been looking at a few of the following 

 

Tatula sv 

Slx dc

I'm shopping/researching reels in the 200 dollar range.  Have a thread started with some good discussion that might help you make a decision.  What is your favorite line setup?  Braid, braid-leader, floro/mono/copoly, diameter/lb test? 

From what I have learned there are a lot of good options in that range, just need to find what suits your needs.  My short list right now is the Lews Tournament Pro LFS, Curado 150 MGL, Tatula SV TW, SLX 70MGL(incredible value).  I use straight floro/copoly most of the time so I like reels that have a little more spool capacity.  The SLX 70 MGL is to good of value to ignore though.  If I was throwing braid I would buy it today.  I also have interest in how the new Tatula TW 80 performs.   If I had another 50 dollars to spend I would straight up buy a Tatula Elite.

Good luck.

  

1 minute ago, akmac said:

I'm shopping/researching reels in the 200 dollar range.  Have a thread started with some good discussion that might help you make a decision.  What is your favorite line setup?  Braid, braid-leader, floro/mono/copoly, diameter/lb test? 

From what I have learned there are a lot of good options in that range, just need to find what suits your needs.  I use straight floro/copoly.  My short list right now is the Lews Tournament Pro LFS, Curado 150 MGL, Tatula SV TW, SLX 70MGL(incredible value).  I use straight floro/copoly most of the time so I like reels that have a little more spool capacity.  The SLX 70 MGL is to good of value to ignore though.  If I was throwing braid I would buy it today.  I also have interest in how the new Tatula TW 80 performs.   If I had another 50 dollars to spend I would straight up buy a Tatula Elite.

Good luck.

  

As of right now I'm using 12lb yozuri hybrid. Not sure how I like it just yet but seems to be performing pretty well on the slx. What is the differences from the tatula sv tws to the tatula elite? 

You can get Tatula Elites for under $200 if you know where to look.  They handle light weight baits as well as the SV but cast further I find.  They skip pretty well too but I haven't pushed the limits and have stuck with easier to skip baits like senkos and dark sleepers.  The ned rig requirement is going to be difficult.  The Elite, SV and MGL reels can handle them but you need the right rod.  For a M or MH using your primary baits all of the reels you listed are fine.  If you are willing to spend $250 then I highly recommend getting a JDM Zillion from Asian Fish Portal of other vendor and especially if you value smoothness.  They are basically the smoothest thing out there right now.  They are a significant step up over a Tatula.

I use 12lbs yozuri hybrid on my slx mgl reels and love it!  They cast that line like a dream.  

22 minutes ago, CGray97 said:

As of right now I'm using 12lb yozuri hybrid. Not sure how I like it just yet but seems to be performing pretty well on the slx.

 

6 minutes ago, MiceNReets said:

I use 12lbs yozuri hybrid on my slx mgl reels and love it!  They cast that line like a dream.  

12# YZH is the line I use on my crank-rig...Fuego CT. Rarely have backlashes, performs well enough that I got the 600yd spool so I don't run out.

2 hours ago, CGray97 said:

Tatula sv 

Slx dc

I don't think you'd go wrong with either of those choices.  I just bought an SLX last week.  Won't be using it until May but I can already tell its a fantastic reel for what I paid.

39 minutes ago, CGray97 said:

As of right now I'm using 12lb yozuri hybrid. Not sure how I like it just yet but seems to be performing pretty well on the slx. What is the differences from the tatula sv tws to the tatula elite? 

I use Yozuri hybrid as well, great line for the money.  Thicker line per lb test rating than other lines, 12 lb is .013,  but it is low stretch, low vis, manageable, and affordable.  Do you use line conditioners?  If not I highly recommend it.  I use Reel Magic, and it makes this line shine.   

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.  The SV spool has a mechanical magnetic breaking system, meaning the magnetic control is applied the second your spool starts moving.  This is great for lighter lures, controlled cast in the wind, and skipping.  The trade off is distance.  Not that this reel doesn't cast far, just not as good as other options.  The elite uses a dynamic magnetic breaking system that increases as the spool increases in speed.  This makes it a better reel for heavier lures, and long cast.  The reviews I have read on the elite, sounds like a really good all-purpose reel.  Some people claim it cast lighter lures well, just not quite as good as the SV.  But on the long end it is no contest.   The TW is for Daiwas T-wing (line guide) system.  When you push the thumb bar the T-wing shifts forward into an open position allowing for less friction on casts, leading to a little more distance.  If your fishing smaller ponds, and don't use anything over .016 diameter  line, I recommend the Tatula SV or Shimano SLX 70 MGL.  If you want more of an all purpose type reel that can reach out there, I would recommend the Tatula Elite, Lew's Tournament Pro MGL, or Curado 150 MGL.   If you struggle with control/backlashes the Daiwa SV or Shimano DC reels would be the way to go, although I have read the DC reels can be a bit noisy on the cast.   As far as palmability, find a retail store and put some of them in your hand.  I find all of the reels I have mentioned to be compact and comfortable.

Most comfortable/palmable: Shimano 70 size

Longest casting: Tatula Elite

Best backlash prevention and/or skipping: Tatula SV TW

 

Best combination/compromise of all the criteria in the OP's post:

The new Tatula SV TW 70 $229

26 minutes ago, akmac said:

I use Yozuri hybrid as well, great line for the money.  Thicker line per lb test rating than other lines, 12 lb is .013, 

One thing is that the IFGA tested YZH and it's actually stronger than the printed ratings.

28 minutes ago, akmac said:

but it is low stretch

FryDog did a test some years ago - YZH had near the lowest stretch of any of the lines he tested.

 

30 minutes ago, akmac said:

Do you use line conditioners?  If not I highly recommend it.

I treat everything except braid with KVD L&L.

I went ahead and ordered a Tatula Sv 103hsl. Thank you for the help 

To me, the no-brainer thing is add $25 to the ante and buy a JDM Daiwa Zillion

Delivered in 4 days by gratis FedEx

https://fishing.asian-portal.shop/category/select/cid/352/pid/316313

Set the casting brake for the lightest thing you're going to throw, and you'll probably never need to adjust it again. 

5 hours ago, CGray97 said:

There's so many reel options on the market it seems overwhelming lol I'm in the market for a $200-250 reel and I'm having a hard time choosing without having any experience with the vast majority of the market. I currently use a shimano SLX and have used lower end abu garcias and lews in the past, that's it.

 

My main requirements are:

Size(palmability)

Smooth and quiet

Cast control/manageability

[stuff deleted]

 

In that price range I really like the Lew's Custom Lite reel.  It lists for a bit more but can readily be found discounted to be within the stated price constraint.  It is palmable and SUPER light (4.9 oz).

Because you listed "cast control/manageability" and not distance, you will likely love anything SV. 

An other vote for the SLX DC

For what it's worth I think I'm going to try the Tatula Elite or the Curado 150 mgl. 

Mines focus is for frog fishing tho. 

 

That Okuma Haika (pretty sure I didn't get the name right) looks pretty neat too.

SLX XT

Tatula

Curado 70

Curado BFS

Zillion

 

high to low grouping I think. If you are mainly throwing light range, focus on that. Curado + a phenix feather or a ML crankbait rod for a light tip with backbone. Ymmv. I like a bit softer rods in old age

I have a couple Daiwa Tatula SV TW103 reels.  I cast weightless flukes and senkos with them and can bomb them a fair ways.  The Tatula SV is almost a fool proof reel. You have to try pretty hard to get them to backlash. 

 

I just picked up a Curado 71 MGL today and paired it with a Curado 6'10"MF rod. Haven't tried it yet but it will probably serve as my jerk bait and/or wacky rig rod. I'm trying to limit my use of spinning gear as I enjoy using BC gear more. 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, CGray97 said:

I went ahead and ordered a Tatula Sv 103hsl. Thank you for the help 

You won't be disappointed, it's a great reel.