Just wondering what the best baitcasting reel under $100 was. 

Shimano SLX  . Do it, do it. 

Find a Daiwa Fuego CT on sale.

 

Done

Hard to beat any Shimano reel.

 

I have three Shimano bait-casters purchased in the early 1990's...

 

With just minimum cleaning and maintenance, all are still performing flawlessly!

Shimano SLX is really best bang for bucks, light enough weight, compact and very comfortable to palm, aluminum frame, good casting performance. Daiwa CT is not that bad, might not cast as well as SLX, a little bit bigger and heavier, but reliable enough and should last as long as your next upgrade.

You should be able compare both reels in person at a lot of places, pick the one you are most comfortable. 

I think I will try out the Shimano SLX because that seems to be the one that most people like better. Thanks guys.

LEW'S LFS BY FAR !!!!

1 hour ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

I do have a few nice reels, not high end just nicer than SLX but I don’t mind at all to use SLX along side with those reels,

That's like me - I can favorably compare my two Fuegos to my two Patriarchs...four best reels I own.

Patriarchs were nice. Don't know what's with Pflueger these days. They don't seem to be making baitcasters any more that also weren't 100$.

3 hours ago, grantn_fishing said:

I think I will try out the Shimano SLX because that seems to be the one that most people like better. Thanks guys.

I just bought one in March. Haven’t used mine yet though. Gonna be later this month before I can give it a “test drive.”

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

They don't seem to be making baitcasters any more that also weren't 100$.

I know - I posted in another thread that I finally got a response to the e-mails I'd been sending them for six months.

 

Currently they have no plans to re-introduce any casting reels - the President XT is all we're getting for the foreseeable future.

My vote goes to the Shimano SLX. I remain shocked at how it cast.

33 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I know - I posted in another thread that I finally got a response to the e-mails I'd been sending them for six months.

 

Currently they have no plans to re-introduce any casting reels - the President XT is all we're getting for the foreseeable future.

That sucks. I used to use them for like 15;years and then I switched to Lew's.

My Shimano SLX gets thrown every outing. It really is a great reel and certainly won't disappoint. 

Lew's LFS.

Here's my $0.02.   For $100, you get a $100 real.  Pick any of the name brands and buy it.  Buy the one that feels the best, looks the best, matches your boat, or whatever criteria you want to use.  You should get a perfectly serviceable reel that will serve  your needs.  It won't be a $200 reel regardless of the brand.

 

If you can spend more, you'll get a nicer reel, regardless of the brand. 

 

IMHO, right now, the best values are the $120 reels (last years $100 reels).  I've bought several Revo X's last year.  No problems.  Couple of the $100 Lew's.  No problem.  Couple BPS Carbonlite's.  No problem.

 

I do squander a little money on my flipping reels.  I set the hook quite hard so I use the Lew's Super Duty's.  I believe they handle abuse very well.

 

Use sound judgement.  Buy what works for you.  If you don't fish a lot, a very lot, $120 reels will serve you well.

7 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

Hard to beat any Shimano reel.

 

I have three Shimano bait-casters purchased in the early 1990's...

 

With just minimum cleaning and maintenance, all are still performing flawlessly!

An old green Curado or Citica 200E is tough to beat for the money. I like both far more than my SLX. 

Another vote for the Shimano SlX, I’ve got 3.

4 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

LEW'S LFS BY FAR !!!!

 

51 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

Lew's LFS.

And BINGO was his name-o

SLX or Fuego CT.  Lews LFS if you don't mind that type of mag only brake.

26 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

SLX or Fuego CT.  Lews LFS if you don't mind that type of mag only brake.

I prefer that kind of linear mag brake. Simple, effective, zero maintenance, and while they may not be the longest casting system out there, I get plenty of distance. I do wish there was more aftermarket support for Lew's though. I'd like to have some lower capacity spools for them.

1 hour ago, PourMyOwn said:

An old green Curado or Citica 200E is tough to beat for the money. I like both far more than my SLX. 

I have 2 older green curados and 1 older silver citica myself. I’ve had all three of them for at least 15 years and they have never failed. I do bring them in for maintenance, cleaning, and lubrication every few years though too.

Daiwa Fuego CT on eBay for $83.60 is a viable option. Mag force cast control is very effective.

12 hours ago, PourMyOwn said:

An old green Curado or Citica 200E is tough to beat for the money. I like both far more than my SLX. 

 

Good to know. I've been thinking of getting a new bait-caster.

 

Love the feel of my Curado or Citica's.

 

Looking at used...

 

I've picked up a couple Patriarchs for under $100 from ALF's used section...love them.