Let's see your favorite reel in your arsonal,old or new and why! 

the most reliable distance and wide weight range is my Zillion with Ray's Studio SV spool and PE#1.2 braid. This set-up doesn't know what a backlash is. 

 

 

Will have to add, as much as I like my Steez SV TW and ZPI Alcance, and both cost more, this is still my favorite. 

My braid-raced Ambassadeurs are equally backlash proof (also cost more to customize), but won't cast the distance. 

@ATA

3/8 to 2 oz?  Try 1/16 to 2 oz without making an adjustment. 

Edited May 15, 20224 yr by bulldog1935
for ATA

Since you didn't specify type, my favorite is my Shimano Vanford in 3000. It's also the most I've spent on one so that may taint my opinion. I thought my Stradic's were smooth till I got this one. Maybe the Stardic's are getting worn.

Forgot to mention mine,the calcutta te by far out ranks all my others.Its simply bullet proof.

Shimano Callcutta 200D ~

Good Line capacity ~ Super solid at 9 ounces

5.7:1 gear ratio with so much power ~ S-Compact Body for useful in-hand comfort

A-Jay

Right now, it's my new Shimano Metanium reel.  Smooth-as-buttah!

 

I think you might need to create a price range because I am sure most people like their most expensive reel the most.

 

Baitcast, for me, it is the Curado 71mgl.  On 10# floro, I can cast the lightest Neds, sail a jerk bait a long way and by evidence a couple of weeks ago, reel in a 40lb+ Flathead.  That one took some time I will admit but that little reel is worth every penny for it's price IMO.  Oh and FWIW, it is not my most expensive reel but it is close.

 

Spinning, I love my Stradics but I also have a Sustain and while it is nicer than a Stradic, I only use it for trout stream fishing.  I am sure if I had some 3000 series Sustain for Bass, I'd probably say that one.

Hate questions like this one as I can never narrow my choice to just one.  Thankfully I don't have to. 

 

I was out for a short time today with 3 of my favorites....50th Anniversary Zillion, PXL Type R, and Helios Air.  The Zillion isn't quite as idiot proof as it was before getting it tuned and upgraded, but is still hard to backlash if you are halfway paying attention.  Bombs a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait.  PXL is on a 6'6" MM Aetos.  It makes for a light combo that is a joy to cast.  First cast with the Helios Air amazed me with distance achieved.  A light reel that is also hard to backlash if paying attention.

 

I could add several others that bring a smile to my face when I use them....but won't. 

Shimano Exsence spinning reel it's just so light and a joy to use and love the blacked out look.  Casting is my steez sv tw I got back into casting gear this year and it made the transition so easy for me.  Used it yesterday to throw chatterbaits hooked a few bass and no backlashes whatsoever.  It's smooth as silk, beautiful, great drag, and love the breaking system.

Curado 200 E7

 

 

 

 

Mike

Shimano Chronarch MGL HG. Absolute perfection in a reel

Daiwa Morethan PE

Zillion SV

Zebco?

25 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Hate questions like this one as I can never narrow my choice to just one.  Thankfully I don't have to. 

 

I was out for a short time today with 3 of my favorites....50th Anniversary Zillion, PXL Type R, and Helios Air.  The Zillion isn't quite as idiot proof as it was before getting it tuned and upgraded, but is still hard to backlash if you are halfway paying attention.  Bombs a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait.  PXL is on a 6'6" MM Aetos.  It makes for a light combo that is a joy to cast.  First cast with the Helios Air amazed me with distance achieved.  A light reel that is also hard to backlash if paying attention.

 

I could add several others that bring a smile to my face when I use them....but won't. 

Nope I can’t comment on this question.

My favorites change from year to year. This year my favorites are:

 

Baitcaster = Shimano SLX DC

 

 

Spinning = Abu Garcia Zata 20
 

SV103 and Luvias 2500

Another vote for the Shimano Metanium

-Shimano Exsence C3000XG Spinning, I can say thats the best when it comes to performance and thats the best in cosmetic.

-Shimano Antares DC 21 Casting because it can cast small 3/8oz jerkbait to 2oz jig and anything between, Plus needless to say that have latest Dc breaking system.

Lew's Custom Lite. At 4.9 oz. It's awesome. Outcasts all my buddies reels.It was a hard pick over my other Lew's. My BB1 Pro LFS 6.2 is great for cranks and is my farthest casting reel. All my other Lew's are great also but the Custom Lite is crazy weightless.

29 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Lew's Custom Lite. At 4.9 oz. It's awesome. Outcasts all my buddies reels.It was a hard pick over my other Lew's. My BB1 Pro LFS 6.2 is great for cranks and is my farthest casting reel. All my other Lew's are great also but the Custom Lite is crazy weightless.

Custom lite is my favorite. The spawn is almost over so they will be hammering shakey heads and Ned rigs. I have mine on a DTCO 47 7ML.

Lews Speed Spool Tournament Pro LFS

Daiwa Fuego 2500D-XH 

 

All the others I have are inferior

Hard question.... I REALLY like my new 21 Zillion SV on everything but the location of the brake knob, but I'm getting used to it. I keep bumping it and changing it when palm casting it. Really liking the new Alphas SV too, but it has the same issue. 

 

Right now,... My favorites probably include the SLX MGL's I recently bought (I want to try the Curado 71 MGL next), and my Gen 3 Revo S and STX's

I honestly can’t come up with any reason to come off my daiwa Fuegos. 
 

Cheap(ish), fish great. I do have one tatula I actually dislike the t-wing on but the rest of my Arsenal is 8:3:1 Fuegos 

2017 Shimano Scorpion DC 

For casting - has to be my Patriarchs

Dual braking system, lightweight - and they don't make them anymore

 

Spinning - a 'cheap' reel - Mitchell Avocet RZT

Another well made reel - line roller bearing (not bushing) and aluminum spool make this braid ready right out of the box. And it's another reel that's not made anymore

 

Why do all the good reels get 'retired' by their manufacturers?