2 minutes ago, WRB said:

ALF have sales and close outs.

Don't skip ALF's used area - you can find some really good 'steals' there. I myself got two Pflueger Patriarch BCs from there for under $80 each...and those were $200 retail new. Both with a little boat rash, but functionally perfect.

A gently used Daiwa Fuego would be my suggestion.  Those things seem bulletproof.  A gently used Shimano SLX or Lews Speed Spool would be my next suggestions.

 

A LOT of dudes backlash twice and sell reels for half of what they paid.  Be patient and you'll find a good deal.

On 1/14/2024 at 9:11 PM, JackstrawIII said:

Find an on sale Lews Speed Spool. So solid. 

 

I just bought one of these that came with a Speed Stick as a combo today at the Cabela's spring sale for $129 as a gift for my Father.  The original price was $189.  Seems like a decent combo for the price.

A couple of weeks ago I bought an Abu Garcia Vengeance combo from Walmart. Usually $75 but I got a closeout for $41. You can't get a usable Baitcaster combo for much less than that.

I am curious also what reel you had purchased that was giving you issues? 

I owned 1 of these, and was impressed by it, I believe 99$ for it. Then came across a sale when they were like 69$. 
I orderd 2 more. Not saying they gonna last a long time, but I’m very happy with them. Great casting distance, I have no issues with them. I have 3 on my crank bait rods , because they offer a 5:6 to 1 ratio, which I prefer.

Lews speed spool ss15A.

I will add, that ALX  Ikos hustler rod kicks butt. Great crankbait rod. I own a couple 😎