What’s the best cranking reel bang for the buck? I prefer Shimano or Daiwa but wouldn’t turn my nose at a Lews, Abu or Okuma if it’s better suited. I’m looking at a Daiwa Tatula 100 right now in the 6.3:1 ratio.

Abu Revo in the 5 speed for heavy winching power. 
 

Anything 150 size for deep to medium and 100 for medium to shallow. Grab a JDM Tat 100 with the new internals and save some cash. 

5 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

Grab a JDM Tat 100 with the new internals and save some cash.

The 2024 JDM Tat 100 with the duralumin spool and digidrive is what I’m looking at for $110.

3 minutes ago, Brett's_daddy said:

The 2024 JDM Tat 100 with the duralumin spool and digidrive is what I’m looking at for $110.

I’d go that route honestly. Great internals and a fantastic price. 

20 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

I’d go that route honestly. Great internals and a fantastic price. 

Yup, ended up going with this, with shipping came to $130 but still better than the $180 they sell for at Tacklewarehouse.

6.3to 1 is very good middle of the road speed. A little weed to slow down and a little crack to speed up. LOL!!!

I have a Curado DC that I use for crankbaits and I’m very happy with how it works. 

I would've grabbed the Alphas TW for $150 for cranks.

The new Tat 100 is really nice. 

Daiwa CT100H and a Shimano SLX-150 is what I use for crankbaits.  CT100H for baits around 3/8 and heavier, while I use the SLX-150 for lighter baits.

Daiwa, Shimano, Lew's, Abu, you choose, but the gear ratio (IPT) should be what you look at. If you do a lot of deep cranking, something in the 5-6:1. If you'll be using it to burn 'em, go with a 7.1:1, otherwise a good old 6.3:1 will serve you well.

I have a used JDM Daiwa Steez A in 6.3 I got for $225 on Ebay. I love this reel and it casts like a dream. 

Lews bb1 by far

This...I have a number of them.

 

14 hours ago, Texas Flood said:

I have a used JDM Daiwa Steez A in 6.3 I got for $225 on Ebay. I love this reel and it casts like a dream. 

 

I have two of them now. I was going suggest the JDM Zillion but at that price, in mint condition, this would be a good deal. Great reel. It's smooth, easy to cast, perfect for deep cranks and built like a tank but still light.

 

The new price is pretty low as well on these. Around $300

Daiwa Tatula Elite in 6.3:1

Shimano Bantam 6.2:1

Shimano Curado 200M 6.2:1

Lews BB1 Pro 6.2:1