What’s the best one out there for $50-$60?

I  won a Kunan Fierce that retails for 30 bucks and am totally shocked at how good this reel is for being so cheap. it took a little fiddling with the cast control to get it right and oiled the handle [it squeeked] but I keep it in my truck all the time now and use it when I get a few minutes to cast on the way home from work a couple nights a week.

I have a telescopic rod and a bait caster with a BFS spare spool that I got off Aliexpress. For $30.00, I’m really blown away… I have had to take it apart and clean it…. It started making noise. Stays in my truck like @crypt.

I bought an Abu Garcia Blackmax from Walmart in a pinch once while I was on vacation and the location had a lake loaded with smallies. The whole combo was like $60, and I caught a bunch of fish while staying away from the in-laws that week.

 

I don't know if it's the best, but it worked well enough and was bombing some 1/4oz + paddletails in super clear water.

Abu Garcia Black Max has held up for me very well. I use mine nearly daily and have for over a year.

 

My favorite is a BPS Pro Qualifier 2 that was gifted to me. Used, they are available in that range. That's my choice.

For that price you want an aluminum frame.  Histar Black Mamba Max gen 1 and 2, Piscifun Alloy M and Seasir Megacuda can all be had at times within that price range.  I bought the Seasir Megacuda recently for $37 from Aliexpress.  I haven't fished it yet but it seems nice for the price.  Like a big Tatula 80.   I also have the Piscifun Alloy M and Histar Black Mamba Max gen 1.  Both are really good aluminum frame reels for under $60 when the price allows.  The Black Mamba even has an aluminum handle side plate to go along with the frame.  On the 300 reel size of things I like the Johoncoo Ares as a budget big bait reel.  You're going to have to keep an eye out on Aliexpress to find these cheapies.  Also, keep an eye out on name brand reels there too as they will be way cheaper than paying MSRP on Tackle Warehouse like Hank Hill.

Good price 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805889777071.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.2e6f223aZ6J6Fu&browser_id=774bb3b91d6e47af860e5c451c635dc5&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=avhgxkahscaakixk190e25fc4756dba5740835c520&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!71.10!34.06!!!515.60!247.00!%402101c5ac17217848435825101e7eb6!12000035617094415!sea!US!2504224830!&algo_pvid=17f05ff2-014a-4fdb-8253-1cc488e296be

 

OK price (got mine for $48 also remember this is a huge 300 size reel)

 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802026845041.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.77bf1ca75QeBWw&browser_id=774bb3b91d6e47af860e5c451c635dc5&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=avhgxkahscaakixk190e2608aa023d9fdee021b408&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!59.82!59.82!!!59.82!59.82!%402101dedf17217848961385725e0492!12000021258262632!sea!US!2504224830!X&algo_pvid=cd585295-7d0e-4bc6-aae6-e0c53d13d8d7

 

OK price for a gen 1 Black Mamba (I've see $53)

 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805931721217.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.d5cb6cechlSFqQ&browser_id=774bb3b91d6e47af860e5c451c635dc5&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=avhgxkahscaakixk190e261a83b34b5159613bb601&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!120.66!60.33!!!874.98!437.49!%402103297517217849692502010ef22f!12000035834835859!sea!US!2504224830!&algo_pvid=1a21a5b3-a95d-47f3-9838-43cc7a657a57

 

Gen 2 Black Mamba (no 1st hand experience)

 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806075050842.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.d5cb6cec7mSNSR&browser_id=774bb3b91d6e47af860e5c451c635dc5&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=avhgxkahscaakixk190e261a83b34b5159613bb601&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!119.07!59.53!!!863.47!431.73!%402103297517217849692502010ef22f!12000036512099269!sea!US!2504224830!&algo_pvid=1a21a5b3-a95d-47f3-9838-43cc7a657a57

 

Bad price.  I've seen them in the $40s. Last gen Lews LFS are going for $75.

 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802260271730.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.4c6f2153B6q5t5&browser_id=774bb3b91d6e47af860e5c451c635dc5&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=avhgxkahscaakixk190e263c850b5262033d2dde03&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!137.24!69.99!!!137.24!69.99!%402103247917217851085353119e6d1b!12000020690756168!sea!US!2504224830!X&algo_pvid=b64497a5-a7a2-47e5-b320-15451dc50c86

Daiwa Fuego CT can be found for around $100 on sale - a reliable , full featured reel.

Abu Black Max for me.

Fuego CT is my vote as well but if you want to stay closer to budget, Lews LFS going for 70ish right now.

1 hour ago, ChrisD46 said:

Daiwa Fuego CT can be found for around $100 on sale - a reliable , full featured reel.

You can get the Fuego SV for under $100 too.

I’ll say this about the Black Max. It’s definitely a little finickier than my other baitcasters (in other words, it’s a little more prone to getting a bird’s nest, but not bad), but when adjusted right, it truly is capable of bomb casting. Do I prefer my Fuegos and Tatula? No doubt. But I still fish them without any true issues. And for some reason they really cast far. Not a bad reel for less than $50.00. 

4 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

You can get the Fuego SV for under $100 too.

Another vote for the Fuego CT. Workhorse reel for me. Easy to work on. Great braking system for the price. 

Best budget reel is a PQ when Bass Pro has them on sale.

Abu Blackmax hands down.