I am starting to upgrade all my fishing set ups so I'm prepared to pay a little extra for good tackle, but that does not expand to $600+ Shimano reels with computer chips in them   I'm still fairly new to the world of Bass fishing I come from a fly fishing background but since moving to the US some years ago I've become hooked on Bass fishing and feel it is time to take it to the next level and also time to get better and couple more set ups (looking to have 5 rigs by the time season is in full swing)

I am planning on buying a St. Croix (really like my other St. Croix rod) AC66MF for my general spinner/crank/jerk bait rod.  Now I'm looking for a new reel to match my new rod, the reel will most likely have 12lb mono line spooled onto it.  The few I've been looking at are as follows:

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=90322&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse  - Fishing buddy has one and I've tried it and liked it

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=74125&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse   - Fishing buddy just picked one up from a fishing show we were at.  I liked it and almost bought one myself but they had no special show price so figured I'd do some more research first

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=68750&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse   - Looked at this one at the same fishing show thought I'd get a few opinions on it.

So that should give you an idea of my price range.  I would be wanting it in a 6.3:1 or 6.4:1 gear ratio, I've read that 5.1:1 gear ratios are good for crankbaits, I've never used one so have no opinion on the matter and could be convinced either way.  I'm not fishing lakes that are all that deep, if that makes much of a difference.  

Also I have a 7' MH fast baitcaster that I need a  new reel for and I was thinking of making the rod a jig/soft plastic rod.  I will be spooling this reel with either 12lb or 14lb Fluorocarbon. The 7.0:1 ratio of the Quantum is very appealing for this set up.

Any opinions, suggestions, advice and guidance is most appreciated.  Although I've hardly posted on here I read and scout the forums a lot and have found this site to be a very good and useful resource.  

Thank you for your time.

I would go with a Shimano Curado (retails at $200). I would choose the 100D model for the rod and line you have. This would make a really nice set up.

For the money you are talking about, you can buy Shimano Chronarch 50 MG's.  If you buy from ebay stores you can get them as low as about $215, shipped.  They are incredible reels.  Smooth, light as a feather and super easy casting.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=28379&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

There isn't another reel made that can compare at that price.  Of the 3 you listed, I have used a viento (my fishing partner bought one when they first came out.)  It has held up perfectly and is a very nice reel but it's just not the same.  I talked him into a 50 MG a few months ago, and now he's not looking at vientos anymore...  

If you like the quantum tour edition your going to love the diawa zillion for $10 more. It's lighter and just as strong. Check it out you'll be happy you did. I know I am.

Thank you for your recommendations, and I'll let you know what I finally decide on.

For the money you are talking about, you can buy Shimano Chronarch 50 MG's. If you buy from ebay stores you can get them as low as about $215, shipped. They are incredible reels. Smooth, light as a feather and super easy casting.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=28379&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

There isn't another reel made that can compare at that price. Of the 3 you listed, I have used a viento (my fishing partner bought one when they first came out.) It has held up perfectly and is a very nice reel but it's just not the same. I talked him into a 50 MG a few months ago, and now he's not looking at vientos anymore...

Welcome aboard!

This is a VERY nice reel and flechero is a VERY knowledgeable angler. I second his suggestion.

yup mg 50 is the way to go

i have 2 and 1 100d curado

and for my heavy heavy setup i have a abu garica stx

Thank you for the welcome, and well you've all convinced me into the 50 mg.

as long as it say shimano on it youll love it ;D

Thank you for the welcome, and well you've all convinced me into the 50 mg.

WELCOME! You will not regret the 50 MG. It's a great reel!

Ronnie