What’s a good one that won’t break the bank to bad but is a very nice reel 

Unfortunate with current tariff situation, you'll find the most options in JDM.  

You also need to clear up whether you want spinning or baitcast.  

Small-frame Ambassadeur, 1000S Shimano (JDM).  

 

I'm assuming casting reel here and wow - that's a really low IPT....power cranking?

 

You're going to be primarily looking at round reels, not low-profile, and those more dedicated to salt water or catfish reels. They can be found, but they're not going to be cheap.

 

Maybe the KastKing ReKon could do the trick - with 5.3:1 and 4.5:1 gear ratios available, it might be that 'slow'.

At what price point does your bank start to crumble ?

A-Jay

Just don’t want to be paying more than 250 final price 

 

200 would be ideal

I’m retired. About $50

You could try to find an old school Bantam Curado 200/201B38.  The 38 stands for 3.8:1 gear ratio.  You should be able to find a decent one for under $100.  Those old Curado "greenies" were built like tanks.

 

Daiwa Millionaire Classic is 5.1:1 and the IPT will be close to what you are looking for. I PT inch per turn is calculated with unknown line at full spool. If the spool is filled 1/8” below full spool with 12# mono (.013 D ) the IPT will be in you ball park.

Tom 

How are you going to use this reel?  I use slow reels by today's standard, but not that slow.  I had one of those 3.8:1 Curados mentioned above, but I couldn't keep any of my baits off the bottom!...

 

Under-filling the spool will bring in less line per handle revolution.  My low-profile 5.?:1 reels keep me in the 23" range with the spool full... probably somewhere near 19" at the end of my cast.

Something like this?

I have a 13 Fishing 1st generation Concept A in 5.3:1 (21" per turn).  It casts great and overall quality is good.  My higher gear Concepts have been workhorses over the years.  Perhaps you can find one used, cheap.  I also have a couple current generation Concept C's whose quality isn't as good under Rapala ownership.  

 

A 5 gear 32mm spool reel would put you at your upper range.  

I believe a Curado 200E5 falls within that range. I use one for deep cranks, so the single disk drag is fine with treble hooks. For big spinnerbaits, I'd use something different.

Look for an old Ambassadeur Black Max 1600 or 3600.  21" per turn and the same drag stack as the larger 4000-6000 Ambassadeurs.  The original Max reels were the answer to the Shimano Calcutta B, with a one piece aluminum frame and low reel foot to facilitate palming.  They also have a disengaging level wind and cast pretty dang far if that's a concern of yours.  The spools are light and the casting very controlled, yet capable.  You can usually find these for under $50.  Get a set of drag washers for $10, some blue or black brake blocks, and a set of good quality stainless bearings for another $10-$20, and you are fishing something good for under $100.

Still on a hunt for a reel on the market or at least easy to find in this ratio thank you 

How do you plan to use the reel - line, casting range, technique.  Spinning, baitcast. Realistic price range.  IPT alone won't get you many useful recommendations.  

On 11/23/2025 at 11:29 AM, F14A-B said:

I’m retired. About $50

I'm also retired.  My price range nowadays is Zero as I bought all the reels I'd ever need while still working.  Unfortunately, this means I'm missing out on some of today's wonderful offerings.

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

How do you plan to use the reel - line, casting range, technique.  Spinning, baitcast. Realistic price range.  IPT alone won't get you many useful recommendations.  

Deep cranking /bait caster/ at or under 200

Lew's offers 5.6 gearing that will get you down to 23 ipt.  

Revo offers 5.4 gearing also equates to 23 ipt.  

Ark Gravity 5 offers 5.4 gearing with 21 ipt.  

 

Something to keep in mind, starting with any low-geared reel and increasing the handle length has the same effect as lowering the gear ratio.  It reduces your turn rate and increases the torque you put into the reel.  (works on high-geared reels, too)