Im spoiled kinda, I live about 5 miles from Bass pro shops and there outlet center. I usually go with Diawa or Bass pro reels. Been using them for years so I stick with em. They have sales all year 

On 12/24/2025 at 12:24 AM, DogBone_384 said:

When I got back into fishing I bought budget reels, working my way up the price point scale gradually.

 

Now I buy out of curiosity (early adopter). 
 

Lew’s Custom Pro was my last purchase. I found it on sale and wanted to see how it stacked up against Shimano’s DC technology. It’s been on my jerkbait rod for a year now, replacing the XT DC that was on it.

How would you compare the Custom Pro vs SLX DC XT? I know you liked the SLX as seen in other threads. Curious about the braking comparison.

I’m considering both (plus bates EDC), tempted by the 5.6oz weight of the Lew’s and the new braking system. But Shimano’s are Shimano’s…

For me I try to stay around the $100 range but alot of those good reels have gone up so I shoot in that $140 or less range. And it’s pretty much Shimano or Lews for me. They palm well. Perform well. I’ll watch some YouTube vids on them read some tackle tour or *** reviews. Go to the store and check them out. And go from there. I like larger paddles ( Shimano lacks this) and I like aluminum frames.

I am brand loyal and have been an Abu Garcia guy since I was literally 12 years old and I bought my first Ambassadeur 5000 with money from mowing yards.

14 hours ago, LootyDjibouti said:

How would you compare the Custom Pro vs SLX DC XT?

The Custom Pro casts like a dream and is light as a feather. Lews' braking system seems to have more adjustment than the SLX. Otherwise, they're both fantastic reels. Going by price point alone, I'd pick the Shimano every day, unless you can get the Lews on sale. $300 is a little steep for me.

On 12/26/2025 at 9:55 PM, Darth-Baiter said:

lately, how do I choose?  usually I just go with something that rhymes with Million...

 

One of the last two reels I purchased also rhymed with Million. 😁

Don't expect to ever buy another reel (or rod). I do look at the used markets occasionally but common sense has been able to overcome the Bait Monkey. This never happened before reaching 75. ☹️