Most of the newer reels I see today are at least 6.3:1 or higher.  When I am fishing a deep diving crankbait or a large-bladed spinnerbait, I want a reel with a slower retrieve.  There don't seem to be many of them out there.  I'm still using an old Ambassadeur 5000 reel for that.

Since I hate to spend more than about $100 on a reel, I might try the Bass Pro Shops Extreme reel which comes in a 5.4:1.  Well, actually I don't mind spending more than $100 but SWMBO looks askance at me doing it.

Well, unless you can find this reel used, it probably won't fit your price parameters, but it's THE BOMB! Shimano CTE200GT (5.0:1).

Hey Olebiker i just got one of these BPS Pro Qualifiers in 5.2:1 and Im lovin it heres the link

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90634_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

they are usually a 100 bucks , on sale for 80 bucks and worth every penny. Aluminum frame, good service dept to back it up and it is smooth as silk 8-)

Well, unless you can find this reel used, it probably won't fit your price parameters, but it's THE BOMB! Shimano CTE200GT (5.0:1).

Dude!  My first car didn't cost that much.

You should be able to eBay a new Shimano Citica 200 DPV (5.0 ratio)  for right around $100. I use a Curado 201 DPV for cranks and I love that reel....super smooth and casts very well.

The ultimate BOMB!!!!!Zillion Crazy Cranker

Delo's Custom Tackle Shack sells Citicas all day long for $100 shipped.  Delo's rocks and so do Citicas.  The 200DPV is 5:1.

Anthony

Look on e-bay for a Shimano Curado CU-200 B38 Gear ratio is 3.8:1 that is the right handed one. If your a lefty it's Shimano Curado CU-201-B38.

The ultimate BOMB!!!!!Zillion Crazy Cranker

Ditto on that Lubina!!!

Olebiker, here is another reel in your price range and it will not break the bank. It is on sale right now.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90570_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

Olebiker, here is another reel in your price range and it will not break the bank. It is on sale right now.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90570_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

I thought about that one but, from reading the reviews, it sounds like you have to remove a side plate to adjust it.

Olebiker, here is another reel in your price range and it will not break the bank. It is on sale right now.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90570_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

I thought about that one but, from reading the reviews, it sounds like you have to remove a side plate to adjust it.

Give Fivebasslimit a PM and see what he thinks about it.  I think he has one or two.  

you wanted slow right? does 3.8:1 fit the bill? slowest reel could find. also about the ugliest reel too! looks so retro. they are a hundred bucks.

Daiwa Procaster Tournament PT33C:

http://daiwa.com/Reel/detail.aspx?ID=21

you can go here to buy one:

http://www.fish307.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5828&MMP=1012502606

With the BPS Qualifiers:THE NEW ONE HAS OUTSIDE adjusting brake. the older ones I have ( I own 3) I got em set 4 pins engaged, two off and havent had to touch em since!

I do. I have a few of them. Great reels. Lots of features. Longer handle, dual pawl gears, narrow spool, silky smooth drag. I own several Revo STX's and have used Curado's and Daiwa's in the past and I guarantee I can throw a deep diving crank or any plug for that matter farther with the Fritts than any of them by a long shot....you can flat out launch baits across the lake.

These are some reels you might be interested in.

Used. Check ebay for these, here, Bass Fishing homepage or Bass Boat Centrals Rod and reel board.

Shimano Curado's, the green ones, 3.8:1 or 5.0:1 can be had used for around  $75-90.  

Daiwa Advantage 150P, It's a 5 ratio reel that you can find there for around $45 - 60 nearly new.

Older BPS Extreme or Pro Qualifier reels in 5 ratio's.  $30 - 45 depending on age and condition.

BPS Rick Clunn reels model RCX1000.  I've got a couple of these, nice. $35 - 50 on ebay.

New reels

Citica's for around $100, check the forums, you find some like news for less.

BPS Extremes as you stated, 5.4:1.

BPS Pro Qualifier reels at 5.4:1, $100, watch for sales.

Daiwa Advantage 150P, a couple places on Ebay sell those new for around $80.

The Abu Garcia D5 is a great reel, very dependable. It's 23 IPT and it works perfect for my cranking. It has a recessed reel foot to give it a low profile feel, and it holds 205 yards of 12 pound line.

It's also in your price range.

Falcon

I fish with a low ratio BPS Extreme, and it casts wonderfully-smooth, quiet-no problems.  Except I don't like that low ratio for any kind of fishing.  I think 6.3 is optimum for most fishing.  Having to remove the side cover to adjust is a snap, and you really don't have to adjust this reel that often.

I expect the Pro Qualifier is even better, and it does adjust from the outside.

Remember that in bait casting the reel is much more important than spinning, and with the differences in the sale prices of these reels only about $15, I would pospone the purchase, save up a little more, and buy the Pro Qualifier.

In 6.3 for me, and I'd just reel a little slower if necessary.

In 6.3 for me, and I'd just reel a little slower if necessary.

I have tried that, but I don't like the additional wear it places on the bearings and the additional power I have to put into cranking.  

Thanks to everyone for your help.  You've given me a lot of options.