I have been using Shimano Reels exclusively up until now. I decided this season that their products are just too rich for my blood given that fact that I ust don't get out and fish as much as I would like. So I decided to start poking around with BPS rods and reels.

I ended up purchasing BPS 2008 "Limited Edition" (whatever that means) Pro Qualifier. The only three real differences I see between the limited edition PQs and their regular PQs are:

1) Limited Edition PQs have 10 ball bearings vs regualr PQs 7 ball bearings.

2) Limited Edition PQs don't have the Titanium Mitride Line Guide that regualr PQs do.

3) Limited Edition PQs have the purple/blue color changing paint, which I could care less about. ;D

BPS had the limited edition PQs on sale for $69.88 while their regular PQs were $99.99. The limited ones felt pretty good to me, so I bought 4 of 'em. Can't wait for the seaon to start so I can try 'em out.

Never used any other house brands other than BPS, so can't comment their.

Muddy..

Only thing that stinks right now is the offensive line for the Patriot's!!!!

The best rod and reel is the one you catch a nice fish on. It doesn't matter who makes them!!

ajr

I agree with the comments about the duel braking system on the new johnny morris elite. One of the guys there set one up so that I could do some pitching with it compared to a revo STX. The cetrifugal brake makes a noticable difference. It all but eliminated the need to thumb the spool. Had it been smaller, I would've considered it over the revo.

p.s. the sales guy also said that the new nitro series were'nt all that awesome and not to get fooled by the hype.

I no longer use "house brand" reels.

I do like the Bass Pro Shop rods.

It would be interesting to see who manufacturers these "house brands" for BPS, Cabella's, Gander Mountain, Dick's, etc.

And how the "house brands" materials and specs differ from the brand name's materials and specs.

Where is Consumer Reports when you really need them?

according to bps they make there own top end rods.

according to bps they make there own top end rods.

According to who at BPS????

Academy's Xpress series rock.  I LOVE their baitcaster.  Haven't tried the rods yet.

I don't think that that name has soft plastics.  They have jerkbaits, crankbaits, and topwaters though...and I love them.

according to bps they make there own top end rods.

According to who at BPS????

it says so in their catalogs.

I read on tackletour an artickle about Pinnacle who makes alot of the house brand reels