Hey all! My baitcaster that I have on one of my poles is all messed up...the anti-backlash knob won't turn so I can't adjust it to the weight of a lure, it occasionally gets stuck and today it got jammed for some reason and I couldn't even reel it...

The bait caster is a Quantum and it was used. I got it free.

I also have another baitcaster and it's a shimano curado 101D, it was VERY EXPENSIVE! I am not looking forward to spending over $100 on a baitcaster, but what would be a good brand for a baitcaster? And what would you guys recommend?

I generally use a baitcaster when throwing cranks, topwaters, rattle traps and occasionally flukes and frogs.

If you are looking for reels under $100, then I would get a Bass Pro Extreme. Actually I have 5 or 6 of them and think they are as good as any reel out there. They are on sale too!

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90338_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

The Quantum code would be second on my list(Have 2 of them as well) Not near as good as the Extreme but good non the less.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98024_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

The KVD series would be right there with the code and actually maybe ahead of it.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98401_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

There are a bunch of reels in the $120-$150 that I would recommend over these.(except for the extreme reels. I am sold on them)

ebay is a good place to shop for baitcasters. ive never had a problem personaly. i personal like the idea of buying reels that can be serviced to last a lifetime. the ambassadeur 4600 C4 at about $60 would be a good deal and last a life time.

I agree with HawgChaser. BPS has some very nice performing reels for not a lot of money. I have both Extreme and Rick Clunn models and have found them to be everything I need in a casting reel. One note, if you can afford to wait until they come up on a sale, that is when they are a real bargain.

I agree with hawgchaser and skunkedagain.  I have 4 BPS extreme combos.  I bought 2 last year when they were on sale and 2 this year.  I've also got some good deals on a couple pflueger and daiwa baitcasters on ebay.  Never had a problem with them.  Just make sure you keep them maintained and lubed properly.

 In that price range stick with Shimano and go with a Citica. If you hurry I think ( don't quote me ) that they are about $80 with the sale and rebate.  Fine quality and at a nice price.

At the upper end of your range the Revo S is $91 at www.all-americanoutdoors.com.  *** would probably get it to you for about the same price shipped.

On the top side; Pflueger Trion 100 bucks

On the lower end VERY GOOD BUY ON SALE NOW FOR 60:BPS EXTREME

I've been using a BPS Extreme and it's really smooth and easy to use. Great for the price. Just don't know about the longevity.

Abu Revo S would be my second choice. If you search ebay you can find a great deal on these and they are worth every penny imho.

you can still get this reel and Ambasseduer 5500 c... man was it a good one... unfortunately a 13 lb. catfish while bass fishing stripped all the gears on it... it was great for spinnerbait, topwater, and worm fishing... not sure of the price tag for new but have seen them on ebay cheap....

The solution is simple:

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html

8-)