I "need" a baitcast reel. Through a lot of research, I've found my best option to be the BPS pro qualifier. From what I've read, they are very smooth and durable. durable being the keyword, as i fish 4 or 5 times a week. I've just started fishing seriously(for fun) this summer, so I'm really lacking in the experience department. But, I would imagine almost any reel would operate ok for a long time with proper maintenance and care. I guess my question is... am I justified in spending 100 dollars on a reel(80 when on sale) when I can learn using a 50 dollar reel? I'm just thinking with the amount of fishing I do.. do the cheaper reels have the quality of parts to stand up to the abuse?

http://www.***.com/Daiwa_Procaster_Casting_Reel_Navy/descpage-DP100HN.html

http://www.***.com/Daiwa_Strikeforce_H_Casting_Reel/descpage-TSFHC.html

http://www.***.com/Abu_Garcia_Black_Max_Casting_Reel/descpage-AGBM.html

I recommend either the Procaster 100H or the Black Max. Magforce/MagTrax can come in handy sometimes.

Daiwas and Abus are good quality reels. You may want to write the names down and look around to see if you can find a lower price for them, as my links are intended to provide info and not the lowest price. 

Except for the procaster 100h. I'm fairly sure tackle warehouse is the only one selling em for 40 bucks.

Scroll back through the last twenty or thirty pages of this

section and you will see many threads on the topic. I think

you will find the discussions helpful.

8-)

http://www.***.com/Daiwa_Procaster_Casting_Reel_Navy/descpage-DP100HN.html

http://www.***.com/Daiwa_Strikeforce_H_Casting_Reel/descpage-TSFHC.html

http://www.***.com/Abu_Garcia_Black_Max_Casting_Reel/descpage-AGBM.html

I recommend either the Procaster 100H or the Black Max. Magforce/MagTrax can come in handy sometimes.

Daiwas and Abus are good quality reels. You may want to write the names down and look around to see if you can find a lower price for them, as my links are intended to provide info and not the lowest price.

Except for the procaster 100h. I'm fairly sure tackle warehouse is the only one selling em for 40 bucks.

a pro qualifier is a way better reel than those, and if you can afford it than get it, i would say get the pro qualifier

I "need" a baitcast reel. Through a lot of research, I've found my best option to be the BPS pro qualifier. From what I've read, they are very smooth and durable. durable being the keyword, as i fish 4 or 5 times a week. I've just started fishing seriously(for fun) this summer, so I'm really lacking in the experience department. But, I would imagine almost any reel would operate ok for a long time with proper maintenance and care. I guess my question is... am I justified in spending 100 dollars on a reel(80 when on sale) when I can learn using a 50 dollar reel? I'm just thinking with the amount of fishing I do.. do the cheaper reels have the quality of parts to stand up to the abuse?

Buy the best quality reel you can afford. Sure you can learn on a fifty dollar reel, but when you're more experienced you're not going to want it - trust me. Why not learn on a good quality reel and have it forever.

Suggest that you seriously consider a good high quality used reel.   There are usually a number for sale in the Flea Market board here.   

The Abu Revo series of reels are excellent buys, especially the STX and Premiers that have been replaced by the company this year.  Thus the discontinued "2009" models are excellent bargains. 

A side note...it seems that some manufacturers are repalcing their reels with so-called "upgraded" models every four years or so.  One reason is to stimulate sales.   But the "older" discontinued models are excellent reels, adn can be bought are reasonable prices.

As RW said, there have been many discussions on this. The BPS Pro Qualifier is easily the best value IMHO. It is a smooth, quality reel, that is very user friendly. With the dual braking it will make learning to use a baitcast reel less trouble. The cheaper reels will get the job done, but long term they are not a good investment. I have come to this conclusion after years of using entry level gear. Just my $.02

As RW said, there have been many discussions on this. The BPS Pro Qualifier is easily the best value IMHO. It is a smooth, quality reel, that is very user friendly. With the dual braking it will make learning to use a baitcast reel less trouble. The cheaper reels will get the job done, but long term they are not a good investment. I have come to this conclusion after years of using entry level gear. Just my $.02

X-2 MIKE