I got about $100 to spend on a new reel.  I am looking into the Abu Orra SX, the Diawa Exceler, the new Pflueger Trion, the Shimano Caenen, and possibly ther Revo S or Shimano Citica.  I know that I didnt narow it down much, but what yall think?

Citica or Revo S gets my vote. I just saw a "like new" Citica for around $85. Keep your eye opening in the flea market and you will find either reel at a good price.

Citica or Revo S gets my vote. I just saw a "like new" Citica for around $85. Keep your eye opening in the flea market and you will find either reel at a good price.

x2 - Citicas a great value especially if you find it under 100$

Same here, Revo S or the Citica. Look around on e-bay you should be able to find new ones around $100. Out of the rest of your choices, the Daiwa Exceler is not  bad reel, and it comes in three gear ratios which is rare for a sub-$100 reel. I am sure some one will be along to recomend the BPS Pro Quaifier too, many people here like it, but I don't have one so I can't comment.

Same here, Revo S or the Citica. Look around on e-bay you should be able to find new ones around $100. Out of the rest of your choices, the Daiwa Exceler is not bad reel, and it comes in three gear ratios which is rare for a sub-$100 reel. I am sure some one will be along to recomend the BPS Pro Quaifier too, many people here like it, but I don't have one so I can't comment.

I wasn't going to post because the OP didn't mention the PQ. BUT, now that it's been mentioned. $100 regular price, often goes on sale for $80, a whopping 8 models (LH and RH in 4.7, 5.2, 6.4, & 7.1), aluminum frame, 7 bearings, dual-braking system, and probably thousands of satisfied users.

I have 6 PQs...

Same here, Revo S or the Citica. Look around on e-bay you should be able to find new ones around $100. Out of the rest of your choices, the Daiwa Exceler is not bad reel, and it comes in three gear ratios which is rare for a sub-$100 reel. I am sure some one will be along to recomend the BPS Pro Quaifier too, many people here like it, but I don't have one so I can't comment.

I wasn't going to post because the OP didn't mention the PQ. BUT, now that it's been mentioned. $100 regular price, often goes on sale for $80, a whopping 8 models (LH and RH in 4.7, 5.2, 6.4, & 7.1), aluminum frame, 7 bearings, dual-braking system, and probably thousands of satisfied users.

I have 6 PQs...

And if you want a lighter Pro Qualifier, check out the Bass Pro Carbonlite for $20 more. 8-)

Same here, Revo S or the Citica. Look around on e-bay you should be able to find new ones around $100. Out of the rest of your choices, the Daiwa Exceler is not bad reel, and it comes in three gear ratios which is rare for a sub-$100 reel. I am sure some one will be along to recomend the BPS Pro Quaifier too, many people here like it, but I don't have one so I can't comment.

IMO a lightly used Revo or Citica are a better option than a new PQ.

I liked my Okuma spinning reels so much that I bought a new 9 bearing Okuma Cayenne baitcaster for $70. It is some sweet little reel.

My vote is for the Daiwa Exceler which can be had on ebay usually for less than $80. I haven't used any of the other models mentioned but the Exceler is my shallow to mid cranking reel. It handles lures down to 1/4 oz. without a problem and as someone mention comes in three different gear ratios. I have the 6.3:1 reel and its a solid performer.

I was looking at getting a pro qualifier or carbonlite as well, but then noticed the max drag on carbonlite was only 8lbs, not sure about pro qualifier. Never used one but I will pay the little extra for a revo. I have 2 extremes and 2 rick clunns from bass pro and never had a problem from either one, but I want a little bit more than 8lbs of max drag. With all the small fish I catch, I probably wouldn't even be able to tell the difference, but if I do happen to hook into a big one, I want to know I have the power to get him out of whatever he's in with no slip. I honestly think you will be happy with any of the choices you listed if you do your homework on them.

Shimano Citica if you can find a deal. If its tuned and you upgrade the drag it's a serious value.

BPS PQ people seem to like but I didn't like the way it felt.

Get your hands on whatever you pick before blindly choosing though.

Not too many people have experience with the Orra so you will not get too many recommendations. The Orra SX is just as smooth as all of my revo's and performs very well.

Either the Orra or Revo S would be my pick but the citica is up there as well. You cannot go wrong with any of these three.

For that money, Pro-Q hands down. They have 10lbs drag I think, which is what 1 lb. less than curados? A $10.00 set of carbontex drags and have a outstanding reel. Even without the upgrade it's a great reel. I've caught 5-6lbrs at fork with no problems. It casts great light baits included, pretty smooth. A good reel. I havne't used either citica or revo-s. Handle it if ya can, if it's comfortable you won't regret buying it.

drop a couple more bucks for a daiwa advantage hsta its up there with my curado

p.s if u have small hands like really small hands go with the citica

Well the money os on an Academy gift card, so it has to be a reel that they carry.  I was looking at the Academy brand H2O Mettle.  It has 10 ball bearings, feels decent in my hand, and seems to be pretty smooth.  And the best part is, its only $50.  But, the Orra SX seems pretty nice too.  I appreciate the help.  Does anyone know the drag lbs for the Orra or the Mettle?

I wouldn't worry about the drag on either - there isn't a modern baitcaster made that doesn't have more than enough drag for bass fishing.

I'd wait for the Mettle to go on sale; seems they can be had for $25 or so.  Here's a link I found on it; should make a good starter reel and seems similiar to the BPS Bionic.

http://www.2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/showthread.php?t=311308