Hey guys,

I'm looking to purchase a good crankbait reel, but having a hard time. I searched the forum but didn't find anything helpful. If you guys can make some suggestions on a reel that will crank well from small to big cranks (bandit 100 types -> fat free shad types), please suggest! Not looking to spend 300 dollars, but wouldn't mind putting in the extra for a good investment. 

Curado 200E5 hands down. Best mid-range price cranking reel available. $140-$145 on eBay easy, or find a great used one in the Flea Market forum.

Any of the Revos on sale at http://www.americanbassoutlet.com/ based on your limit. I use SX, STX, and Premiers. You cannot beat >20# drag on these reels. If you're just starting out, I'd go with the 6.4:1 SX.

Curado 200E5 hands down. Best mid-range price cranking reel available. $140-$145 on eBay easy, or find a great used one in the Flea Market forum.

x2...

If only they made lefty!

Curado 200E5 hands down. Best mid-range price cranking reel available. $140-$145 on eBay easy, or find a great used one in the Flea Market forum.

There's one for sale in the Flea Market right now: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1297309653

Darn it. I'm a lefty.

Did you get my IMX yet?

This is easy in my book. The Abu Garcia Revo Winch. They make it in lefty, it's durable, casts great, and can be found on sale. Good luck.

Whets

8-)

I would go with the Curado E5, I prefer the curado profile over the revos.  It also seems to be a little better with lighter baits. 

This might help a little.

http://www.tackletour.com/review2010lowspeedfinal.html

Generally when choosing a reel i look at the characteristic i may need for a certain technique. Gear ratio, durability issues(aluminum frame, gear material, etc,) and any other must haves for a certain technique. Then i look at comfort and style. Swept handles, small or big profiles, color, etc. Once i have narrowed the search down based on those categories then i choose the best price.. In short most reels that are constructed with the same materials and similar aesthetics are gonna fish relatively the same regardless of whose name is on it.   There's a right reel for everyone and you have to decide whats right for you regardless of name brand. JMHO

Having said all that i picked the PQ from BPS for my cranking needs. Its a durable reel that fits well in my hands, came in the gear ratio that i wanted (4.7:1 deep and 6.3:1 for shallow/ middle) has a nice silver color to it, and swept handle that for some reason i just like. Plus it only cost $99 new, for those reasons i choose the PQ and have been happy with that decision.

This is easy in my book. The Abu Garcia Revo Winch. They make it in lefty, it's durable, casts great, and can be found on sale. Good luck.

Whets

8-)

Got 2 of these and are wonderful crankin reels.

Kelley

I like the Quantum Energy 5.4:1

JM.02

This is easy in my book. The Abu Garcia Revo Winch. They make it in lefty, it's durable, casts great, and can be found on sale. Good luck.

Whets

8-)

x2!  The Bass Pro PQs and Extremes are also offerend in slow gear ratios and are great for cranking.. at a great price!

REVO.

This is easy in my book. The Abu Garcia Revo Winch. They make it in lefty, it's durable, casts great, and can be found on sale. Good luck.

Whets

8-)

x2!

x3! (Pro Q will do also but you cant beat Abu)

The Daiwa Exceler is a pretty good value and comes in 4.9:1,6.3:1 and 7.1:1. You can get it for around $70 with shipping included at poor fishing online. I have the 6.3 and it casts well down to 1/4 oz cranks.

revo winch

+1 for the PQ i own 2 of them and as long as they keep making them ill never buy a different reel.

Little late getting to this post, but definately a winch. I had this same problem about a year ago, lefty looking for a good cranking reel. The shimanos 200e5's are probably nice, but only for right handed. PQ's are nice, but I wanted something other than a BPS reel(had 4 at the time, extremes and clunns). Also had nothing but problems from Quantums(may just be my expierience? Always get lemons from them!). So I went with a Winch and a free pair of Wiley X sunglasses. A year later, I still absolutely love it. It is by far the best reel I have and it will cast a lot better than my other reels. It did start squeaking a little bit on me the last outing. Got it home and put some oil on it and it feels like new! Haven't experienced the paint chipping off of it like the others have said about it, yet anyway!

Citica

I like the Quantum Energy 5.4:1

JM.02

How much did they pay you to say this?

Im jk

x100 on the Curado

Daiwa Zillion Crazy Cranker or the 100PA (the same reel). 4.9:1 gear ratio, smooth drag, 7 bearings, good line capacity, and MagForce Z. For $280 it is definitely on the high side but well worth it. I use two of them and am about to buy a third.