How good would these reels be compared to today's baitcasters? I need a reel for my daughter's new rod, and this reel is one I was seriously looking at. (Older ad so don't know if it is still for sale.)

Is $100 for one that looks to be in good cosmetic shape a fair price? Have to assume the mechanics are equally as good. ;D

She prefers fishing plastics. The rod is a DVT built 6'6" rod for that purpose. If the reel is worth the price asked, would it be a good reel for her type of fishing? Strictly pleasure fishing from shore. Thanks.

$100 is about the going rate for that reel. They were a nice reel new still fishable if in decent shape. There are a number of choices though for new reels at that price point. Citica and BPS Pro Qualifier for starters.

All of my reels are Shimanos are of the same era as that Chronarch 101. I have two 100's and love them. As a matter of fact, Mike serviced one a couple of months ago.

But, Mike, are the Citica and Pro Qualifier better reels than the 101A?  Sure I would like a new reel for her, but I've always felt that you normally can get a better used reel than a comparatively priced new one.  Is my thinking wrong?  Thanks.

The older Chronarch is probably a more refined reel than the new reels in that price range. I just wanted to give you something to compare to. If you go with the Chronarch, I'll go through it for you. 

The old Chronarch 100 A was a very nice reel in it 's time, more refined than a Citica E in some aspects and it others, no, not really. In what aspects the Citica is better:

More compact size

Lighter

Better stock drag

HEG gearing

1/8 th turn easy access sideplate

Actually what Shimano did was offer you now in the mid range price reels for the same price features that were only available in the upper mid range.

If it were me I would rather spend those extra 20 dollars and get a new Citica than a used Chronarch.

The old Chronarch 100 A was a very nice reel in it 's time, more refined than a Citica E in some aspects and it others, no, not really. In what aspects the Citica is better:

More compact size

Lighter

Better stock drag

HEG gearing

1/8 th turn easy access sideplate

Actually what Shimano did was offer you now in the mid range price reels for the same price features that were only available in the upper mid range.

If it were me I would rather spend those extra 20 dollars and get a new Citica than a used Chronarch.

Thanks, Raul.  These are things that I don't know about never having had anything to do with baitcasting reels before last year.  Nor do I have any Shimano reels although I am trying to remedy that.   ;D