Hey y'all, I want to get myself a decent baitcaster to experiment with this week. Id like to get a nice reel under $100. any suggestions? I was looking at a few Quantums.

Look at the topic below yours. Killer curado deal.

Look at the topic below yours. Killer curado deal.

X2. Good opportunity for a great reel at great price!!!

X3 That Curado deal is the best going right now. As far as retail price under $100, best I have found is the Lew's Speed Spool. Lots of bang for your buck there as well. Not a lot of good options in that price range, those are 2 of the best, Citica isn't bad but a definite drop off from the Curado and the Speed Spool.

Pflueger Trion is another option. Decent reel for the money IMO.

I usually recommend a BPS Pro Qualifier in response to this question...but as much as I appreciate the value of the PQ reel (espescially when on sale) you just can't beat the current Shimano Curado deals. I just got another Curado 50e for the $97.94 price and don't even have a rod to put it on - it will stay NIB for a while - the deal was just too good to pass up.

If you dont get in on the Curado deal, I recommend checking out the lews speed spool. The base model runs like $89 and its great! I picked up the reel and a 7'6 gsx rod at Gander Mt. and love it. Probably going back to get another. Its super smooth and pretty light. Got a lot of good reviews!

Okuma cayenne $69.99 at Monster Fishing Tackle. Normally $139.99 and is a nice little reel.

U could also go used in the flea market and get a good deal there was just a revo s for 80

Quantum Kinetic PT or Accurist PT are both very good reels in or around that price range as I have both and no complaints at all with how they perform.

I own the Shimano 201E7, BPS PQ and a couple others. The Shimano's are nice if there in your budget, But the BPS PQ is an outstanding value. I have used the Abu STX and think the BPS PQ isn't far behind that and for what they cost(less than $100). I say a nice deal. But then so is the Shimano 200E7 for $123 give or take. You would be happy with either IMHO! But if I was forced to choose just one? I'd say the BPS PQ because it handles lighter baits a bit better.

I picked up a Revo SX and fell in love with it for some reason. But like the others said Curado or that Bass pro Carbonlite.

You've got a lot of options in the $100 range with all the sales going on. You should be able to pick up a new Citica, Curado or Revo S for right around $100 with shopping. The BPS Pro Qualifier and Carbonlite are also some great reels for $100. I owned a Carbonlite, Revo S and Citica at one point last year and would also rank them in that order. You get dual brakes, EVA foam knobs and lots of other options on the Carbonlite that usually only appear in higher-end reels.

Personally, if you aren't in a huge rush and feel comfortable, I would search this forum and others and pick up a used reel. If you look around you should be able to find a 'used' reel that is practically new in box for 50% off retail.