New to the forum so go easy

I'm looking for a reel to match my 7' MH/F St. Croix Rod. Not looking for a super expensive reel, willing to spend up to $90. This will be for plastics and frogs mainly. I plan to put on braid + Leader when needed.

I am looking for a 7:1 ratio, other than that I am fairly open to suggestions. I would like the reel to be very durable...

I have been eyeing the BPS Pro Qualifier Baitcast Reel: http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Baitcast-Reels/product/102287/129820

Any thoughts?

You may be able to find a Curado E7 for that price if you look around, but if not, you cant go wrong with the PQ. Its a great reel that performs well above its price point.

I have heard alot of great things about the Pro Qualifiers

But I would recommend going with a Citica, Curado, Revo SX or STX

Will be better in the long run

I have heard alot of great things about the Pro Qualifiers

But I would recommend going with a Citica, Curado, Revo SX or STX

Will be better in the long run

And I disagree. The long term durability of the Revo in particular. One of the highest return rate reels for mechanical issues is the SX followed by the STX. They're notorious for having bad runs of bearings and very low quality control on the whole. If you, typically, find either of those reels for $90 there are issues with the reel that will need to be addressed in terms of servicing the reel.

The Citica doesn't come in a 7:1 ratio. The Curado would be a super reel for that money, albeit a very rare buy.

The ProQ is a great buy at the price, with the new design of the reel being proven now for a number of years. They're strong, tight, and put together the right way. They have bearings in the right places and they have a higher grade of bearing than any reel in their class. Overall, they're one of the best values in reels that are out there. While I'm not generally a huge fan of "store" brands, the BPS reels have come a LONG way from their meek beginnings. for $90 bucks, it's a go-to. If you're not in a hurry, watch the stores and internet, they're regularly on sale for $79.

The BPS PQ is a great value and comes in a variety of configurations including 7:1. The current clearance deals on Citica and Curados are almost too good to pass up but even at that are at the top of your budget or above.

I am another PQ fan. I have three that get regular use and have performed flawlessly-two for three years and the other for two. They are fine reels even at full retail, and you can often find them on sale for about $80.

I would also look for clearance sales of the Curado E series reels. If you can still find one, they are fine reels, esp at clearance price. Shimano's decision to discontinue this series has disappointed many posse members.

EDIT- Having problems with mine right now..

The deals are out there.. I bought an E5 and an E7 two weeks ago from a member on here for $150 total. But, they are rare and you have to jump with no hesitation when you find it.

The main part of our froggin season is over, not sure if yours is or not. But, if you can wait to buy, the winter time is always a great way to pass the time on the forums. There are a lot of great deals with people getting rid of the old to go buy the new. I have several pro qualifiers and they are a great reel. They perform in a very high bracket. I'd ALMOST venture to say they are as good at casting and retrieve as the shimanos (especially sense you typically loose that buttery flow when throwing heavy braid with a frog), but the curados are made much better and lighter. The components in them will out last the PQ's and other lower end reels.

(You can find curados all day long for $105-$110 right now though if you can't wait) It'd be worth saving up your fast food money for a couple days to splurge on them if you could.

And I disagree. The long term durability of the Revo in particular. One of the highest return rate reels for mechanical issues is the SX followed by the STX. They're notorious for having bad runs of bearings and very low quality control on the whole.

Interesting statement, do you have a source for this information, or is this just based off of your personal experience?

The deals are out there.. I bought an E5 and an E7 two weeks ago from a member on here for $150 total. But, they are rare and you have to jump with no hesitation when you find it.

The main part of our froggin season is over, not sure if yours is or not. But, if you can wait to buy, the winter time is always a great way to pass the time on the forums. There are a lot of great deals with people getting rid of the old to go buy the new. I have several pro qualifiers and they are a great reel. They perform in a very high bracket. I'd ALMOST venture to say they are as good at casting and retrieve as the shimanos (especially sense you typically loose that buttery flow when throwing heavy braid with a frog), but the curados are made much better and lighter. The components in them will out last the PQ's and other lower end reels.

(You can find curados all day long for $105-$110 right now though if you can't wait) It'd be worth saving up your fast food money for a couple days to splurge on them if you could.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you finding them for $105-$110? TW has leftys for $119.00 and every one I've watched on ebay has gone for around $130.00 with shipping. I'd like to get another 200E7 but didn't have the cash when TW had them too.

Thanks.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you finding them for $105-$110? TW has leftys for $119.00 and every one I've watched on ebay has gone for around $130.00 with shipping. I'd like to get another 200E7 but didn't have the cash when TW had them too.

Thanks.

Sent you an IM