Looking at New Lews KVD speed spool, and also Quantum smoke S3. What’s your thoughts or experience? Others to consider? Thanks
Looking at New Lews KVD speed spool, and also Quantum smoke S3. What’s your thoughts or experience? Others to consider? Thanks
Tatula CT
Shimano Curado K
David
2014 Ranger Z521C
Fishing Lanier, Hartwell, Tennessee River & Coosa River
Abu Revo SX
2012 Stratos 189 VLO/150 Mercury Pro XS/MinnKota Terrova
x2 - will provide many many years of good service.Originally Posted by snookonfly
I work at Bass Pro and have some experience with all the different reels. Honestly, there are many fine reels in the $149 - $199 price range. Most of them, with the exception of Daiwa and Shimano, are all made in the same factories. I would consider the following things in evaluating all the options:
- Do you need a right or left-handed reel? Some companies offer most models and gear rations in both right and left, but some companies do not.
- How does it feel in your hand - put the reel on a rod to find out if it's comfortable - this is a subjective thing and varies from one person to the next.
- What type of braking system does it have - can you adjust it externally or do you have to remove the sideplate to make adjustments - it's a lot easier to make external adjustments.
- How smooth does it feel - the majority are very good but some stand out from the others.
- I wouldn't pay too much attention to the number of ball bearings as most of them will be similar.
- I think weight is a factor, but I still want a reel with a metal frame even if it's a little heavier.
- Do you like the way it looks, the colors etc. Some folks don't care but I don't want an orange reel.
Companies like Daiwa, Garcia, Lew's, Quantum and Shimano all make great products. The better Bass Pro casting reels are made by the same manufacturer that makes all the Garcia and Lew's low-profile casting reels and they are all very similar.
What do I like - I prefer Daiwa reels but have also used most of the others and wouldn't mind using any of these brands.
Of the two you listed, I’d go with Quantum over Lews.. I’m one one of the few who haven’t had good luck with Lews.
that said, Just from personal experience Abu Revros have always outperformed Lews for me. My Ardents are on the same level as Lews but seem to cast farther..
In the price range you listed I’d be looking at a Shimano Curado K, Abu Revo SX, Quantum Smoke, Ardent Summit Hawk (if you can find one on sale). Diawa just doesn’t fit right in my hand
1995 Ranger 481v
1995 Johnson Fast Strike 175hp
Gonna be a little more, but these are nice. SLX DC (shimano.com)
Yep
96 Viper Coral202 225 Opti serial#1B011431
Another vote for Daiwa Tatula's!!
2003 Bass Cat Cougar FTD
2003 Evinrude 225HO
Tatula 150
Tatula SV
Plain old shimano sx is a great reel & you can save an additional 50 bucks each. Sort of a buy 2 get one free deal.
This^^
Shimano slx 150 xt. And you'll have $$ left over for lures
Tatula CT
I like the Tatula CT as well, but have had super luck with Lews BB1 series reels over the years. I have 5 or 6 that have been used a lot, for 7 or 8 years, and they are as smooth and reliable as ever, with zero maintenance [sad to admit] on my part. Reels from these companies are frequently run on sale from board sponsors, and fall within your price range.
John Clark — Findlay, Ohio
Bruin is pretty nice for 150.
The Shimano SLX 150 XT is solid and in your price range
2003 Stratos 185, Yamaha V150LTRB, Tempest Plus 25P
The Shimano Curado series is my meat and potatoes but did get a Daiwa Tatula last year and really like it so far.
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