No such animal. Too many variables - rods, lines, techs, time of year, bodies of water, etc., to have a "favorite".
Quantum MG1310 I don't think they make them any longer or if the do I can't afford one. $59 20 years ago.
1996 ProGator 200V
1998 Mercury 225 EFI
New Carpet
Seastar Pro Hyd Steering
Minn Kota Ultrex
I'm really enjoying 2 right now. Ardent Apex Elite and 13 Concept A
I have several favorites. A reel I have been using for a couple years now that has to be near...or on...the top of my list is the Pinnacle Primmus Xi HS. Smooth, nice looking, excellent casting distance and no problem with backlashes. I have to make minor changes to my reels whenever I visit relation in Florida due to having to change my casting stroke. Even my Curado 201E7 needed adjusting. The Primmus is the only reel I've ever taken out of the box...set spool tension and brakes...and never had to touch again. Well.......I had to once when I inadvertently loosened spool tension to where it didn't have any. Readjusted, and back in business.
Others include 50th Anniversary Zillion, TD-Z 105H, Alphas, Fuego (old model), Chronarch 100B, Curado 201E7 and Helios Air....in no particular order.
my Met MGL and my 2015 Aldebaran are my favorites.
If I could only keep one it would be my Shimano Calcutta Conquest 101HG with HH handle and HH bearings.
Steez EX -XS love the 100mm handle,and The TD ITo that I've had tuned
Current favorite is my Revo STX reels after a cleaning, Super Tune and Lube. Different reel after the tune.
Lew's Super Duty is another. They're smooth now. Can't wait to send them in for a Super Tune after the season.
The new Gen 4 STX looks like it'll be a great reel.
BassCat Sabre FTD
Mercury 150 Optimax
"It's just fishing"
I have to add more to my favorites list...Tatula SV TW, SV103 and Excense DC. If I ever want to let someone that has never used a baitcast reel before give one a try...and not have to worry about removing a backlash....I will hand them the Excense.
Team Daiwa TDX 103
Shimano Curado 70
Chimano Chronarch 50 MG
OG Zillion 7.1.1 - this reel can bomb the 1/2oz rattle traps.
I almost never have to thumb control the spool.
Shimano Metanium MGL XG
2022 Ranger Z520R | 2022 Platinum F250
Apex 19 | (2) Apex 16's | Mega 360 | Mega Live
Daiwa Tatula CT R
Chronarch 51e
2020 Skeeter ZX150
Casting-Shimano Metanium MGL
Spinning-Shimano Stella
Daiwa Steez.