Reel Recommendations

[ChuckTR21]

Would like thoughts and opinions on a decent reel in the 130 to 230 dollar range. I have a mismatch of older casting reels from just about all manufacturers but more are older BPS Pro Qualifiers, a few lower end Lews and a couple of Shimanos.
I don't have a need to pay $300 to $400 for reels but I'm hoping there's something a little better than what I have in the sub 230 or so price range. My 19 year old daughter fishes with me a lot and I think it's time to get her some better equipment as she's hardcore and I'd like to make it easier on her and me. Any ideas are appreciated.

[kickerfish1]

For about a $245 shipped you can get the Daiwa Zillion SV TW from Digitaka, a trusted Japanese retailer with really fast shipping to the US. Maybe a few bucks over budget but they are built well, many gear ratios, and most of all super smooth and great casting capabilities out of the box

[johnnybass]

For about a $245 shipped you can get the Daiwa Zillion SV TW from Digitaka, a trusted Japanese retailer with really fast shipping to the US. Maybe a few bucks over budget but they are built well, many gear ratios, and most of all super smooth and great casting capabilities out of the box

As a a couple of weeks ago, there are tariffs so it will not be as good as a deal before but agree that it's a great reel in that price range. Tatula Elite if you want something the next price bracket down.

[UmairF]

Hard to beat the Zillion as stated above at that price.

[krindgen]

I have all Lew’s. Still have a few of the first Gens which seem to be better than the current models. If I was to switch think I’d be going to Daiwa, the Tatula line. Seems like there’s something at all price points.

[Toby]

At the top end of your budget I would go with a Shimano Bantam from Digitaka. Another good option is a Shimano Curado 150 mgl.

[dragon1]

Plenty of nicer Tats in your price range if you want USDM. 2025 Tatula 150 is a helluva nice reel in your price range USDM with warranty. The Tackle Trap also provides a BBC 10 discount

[townsend266]

As a a couple of weeks ago, there are tariffs so it will not be as good as a deal before but agree that it's a great reel in that price range. Tatula Elite if you want something the next price bracket down.

When will this go into effect? I keep hearing this but not seeing any changes. As of today they’re $228 ($246 after shipping) from Japan Lure Shop. I love my JDM Daiwa zillions and will continue to keep buying more.

[LonnieP]

JDM Zillion for sure.

[FALCONflyer200]

check out christopher stewart on facebook best prices on lews, diawa and shimano. I have the $500 lew ti elites and seem to always find the tourney pros still in my hand. They dont hold up as well as shimano but for 159 Ill take them. The only problem I have art the plastic brakes they will break every now and then. Ill call lews and they fix me up and I am right back to it.

[JJohnSind]

As a a couple of weeks ago, there are tariffs so it will not be as good as a deal before but agree that it's a great reel in that price range. Tatula Elite if you want something the next price bracket down.

I don’t think any tariffs are actually in place yet. There is also a $800 exemption for personal purchases, but I think this is one rule Trump has hinted about changing (it hasn’t yet).

[berudd]

I have a bunch of Lew’s and recent got some Shimano Curado 150s. Love them.

[nowakezone]

Lews bb1 pros and the Lews kvd reels are hard to beat for the money. Check with Christopher stewart,discountfishingdeals.com

[Spoonplugger1]

Okuma Hakai DT all day. The Flite spool installed approaches BFS capabilities in a high-capacity spool by today's standards. Light but solid magnesium frame, around 5.5 oz. without using low durability aluminum gears. Bought a lefty a week ago on sale for $89.95.

[NathanDLTH]

I would recommend a used 2016 Zillion SV, honestly it's a great reel still. I have two in my line up. The tatulas would be a good choice too.