new baitcast reel??

justflipit · Post by **justflipit** » Thu May 03, 2007 6:25 pm

so i am looking to buy some new baitcasters. right now i use the pflueger presidents but they just seem kind of cheap to me. i have been looking at abu garcia revostx. any opinions on what good out there i dont mind spending 200 bucks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 03, 2007 6:26 pm

For $179 get the Quantum Energy 6.3 to 1 or 7.1 to 1 reel.. you'll love it. Ceramic drag... For $179 you can't touch it with any other brand!

justin lucas · Post by **justin lucas** » Thu May 03, 2007 6:41 pm

You will not be disappointed with the Revo STX. I swear if you set that reel up against any other with the same line and weight it WILL out cast it. The thing is just flat out awesome. I have been using mine pretty hard for the last 6 months and so far not a single thing wrong. The SX is a great reel also and you save $50. Either way you won't be mad with the decision you made. See ya!!

Long Nguyen · Post by **Long Nguyen** » Thu May 03, 2007 7:53 pm

I'll second the Revo STX.

I like them so much, I even stole one off of Justins' rod. Seriously!

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Thu May 03, 2007 7:56 pm

Try the Pflueger Summit. Lots of bearings, great drag, 7.8 oz.
I'm not sponsered by them or anyone else. I love the Quantum E600s, but the new Quantums are anchors.
Try the Pflueger Summit (Tacklewarehouse.com $169) You won't be disappointed.

justin lucas · Post by **justin lucas** » Thu May 03, 2007 8:04 pm

I will be needing that back Long!! Don't think I am going to forget!!!!!!!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 03, 2007 8:12 pm

Hey Mark,

Those anchors are good enough for KVD, Gerald Swindle, Gary Klein, Mike Wurm, Tommy Biffle, Dean Rojas, Greg Hackney, Randy Howell, Shaw Grigsby, Mike McClelland, Paul Elias and more.

I know Pfleuger makes some good stuff.. but, I had 2 reels by them - the president and the trion and neither lasted a year! I haven't owned a Quantum yet that I still can't use!

Never tried an Abu so I can't make any educated statements on them! If Justin and Long like 'em I am sure they are good.

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Thu May 03, 2007 8:44 pm

Have you checked out the Shimano Scorpion's. They are great little reels for flippen/pitchen, jerk/rip baits, small top water, and lighter plastic work.

one thing is for sure, they DO need to have a longer handle put on them 85mm.

I got 8 off ebay NIB. for the 4 regular 1001's I paid $119.

and the 4 1001's mg I paid $153.

I got them for so cheap, I was able to upgrade to 85mm ZPI handles

I have not seen those prices for a while, but if you keep a eye out you will get the deals.

You are going to get a ton a answers and thats great, but now a day's there is just a bunch of good stuff out there, So check them out yourself, go fish one and if you like it, buy more!!!!

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Thu May 03, 2007 8:44 pm

Tom,
As you know, I'm a Quantum guy, but I think they made a big mistake.
They forgot the golden rule, " If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
All they had to do is improve the finish on the E600. That's the only knock on the reel. They could have gone to clear plastic, like the Ito, and really kicked butt. It throws so well, it doesn't need more than the six bearings it has to be smooth and effortless. And it throws light stuff well. 5/16oz on 10lb. seems to be the lower limit for me.
Instead, they went all metal (read heavy) and now have reels that wear out the average guy if he throws reaction all day.
KVD isn't human, so he doesn't count.

It's like comparing someone to Michael Jordan. All of the pros you mentioned are great, and I'm sure they can and do throw those reels all day, but not me.
I look for something that works and that won't wear me out. And I've yet to find a comparably priced reel that can out perform the E600, new stuff included.

Smile_n_Jax · Post by **Smile_n_Jax** » Thu May 03, 2007 9:31 pm

Have you looked at the Okuma VS200? I have two of them and am very happy. But, then again, what do I know? I'm just a rookie.

BTW, I got them off eBay for $80 each shipped.

MrSkeeter · Post by **MrSkeeter** » Thu May 03, 2007 9:39 pm

Reels are such a personal thing ...

As for me, I like the smaller lighter reels. For something that not super expensive, I'd recommend the Shimano Citica 100DVS. You can get these for around $120 or less. Another good choice is the Shimano Scorpion 1000 for about the same price. But you have to play w/ eBay or others to get them and they're around the same price as the Citica 100D's ...

For fans of Daiwa, check out the Advantage or the Black Widow II casting reels. Cabelas Prodigy Casting reel is a suped up version of the Advantage from what I read.

For a few $$$ more (?), you can try the Shimano MG stuff. Now that's light and cast REAL well. I personally own a few of the Scorpion MG1000's (Japanese versions of the Chronarch 50MG) ... they run around $200+/-

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Thu May 03, 2007 10:45 pm

Not sure of the price on Pflueger Supremes, but I can tell you it is the lightest reel I have ever owned..I bought mine used off this site, and I truly enjoy it..I haven't really tried extremely light weights with it yet, but for standard crankbaits it casts like a dream..I will have to experiment with it to see if it will handle the lighter weight lure..

mac

Colebass · Post by **Colebass** » Thu May 03, 2007 11:02 pm

did you pick up the extra handles? I have several Scorpions and I love them, but agree at times I want the longer handle, please share.

DC

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Thu May 03, 2007 11:14 pm

The STX is da Ultimate Snizzle that I have played with!!

-- The Quantum PT (not mine) is also very close for castiing/control.braking -- but they both had different line on each other.

The SX is Sizzle with da Hizzle to back it up- and then some for the saved money vs. both previously mentioned

Can't go wrong in either of those three reels.

PS- I have never played with a Shimano -- So I can't go there .

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Fri May 04, 2007 5:54 am

If you can boost that to $250, check out Daiwa's new Zillion. It is the best casting reel I have ever used. Period. They are a little hard to get, even Daiwa didn't exspect this kind of response. They are behind on these reels.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Fri May 04, 2007 6:11 am

Go with the Garcia every time. They have been around for along time and honestly , can't be beat. Parts availability is also very good.
Not just because we are a dealer, we use them.

JIGS

Matt Moreau · Post by **Matt Moreau** » Fri May 04, 2007 6:33 am

I have tried/owned almost all the reels listed.... My favorites are still hands down the old curados. If you can find em buy em!!! The Revo's would be second... My least favorite is the Okuma V's. I owned one that within 5 casts the roller bearing went out... The next one lasted about 3 days and the main gear chunked. I havent got a third and will not in the future. So thats my opinion!

Skeeterman · Post by **Skeeterman** » Fri May 04, 2007 6:59 am

JUstflipit, Like Gary says if you can put a little more money into it check out the Diawa Sols you will not be disappointed with this reels thier $250 but you get what you pay for.

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Fri May 04, 2007 7:32 am

Colebass,

The US "Chronarch smooth face" handles will fit.

85mm ZPI's Black or Platinum

www.japantackle.com -------tuning parts

www.plat.cojp ---------------reel parts

www.ginrinpeche.com -----reel options?
ginrinpeche is my favorite

but for some reason they are not selling at this time.
When they were on ebay

man they had some GOOD prices!!!!
If you go on there site now you will see. ZPI's for like $65 bucks.
Were everyone else sells them for over a $100.

Also for the ZPI's handles they are NOT all the same. Make sure you are buying a handle for Scorpion 1000/1001's

Bassart also sell's handles, up to 90MM!!! I do not have any, but they are out there.

O yea, I got the Chronarch handles at FW $40-60 bucks??

big_gorilla · Post by **big_gorilla** » Fri May 04, 2007 8:26 am

I would have to agree with Gary also. The Zillion is an awesome reel. It will cast a country mile and is very smooth. I'm waiting for Daiwa to get more in. The Sol is another good reel. Spend the extra money and get something you really like.

The Revo STX I have never fished with but when I picked it up at ICAST last year it felt pretty good.

Good luck!

Long Nguyen · Post by **Long Nguyen** » Fri May 04, 2007 9:19 am

justin lucas wrote:I will be needing that back Long!! Don't think I am going to forget!!!!!!!!!

Hey, remember last year when you were in high school, and you used the excuse "The dog ate my homework"?

Well...

Your reel is missing.

Call up Koepke and get a few more. See ya at the delta Stren event.

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Fri May 04, 2007 9:43 am

350V RGR wrote:Have you checked out the Shimano Scorpion's. They are great little reels for flippen/pitchen, jerk/rip baits, small top water, and lighter plastic work.

one thing is for sure, they DO need to have a longer handle put on them 85mm.

They're not as light as ZPIs but I like the Calais 85mm handles better just because their styling is closer to original. And don't forget the TG Ceramics for even more zing!

(It's almost like hot-rodding the M1911 or AR platforms...)

jiggin_pimpin · Post by **jiggin_pimpin** » Fri May 04, 2007 2:03 pm

Hands down the best reels I've ever used are Daiwa's.
The Zillion is the best for reactions baits. It's so smooth, you don't even realize that you are reeling.

The Daiwa Fuego is great as weel. Just as smooth as the Zillion.
Daiwa Alphas or Ito's are great too. They don't work well when you go w/ heavier test lines but so so smooth.

I'm an avid Daiwa reel fisherman and have never had problems w/ any of their reels sans the Viento which was pretty whack.

Hope this helps.

jiggin_pimpin · Post by **jiggin_pimpin** » Fri May 04, 2007 2:04 pm

Hands down the best reels I've ever used are Daiwa's.
The Zillion is the best for reactions baits. It's so smooth, you don't even realize that you are reeling.

The Daiwa Fuego is great as weel. Just as smooth as the Zillion.
Daiwa Alphas or Ito's are great too. They don't work well when you go w/ heavier test lines but so so smooth.

I'm an avid Daiwa reel fisherman and have never had problems w/ any of their reels sans the Viento which was pretty whack.

Hope this helps.

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Fri May 04, 2007 4:19 pm

Blue_70,

Thanks, there ya go justflipit another handle that will fit scorpions

I'm picken up what your layen down. In addition to the TG ceramics dont forget to add a drop of Rocket fuel "tournament formula"

So I am guessing that the Calais has four bearing's in the handle??
Since the Chronarch has only two per handle.

The last hot rodded weapon I shot was my M21 Sniper system back in 85-87.

I did Win Top Sniper in my Ranger Battlion--3 rounds in a 3" circle 600 meters.

Then I go to Iraq and they give me a S.A.W.

I only mention this not to highjack, but to let Justflipit know that our rod n reels are like sniper systems. They work best when matched correctly

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Fri May 04, 2007 6:41 pm

I recently decided to replace all my reels and settled on the Daiwa Zillion model. I ordered a bunch of them and I am really looking forward to breaking them in!

.....NaCl

Colebass · Post by **Colebass** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:35 am

guy myself. Great reels and value prices.

But the new Curado has not lived up to expectations. I've been look at Diawa and have had the chance to cast several models. I think they are a little more, but I may move in that direction.

Look to the westernbass.com classifieds and you could find some good value's there.

TTCal · Post by **TTCal** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:42 am

350V RGR wrote:Thanks, there ya go justflipit another handle that will fit scorpions

I'm picken up what your layen down. In addition to the TG ceramics dont forget to add a drop of Rocket fuel "tournament formula"

So I am guessing that the Calais has four bearing's in the handle??
Since the Chronarch has only two per handle.

Dang... you guys are startin' to scare me... swapping handles and upgrading bearings. Sheez. Next thing you know there will be talk in this forum about limited edition reels made only for the Japan Domestic Market and how and where you can get one

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Sat May 05, 2007 11:06 am

350V RGR wrote:Blue_70,

I'm picken up what your layen down. In addition to the TG ceramics dont forget to add a drop of Rocket fuel "tournament formula"

So I am guessing that the Calais has four bearing's in the handle??
Since the Chronarch has only two per handle.

TG's Rocket Fuel is a great light oil--I like the yellow variety for bearings.

Yea, the Calais handle has two bearings per grip, for a total of four. It's the same slick sided/nutless style as the Scorpion's stock handle, only longer and with bearing supported knobs. I have a ZPI on the Curado 200DHSV and having it is nice just because it makes the overall package a tad lighter.

You can also swap out the gear + pinion of the Scorpion 1000 to a 5:1 set to make a mini-cranker.

A lot of folks will say all the parts upgrading is overkill and uneccessary and I'll agree, but we do it just because it's fun to tinker...

TTCal · Post by **TTCal** » Sat May 05, 2007 5:05 pm

Blue_R70 wrote:A lot of folks will say all the parts upgrading is overkill and uneccessary and I'll agree, but we do it just because it's fun to tinker...

Blue.. just in case you got the impression i was being critical, my apologies.. i was not. I was trying to be sarcastic. Trust me.. this is not an area of discussion you want me involved with...

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Sat May 05, 2007 5:28 pm

TTCal wrote:Blue.. just in case you got the impression i was being critical, my apologies.. i was not. I was trying to be sarcastic. Trust me.. this is not an area of discussion you want me involved with...

Ha ha...I know exactly where you're coming from and know you weren't being critical. There's a lot of overlap between the TT/westernbass/BFHP readership--we're all on the same page!

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Sat May 05, 2007 6:16 pm

I agree Blue_R70,

TTCal, If handles and bearing scare you, then what's all this

HA HA HA ha ha ha

I remembered this thread before from ya,

hogbeastbassin wrote:
I want a combo that will be the ultimate in spinnerbaiting!!!

That could get pretty ugly depending on what you consider "ultimate"

Here are some combo's I like for spinnerbaiting and each one could be considered pretty insane for any number of reasons:

- Limited Edition Daiwa I'ZE Lite 103L w/ aftermarket Bassart 90mm carbon handle + Megabass F4 1/2 68XFti Jabberwock Evoluzion

- Shimano Conquest 101DC w/ aftermarket Bassart 90mm carbon handle + Custom G.Loomis MB843C GLX w/ Fuji Ti framed SiC guides in a spiral wrap configuration

- Shimano Conquest 51 w/ aftermarket ZPI 85mm carbon handle + Kistler Helium LTA He69APC
_________________
Dennis "Cal" Shew
Enthusiast Tackle Editor
Tackle Tour : The Angler's source for tackle news and reviews
www.tackletour.com

fish with mindfulness : beware the darkside

TTCal · Post by **TTCal** » Sat May 05, 2007 6:45 pm

yeah... the trick there 350V RGR, is to figure out which of those combo's I listed are my loaner rigs

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:13 pm

Well my guess would be since you said "loaner (rigs)"

they would be :

Shimano Conquest 101DC w/ aftermarket Bassart 90mm carbon handle + Custom G.Loomis MB843C GLX w/ Fuji Ti framed SiC guides in a spiral wrap configuration

- Shimano Conquest 51 w/ aftermarket ZPI 85mm carbon handle + Kistler Helium LTA He69APC

Since this rig here is around a $850. to $1000.

Limited Edition Daiwa I'ZE Lite 103L w/ aftermarket Bassart 90mm carbon handle + Megabass F4 1/2 68XFti Jabberwock Evoluzion

once again "justflipit" you have more options!!

TTCal · Post by **TTCal** » Sat May 05, 2007 7:37 pm

LOL... actually, the custom loomis + 101DC combo cost the same if not more than the one you identified as $850 - $1000

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Sat May 05, 2007 9:54 pm

Oh man that is bad

I knew I shouldn't fish your water

But did I get your "loaner rods" wright or is that in the trees also?

The stuff your slinggen is what I call lottery rigs

My stuff is $400--$500 for a rig and I just cant go higher without cutting my numbers

Thanks for the the schoolen

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Sun May 06, 2007 6:04 am

Is there a webite that offers upgraded bearing for reels?
If not, do you guys have a source/sources you'd be willing to share?

TTCal · Post by **TTCal** » Sun May 06, 2007 7:05 am

350V RGR wrote:But did I get your "loaner rods" wright or is that in the trees also?

You kinda got my "loaner rigs" right... the Jabberwock Evoluzion is actually history though. I had to sell it off to finance other purchases

It all goes with the title of "Enthusiast Tackle Editor" ... that's my story at least, and I'm stickin' to it

mark poulson wrote:Is there a webite that offers upgraded bearing for reels?
If not, do you guys have a source/sources you'd be willing to share?

Depends which brand of bearings and what reels you want to upgrade.

You can get the TG Rocket Bearings from Heartland Tackle. Jim carries them for both the Daiwa and Shimano reels.

Connie at LakeForkTackle also has these but I think she might just stock the Shimano sized bearings.

Both also carry some "generic" ABEC7 SS bearings (I think)

You can get ZPI SiC bearings from some of the online tackle stores that carry JDM gear like JapanTackle, Plat, Ichiban, & Brooklyn Bills.

Or you can go with ABEC5 Hybrids from the likes of Boca Bearings. The bearings from Boca have to be cleaned out thoroughly though as they pack them in heavy grease. Some guys tell me you can request the bearings shipped dry, but Boca never returns my email inquiries on this subject.

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Mon May 07, 2007 8:45 am

TTCal,

Thanks for letten me off easy

But more important, Thanks for hippen us to "Boca Bearing's" and "Brooklyn Bills"

I am always glad when this site can lead us to more options

Well "Justflipit" now you have the rersorces to re-build or hot rod your reels if you want

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon May 07, 2007 10:30 am

Dennis,
Thanks for the great sources.
I use mostly Quantum and Pflueger reels now. Have you guys at TackleTour done a bearing comparison or listing for different reels?
Is there somewhere I can go (don't even think about it) to see what might be available for different model reels?
I'm not having much luck just going online and looking.

912nitro · Post by **912nitro** » Mon May 07, 2007 10:57 am

Daiwa zillion's are available on ebay

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Mon May 07, 2007 11:06 am

mark poulson wrote:Is there somewhere I can go (don't even think about it) to see what might be available for different model reels?

Lots of good bearing info at:
Tackle Tour Maintenance and SuperTuning Forum

and

Heartland Tackle Bearing Comparison

PS Heartland should have the correct upgrade spool shaft bearings for your Quantum. You just need to know what size they are (you can get that info by calling Quantum)...

912nitro · Post by **912nitro** » Mon May 07, 2007 11:07 am

Icurrently have 6 Chronarc's Super free's, Use then for black bass in ther Delta. The line on them ranges from 8 lb to 25 lb.......
2 years ago i was looking at reels for the wifie , & found the Pinnacle Pro Select PSE10.
They actually have more ball bearings than the Chronarcs.
I bought 2 of them. I can honestly say that they are as good, if not better than the Chronarcs.
BTW. i have been using & still own some shamano Bantam 50's & 100's.... which was the hot items in the late 70's & early 80's.
Dont get it wrong. i am a Shamano man, but the fact is the facts.. the Pinnacle Pro Select's are holding their own.
I will be purchasing more of them in the future.

TTCal · Post by **TTCal** » Mon May 07, 2007 11:14 am

mark poulson wrote:Dennis,
Thanks for the great sources.
I use mostly Quantum and Pflueger reels now. Have you guys at TackleTour done a bearing comparison or listing for different reels?
Is there somewhere I can go (don't even think about it) to see what might be available for different model reels?
I'm not having much luck just going online and looking.

Ah yeah... i can't answer anything regarding the Quantum or Plueger reels Mark, sorry. I've only tinkered with Shimano and Daiwa personally.

but 350V RGR is correct.. all you really need to do is find out the bearing size in the reels you're thinking of upgrading. Best way to do that really, is just to open them up, pull the bearings out, and measure them. This will give you a good sense of how easy or difficult the upgrades you're thinking of doing will be to complete as well.

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Mon May 07, 2007 11:15 am

912nitro wrote:Dont get it wrong. i am a Shamano man, but the fact is the facts.. the Pinnacle Pro Select's are holding their own.

That may be true but the problem with manufactures like Pinnacle/Silstar and other private branded OEMs is support. When these models are changed or discontinued, parts will be hard to locate. It's almost like buying a disposable reel. The "bigger" manufacturers (Shimano, Daiwa, ABU, etc) continue offering parts long after certain models been discontinued, plus they have authorized repair centers all over so ordering those parts or getting service is always going to be easier.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon May 07, 2007 11:25 am

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon May 07, 2007 2:47 pm

[quote="Blue_R70
That may be true but the problem with manufactures like Pinnacle/Silstar and other private branded OEMs is support. When these models are changed or discontinued, parts will be hard to locate. It's almost like buying a disposable reel. The "bigger" manufacturers (Shimano, Daiwa, ABU, etc) continue offering parts long after certain models been discontinued, plus they have authorized repair centers all over so ordering those parts or getting service is always going to be easier.[/quote]

Blue_R70,
I was afraid that was true for some of my olderBass Pro Extreme reels, but, when I called BP, they gave me a number where I was able to get parts.
Maybe that will be the same for the Pinnacle reels. A call to Cabela's service would probably answer that question.

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