what is the best baitcaster for about $100.00????

[amBASSador]

I'm looking to get new reel for all applications....
Thanks!!!!

[Ken C.]

You'll prolly get alot of opinions on this one but I would suggest one of the "old" model Shimano Curado 200's or even the Garcia 5600(?) series. Both are pretty much bullet proof and you can get parts/repairs anywhere!

[Rich_Thiel]

Quantum Accurist 500???PT they sell for $119.00 and have a Flippin switch. I have 4 of them. Just like the older Shimano Curado 200's but with a FS.

Rich Thiel

[Blue_R70]

If your budget is for something under $100 then you may want to look into Shimano's new Cruxis. At $99.99 you get the Super Free pinion system and the new oversized drive gear. It has more cranking power than the old Curados (including the 5:1 version) and should cast as well as the 200 BSF. For less money too...

[Phil]

Garcia 4600 or 5600 series or 5000 series

[Cooch]

First need to decide if ya prefer round or low profile baitcasters.

If yer a round reel guy like me, I believe the best reel out there is the ABU Garcia 4600 C4 series. Either the Ultra Cast or Elite. Both ar 6.3:1 reels, weigh a little over 9oz and run anywhere from $69-89.

If ya prefer low profile, one might first suggest the Currado, probably Shimano's #1 selling reel, but it is out of the price range you stated. So with that in mind, the next option is either the Shimano Citica 5.0:1, weighs 8.5oz and runs about $89 or the Coriolis at 5.1:1, weighs 7.6 oz and runs between $90-99.

There really is no "best reel" out there. There's no test to determine such a status, only the opinions yer gonna git from anglers who use them. Both of these companies make outstanding reels, very durable, dependable and they perform under a variety of fishing conditions for many applications.

Might buy one of each, decide which ya like best then build yer inventory from there.

[NaCl]

In your post, you mentioned reels "for all applications". With two reels, you can set one up for certain applications and the other one for different uses that are not compatible with the first setup.

Abu Garcia 5600's are outstanding reels. They combine quality parts with durability...they last forever. The best thing about them is that there are so many of them around that it is very easy to get lightly used reels at great prices. Also, replacements parts are very easy to get for them. So, here's what I would do...I'd buy TWO lightly used 5600's for the same $100. Clean and oil them and you have two great reels for the price of one new reel!

Just my $.02

.....NaCl

[Bob Simard]

The 'Virtual Fisherman's Yard Sale'

You can always find deals on used reels here. I've bought and sold many new as well as used reels here for a lot less than I'd pay in stores. Particularly when a new model comes out. Guys dump there old stuff to 'upgrade.' For example Shimano came out with new versions of the Chronarch and Curado recently. you can get the old style Superfree reels relatively cheap....

-02 cents

Bob Simard

[backdeckpro]

Here's the link.....
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. ... get=browse

[Sacto John]

I just got the new Shimano Citica (119.00) which is basicly the replacement for the old Curado. It is a sweet, SWEET reel, and if it is like all the other Shimanos I have ownd it will ast forever.

[Stretch1]

hey come see me at fishermans on watt i can shoe you a nice reel for 79.99...ask for stretch