BUYER'S GUIDE: BEST CASTING REELS (Budget To Enthusiast)

[@BassXman]

Whats great about this video is that it touches everyone's price point, I use to only be a Daiwa guy but started useing Shimano reels a few years ago and I think the two company are neck and neck

[@gslang3489]

I prefer Shimano bait casting and Daiwa Spinning. Curados and Tatulas.

[@Cricketwithethan]

i love my shimano they make really really good bait caster reel

[@brandonsmith606]

I know this is so much work for you guy's I for one really appreciate these videos every year Thank you

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

I bought Tim's recommendation for the Daiwa CC80 and am happy with it. I also bought the Dobyn's Fury rod for Wacky worms on Tim's recommendation and am happy with it.

[@vincentgelles3805]

I’ve pretty much always been a Shimano guy but once I tried the Daiwa Zillion SV TW a couple years ago, I was blown away. I now have one on 3 of my combos and will probably add a few more. Don’t get me wrong I haven’t tried the Metanium and it may blow the Zillion out the water but I love my Zillions!

[@tacticalbassin]

Nice!! Thats a great reel, it wouldn't be hard to order a few 🙂

[@jamesh7469]

Espcecially given the fact that you can get the Zillions for

[@philipfalco7304]

@@jamesh7469 I have the Zillion and 3 Met's. I like it better than my Curado 70 and 150 but in NO way does it compare to the Mighty Metaniums.

[@matthewotis3594]

Magforce z brakes are the best I've used. Dc is close but the sound I loved so much is starting to bother me.

[@ETuss713]

My line up was all metaniums and Zillions. I don't own a single metanium anymore. The zillion is a better reel.

[@fshn4lmt493]

Could not agree more with you, I have a bunch of 20 plus year old Daiwa TDZ’s. Time to shelf some of them, but I cannot express enough how amazing they have all been.

[@johndynneson662]

The Lews KVD. I bought one on sail. Omnia fishing up here in Minnesota. Reason 20 lbs drag. Brass gearing. And Lews cast good Over the summer me and a walleye pro friend had a amateur bass pro living Accross the street when we went and talked too him. More than half his combo’s. KVD’s reels. For the money they are !!!!! Good solid reels. For those wondering out there. I’ve got one. Work horse.

[@TomMendoladrums]

Wow. I am a spinner guy and checking out bait casters. Thanks for the video. Super informative.

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Thanks guys. Reels have come so far in quality it does amaze me. A reel that cost $100 today is head and shoulders above any reel of yesturyear. I watch the pros fishing and very few throw the $500+ rods and reels. I understand sponsors and pushing thier lines of gear. They seem to due rather well on mid range gear.why drive a Ferrari when a Mustang goes faster than you will drive.

[@williej.allenjr.510]

I felt the same way about the high end gear before I got it in my hands and used it for a time. The quality, weight and efficiency of the gear makes it hands down worth the cost if you can afford it. The smoothness of the drag, gearing and sensitivity makes it so you don't have to worry about it. I had a buddy pick up a few of my poles the other day and he was like, "They're so light,". My first car was a '74 VW Bus, it did 70mph and I dug it. Now I drive a Toyota SUV that does 70+ and guess how much smoother the ride is.

[@fiddlefishing2749]

As usual, amazing job. Thank you!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!!

[@TheWaymont]

The Daiwa Alphas Air TW JDM BFS reel is insanely great. With 8lb braid it's the bomb!

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt and Tim; looks like you changed up the format this year. Looking forward to seeing how it works out. I'm heading out to have a go at the Local Pond, so will watch this when I come back. Thanks so much for these Buyers Guides; I think they really do help anglers with their purchase decisions. Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

[@mjc1535]

The Curado 150 MGL is probably my current favorite of all reels. It's basically a SLX with Xship SVS infinity (with 6 brake shoes) and of course MGL the other features I don't really get caught up in. For strength and small size you can't beat a Bantam MGL. I have the JDM Zillion SV and it's great. One reel that disserves more attention is the Tatula 80, great little power finesse but it'll handle your typical 1/2oz plus trailer chatterbaits too I pitch light plastics currently with it. The Tatula 80 even though is labeled as Hyper drive it doesn't include double pinion support according to the diagram but I still haven't ripped mine apart to find out, with aluminum side plate at the handle it's arguably not needed

[@ETuss713]

The curado mgl 150 is the best reel at that price. It is a great reel

[@helotaxi]

@@ETuss713 it's the farthest casting for sure. I like a 1-2 punch of the MGL 150 for distance and the Tatula SV for up close precision work.

[@johnwilliams6506]

I have a black top metanium I bought in 2015 maybe a thousand fish later still buttery smooth

[@5.7.0bassin2]

I got the slx A for my bday the beginning of this month and man I love it even compared to my reg slx you can tell the difference

[@tacticalbassin]

100% you can. Enjoy, that's a great reel!

[@KBass9723]

I just picked up a kvd lews, and I've never been happier. Combos well with my mojo

[@SMC4117]

I have Shimanos, Daiwas, 13’s, and a few Kastkings… I use them all and have had success with them all! Same goes for my rods. High end to budget… 🏄🏼‍♂️🎣🤙🏻

[@buddymccormack8668]

I have shimano reels from the $99 SLX up to the $250 curado 70 mgl, every step up in price is also a step up in quality. I See a difference in my curado 150 mgl and my curado 70 mgl, the 70 is smoother , no doubt. It is not a waste of money to move up, there is a difference.

[@arthurdirindinjr1792]

Just started using the Abu Garcia Max Pro Very very impressed for a $73 baitcasting reel If you set it up ANYTHING close to correct you will literally have to make a conscious effort to backlash the reel casted noticeably farther with this reel a 3/8oz chatter bait on 15lb Yo-Zuri on a 7'3" MH/FA than I could with my other less expensive baitcasting reels I feel it's a best in class for

[@johnmango6056]

The Curado 70 MGL has absolutely blown my mind over the past 2 years. I’ve done some idiotic things with this reel and it’s still just as smooth as the day I bought it.

[@tacticalbassin]

Right?! It's a heavy hitter for sure!

[@EddieLindsay681]

I’m a Japanese made JDM guy and all I fish is Antares, Aldebarans and Conquest reels. I just can’t fish anything not made in Japan. Definitely don’t need them to catch fish but I just love ‘em.

[@catsmasher83]

Love that you guys put in the work so I don't have to! Thank you! I will say that the SLX MGL is ridiculous for the money, I fish a ton of under 100 acre spots and I see no reason to not throw those all day.

[@tacticalbassin]

We're happy to do it! And 100% you're experiencing the same thing we are. That reel is crazy good!

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Absolutely love my Shimano 21 Antares DC can’t part with it. From square bills to 4 oz glidebaits it absolutely does it all. Save your money and buy yourself one and it will ruin you. lol

[@LiChenyang-gg8jl]

Tim and Matt you guys should try YGK X8 Upgrade braided line for casting distance and its smoothness!! This brand is so popular in Japan and China. Casting a bait with less air resistance, your casting distance would go up to 250 -300 feet! Incredible smooth JDM braided line.

[@leebooker4216]

Got my first 100+$ reel this week. Duckett paradigm casting reel jacob wheeler edition, it was on sale but it was worth every penny. Now I see why pros don't backlash often. This thing fucking casts too. Beautifully.

[@ThatGuy-hj4xj]

BFS is king! Can’t wait for your BFS video. So stoked!

[@richardblake4777]

TB is the best bass fishing information in the world, A1, best ever.

[@kylemayer8486]

Not available in the states, but the slx dc 70xt is the best reel ive bought in 5 years. Its basically a 17 scorpion dc70, but improved in every way.

[@helotaxi]

Absolutely fantastic reel! I-DC5 and an MGL III spool.

[@mikek3638]

The competition between Shimano/Lews/Daiwa is so good for the consumer. The amount of technology coming down the lines into the budget price point (my price point range) is evident throughout the brands. I feel like the MGL spool added to the SLX line makes the Shimano reels compete heavily with the LFS from Lews and Fuego/Tatula from Daiwa and perhaps gives a casting edge to Shimano. The LFS Lews line were arguably the best reel in the price point for quite awhile. Love these series and appreciate your time-tested reviews!

[@houstongodsey6981]

I’ve been a big shiamno slx dc guy and ran denali rods. I finally got a denali novus pro and it is hands down my favorite reel now. I’m still fairly new and in the probably 400 cast not a single backlash and I’m getting great distance

[@brettmontey8762]

I dont have a bfs reel yet but this year I tried making a bfs set up with what I had. I built a medium light fast action rod for my daughter and she decided she doesn't want to fish anymore so I put my curado 70mgl on it and started throwing a 2.75" swimbait and love it. Once I can get some money set aside for a curado bfs reel I'm driving into the bfs world.

[@helotaxi]

For 99% of what us Americans use a spinning rod for when bass fishing, the setup you have is perfect. The Curado BFS (and its JDM SLX sibling and Scorpion predecessor) are really in an interesting spot. They have a ton of application overlap with the 70 MGLs the biggest difference being that they are more controlled with shorter casts thanks to the magnetic brakes. They can work with slightly lighter lures, provided that you can find the right rod, but they kinda choke on the really light stuff.

[@Sivart-508PIR]

Not sure who buys any reel much less $300-700 reel and fishes it for 3-5 yrs. People don't even keep cars that long anymore and they cost way more than that and don't even get me started on iPhones. So I focus on those 100-150 reels that get that new trickle down tech each and every upgrade. Those are work horses on 95% of all boats in the world. And I can afford to replace them each and every time they get an upgrade. Great and informative video and I like the format you have on presenting them to us. Two thumbs up.

[@44Magpie]

Within the past couple years I've really gotten into BFS and my number one reel is the Aldebaran BFS. Buttery smooth with insane casting distances. My main combo is this reel paired with a Dobyns Sierra SUF 650C ultra finesse rod and it's spectacular.

[@tacticalbassin]

GREAT combo!!!

[@philipfalco7304]

I have my Aldebaran BFS on the 650 and the 691 and they're dream combo's

[@helotaxi]

The Aldebaran BFS on a Megabass Pop-X Stick will send the little version of the Pop-X into next week. Super fun.

[@treecutter116]

@@helotaxiI know this is kinda late but what do you cast with your aldabaran bfs I heard 1/4 was to heavy was leaning on an 18 adlerbaran 30 or the dawia zillion av tw any comment on witch is better for 3/16 up to 1/4 or 1/2 oz max thanks

[@shaunroberts9361]

Nice. Cannot believe you guys are gone from CA. Another outstanding buyers guide video.

[@tacticalbassin]

No big deal. We still come back pretty often 🙂

[@xDx0xUxGx]

I'm definitely curious about what you liked and didn't like about whichever of the mid to upper end Lew's reels you've tried.

[@Midwest-aFishyaNado]

I just scored a brand new Lew’s KVD LFS Reel for $89.99 Normally its $150 but it was a display model sitting in a glass case. Never spooled or used. Weighs 7.2 oz, has 10 bearings, external lube port, and 20 pounds max drag. It’s literally in perfect condition and I’m pumped I hit that deal.

[@AverageTXAngler]

You guys are consistently pumping out great content. I’ve learned a lot following the channel! Those Zillion SV TW’s have quickly became my favorite, they are just spot on in every way! I still throw a lot of sub $200 reels that I’ve been very pleased with, but if i could I’d have an entire arsenal of those Zillions!

[@theAZbassassin]

I’m a Shimano and Daiwa guy but I tried Lews Hypermag and the ProTi and they are super nice mid/high end. Super smooth and feel durable. You guys should give em a shot. I was skeptical at first but man are they good reels. Great content fellas.

[@FreedomFishing]

Wanted to try the Sufix 131, but the price scared me, so I tried the Sufix Nanobraid on the Curado BFS. Absolutely love it. Its round, 8 lb, and only .005".

[@ericlafrance6350]

Amazon sometimes has 131 on sale, got 4 spools for 30 bucks, each best line i have ever used to date havent tried berkley and smackdown, yet

[@AndrewNorrisKnowsKars-je7kj]

love the info. in the future, maybe y’all can cut to up close pictures/videos of the reel, rod, product y’all are discussing. would love to get a look at it as y’all speak

[@ronmatson5502]

15:43 Is that why my realtree 75$ combo that I got on clearance EXPLODED the guts out the side plate out of nowhere ? Casting in the wind.

[@bassinbilliards6279]

I'm sure Daiwa has amazing reels but I've been a Shimano guy since I was a little kid. My favorites that don't break the bank are the 150 and 70 curado mgl. I use them on Zodias and Expride with zero complaints. I have a few rods from various companies that are technique specific but day in and day out Shimano is my favorite.

[@ETuss713]

For the cost of a curado 70mgl ypu can buy a zillion, alderberan, metanium, and so on. Order from Japan. Places like digitaka or Japan tackle. Ypu get much better deals and they arrive in a few days.

[@helotaxi]

@@ETuss713 the price break is much bigger on the Shimano reels than on the Daiwa (except for the Steez) but also keep in mind that the JDM Zillion is slightly different than the US version. It has an aluminum main gear instead of brass. Pinion is still brass. Also the JDM Metanium A had a slightly shallower spool. Not sure about the Metanium B.

[@Dogbone384]

I 'second' 13 Fishing reels. I've got first generation Concept A, C, Z, and E. I also own Diawa, Shimano, and Abu's in the $300+ range. My 13's are absolute work horses and not as finicky as my Shimanos when changing baits or fishing in the wind.

[@alcav54]

I’ve already got six of these reels. You guys are a bad influence 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

😂😂😂

[@winchestermodel7044]

In the $100 range I’ll take the Lews LFS over the Shimano SLX all day everyday. I have three of em. I tried a buddy’s SLX and it’s just not as smooth as my Lews. You can find the LFS on sale all the time for $75 too. I also have a couple of the ABU Max Pro’s and they’re good for the price.

[@kevingenaw8241]

I own the Lews KVD model you talked about. I actually love this reel. I found it on sale for $109 and it performs way above it's class. If anyone wants to try a Lews without breaking the bank go for this or the Tournament MP. Smooth and solid.

[@brianwills4398]

I love all my Lew's bait casters.. The more I use them the better they get, so smooth after a long break in. 13 fishing makes some great reels for the money and their here in the US.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

Have you guys tried the bates hundo yet? I’m a machinist, so that one was a must for me. I started building my own rods and it’s been nice to match the reel to the rod. The next two combos ( one for the wife) are going to be light finesse bait casting. The goal is 6.5 ounce for the combo, I know I can do 7 ounce . The 22 alderbaran bfs makes that possible, along with NFC’s exo handle.

[@ETuss713]

The new NFC IS 702 is a great Light finesse blank. It's not xtra fast like they list. It is a slight step above in power to the NFC p700. That p700 is the best bfs blank available.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

@@ETuss713Yep, the 702 is what I’m using. I’ll cut 8-10 inches from the butt, to use it in the xo handle. I just made one with the c602 703. Pretty much doing the same thing. It has the bates hundo and comes in at 7.75 ounce for the combo.

[@Allyourbase1990]

I just bought my first baitcaster a couple months ago . I got a Lews Custom XP . I love it , really smooth and durable , but want a good reel that will cast light baits further

[@beaudeclue4719]

Still amazed that my very first baitcaster from 8 years ago is still working great. I paid $50 for my Abu Garcia pro max.

[@Bigjfitm32]

What do you primarily use it for?

[@johndesalvo7738]

I started with a black max, 4 years ago and I still use it. $49. Don’t get me wrong, I have upgraded since then but I still use this reel

[@ChadHarvey-cj5mi]

Great video gentleman, very well executed as with all your videos keep it up and happy holidays!!!

[@stevenfreiberg1338]

Zebco #202 $19.99 fairly smooth and LONG LASTING ZEBCO QUALITY! If it were to accidentally go over the side of my boat to the lake bottom daily, I can afford to REPLACE IT! Mine has taken a beating for over 5 years and still going strong! Just don't mount it on a St Croix if your a bit clumsy! Lol! sdf

[@EpIc_NaChO]

Can yall do a video on a all purpose BFS setup. I want one, i was think a curado bfs and the dpbyns Sierra rod. But what line or rod length etc. Id love that vid! This vid was great btw

[@douglasspickler4925]

Very good. Thanks for sharing.

[@franktorres3081]

Love these videos… thank you for the information guys

[@stevencaldwell838]

Hey guy’s, I just wanted to mention a reel that has seemed to fly under the radar as far as great budget big swimbait/glide bait reel and that is the Okuma Citrix 364. I’ve picked one up from Tackle Warehouse a couple of years ago and couldn’t be happier! Throw’s 2oz-10oz baits with ease, never once have I had a backlash, and it had held up perfectly and still performs like new… For less than $200, I personally think it’s the best big bait reel on the market at its price point 🎣

[@joeb7508]

Glad to hear KVD has his name on a high quality reel!

[@kesterharding1819]

Feeling like a child on christmas morning. Lets gooo

[@catsmasher83]

I can watch these guys review gear all day at work. I feel just like you for sure.

[@randallmiller572]

Great video! Thank y’all for doing these! I really enjoy all of the Tactical Bassin’ videos!!

[@SonicVisionX]

A little light on the LEW's collection guys: Mach Crush, BB1 Pro, Custom Pro, HyperMag & Pro-TI are all killer reels.

[@edmelungeon2239]

Super duty G spool is legit too. I have 2 & love them.

[@Narrahd]

I can't get over how much I love my fuego 😍

[@PythonDad]

The advice I always give people about my thoughts on high end vs budget is just to think about how much you'll use it and pick your battles. I usually spend less on gear that stays home more days than not vs something I take with me every time. If I looked at my dollar per hour on the water, it's probably lower for my high end stuff than my budget stuff. Another budget Daiwa reel I have been very happy with was the Tatula CT. You still get the T-wing and last gen Magforce braking. I use one as my main crankbait reel because you can easily get a 50 yard cast out of it. I liked it so much, I put another one with a 7'4" MH all purpose casting setup. It's a spool of line less expensive than the Tatula 100 for almost the same experience.

[@tacticalbassin]

Great perspective on high end gear for high priority techniques. Thanks!!

[@DarthRaider117]

Six minutes in first video I’ve ever watched. I’m a fan.👍🏽

[@Cricketwithethan]

i just pressed on this video this is the first time ive seen you and you guys already are my favourite youtubers keep it up i have the shimano cauis 150hg at bcf i got fot 160 its such goood real for me im sorta a starter but im not and i started with kmart one and i wanted to get good with one and when i thouggt i got good i chose to get the shimano cauis 150 hg next reel im going for a $250 - $300 up

[@thedadbodangler7784]

The only other Daiwa reel that I think needs a mention is the Tatula Elite. Especially when it comes to castability and smoothness. It's right up there with my Zillion! In my opinion it out-punches it's price point by a mile!

[@Cole_Lakely]

Agree to the max the elites are crazyyy good

JDM Zillion SV are $220 you absolutely can't beat them.

[@warrenfink8697]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and you recommendations.

[@ericreid6234]

Have either or both of you guys tried or been testing the BATES line of casting reels. I believe there a Texas made in the USA reel. My local shop, The Dug Out Bait and Tackle, here in Marietta, GA, carries them. And 6 months ago, they had probably 5-6 models and 10-15 of each, and there almost all sold out

[@Ggorazzi]

Also... make sure to check the year for shimano and daiwa. They have a trickle down thing going on so every year or so they get an upgrade from the next teir models. So a 24 is going to have upgrade compared to a 21 for example.

[@ericholtam8870]

Excellent spread of options there. I, being new to the bass'n, appreciate the guidance on all levels. Question, though, when you say some reels don't hold up over time, what is the general failing point(s) of the reel? Is it the bearings? Physical damage to the handle or casing?

[@philipfalco7304]

Matt explained it well. Since inferior products are used to build the reel from bearings, braking system, frame material and gears you'll notice ineffective casting control, grinding in the gears and could lead to a really bad experience on the water. I've learned a long time ago to just Stick with Shimano or Daiwa and you'll rarely have a problem. For the most part, you get what you pay for.

[@williej.allenjr.510]

Are the Shimano reels on sale? It specifically says on the ones I checked "This item is not eligible for advertised discounts." In the past the discount was subtracted when I bought them but I'd like to make sure before I pull the trigger! These videos are filled with great information and help me purchase quality gear.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, the sale is the same as before. As a company they must maintain MAP (minimum ADVERTISED price) but as you've experienced, you can complete your purchase to receive the non advertised discount. 👍🏼

[@williamlillibridge8473]

Just got a Shimano reel and I did get the discount.

[@niromanti5935]

I've had my Shimano SLX A reel for 9 months now and I cant complain. Paired it with the SLX 7' medium heavy rod and the combo is great.

[@lawnbuddyandlandscapellc8765]

You guys are the best! Love the videos

[@darrensmith8091]

No DC reels mentioned. Any specific reason why? Just curious. Great video guys as usual.

[@garrybattle8908]

2 crazy events happened to me on same day. I had a golden shiner on a duo rozante 63 an a bullhead on a 6 sense provoke 106x jerkbait.

[@helotaxi]

For several years for me, the Daiwas were my close quarters reels when I was more concerned with hitting a target exactly and was willing to give up some casting distance to do it. Shimano was when I wanted to flat send it. The Zillion kinda broke that paradigm for me. It has the control that the SV system brings, but it doesn't give up a thing in casting distance. And it's tiny to boot.

[@Tal3reezy]

Love the videos and the information is spot on! Favor could you guys include the time stamps in the videos to go back with the descriptions please?

[@matthewirish5755]

Yaaaaas! Love these series.

[@dragngt]

I’ve become a big Shimano guy but have just added a Zillion SV TW to the arsenal. Also, I too rock a KastKing Zephyr BFS reel. Decent for some moderate BFS baits (some call it power BFS). You guys HAVE to give the new Ark Gravity BFS reel a try. One of the best BFS reels in the US especially for $149.

[@Prime_Nexus]

If you haven't, you should try throwing bfs stuff on the Steez CT. I throw 1/20 oz neds and trout spinners on mine. Granted it wont throw as light as the Aldebaran BFS, but the Steez can still throw a Super Spook.

[@cwg1313]

No love for the Abu Garcia STX? I traded in my Curado’s and Daiwa for the STX’s two years ago at suggestion of TW guy. Wow, in the $150-$170 range I haven’t found anything like it. Curado still a great one, but Abu had a major come up in that $150 range. Great show as always fellas!!

[@dwgwnr1969]

That is what I use too

[@fishboydyl]

Lots of good options here and I would love to see one of the 13 fishing META.

[@joeys7519]

It’s that time of year boys!

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, indeed! This is going to be a fun series!!

[@captjinxmarine9832]

My old reels like Shimano are thirty forty years old. My knew reels are Okuma. I can at my age buy what ever I want also

[@terribleatfishing]

I have enjoyed my Shimano SLX/XT more than any other reel for the money. For $120 this is worth its price and twice as much more. Match that to a Cajun Custom Rod and you are a winner for a middle price.

[@dyang1982]

These guys are awesome!

[@charlesthomas5926]

I absolutely love my tatula 70 and 80 i love throwing the megabass 110 jr on the 70 its phenomenal 👌

[@tacticalbassin]

Great choice! And perhaps something we need to revisit. Thanks!

[@charlesthomas5926]

@tacticalbassin awesome thanks for replying I have my tatula 70 on a megabass levante jerkbait special specifically for throwing the 110 Jr and it's a nice affordable combo that's semi high end but very doable price wise 👊🏼 The tatula 80 I have on a megabass levante Diablo spec r and use that for throwing specifically my megabass pop max baits and man I can stick that topwater bait wherever I aim its gets it right in those tight money spots under trees and overhanging branches that is one of my favorite combo's for a topwater popper. Thanks Matt and Tim always enjoy the videos 🎣🎣

[@yam511]

I got a cc80 for $60 and it’s been great 👍 no complaints so far

[@jimmypage279]

You must’ve gotten lucky I have a friend who’s gears went buzzy on his first trip out with the reel.

[@markuskuebler9294]

Super review so much information, the only bfs reel I miss is the daiwa gekkabijin 😉👍 .

[@philipfalco7304]

Great video guy's. Thank's for bringing all the major companies to the table and giving your honest assessment. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

[@tacticalbassin]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

[@kvolo12]

Those reel covers look way better than the cheap ones I got from TW!

[@dong8307]

Extremely helpful. Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers 🍻

[@Monox1de7]

Just picked up a KVD reel for 70bucks stoked to give'er a whirl.

[@johnfontenot7861]

My curado 70 is pretty and casts regular lures good but no can do with finess lures, nothing but backlashes with all brakes on and spool tension pretty tight.

[@christophershelton1735]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@tuomaskanerva]

Steez A II TW best reel I own by a longshot followed by Metanium and Aldebaran

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

That is hands down one of the best reels ever made. Daiwa is King 👑 I will never use anything else it’s Daiwa for life

[@leepao6302]

All my ten setups I only pair with all of Shimano Antares, if the Antares can’t get the job done then I wouldn’t bother to go any lower-end at all

[@philipfalco7304]

That's my favorite reel for casting distance but being older now, I find myself reaching for my Metaniums or Curado's more just because I can't handle the weight as I used to. When I was younger, my favorite (BY FAR) was the Calais 100A. That was the best casting reel ever IMO followed by the Chronarch D7.

[@daylenswanigan6638]

I know this is the wrong buyers guide video for this question but I was wondering which rod would be the better buy. I've been looking a heavier jig rod for my 1/2 to 1 Oz jigs and my 2 options are the st croix legend tournament bass 7'5 workhorse casting rod or the Megabass Orochi XX 7'5 brailist. Any feedback and insight is much appreciated, and thanks you in advance and keep creating the amazing content.

[@tacticalbassin]

Both are great. Unfortunately any model from any brand, at any price, is going to lose to a Braillist in my mind. This wasn't a fair question from the start 😂

[@jasoncowick2376]

I grabbed a slx 70 mgl earlier this year when they had a 15% off sale and wow! I totally agree with everything matt said about this reel! Punches way out of its price range! But this sale I’ve been thinking about the curado 70 mgl. I wish you would’ve touched on the comparison a little because im wondering if it’s worth the extra $100 over the slx 70 mgl.

[@910Volcomsnow]

I did the same earlier this year and was blown away! Liked it so much I ordered another 2 months later at full price. My favorite reel so far!

[@helotaxi]

I've got 2 each of the Curado 70 MGL and SLX 70 MGL. Not worth the extra money, IMO. You can't tell the difference between them on the water. I have two Zodias 6'10"M rods, one with the Curado and one with the SLX. Without looking at the reels, I couldn't really tell you which was which.

[@jasoncowick2376]

@@helotaxi that’s the info I was looking for! Thanks man! I kind of thought that would be the case. Maybe a little easier to swallow if it’s like $30-40 difference but for $100 I’ll stick with the slx70. Those and the curado mgl 150 are my favorites right now.

[@clydemcguire2566]

I have a pro max reel thar has been used for nearly 10 years. Still going strong.😂

[@lstaples007]

Nice breakdown fellas, im definitely a shimano guy. Im surprised not to see any DC reels in the line up... ive definitely got my eye on the Curado 70 MGL then BFS, but im curious about the Caius for another budget work horse combo cant have to many of those. 🤙

[@tacticalbassin]

We've covered them extensively in the past. The inspiration for these videos each year comes from our own fishing and this was definitely the year of the MGL spool 👍🏼

[@VinceNiergarth]

Thanks guys, these are great!

[@tacticalbassin]

We're happy to do it!

[@darrintouchet4063]

Extensive review covering multiple manufacturers, thanks fellas