I got my first baitcaster last season (pflueger critirion combo). I I really enjoyed the baitcaster. It was a good starter w/out spending a ton. This year I want to upgrade to something a little nicer. I am considering the quantum antix reel and possibily shimano voltaeus 7ft medium/heavy rod w/ fast action tip. Just like boat shopping, I'm on a budget so like $150 is tops. Any suggestions?
i would look into an Abu ORRA sx (80-90)$ and an abu veritas rod (70-90)$.
i just got a used orra for 60 bucks, really a very solid, smooth reel for under 100$. Haven't fished the veritas, but the few i picked up strike me as an exceptional deal for the price.
For the reel - I'd look at the Shimano Caenan $90 bucks and I've seen lots of good reviews on these.
check this place out GREAT prices
http://beta.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories_10151_10051
I personally have not been very pleased with the finish on my last few Quantums. All of them seem pretty loose after a year, but the finish has bubbled up and came off and they look like crap too. If you're happy with the Pflueger, why not buy another?
Last fall I bought a pair of saltwater Okuma reels because I got a good deal on them, those reels have held up better then my Penn's and certainly better than my Quantum Cabo's. I am currently looking at getting the Okuma Cayenne or Citrix for freshwater use.
As far as the Voltaeus, I bought one last year on clearance for around $20. The sensitivity just wasn't there, I didn't expect much for the price. My kid likes it "because it looks cool".
I have never had a Pflueger that went bad or broke. They have been rock solid. In contrast, I have replaced or repaired every single Quantum I have ever owned. Most of them I ended up giving away. That's not saying Quantum doesn't make some decent stuff, that's just been my personal experience. If you're happy with the Pflueger, maybe consider bumping up a notch to a little nicer Pflueger. The Purist is my favorite (not sure if you can still get them).
I own a Purist, Trion and a President and two Quantum Accurist. I like them all but the Accurist have adjustments for the weights on the outside which is a good feature. The finish will deteriorate with age but they work well. I think they have 5 BB. the Pfluegers have more bearings but don't have the weight controls on the outside. None of these were expensive but work for me. I just cast hard baits with them. No flippin and pitchin. I'm more accurate with spinning gear for that.
I've worked on lots of reels and I have my favorites (shimano) But the advice is try out reels that your fishing buddies use. make you own choice not just what we suggest. The other piece of advice after you make you choice don't settle for your second choice you won't be happy. If you can't afford it now, save. You will be a much happier fisherman and your partners won't have to listen to you wishing you would have bought the SHIMAN. good luck in your search
REELMAN
<))))>{