Hello forum, I have a buddy who has tons of baitcasters and is willing to sell me some. I have picked out two which are still in the box brand new. One of them is the Quantum Kinetic PT 6:3:1 ratio and a BPS Pro Qualifer 5:2:1 ratio. Both are very well priced under retail. Just wondering what type of rod and lures I could apply the reels to. I am fishing for largemouth bass only. Thanks and tight lines!!

I'm new to the baitcaster genre, but what I've learned from many fisherman, and reviews is this...metal frames and more BBs carry the most clout. I don't know these reels, but you do. If they are both metal, and the same number of BBs, I guess I'd read some reviews and go with the faster reel.

Addendum: Other seasoned fisherman will undoubtedly chime in, and congratulations on the gift of "choice." IN65

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The 5.2:1 reel is only good for large crankbaits in my opinion. That's got a winch-strength retrieve that may not tire you out as bad with a big crankbait, but you'll make a lot more wrist revolutions in a day of casting. Many think that beats a strained/tired wrist.

The Kinetic would be considered by most to be a budget reel. Today's Quantum Catalyst is probably better at the same price-point.

The Kinetic is a smaller frame reel as are most today. The drawback of this is the spool is smaller in diameter. That 6.3:1 will only retrieve 26 inches of line per turn. That's OK for a spinnerbait most of the time, but way short of what you'd want for a lipless crankbait, jerkbait, topwater (where you want to take up slack fast).

I feel better with 31 inches per turn for most of my rigs. The smaller frame sizes often only get to 28 inch even if 7.1:1. But, your choice...depends on whether you could afford or want something different.

Don't always take the "listed" amount of ball bearings to be the be all end all in deciding...the h20 mettles list 10 bearings and are decent reels for their price point but do not come close to comparing to the older Shimano bantam Curado with 5 listed bearings.

Just my .02

I don't disagree on the bearing count. It's one way a value-target item can "try" to appear otherwise to the unsuspecting. Quality/high tolerance fit are just as important but can't be counted like cheap bearings!

I actually own both of the reels you referenced.

I use the 5.2.1 PQ (as mentioned above) for crankbaits and have it paired with a 6'6" medium (or maybe medium-heavy) power, moderate action Fenwick rod. I love the Pro Qualifiers and think that they are as good a reel as you can find for the price (I have several). I have heard that BPS is getting ready to introduce an updated version of the PQ. They recently ran them in stores during their Fishing event for half price ($50). And I believe they are currently on sale via the website.

I use the Quantum PT for just about anything/everything (texas-rigged and weightless plastics more than anything). Good reel, but doesn't get used as much as my Pro Qualifiers (I just find they cast better and are a little easier to quickly adjust to different lure weights). I currently use it with a 7' medium power fast action rod. As a price point comparison, although I don't remember seeing it lately, Cabela's for a time would frequently run this reel on sale for $60-70.

I'm learning a lot, but the H20s get high remarks from many, more skilled fisherman than me, even though I know the H20s were not the subject of this topic.
Having said that, good luck on your choice Mr. Lumnz!

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I have owned 5 Mettles. My oldest one going on 6 years is still going strong. Great reels.

when you get a rod make sure its med-heavy so you can get more flick with your cast as for lures if there new just make sure you know how to work the braking system or you backlash every time.