I found one on ebay for around 135. However I just got a new lew's speed spool for 85 on ebay. I know it wasn't on my original list but from everything I read it should be a good reel and I'm looking forward to it

That's the smart thing to do in my opinion. To purchase equipment that you may not be familiar with how to use it's always served me best to go with the best quality low priced item. If for some reason you can't make it work for you it's not a big loss and baitcasters can be extremely frustrating when first starting out. Once you get good with it and decide to upgrade you will really be surprised.

There is nothing wrong with the h20 mettle or pro qualifier. Both are under $100 and great reels. There is a reason people buy several of em when they go on sale.

I vote for the Revo SX.

Sounds like you made a great choice! My buddy uses the Lews and I use it from time to time. That thing will not backlash if you have the right settings on it. Follow the instructions on one of the 50 you tube videos and you should be in good shape. One warning is, don't try to loosen the cast control knob to so you could get a farther cast right away. Pulling bird's nest is no fun. You will be able to cast farther once you get comfortable.

I just got a mettle H2o from Academy and love it. I have owned Shimanos and Garcia's. But will be getting a few more mettle when tjey go on sale.

good on ya...when I was in college, I had to fish with a limb I cut off the bank and some kite string with a safety pin for a hook...

Go for it!

I agree with several of the above mentioned suggestions about the Academy H2O Mettle reels. I use them as my guide reels and they are great expecially when you can find them on sale for $29.99. Good Luck!
JR

Don't want to hijack a thread but I'm getting ready for a baitcaster. I'm only a bank fisher but would like to fish for some blues/flatheads....love catfish. My newest set-up is a spinning reel (7' ugly stick & abu garcia SX40). I have 20# mono line & 40# mono leaders on this. The SX40 has a max drag of 14#.
Any ideas for a baitcaster reel that I can buy locally...Walmart, Acadamy, & Cabelas are all close. I'm retired & fixed income and only go fishing with wife (during the week if she is off work) or weekends with wife & son. Want to try Inks Lake...all close lakes are almost dry & rivers are dust.
Also, about the specs on max drag........you never know how big a catfish just might be.......so is this spec to worry about ?
Thanks....stopped lurking & joined-up.

Jerry

Unless I'm misunderstanding something, i think the poundage if your line is way too high for your reel. I think the reel you have is the cardinal sx, and if so the most I would throw on it would be 10#

According to the lbs/yds on the reel...min-10lb/210yds---max 14lb/150yds. I know 20# mono is over max but I'm not having issues with casting & spool holds more than enough line & drag still works good.
I went to Walmart yesterday...bought abu Garcia Black Max Combo. Should be good for my 1st baitcaster.
Do have some questions about the Black Max...what are all these adjustments for: star wheel by crank, brake knob on reel by the star wheel, & on the other side of the reel is an adjustment that has a min & max setting. I'll hunt on u-tube but would love the guru's here for instructions.

I need alot of practice with this baitcaster...should be good to try my luck soon at Lake Bastrop...anyone fished Lake Bastrop ? I Me & family can only do bank fishing & LCRA has 2 parks there.

I would look at the Lews speed spool for 99.99. These reels are unmatched in this price range.

This for sure I have many Lews and would pick them over my remaining Shimanos anyday.