I also like the Quantum Accurist reels.

Ohh a budget discussion, I'm all in.

H20 Mettle or BPS Pro Qualifier get my vote. Can't speak for the BPS at the 100 dollar price point compared to others but I got it on sale for 50 a few months back and its super nice for a 50 dollar bill. It does frequently goes on sale for 80 or so. The Mettle isn't as polished but it's a workhorse with good innards with a lifetime warranty from Academy, I'm more accurate casting with it and it throws a mile. Some dude ran over a Mettle with his truck and took the pieces in a box to Academy and they just handed him a new one. You can't beat that. Heard good things from guys about Lews reels around 100, just don't have the need to try one.

Differences between the 2:
Mettle: only one ratio (unless you go with a diff model name), you can disengage the cast by pushing up on the button, palms a bit easier
BPS Pro Qualifier: smoother, no horizontal play in the handle, 2 brake system (shoes and magnetic), comes in diff ratios (one of the reasons I bought it after the Mettle)


BTW a buddy just bought a new Shimano Curado and the drag was non existent after casting. Worked one cast next cast he'd try to hook up and the spool would spin like the drag was engaged on its lightest setting. Took him a while to figure out why he couldn't hook any fish. He got it exchanged but that goes to show you even well renown reels have issues. You can get a decent reel for your price point. Don't let anyone tell you different. You're in the right place asking!

+1 on the BPS Pro Qualifier. Great reel for the price. Casts a mile, smooth drag and I've caught some big ones on it. I used the h2o kettles and liked them. They are good throw away reels but casting was not as good on some of them.

Stay away from the Abu Garcia Silver Max or Black Max. I have had one of each.... JUNK

I like my BPS Pro Qualifiers. But if I were out shopping for one today, I would probably go with a Lews Speed Spool based on the fact that I've never heard or read anything but praise for them. I also have a couple Quantum Accurists. Decent reels, but one of them makes a screechy noise when I cast. I'll chalk it up to needing a good cleaning, though.

Orra sx

BPS Pro Qualifier. Best bang for the buck

Everyone of those abu reels suck so bad. Lews makes best reels under 100$