^^^^^THIS^^^^^

You haven’t found that the DC decreases your pitching / skipping distance? My buddy loved that little chip but it seemed like it braked too much and kept him from getting very far under docks. Now that’s just my assumption as I’ve never used one just seen them used.

I haven't bought anything other than the Tatula line in the past 3 years. Can't go wrong with them in my opinion. Great prices too.

I have Bass Pro Proqualifier reels that have been fished hard for five years with nothing more than an occasional cleaning and lube. And I am not regular about that. Of course my thought process is I had rather have many rigs at a lesser cost per rig. I hate stopping to re-tie. So my use when I am on the water is usually spread amongst several reels.

That’s not to say that I am not interested in nicer reels. But currently am in the mode of upgrading my rods.

It is interesting to hear that SW parts has issues getting parts for Diawa. With that little tidbit and based on previous experience if I was going to start dumping change on expensive reels it would have to be Shimano I suppose. Amazing how they have managed to be the gold standard in quality reels for literally decades.

For those who have a problem with back lashes.. A resounding YES.
Have you never got in a feeding frenzy and caught several while your partner was digging out a backlash or vice versa.
High end Diawa and Lews for me.
IMO regular maintenance goes a long way In West Texas.. With the availability of parts I figure those High end reels will out last me.

I have reels abounding!! They are like golf clubs, always get the latest and greatest, and then go back to something you've had for ten years. Same with rods, although I have finally settled on Kistler. Reels, I have everything from Steez to bass pro, I LOVE'EM ALL!!! They will all catch fish, DUH!

CURADO'S

H2O Mettle..... LEGIT

Tatula SV TWS, $199 and the best reels I have owned. Trade in old reel at BassPro and get a $30 discount.

shimano slx dc. Not supposed to be able to backlash these due to the digital control but I can backlash them. Less than $200.

I agree with the Curado's also. Sweet reels!

Another issue with Daiwa is that you can’t hardly find one without the “T Wing” System. If you learned to fish by keeping your finger on the line to feel the more subtle bites, it’s almost impossible not to spool all of your line over on one side of the reel. If you don’t palm your reels and keep a finger on your line it’s a non-issue but I can’t say that’s a habit I want to break. Obviously I’m in the minority as most of their models have now adopted that.

I’d be interested to see what people thought about those newer brands like Favorite, etc.

Daiwa Fuego.

I have curado and really like it, recently bought two H2O's from academy for $40 apeice, love them, plenty good enough for me

Legit backlash king

I would load up on the new Metanium's If I had money to burn like that. They are the best reel out right now IMO