I'd still rock it

I for sure prefer the original concepts over the new versions... also the zero bearing thing seems to be a 50/50 chance reel... buy two that way one is smooth and quiet and sell the noisy one lol

There’s 18 different versions of 13 fishing reels on TW. Is this a case where I’d have to buy the $250+ versions for it to be good? I know EZbassin has 19 of their versions, so maybe he can suggest the best one in a 25”-26” IPT. I don’t want any of the stupid looking colors, it’d have to be black.

Threads like this always amuse me. I think they are designed to just cause controversy because its too hot to fish and someone is bored so they start a thread to get the pot stirring.

"What is the best baitcaster?" For what? For the money? For freshwater & light salt? For finesse fishing? For crankbaiting? May as well ask, "Who is the hottest girl on TV?"

I don't feel there is one reel that is best at all things. I do like my Steez reels because the models I chose hold a lot of line, cast well and hold up well, some after 12 years of hard use. A Steez may not be in your budget. The Tatulas are great for the money. The new Curados are also hard to beat for $180 bucks. Lews also makes a great reel for under $200.

Touche!

As a reel cleaner I have seen every part of most of the reels listed above. It would take me forever to comment on all the reels differences. The #1 thing I find wrong with a reel is a stuck drag or corroded frozen drag. However I have never seen a Abu or Lews stuck. In my opinion they have the best drag. I do not own any Diawa fuegos or Tatulas but have cleaned many of them and would not hesitate to buy one. Some reels use a combination of composite bushings and bearings. Some use fairly good bearings but all need maintenence and lube regularly. I personally like my Shimano Conquest mainly because it is machine out of a solid piece of metal. IMO these reels can last forever and I feel like I can detect a small bite better due to the construction.

What to buy? In my opinion find something on sale in the $100 range add a better handle and put some ceramic bearings in it and you will have a great reel. It also depends on what your doing with it.
Fresh or salt. On my salt reels I really pack em good with grease. Brush everything with grease so the salt water can not make contact with parts.

I could go on and on but that's my 2 cents.

The best reel is the one you are happy with . I have caught many many fish and my biggest fish on a 40 dollar reel and 30 dollar rod . Those did not last a long time but did get the job done.

Yeah I bought a concept Z based on all the hype at the time and turned out that reel is [censored]. Tried multiple times to try and like it but impossible. Seems like a plastic piece of garbage compared to Diawa. Still have that reel laying around as a reminder to not believe the hype.

Listen to the man above, He is right on the point..

I also clean reels and have done allot. I personally like the Shimano reels, and the older ones are really good ones. The metal frames will hold up. The bearings are the key. If the bearings are made in china, don't bother.. If your not around saltwater go with high end bearing, or open bearing. But I am only talking about reels you would use bass fishing or could use at the coast for (trout/reds, etc...).. Not talking about the big reels.. Their are many workhorse reels that have been made, the way you take care of it will be the determining factor. But one thing is for sure, if you cannot get parts easily, skip it. I have used Dad's ol tackle for a long time, and they are good people. Their light lube is really good. I personally do not use any of the lubes out at all the stores, the lighter the oil the better IMO.. For saltwater thats another story. I would do the plunger with my reels in a 5 gallon bucket of water after a trip to the coast, then strip them down completely. Still using the same chronarcs from the 90's..

Do saltwater rigs count

Good stuff.... totally agree.....If it's a $75 to $200 reel I've probably got one or two of em' and that's why I'm a Lew's believer. Also, I love Shimano's as my Calcutta's are still going strong 30 years after I bought em. I also own a couple 13 Fishing reels and they've proven to be very reliable (and I'm pretty hard on em) .....although setting the magnetic drag takes a bit of getting use to....works beautifully.

what's the best song or movie?

Everyone knows but no one admits it as to what the best reel is. Zebco all the way.

Hehehe Hehehe.....pretty much.....

Hehehe.....I'll guarantee a bunch would probably say exactly that.....I'm sure most of us started with one.

I've got 3 Quantum pitching/flipping reels given to me by a great friend in the fishing/boating industry.... probably 10 years ago. Great reels and still going strong.