I've been fishing with an Ambassador 5000 reel since 1970 and since buying my bass boat last month I see its time to upgrade my reels. Now, I do not understand what the difference is in the new reels and old reels except that the new reels are more expensive and smaller. Can someone explain the difference and I am looking to buy a new one in the $100-$200 range so I need some suggestions since there are so many out there.
Thanks for all the help, folks!

Chuck you are problem starter! J/K everyone here has their favorites--I guess some of the main differences are the cast control, drag components, weight, gearing--well everything I guess. The top 3 in that price range I would put are the Daiwa 153HSTA, Curado 200, and yes the Revo STX.

Again, I feel compelled to mention the oft ignored but very sweet Sol. ;-)

It really depends on what type of fishing you will be doing. If you have been using a 5000 for a long time, then try going to a Shimano Cardiff. It's a solid performing, round baitcast reel for $99. If your going to be doing alot of casting and retreiving, then a Shimano Citica would work well, but is a little more expensive.

I second the Sol, wooo is it ever a fine piece of machinery.

The Daiwa Tierra, 153HSTA, Sol can be found for under $200.

The Daiwa is priced to take on the Citica and IMO is a much nicer setup as well.

Revo's feel cheaply built and a bit loose but they have super fast spools and can cast a mile.

-Z-

Either a Citica or the Daiwa 153HSTA. The Daiwa is alot of reel for the money, this from a die hard Shimano addict. Curado's are at the top end of your price range but I'm hearing about a $50 rebate that goes into effect December 1st, that will put them into the "great deal" range.

Take a look at the Abu Record. Its within your price range and is the latest and greatest incarnation of the Amabassadeur.

record would be a good one.Its a round reel.It's amazing what they have out there.Plus 2008 models are coming too.

I would second the suggestion to wait on the Shimano rebate deal that is rumored for Dec 1. If it comes through, you can't beat the Citica or Curado especially with $50 off. Being an old 5000 user, you won't believe the difference in the new low profile reels and the 5000's, yes even the 5000c's for those that remember those.

I think that Abu has corrected most of that since they got farther into production. The first couple I handled felt a little loose, but some I've handled recently seem much more "of a piece". Hehehe....

Artie

That's good that they tighted up the tolerances, because I really really really want to get my hands on a lefty inshore Revo sometime next year for testing.

-Z-

I have 3 of the Garcia records reels and I have been very happy.

The newer 4600C3's or C4's are good reels for the money and they're under $100. A really decent low profile for the money is the BPS Extreme. They are often on sell and are now. For $150+ the Quantum PT's are nice.

Thanks for all the info, guys...I am gonna wait til Dec 1st to check out the Shimano rebates but plan to spend most of a day at Bass Pro Shops checking ALL the reels out mostly the ones suggested here online. I guess I cant go wrong with any of them. Thanks again.

HEG gearing systems.