I'm sure this has been around more times than I can count, but now, I need help. I love REVOs and Shimanos. I am trying to figure out a new flipping/pitching reel. I prefer smaller profile reels as I mentioned.

What do you guys think?

It depends on the situation in my opinion I take in acount three factors:

Reel speed
The strength of the drag system
The Profile and weight

First what are you doing Punching, flipping under docks, hardwood, Falcon(because you might need saltawater equiptment,lol), etc.

For Punching I want the fastest or really quickest reel speed ratio I can get which I am pretty sure is a 7.1 unless i missed out on a quicker reel being made. I want the quickest because it it gives me more efficiency on the water. For instance if you gain 2" of line with every flip and you flip 2000 times in a day and you are consistently flipping 25' of line that you gain 13.3 cast a day. Sounds stupid but its 13 more cast. The line gain is the differnce between a 6.3:1 vs. a 7.1 I think it may be more than 2" on a 25' cast but you get the point. In additon if you have a fish come at you you can pick more line up with a quicker reel.

Second is the strength of the drag system Check out how many pounds it takes to pull the drag out when it is maxed out I think the revo is 21 lbs and the shimano 50 is 14 lbs. Those numbers may have changed for the 09 product line. If you are flipping mono or flouro it isn't as important as when you flip braid.

Finally is profile and weight. You don't want to flip with a 11 oz reel all day when you get away with a 6 oz. But when it all comes down to it, it can be like everything else in fishing; confidence. What feels good in YOUR hand and what do you trust.

Those are just my ideas on the matter. Opinions by all means but I hope it helps.

Yeah cwaldrop hit the nail on the head... I LOVE my curado but It is a lot newer to me than the cheepy bass pro reel that i have... that thing is a WENCH. It's all about how you run YOUR rig... I know from expecience I can pick up my fishing partner's "flip'n" rig and I had it...

If your looking to buy a new reel though Ardent has a flip'n specific reel out that looks very sweet... They built it to be super tough... Here is the link

http://www.ardentoutdoors.com/products/viewProduct2.asp?prodId=52

Yeah, thanks guys. I'm thinking along those lines. Maybe I will look at the Higher Ratio'd Revos. Maybe an STX-HS might be a good one. I would mostly be pitching and flipping trees and docks. I will take a look. The Ardent, IMO, is a bit larger in profile. Thanks for the info. That's why I love this site so much. Good info that is practical...

Maybe I'm too new here and missed something. Shouldn't you be using an Okuma product? Just curious.

I don't have to. I use a lot of Okuma rods and spinning reels. Their low profile baitcasters are getting a shot in the arm next year. They are working on a reel that will be similar to a REVO from what I understand. I will have a few of those when they come out. Okuma is relatively new to the Bass scene. The rods and spinning reels work really well. I landed all of my Big Bass on Okuma rods and no problems. Just waiting for the reels to catch up. Soon though

Revo XS HS !!!

I think those are two different styles that do not need the same reel. With a Flippin Reel, your never gonna have over about 10 Yds of line out, so the cheaper low profile reels will work just fine. Just cinch that drag down and load er up with 50'lb Braid.

For pitchin....I loves my 6:1 Chronarchs.

7:1 revo stx 24 lbs of drag..... that fish aint goin no where

I second the Revo, BUT there is a new daiwa out. Its their anniversary edition and has some BLAZING speed to eat. Ask Mr. Mark Perry about it, Ill ask him to take a peak at this thread.

All the newer Daiwa baitcaster have a feature that you simply press back "UP" on the thumb bar after you make a cast and the reel is engaged. Makes for easy one handed use. It is a designed feature for flipping and does not harm the reel.
The reel Thomas is referring to is the limited anniversary edition of the Zillion. It has a 7.3 retrieve. Also Daiwa has a few other reels in the 7.1 ratio at most every price point.

Where can I get that reel?? I havent been able to find them.

LFT store may have a few.

Try the Quantum Code with burner gears. The new one also has the flippin switch, that is a nice feature.

Here is an article from daiwa's site

Team Daiwa� Zillion� 7.3:1 Hyper-Speed Special Edition Features:
Hyper-speed 7.3:1 gear ratio
Eleven corrosion-resistant CRBB ball bearings, plus roller bearing
Special �50th Anniversary� markings laser engraved on spool
Limited Edition serial number engraved on the thumb bar
Free-floating perforated aluminum spool�starts faster, spins longer
Swept Handle for less wobble, better feel and maximum winding leverage
Fast spool changes
Magforce�-Z automatic anti-backlash system
Rigid aluminum frame and handle-side sideplate firmly support the drive train
Aluminum guard plate protects finish on top of reel
Soft Touch grips