After numerous years and countless bass caught on my spinning rigs, I think I'm finally ready to try my hand at a baitcasting setup. People have told me not to go cheap on my first reel, so I know I want something quality. I took a trip to the local tackle shop this week to take a look at some, but quickly realized that I didn't even know what to look for in a good baitcaster. I've read great things on this site about both Curados and Revos, and was wondering, in your opinions, which one I should go with. Please bear in mind that I'm a novice, and am looking for a reel that will be the easiest to get the hang of this new skill. I'd rather not end up pitching it in the drink out of frustration And if there's another model of reel that I should be looking at, please feel free to let me know! Thanks a lot for your help!

Scotty

Either one. Make sure the Revo is a ST or higher. Shimano makes many great reels. havent used the new ones but the old green Curados are great. Citica is a very good reel for the money.

I think Blake meant an SX or higher. The SX model has magnetic brakes, which probably means nothing to you at this point, but some people like 'em, some don't. The other type of brakes are centrifugal, and have brake blocks that can be adjusted to slow the spool when casting.

Before you buy, talk to a lot of people who use them, look and handle the reels, and then make your choice. I used spinning gear for a long time too, and the switch to bait casting came with quite a learning curve.

One more thing to think about...consider left-hand models of baitcasters, if you have been using left hand retrieve on your spinning reels. I just couldn't get the hang of switching the rod from my right hand to my left hand to reel. There is some controversy on this, and I would encourage you to try both types before you buy anything, if you have the opportunity.

I agree with the idea of not going cheap. A reel that is rough, has a poor drag setup, or just doesn't perform well will add frustration to a new experience. You don't have to spend a bazillion dollars on a reel, but get the best you can afford. I started with the Abu C3 and C4 series, then went to Revos when they came out. I also have Shimano Calcuttas, and love them. I don't have any low-profile Shimanos, but some have an almost religious reverence for them, as do the Revo devotees. There are other brands that people also like. Just get out there and handle a lot of reels to see what has the feel you want. Then practice, practice, practice.

I can sure relate to the spinning reel gig. It's Shimano all the way for me both in spinning and baitcasters.

Check out the new Curados.

cant go wrong w/ the SX...i had issues when i went cheap, nothing but success w/ these. i use the SX-HS for everything....if your like most of us, then you can only get 1 every few months. thats the only drawback

Shimano!

this question is like asking blondes or brunettes...personal preference although both are quite nice.

I switched from Shimano over to all Revo's the last two years. I love mine and won't change again as long as they hold up. Only time will tell on that. I love the Revo SX model and if you want to upgrade a little you can get a Revo STX. You can find an STX for around $150, and around $125 for the SX on here all week long.

That being said, I have only heald the Curado E model in my hand at a store. It is small like the Revo's and feels really smooth. I don't think you will be disappointed with either.

Take your time and get them dialed in. I know when I first switched over the the revos it took me a couple of trips to not backlash every other cast. Now it isn't a problem get them zeroed in. Coach

With out a doubt I'd go with the Curado.

TFP

my vote is the revo sx...ive tried the s,sx and stx....there is big difference in the smoothness of the s and the sx,but i honestly cant tell the difference between the sx and the stx,i use the sx and LOVE it.im a little biased,but i think the revo sx is the ONLY way to go!

beginner...I'd go with the curado.

experienced with baitcasters: tossup.

that's just IMO.

I AM going with revo i got the winch recently love it .also have premiers. So far so good.

Revo's are nice. If you don't want to spend the 150 on a SX don't be afraid of the the S for 99. With that said, I still own way too many Shimano's that have never given me issues. Chevy or Ford??? Same thing here...

Went through a very similar mental debate between Revo and Curado for my first baitcaster setup. Settled on a Quantum PT from Cabelas for $59 (on sale from $120) because it was the best value I could find and let me get a decent rod to boot for less than the price of a Revo or Curado so I would be out a little less overall if I hated it. Fished it this weekend...one nasty backlash when I loosened up the externally adjustable weight. Which is the primary reason I would reccomend a Quantum (just don't get too cocky too quickly like I did and take too much of the brakes off)....the externally adjustable weight makes it A LOT easier for a beginner who is used to spinning gear to get used to the baitcaster. May or may not be as "good" a reel as the curado or revo....but made it easier on me to learn so far.

The new curado is awesome reel I was using some of the revo sx models and liked them but the new curado ids easier to tune lighter and proven shimano long term quality. Don't misunderstand the revo is also a great reel but the shimano is lighter and easy to setup and will definitely hold its value better if you deside you dont want to stick with the baitcaster.