Gear Guide: Casting Reels Under $200

by

By Perry Mack

Shimano Caenan 150A

One of the great things about technology is the trickle down effect. The continual development of newer/better features in upper end models means that many great features end up in more affordable models. Like Shimano’s High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) found in the new Caenan. By increasing the size of the drive and pinion gear, as well as the frame, this model packs a solid punch of leverage and power. The variable Brake System (VBS) and Stable Spool Design (S3D) complete an all ‘round reel, ready to smoothly cast and retrieve a variety of lures and baits.

Two models are available weighing 7.2 oz, with 4+1 bearings, 12/110 – 14/90 mono, max drag of 11 lb, a gear ratio of 6.3:1 in right or left hand retrieve, or a right hand with a gear ratio of 7.2:1 and retrieval rate of 26-30 IPT respectively.

MSRP: $120 CAD - Fish.shimano.com

Lew's Mach Crush Speed Spool

Even competitive anglers can appreciate this feature packed reel. Fine-tuning comes from the quick release side plate allowing access to the external Multi Setting Brake (MSB) Dual cast control system. Durability and lightweight is ensured through the implementation of a graphite frame and side plates, aluminum 32mm spool, carbon fibre drag system, and an anodized aluminum handle with over-sized Winn Dri-Tac knobs. For folks like us the external lube port is a welcome feature.

One model in either right or left hand retrieve weighing 7.3 oz, with 9+1 bearings, 110/12 mono, and max drag 20 lbs, a gear ratio of 7.5:1 for a retrieval rate of 30 IPT.

MSRP: $160 USD - lews.com

Quantum Smoke S3

The S3 is designed for anglers looking for more line, so it’s constructed with a 35.5 mm spool. It’s engineered for longer casts and faster pick-up. Quantum says it’s the best they’ve ever built. There are 16 new technologies in the reel. It’s still a low profile baitcaster but has an oversized handle and grips, a line memo feature allows you set the line weight on the reel, and the all new ACS 4.0 cast control system makes it easier to adjust for perfect casting. Throw your bait as hard as you want with no backlash and no overrun. A lower start-up inertia when you bomb a cast means you’ll throw the bait farther than with a smaller spool.

Available in seven models of left or right hand retrieve, weighing 6.9 oz, with 10+1 bearings, 170/12 mono – 210/30 braid, and max drag 25 lbs. Models range in gear ratios of 5.1:1 to 8.1:1, retrieval rates of 27 to 36 IPT.

MSRP: $169 USD - quantumfishing.com

Shimano Curado 200 K

Winner of the Best Freshwater Reel at iCast 2017, this is another solid member of the Curado family and will also work well for saltwater anglers. Pocketing this reel gets you Shimano’s MicroModule Gearing, SVS Infinity Braking system, and X-ship technology for a smooth casting, tuneable, long lasting workhorse.

Three models available in left and right hand retrieve, weighing in at 7.6 oz, with 6+1 bearings, holding 14/110 mono, max drag of 11 lbs, in your choice of 6.2:1, 7.4:1 or 8.5:1 gear ratios for retrieval rates of 26, 31, 36 IPT.

MSRP: $180 - Fish.shimano.com

13 Fishing Concept Z

Just so you are aware, we didn’t make an error in the specs below. There are no traditional ball bearings in this reel. Although reels with no bearings have been manufactured in the past, this is the first high performance reel, which according to pro-staffer Gene Jensen of Flukemaster YouTube fame, will cast 1/3 farther than similar reels. Using high-tech polymer Concept Zero Bearings (CZB), essentially a polymer disk, the Concept Z is able to maintain its peak casting ability – never suffering from creaking or corrosion. If you own a different Concept reel you’ll be able to buy these polymer disks and replace your bearings with them.

Add 13 Fishing’s Bulldog drag system, Japanese Hamai cut gears, Ocean Armor saltwater protection process, six-way centrifugal braking system, dead stop anti-reverse, arrowhead line guide, EVA knobs and you have one comfortable, lightweight, quiet, effortless and controllable casting reel, literally at your fingertips.

Three models are available, all weighing 6.1 oz, with no ball bearings, 12/135 mono line capacity, max drag of 22 lbs, your choice of gear ratio of 6.1:1, 7.3:1 or 8.1:1. Unless you need left hand retrieve in which case your only choice is 7.3:1

MSRP: $200 USD - 13fishing.com

Abu Garcia Revo STX

The new Revo STX reel has many of the performance and durability features of the higher end Revo Premier reels, including durability features like the X2-Craftic frame for corrosion resistance and Eversilk coated pinion shaft designed to reduce friction, which increases wear resistance; and performance features like the Power stack carbon matrix drag system and the IVCB-6L (Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake) system which allows you to adjust for different baits and fine-tune to get the max cast distance.

Three models are available weighing 7.3 oz, with 10+1 bearings, holding 175/10 to 100/15 mono or 190/20 to 100/50 braid, and max drag of 24 lbs. Choose from right or left hand retrieve with gear ratio of 6.75:1 or 7.3:1 and retrieval rates of 27 or 30 IPT respectively, or right hand only high speed (HS) model with 8.0:1 gear ratio, and a retrieval rate of 33 IPT.

MSRP: $200 - Abugarcia.com

Daiwa Tatula SV TW

Improved for 2018 and described by Daiwa as their ‘ultimate finesse long casting reel’, this reel incorporates Daiwa proven T-wing system (TWS). The large ‘T’ portion lets line flow freely during the cast for minimal friction and the narrow aperture guides your line during retrieval for even distribution across the spool. The SV concept denotes a material applied to the induct rotor which is exposed when it rotates at high speed, as the spool slows the rotor moves back towards the magnetic field which brakes the spool depending on the weight of the lure.

Three models are available in either left or right hand retrieval, weighing 7.2 oz, 7+1 bearings, with a max drag of 13.2, holding 100/14 – 90/16 mono. Choose from 6.3:1, 7.3:1, or 8.1:1 gear ratios for 25.7, 29.4, 32.8 IPT respectively.

MSRP: $200 USD - Daiwa.com

Quantum Tour S3

Many of the same features and benefits of the Smoke S3, the Tour S3 is just one step up. The 95mm oversized handle is now carbon fibre, sapphire jeweled spool tension washers make for virtually frictionless spool action to maximize your cast, and the weight is reduced by 0.4 oz. Engineered for the angler targeting big bass, or out in harsh saltwater conditions.

Four models available in right or left hand retrieve weighing 6.5 oz, with 10+1 bearings, 170/12 mono – 210/30 braid, and max drag 25 lbs, your choice of either gear ratio of 6.1:1 or 7.3:1, retrieval rates of 27 or 32 IPT respectively.

MSRP: $200 USD - Quantumfishing.com

Shimano Curado 70

Shimano has been kicking around the successful Curado nameplate for 25 years, and this new version is sure to please anglers looking to flip, cast and pitch light lures. Shimano faithful will recognize the smooth delivery of X-Ship technology, the lightweight but rigid Hagane body, the SVS Infinity Brake System and S3D Stable Spool Design for uniform spool control to help land bass, walleye and trout.

Two right or left hand retrieve models available weighing 6.5 oz, with 5+1 bearings, 10/105 – 14/70 mono and max drag 10 lbs, your choice of either gear ratio of 7.2:1 or 8.2:1, retrieval rates of 28 or 32 IPT respectively.

MSRP: $200 - Fish.shimano.com

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