Best Reel

[floatman]

If money was no object what reel would you buy? Think long and hard! Thanks in advance...

Daiwa Steez, spinning reel $529.99, baitcast left or right hand $479.99, Ive got a couple team Daiwa and love then, but the Steez is out of my league

Gary

[Shimano4Life]

I have always believed that when it comes to reels, you get what you pay for. I have owned tons of reels through the past years and I have to say that what I have now is by far the best outfits.

1 Shimano Calais 200DC (7:1 Gear Ratio with the DC Electronic Braking System)
2 Shimano Calais 100As (5.8:1 Gear Ratios)
2 Shimano Calais 200As (6.2:1 Gear Ratios)
1 Shimano Calais 200APV (5:1 Gear Ratio)
2 Shimano 2500 Stradic MgFAs (haven't upgraded to the MgFBs yet)
1 Shimano Chronarch 50Mg (6.2:1 Gear Ratio -- made for light line. I throw light jigs and finesse baits with it.)

All of these reels have a high bearing count, and they are A-RB (Anti Rust Bearings) so they provide you with a lifetime of usage. Smooth as silk.

Be ready to pay for them. You definitely have to pay for what you get. A friend of mine suggested getting insurance on them -- SO I DID!

[JUSTINHALL]

Shimano Calais,
Absolute best reels I have used. I have several and one of them I have had since 1998 and it looks as good as one I bought a year ago. I have used in both saltwater and fresh water. I got them all cleaned last summer after using in salt water and it still works perfectly.
I used lefty as well 6.2 gear ratio. I have caught a ton of fish on these guys big and small, from smallies to stripers to groupers.
They are not cheap but worth it if you can swing it. Shimano4Life mentioned insurance, my homeowners insurance covers all of mine no limit on cost, with no additional cost, and yours should to but check take pics or save the receipts.

[slimshad09]

Thanks for your input. I'm going to bump it back up for more ideas.

[stoner]

I like the Curado, but thought somebody would have mentioned the Shimano Core.
Since money is no object it would have to be the calais dc...just for craps and giggles.

[know1]

I'm not too qualified to give an opinion on this as I've never had a reel over about $70-$80.......but I have to say that I have been very impressed with every Shimano I've used. My FnF rods have Shimano spinning reels in about the price range described above.

[Fntsyfbgod]

Zebco 33 classic

[Col Forbin]

If money was no object, I would go with the calais without hesitation. By far the best reel I have ever used. I fished for about an hour with one, and forced myself to put it down, so I wouldn't be too tempted to go out and get one. However, I did debate it for a while. I have never used the DC (electronic braking), but I hear great things about them. Best bang for your buck, the Curado's are hard to beat.

[DJD]

If money was no object, I would go with the calais without hesitation. By far the best reel I have ever used. I fished for about an hour with one, and forced myself to put it down, so I wouldn't be too tempted to go out and get one. However, I did debate it for a while. I have never used the DC (electronic braking), but I hear great things about them. Best bang for your buck, the Curado's are hard to beat.

Mega Ditto's...I totally agree...that's for you Mr Col...LOL

[LoomisLover]

Abu Garcia Revo STX and Premier are the best reels I have used ... Would like to try out the Skeet Reese model. Revo = best reels out at the moment