Baitcaster reels - entry level

[Fierbois16]

Hi all, I am wanting to try a baitcaster reel for lure fishing, nothing fancy just entry level stuff and preferably sub £50. I currently use daiwa crossfire 2500 on a fox rage rod 15-50g casting, 40lb braid so it would need to fit in with that set up. I'm edging towards an abu garcia black max, slightly over budget but wanted to see if anyone had any other models they could recomend? Also has anyone used or heard of Needham specialist tackle? I've just seen a video on youtube but the website doesn't fill me with confidence. Thanks in advance

Product Page | Needham's ST

www.needhamsst.com

 

[Fierbois16]

Bump.
Seems a lot of reels in my price range are out of stock but I have 3 contenders.
Gunki power game £42, DAM Quick 1 £49 and abu garcia silver max £49
Has anybody had any experience of these or can recomend one similar, pros and cons etc it would be appreciated.
TIA

 

[Ken the Pacman]

Sold plenty of the various "Max" reels from abu they are basic small baitcasters for light line american style fishing, not really built for heavy braid but people do use them for that sometimes although you would probably shred the gears if you tried a direct pull at anything like 40lb.

 

[Fierbois16]

I guess I'm after a bit of an all rounder, difficult at this price point perhaps. Most of the pike I catch are 3-5lb and the occasional perch but I want to be able to handle somthing bigger if the opportunity arises. The lures I use range from small (10cm) spikey shads to smallish jerk baits 25g, although the biggest is (hybrid lure)50g. I'd like to keep it within budget but open to suggestions if I can get a markedly better reel for a few bob more.
Thanks

 

[Fierbois16]

A slight stretching of the budget and a price match by bobco has resulted in the acqusition of an okuma ceyma. First impressions are good, have yet to try it out properly but seems well balanced on the rod with a smooth action. Just need an opportunity to get out on the water.