2017 BUYER’S GUIDE
BAITCASTING REELS
LH = available in a left-handed model
8:1 = available with 8:1 or faster retrieve ratio
< $150
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1. Pflueger President XT 4. Favorite Fishing Phantom
pfluegerfishing.com favoriteusa.com
Cool features: Cork handles and nine bearings give this affordable reel the
look and feel of a much higher-end product.
Price: $79.99
overall weight: 6.8 ounces
Ball bearings: 9
Retrieve speeds: 7.3:1
2. Lew’s Mach Speed Spool SLP Series
LH
Cool features: Lew’s gave it the same Super Low Profile (SLP) design of its
higher-end reels and plenty of premium features, but with a $100 price tag.
Price: $99.99
overall weight: 7.2 ounces
Ball bearings: 10
Retrieve speeds: 6.8:1/7.5:1
lews.com
3. Quantum Vapor
Cool features: An oversized carbon fiber handle, cork grips and metallic fin-
ish combine for performance and aesthetics, while 11 bearings and an alu-
minum drive gear make up the guts.
Price: $149
overall weight: 6.7 ounces
Ball bearings: 11
Retrieve speeds: 6.3:1/7:1
76
3
shop.zebcobrands.com/quantum
LH
Cool features: It looks pretty sharp with its carbon fiber/red finish combo,
and the carbon composite materials keep the weight down.
Price: $129.99
overall weight: 5.9 ounces
Ball bearings: 8
Retrieve speeds: 6.3:1
LH/8:1
5. Daiwa Tatula CT
Cool features: It’s more compact than before and features the T-wing level-
wind system and Daiwa’s high-tech Magforce Z magnetic braking system.
Price: $130
overall weight: 7.4 ounces
Ball bearings: 8
Retrieve speeds: 5.5:1/6.3:1/7.3:1/8.1:1
daiwa.com/us/
6. 13 Fishing Inception
LH/8:1
Cool features: With 18 pounds of drag and a mix of eight bearings, this alu-
minum and graphite reel is a pro-level workhorse in a weekend angler’s price
range.
Price: $120
overall weight: 6.85/6.9 ounces
Ball bearings: 8
Retrieve speeds: 6.6:1/8.1:1
13fishing.com
FLWFISHING.COM I DECEMBER 2016