new baitcast reel for me

[bassketcher]

SALE David Fritts Signature Series Baitcast Reel



   
Regular price $79.99 - Save 50%
"Lure control is critical to success. You need to be aware of what your bait is doing every foot of the way in. My crankin' combos will give you that kind of precision and control!"
David Fritts
1993 Bassmaster Classic® Champion,
6-time Classic Qualifier

Get in tune with your bait like never before. The reel foot, the 1-pc. machined-aluminum frame and graphite side-plates are all configured to maximize vibration transmission from your rod directly to your hand, so you can feel what your lure is doing at all times. 4 precision machined Japanese stainless steel ball bearings for ultra-smooth retrieves, large-capacity machined-aluminum spool, 6-pin centrifugal cast control, dual-pawl anti-reverse, long stamped aluminum handle



Does anyone know anything about this real ?

[kw4570gov]

I have all shapes, brands, with cast control magnets, without magnets, and any other gimmick you can think of and I have come back to the old tried and true ambassador series of reels. I use the narrow 4500/5500 to throw light baits, and the standard 4500/5500 for everything else. IMHO.

Kent

[Fishaholic]

I own 4 or 5 Ambassadors, they cast good enough, their drag system is impeccable, but man they weigh a ton compared to the Shimano's and since I'm a walkin' and a carryin' 3 rods and a bag full of tackle, every ounce I carry makes a difference in how far I'm willing to hike to get to a good location.

In their "day" they were the bomb, but now I've got no use for em.

[bassketcher]

So if I can only have one baitcast and I choose  Shimano which one should I get ?

[ʇuǝɹq™]

I would have to go with the Curado!  They're about $120, but they are worth every penny.  I have a couple and they are sweet.  My boss has 12, and he's had a couple of them for 6 years, and they still feel brand new.

[Richard Cooper]

I am a curado man myself, but if you really like paying 120 for them and you like the model that is out now, you better buy as many as your wallet will allow, they are about to be discontinued.  there is still going to be a curado but it is going to be an upgraded one with a more hi tech brake system.  the new ones will run about 25 bucks more.  the citica is to take place of the curado as far as the price goes, they are being upgraded also.  Shimano seems to think that this reel will be much better than the original curado, but i dunno i believe it is going to be hard to beat.

To answer the question though, i have used one of the david fritts series crankin reels, i have the rod on it too.  that is the only set up that i have that isnt a curado/kistler combo.  It is a great cranking rod and reel, but it is limited to cranking only.

[DAWG]

I recently bought a Curado and have been very pleased with it,and as Mike Cork said I would want to buy another one ,well I do.

[blake711]

I am a curdao convert also.. Used to be a Team Diawa Die Hard.  Well now all my stuff is Curados but one.   I am debating wether I should jump and get some more of the Curdao Cs or wait and see what teh new citicas.. Also the Jap version fo teh Curado is a Scorpion its supposed to be the bomb.    As for what you listed above.. I wouldn't waste my money.  I don't know who makes it and if you can get parts.. It looks like a throw away to me.   I promise you that you will be able to get curado parts for a long long time if you need them..

[kw4570gov]

No problem geting parts for Ambassadors and If they are good enough for Hank Parker they are good enough for me. I have Calcutas also and think they are very good reels, but for the money they are not $100.00 dollars better than any of the Ambassador 4500/5500 series IMHO.

Kent

[OHbassaholic]

I have talked with many people that have the Crankin' Reel BPS puts out.  Most advise that it's not worth the money and they prefer Curado Bantams for the same applications.  That must be the reason for the half off sale...

I have fished tourneys with guys that use all round baitcasters such as the Ambassador's and Calcutta's.  They were very proficient with them but I have found that I personally do not care for the feel of these in my hand.  It will always be up to the individual when it comes to whether they would rather use the round or low profile baitcasters.

The majority of round BC's that I have sold have been to toothy critter hunters and/or the anglers that mostly troll for their fish.  They are not the "norm" for bass anglers in this area of the country.

[Pferox]

Down here it is about half and half when it comes to round versus low profile baitcasters for lure work.
I used the 5500 and 6500, as an all around reel, but they are too rough on my old thumb anymore, so I just use em for still fishin.
I just bought my first low profile reel, a cheep shimano, and like it alot, but it is still rough on my thumb, guess I'll have to stick with spinners. 

[OHbassaholic]

Hmm.  When you say "rough on my thumb", what do you mean? 

I have noticed at times that it is nice to switch over to spinning gear during a tourney.  However, I have found that baitcasters are less wearing on me in general.

[Pferox]

I have carporal tunnel, and it effects the feeling and use of my thumb on my left hand, (I am a major south paw).
After usin a baitcaster a little while, I loose feeling and get limited movement in my thumb.
I don't experience this with my index finger which is used with a spinning reel.

If I use a bait caster for non repetitive casting, I can usually use it for a day or so then have to put it aside for a while to recover.

I do alright with a baitcaster when cat fishin, or salt water stuff, but then I can do the same thing with a spinner.

[OHbassaholic]

That's interesting.  I kind of figured that condition might be worse with a spinning outfit.  But then I can see how any fishing at all could be painful.

[blake711]

While I give Ambassadors credit where its due.. I learned to fish on them.. But comparing them to some of the higher end reels is just not realistic.. Its like comparing a 69 camaro with a 2005 corvette.  They are two diffrent things.. Both are nice and do thier respecitve jobs but technology has changed over time. 

I have all my reels changed to curados but one which is an old  Qauntum USA Tour Edition Round Reel  .. I don't know why I haven't changed it out yet other than  I don't use that rig much anyway.   But for me its low profile all the way anymore..

[Pferox]

I was told that the syndrome is different for different people because of the way the muscles are developed, mine was due to weight lifting, and mechanical work, a constant twisting of the wrist, associated with turning a screwdriver, and wrenches.

I loose feeling in my thumb and heel of my hand, where other people loose feeling in their fingers, thumb, and ball of the hand, this  is  usually associated with typing button pushing, finger movements.

[LoonyToon]

I have used Abu-Garcia, Diawa Procaster 100H, and Pinnacle MatrixII, reels they are all good for what I use them for.........A reel has to be matched up with the right rod to do the right thing........It all depends on the fisherman and their style as to what to advise one on......trial and error/no way.too costly. If it were me I would start with a tried and proven starter reel a Abu-Garcia in the 4500C3, thumb caster, with the 5:3.1 ratio. This should handle all the duties and responsibilities a reel needs to do...i.e.   Crankbaits, jigs, worms,carolina rig, etc. until you get the experience you need. if your looking for a low-profile, I'd recommend the Diawa100H, for under $70.00, 7Bearing,ALL Metal Construction, comes in 5:2.1 or 6:3.1 ratios. For the money they can not be beat