Pitching Reel for $100 or less

[BassFishingCommunity]

I can't afford the real high end reels.  Currently I have 4 BPS Pro Qual reels which I love ($100 each).  I believe that many of the bass pro brand reels are equivalent to reels on the market that sell for $150.  But my pitching reel is my lowest quality reel I own, its last year's KVD edition Quantum, VERY BAD REEL.  I'm looking to upgrade it but i'm not willing to put more than a $100 into it.  I was considering another BPS Pro Qual but would like to ask some opinions on budget pitching reels.  I can get the Ardent F500 Flipping/Pitching reel for $110 ($40 discount) but have heard some bad reviews on it.  I was considering the BPS Nitro reel which is on sale for $100 but just not sure. 

Thoughts?

[GotstaFish]

Try a Shimano Citica. You can get them on sale for under $100 and they are smooth...

[-Steve-]

I agree with Karl, Citica's a pretty good reel and smooth for the $$$...Also try maybe a Phlueger Trion, Cabellas has them for $99.95, I just bought one in 5.2:1 for cranking and love it. Word to the wise on it though, Start with at least 4 if not all 6 brakes on, I started with 2 and felt it spooling up under my thumb so I went to 4 and had it do it again just not as bad (was getting kinda up-set at this point). Popped the side off again and set the other 2 so I had all 6 turned on and bada-bing bada-bong works like a champ. Let us know what you go with. They make the Trion in 6.3:1 also, same price...Happy fishing  ...Steve

[nitroman]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98401____SearchResults

This is my favorite reel!!!

[BIG PAPA]

With Karl.

Citica D ------ E_BAY around 60 to 70 bucks or sometimes less

[bassn1]

Check out the Quantum Code. $90 @ Cabellas. Adjustable weights without opening the side. 8BB

[jstrozier]

Citica...hands down!

[-Shawn-]

Citica D!  For the money it is the best reel I have ever put my hands on.

[catt]

Shimano Cardiff CDF100A $99.99 

[coldfront]

all great suggestions...but don't hesitate to also look at the Abu line...the venerable old 4600 series are outstanding...may not have a gazillion ball bearings...but I started out with come 5600's and learned they're extremely capable...plus, if you look around, you can find info on the internet about super-tuning...

these things work exceedingly well and are very simple reels for a guy willing to give them a try...

just something else to think about...

[iClass]

Has anyone tried the Ardent F-500 pitching reel?  I like the idea and it would make changing my flouro out a lot more economical.  I know someone had "heard" about it, was just wondering if anyone had personal experience with one.  Been thinking of trying one out.