rapala avantis vs rapala griffin baitcaster combo

[redpearl99]

I'm looking to get an inexpensive baitcaster. Does anyone have any comments on the above noted sets? thanks

[chris.brock]

buying a cheap bait caster is trouble, even if you're experienced, it will be a nightmare to cast

 

I'd say the Curado is the reel to buy, about $150, it's a great reel too, I've had one for almost 20 years of abuse, I still prefer it over my more expensive bait casters

[Rich]

If you're gonna go with entry level gear, go with shimano.

 

I had a Crestfire ($80) for 7 years. Worth every cent. I'd still be using it I:m sure but my own mistake broke the seat off the reel.

[Fang]

BPS has some decent deals on now for your first bait caster. The Extreme reel is a good buy. Assuming from your post that it's your first baitcaster that it will be a general learning reel and used for all round casting which is just fine for this reel. I own 6 of the Extremes now and have found them to be durable, easy to cast and a great value when they go on sale. For spinnerbaits, topwater,.... these are fine reels

 

Will they flip a 1/4 oz jig like a Curado or Chronarch - NO! but I have been using these as a flipping reel on a bit larger baits and they perfom wonderfully. I have more expensive baitcasters but they will come to you all in good time.

 

You can buy 2 Extremes at that price for what a Curado will set you back. Pair it up with a Bionic Blade or Tourney Special at BPS and you're set for your first outfit.

[redpearl99]

thanks for the info. How often do the Extremes go on sale? What i'm looking for is an intro baitcaster that I can use for my crank baits and some of my heavier lures. I liked those rapalas because they are on sale and the rod ratings were for 3/8 -1 oz.

[redpearl99]

where do you see these amazing deals?

[BillM]

where do you see these amazing deals?

 

The BPS flyer.

 

As for a beginner reel, Shimano Citica without question.

Edited March 6, 2013 by BillM

[redpearl99]

I saw the flyer, I just didn't see any amazing deals. Their sale prices seem to be on par with Lebaron's regular prices

[Dan668]

The daiwa lexa is a good reel for the price. If your starting out, i would recommend the shimano citica or curado. Easy to cast with. The extreme is also a decent reel, my brother started with it.

[Fang]

BPS current flyer, page one bottom right

 

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&appID=163&template=circular.cfm&i=144332&m=26141&storeID=11&tab=3

[Angler management]

I dont get why ppl buy starter reels... What a waste of $$$. Buy a proper reel the first time, and u dont go and buy a better reel a couple months later. The curado is an amazing deal at $160 dollars when u take into consideration that a high end core is $400 plus tax. And is not really significantly better... Just lighter and smoother. Save the $$$ u have till spring to make the purchase.

[captpierre]

I love Rapala lures.

 

I hear their rods and reels are less than great.

 

Is this the conscenses or am I wrong?

[bare foot wader]

no opinion on rapala reels, haven't used them and not inclined to anytime soon

 

have put some rapala rods thorugh their paces and mixed opinion

 

when they first started making rods they were excellent value for money, I have a tournament long cast that is about 7-8 yrs old i guess and love it..rebuilt the handle, new cork and fuji reel seat, i really like the blank

 

newer rods, not so good...have been though about 5 or 6 north coast rods and 2 finesse rods...the rods are value for the dollar and well designed...but poorly built, warranty is no good to deal with

 

the reel seats in particularly are attached to the blank with cardboard and glue....they will spin around the blank.,...with that said, for the price, i fixed a few myself and still use them, if they break I won't be too choked about it

 

warranty is crap to deal with...the store sends the rod back, wait 6 months, to find out if rapala decided to warranty or not

[redpearl99]

unfortunately I dont have $160 to spend on a Curado.

[Angler management]

unfortunately I dont have $160 to spend on a Curado.

thats understandable, but dont spend a hundred dollars on a junk reel is all im saying... Rather save the money you do have, and put a little aside until u can afford one. Would hate to hear u spent a little money you did have on something thats junk and might turn you off baitcasters if you are new to them... My first bass pro baitcaster made me hate them, until i gave them a second chance with a quality reel. Where abouts do u live?

[redpearl99]

downtown toronto

[bare foot wader]

the newer bps reels are pretty good, the johnny morris will out cast a few of my shimano reels that cost a lot more...dual braking systems, cats meow

 

if you're on a tight budget, shop online or ebay and look at classifieds for a while (esp OFC) they come up often

[Angler management]

Do you use left or right hand?

[redpearl99]

i like the Nitro z tournament reel that will be on sale at Basspro next week for $50. But it only comes in right hand while i need left hand retrieve.

 

http://reviews.basspro.com/2010/1201111008121/bass-pro-shops-bass-pro-shops-nitro-tournament-z-low-profile-baitcast-reels-reviews/reviews.htm

[Angler management]

If u can pick up in whitby, ill give u a free abu garcia blackmax, its a good cheap reel and left hand. Save the $$$ and buy something thats gonna last you! PM me and ill give u an address if u like.

[redpearl99]

thanks buddy, much appreciated. PM sent

[Dan668]

If you ever make it by Dixie/qew, i can give you a bps extreme 6'6 mh. Was my first rod but hasn't been used in years.

[redpearl99]

I actually go to Dixie and QEW all the time to check out the fish at the Big Als. would that rod happen to be the one with a 3/8-3/4 oz lure weight?

[Dan668]

3/8-1. Worm and jig rod

[redpearl99]

that would be perfect, thank you. PM sent