After a few issues this weekend, I've decided to retire my old school Abu Garcia Black Max that I've had for about 15 years and purchase a new one. I haven't kept up much on new reels so any advice or recommendations on brands/models would be great. I'm willing to spend up to about $150 and usually use 10lb mono for trolling cranks, casting spinnerbaits, worms, and just the usual mid size lures.

Thanks

Shimano Citica.

I would have to agree with Ralph on the Citica, or you can take a look at 'belas and probably get yourself a smokin deal on a Quantum Tour Edition PT for 140. A hundo off the normal price, closeout on last years model so they can stock the shelves with the new stuff this week after iCast.

Agreed

anybody have any opinions on the Abu Garcia Revo?

Revo - revolution...it's really given the low profile baitcasters a revolution in market share. I'm a Shimano favortism guy and I almost went with a Revo. Now with the new Revo Toros out there, it's really giving me a mixed decision between that and the Curado 300E. The Revo's are the smoothest reels I've felt in the store.

I like my Pflueger President - they just announced a redesign so they are now on sale at Gander for $99 (I think normally $140).

I did checkout the Revo's at the store - they are pretty smooth and very small in size, reasonably priced. I probably would have bought one (stx), but am bias towards Pfluegers.h

I am looking to upgrade to the Pflueger Patriarch - If anyone has any feedback, please chime in.

Revo!! In my opinion,the best real in that price range period. Plueger President is also a good reel. Stick with Abu, you won't be dissappointed.

Is trolling cranks any more wear and tear on a low profile reel than a larger round type reel? I'd like to get one reel for all purpose.

I don't think so with the larger drive gears on the low profiles these days. Look at the Curado 300 (new Curado 300E) and the newly anounced Revo Toros. I'm waiting for these to hit the stores. The Revo's will feature their 24# drag while the Curado will have 15# drag. The old Pfleuger President wide had a 10# drag.

One test I do is while in the store I thumb down on the spool and crank the reel to see how authoritative the reel can crank with a load. I've found the Shimano to my liking, but pricing can be an factor. Would be interesting to test all side by side at once.

abu 5500 C3. Great reel, and very smooth IMO

I ended up getting a Revo SX this past weekend. I'm looking forward to my upcoming vacation to give it a whirl.

Congrats on the new purchase anchor man. Let us know how you like it. Good luck on your vacation.

NCLaker,
well I was able to give my new Revo a few trys this past week and all in all liked it a lot. I did have trouble trying to cast husky jerk-baits or even shad raps without small backlashes. I just couldn't get it dialed in on lighter baits. This reel is much more sensitive than the previous one I used for years.

Thanks for the update anchor man.

I've been using my baitcaster pretty heavily this summer(committed to learning how this year). I can relate to the backlash stuff. The wife gives me [PoorWordUsage] all the time. Can't figure out why I would spend money on a pricy reel that would give me so much trouble (lol). Didn't even try to explain since she wouldn't understand anyways.

Finally getting much better. X-raps and lipless cranks cast much easier. Lighter stuff gets hung up in any wind much easier so more prone to backlash if not paying attention. I started out using Seaguar florocarbon line and the backlashes were brutal. Switched to Gamma Copoly and it is much easier to work with (IMO).

I ended up with a spendy Pflueger BC which I like a lot, but don't have a lot to compare it to. To compare, I am considering buying a Revo S since they are relatively cheep and most owners seem to love 'em.