What baitcaster should I get?

I'm in the market for a new baitcaster. I was looking at the quantum smoke but I don't know. Any suggestions?

One word LEWS. I used to be a Chonarch/Curado fanatic. Now if it isn't a Lews Tournament Pro I am not buying it. Super lite weight super far casting most controllable reel in this price range. Plus it has a super smooth 14lb drag as compared to a 9lb drag. At this time I only have 2 Chronarchs in use and 1 Curado. Over the last 2 years I have switched almost everything over to the Tournament Pro. And no I'm not selling my Chronarchs or Curados never know when one needs a backup reel.

Can't believe no one even mentioned Abu Garcia. I recently bought a new bait cast combo just for the boat. I got the Revo SX (7.1:1 ratio) and a 7' St.Croix Mojo Bass. I spool up with 10# fluorocarbon. I can cast a mile even with one inch rapala. I've hauled in plenty on it. Every main species except rough fish and bluegill! Actually more walleye then anything!

do not get the quantum smoke there junk the bearings in mine started going out in less then a year had 2 of them one is in the garbage after a year the other is on its last leg...

If you still looking and as you posted have $200 and small hands check out a Shimano Chronarch 50E. Its a little smaller than the 100 size and has very nice grips. I like the Chronarch grips and purchased those grips for my other baitcasters. Dont worry 50 size will handle the occasional pike. Another plus if it matters to you is its made in Japan plant not the other Asian country plant the lesser priced Shimanos are made in, Curado and lower. Most believe reels made in Japan are of better quality.

My older curados all have nice rubber grips from the factory (as do my pflueger trions), I've never felt the need for an upgrade personally. But I know several guys that put grips on all their reels. Its too cheap of an add-on to worry about.

Grips are cheap and you can put whatever you like on anything.

Just a question. Do all of these reels have rubber grips? If not, I won't buy it.

Big Muskie- which is nicer? Thanks mr g. Which is better for bass and pike. I just want everyone's opinion.....

Can't go wrong with Shimano. My suggestion, Citica or Curado.

You used to live in rhinelander. I will be going there in about two weeks. I stay in trig solberg's (owner of trigs grocery stores) house.

And I'll fish for anything that pulls!

lmao, where don't I fish....I'm not picky about locations....Little bit of Lake Mich, Waukesha co. lakes and west bend to fon du lac area lakes as well. Grew up fishing the Hayward area as well as the Rhinelander and Oconto lakes on occasion. Show me a quarry or a pond and I'm down with that, too.

Well I'll probably spool it up with fireline. I have many 6'6 rods. I'll use one of those. Where do you fish denosox?

just make sure when your spooling up that baitcater to not buy by the pound test, but rather the diameter. The diameter should be at least 10lb diameter. Thinner braids are just not make for baitcasters and can accentuate problems such as getting backlashes or getting them out once you have them. Thinner line will also have more of a tendency to dig under pressure, which can be a big issue. I would also suggest a 7' rod. When fishing plastics especially, the extra length makes a huge difference in your ability to set the hook, especially at distance. And there's no downside to the extra length for other techniques. Best of luck!

Thanks guys. I have small hands. Like I said I make my own lures. I put about 12 hours into each one. They are all hand carved. They are quite heavy but they are top water. I only use Berkeley fireline. I have my Diawa set up on a fenwick ironhawk and will be putting my new reel or reels on some very nice bss pro shops elite series casting rods. 6'6 very nice. I have many nice rods that I could put them on. I'm mainly a spinning guy and am just getting into bait casting. I've learned that paying up in advance will allow me to have better things and won't have to replace them as much.