So you’re looking for the best Baitcaster Combo? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re going to be exploring the Top 8 Best Baitcaster Combos out right now.
Before beginning, let’s talk about some of the basic ways that Baitcasters are different than your typical Spinning Reel, and how you might determine for yourself what qualities make for a great Baitcaster Combo.
What Makes the Best Baitcaster Combo
A baitcaster is a reel with a revolving spool positioned on top of a casting rod, while a spinning reels’ spool stays underneath a spinning rod. To put it simply, a baitcaster is defined structurally. But a baitcasters build is not the only difference from it and spinning reels, and you will find the opposing aspects are not arbitrary when a baitcaster is put to good use.
A baitcaster is all about accuracy. Unlike a typical spinning reel, a baitcaster requires you thumb the spool as you cast, and the cast itself is sharp and tends to be directed by your accuracy. If you want the line to go to X location, a baitcaster will take you there.
These reels are versatile, allowing for casting lures of many shapes and sizes. The utility of a baitcaster is based on freedom of control. To elaborate, if the angler are experienced, and know how to manipulate your line and your path to your casting target, the baitcaster allows for you to call the shots.
Now that a general overview has been done, let’s dive into what properties of current baitcaster combos on the market give you the best bang for your buck. On top of that, we’ll go over the basic parts of a baitcaster and which are top priority.
1. Frames
Frames tend to be made of aluminum, graphite, and other composite materials. When you’re buying yourself a baitcaster, pay attention to the frame material. There are two categorical differences between aluminum and graphite frames:
- Graphite is less expensive to manufacture and lighter. Yet, is not as durable as Aluminum.
- Aluminum can take more damage and will support it being the frame for much longer than Graphite.
2. Ball Bearings
The primary role of ball bearings is to reduce friction. Because of this, those bearings that are properly “shielded”, or protected, will last longer. When searching for the proper baitcaster to buy, and you encounter ball bearings, look for those listed as “shielded” or “sealed”. These will keep the roller from being damaged or anything that moves within the reel.
3. Spools
Your best baitcasting spools are going to be made of high quality aluminum. Much like most of the attributes in this section, what makes for a proper part is the material.
When glossing over spools, make sure to buy a reel with a Forged spool – thus allowing for a stronger spool – and ideally one with drilled holes. These drillings will cause a spool to operate smoothly and quickly.
4. Handle
Handles can be tricky. Base your hand on your handles if you’re unsure what to buy. Any handle with soft rubber, that is medium in size, will likely suit you fine.
5. Line Guides
The best line guides are made of transition metals like titanium or other strong metals. Search for your line guides based on durable materials as with the rest of the items in this section.
Now, let’s talk about the Best Baitcast Combos on the market. These are going to be reels that come with the parts listed in the section above titled “what makes the best baitcaster”. Along with the ideal parts, these baitcasters are organized to be affordable and effective for your game. With all of that said, let’s get to it.
1. Lew’s Fishing Laser MG Baitcast Combo
The Lew’s Fishing Laser MG is a great example of a well-made Baitcaster. The 8 ball bearing system is double shielded stainless steel – a good sign if you want to keep a baitcasters smoothness.
The spool is drilled, forged aluminum, which takes its strength even further. The drag system is sound graphite, plus there’s a reliable Zirconia line guide to boot. On top of all this the Laser MG comes with a removable side plate and features a sleek and lightweight build.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong Features
Cons
- Graphite frame opposed to aluminum.
2. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Baitcast Combo
The nicest attribute of the Ugly Stik is its ability to match your style. The drag and braking system is fully adjustable – boosted by anti-reverse braking and one-way clutch, which gives you a big leg up.
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite is sensitive, responsive, and wieldy. The body is loaded with graphite, which may take some years off the reel, but the exchange is worth it here, with this lightweight, flexible build.
Pros
- Sensitive enough to spot nibbling.
- Suitable for beginner baitcasters.
- Lightweight.
- The grip tends to get slippery.
3. Berkley Big Game Baitcast Combo
The Berkley Big Game is regarded as one of this year’s best for a few reasons: unlike some of the baitcaster combos on this list, the Berkeley steps out of the category of avid fishing, and gives those occasional anglers an opportunity to use a baitcaster that will last them for many seasons to come.
Provided with 6 ball bearings, including one roller, this reel can still be a smooth operator without boasting too many rollers. The spool is aluminum, light weight, and consequently tough. The Everlast ball system and Slow Oscillation give the Big Game extra durability and security as well.
Pros
- Strong, durable Baitcaster.
- Tough extra support systems.
- Light weight.
Cons
- Limited bearings.
- Insensitive compared to other rods.
4. Zebco ATAC Baitcast Combo
Here is a baitcaster that is affordable and meets the criteria for an excellent combo. The anti-reverse and magnetic cast control increased casting accuracy and prevents stuck line, it is pre-spooled and comes with a resilient/flexible build of aluminum and graphite.
Sometimes it’s useful to have a baitcaster that’s cheap and well made. The number of useful casters out there that choose flash and big labels tend to overlook the guy who’s just looking for an affordable and well-built reel.
Pros
- Prespooled.
- Resilient build.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Traditional aspects.
- Lacks advanced gear ratios.
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5. Abu Garcia REVO SX Reel
Abu Garcia is a great reel manufacturer. The nice thing about Garcia’s, are their tendencies to be well-rounded, agile rods. The Revo SX is no exception. This baitcaster gives an angler the chance to try out many techniques thanks to the multiple switches in gear ratios.
Friction is also substantially removed due to the SX’s D2 Duragear and clutch and hard coated pinion and pawl. On top of this, the magnetic brake system, and 9+1 ball bearing makes this baitcaster super smooth.
Pros
- Agile.
- Multi-purposed.
- Smooth casting.
Cons
- Not the most durable.
6. Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reels
There are plenty of baitcasters out there with traditional casting systems. Unlike those, the Daiwa Tatula has introduced the T-Wing casting system, an almost automated mid-cast approach, which gives your cast a smoothness and control that is sorely lacked in other competition.
To explain, the T-Wing is a solution to inefficient outcast structures. The shape is a T aperture, which reduces friction on your line and increases smoothness and control on your cast.
But that’s the main course, there are still other attributes that make this a great baitcaster combo. It also includes a carbon drag stack, solid casting-brakes, and several gears.
Pros
- T-Wing casting system makes casting much easier.
- Accuracy.
- Smoothness.
Cons
- Learning curve.
7. Shimano Chronarch MGL 150
The Shimano Chronarch MGL 150 is reliable and tough. The composite carbon frame ensures you’ll be using the MGL for a while – also this gives the reel a certain flexibility and lightness that shouldn’t be overlooked. The spool is Magnumlite, which gives you a lot more control of casting, while also saving your energy, and improving casting efficiency.
Between the 4 internal brakes and the SVS infinity braking system, this caster puts a lot of emphasis on its casting. This is an important signifier of a well manufactured baitcaster, as one of the defining of qualities of reels like these are their casting ability, and the control they provide.
Pros
- Flexible/Lightweight build.
- SVS infinity braking system.
- High degree of control.
Cons
- Recommended to higher experienced anglers.
8. Team Lew’s MB Speed Spool Casting Reel
The MB Speed tends to upset competition. The MB is both lightweight yet casts with impressive strength. The body itself is forged aluminum, drilled, with an anodized aluminum spool and Duralumin gears – a composition of alloys, aluminum, copper, and other metals – all in all making for a strong baitcaster.
On top of this, there are 4 gear ratios to choose from, keeping up a tradition of adjustable baitcasting for anglers that want surprise in their game.
Pros
- Very durable.
- Light yet long lasting.
- Adjustable.
Cons
- Bulky, sometimes uncomfortable handles
Conclusion
Baitcasters are defined by all shapes and sizes. But what makes a truly great baitcaster is honest manufacturing, durable material, and the kind of versatility that separates highly controlled fishing from simple recreation.
To that end, if you’re still unsure what makes for the best baitcaster, do your research and think personally about your style of fishing. There’s a chance you might want to stick with spinning reels a bit longer. But if not, give these combos a try and good luck on the water!
All credit for this incredible list goes to The Outdoor Time. https://theoutdoortime.com/best-baitcaster-combo/
