baitcasters...

[swoffa]

I'm after a new small baitcast outfit for fishing for bass. This is not really my field as I usually fish threadlines, so I need some advice on a few reels I have my eye on, as I'm sure some of the tackle rats here have them already.

Daiwa Alphas 103L
Daiwa Millioraire CV-Z105L
Daiwa Cronos 150L
Daiwa Liberto Pixy

I'm looking to fish 8-10lb braid. Also, I've gone way overboard with my spending lately so I'm trying to get good value for money with this purchase...

Thanks in advance. :D

[chris_lemess]

Dude I just sold a Millionaire CVX 105L that would have been perfect.

Go the Millionaire. In Shimano I'd also look at the Scorpion and smaller 'Cuttas. Personally I prefer drum over low profile.

For the record, my Cardiff 200 has been absolutely raped by tuna and the likes, and has never faulted. I think the drag structures in the drums seem to hold up better...

[keith]

Swoff

I havent used any of those reels they are a bit new for me. I am a firm ABU fan still in those smaller reels with a 1500 and 2500 still being my favorites. I had many years faithful use out of a Shimano BSS 2000ULS too but sold it and have seen a couple of gun QLD bass fishos still rave about them after so many years.

Keith

[bream miagi]

go the cv-z105
or calcutta te50gt wich in my opinion is a better reel i do play with baitcasters a fair bit and in these smaller sizes they are the bomb

[swoffa]

Thanks guys.:D

Chris, I wish you posted it for sale here...

Keith, I have a few Abu's and like them, but I want something with a bit more "finesse".

bream magi, I haven't even considered a shimano... more options to consider...

[Strewth]

Swoffa

I have the Mill CVX-103 (with black gigas spool and external brake adjustment plate), the TDS-103H (Jap model also with gigas spool), and a new Shimano Antares AR (Jap model). I have also fished with the new Alphas.

The Antares is a top reel. Can cast 4g lures with no drama, has a great drag, sits low on the rod mount, and is the smoothest (by far). All the Daiwas have the advantage of the external brake adjustment (a plus in windy conditions), have good drags, and cast well. They are just not as smooth as the Antares. The Alphas is a great size, is very light, and can also throw the light stuff. Nowhere near as smooth as the Antares though. Note that the orange TD Sol availabe here is the "export" version of the Alphas. The Pixy cannot be used in salt.

Strewth

[swoffa]

Thanks for the detailed reply. :D

My mate has an Antares, I'll have a play with it this week.

At the moment the Alphas is in front, it's cheap and looks cool. :p

[Strewth]

Make sure it is the Antares AR, as this is the smallest of the Antares family. The other Japanese Antares reels are the same size as the Calais. The "export" version of the Antares AR is sold in the US as the Calais 100A. I'm not sure if the Calais 100A is available here yet, but I don't think so.

A review of the Alphas is at http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdiawaalphas.html

Strewth

[swoffa]

Thanks mate, interesting reading. :D

[troy-the-boy]

I have a tdx daiwa and a cardiff 200 if you r interested Swoffa the only problem is I am in Vic. Both are as new only used a couple of times. The TDX is on a Cr 724 Loomis GL 2 would make an ideal bass outfit.
Troy H

[swoffa]

Thanks mate, but I'm after left hand wind reels.

[DaiwaFreak]

Hey,

I would reccomend the Shimano Scorpion, I am also looking to buy one and i have played around with it at Compleat Angler and it is smooth as silk. Luckily for you, the reel also comes in Left Hand Retrive (Shimano Scorpion 1001).

Cheers

DaiwaFreak