finschasers69 Loc: taylor co. w.v.

looking to buy a good baitcasting reel under hundred bucks is it that important to have 8 or more bearings to a baitcast reel ? whats wrong with a 3 or 4 bearing reel ?

JustRight Loc: Hernando, FL

At the risk of sounding mundane, would say alot depends on what type fishing you do. Example: if you predominantly troll or even meke short casts, or are strictly a part-time recreational fisherman, nothing is wrong with a brand name reel for under a C-note. However if your fishing is at a serious level, you would appreciate the smoothness and long-cast abilities you could develop with a higher value product. Since you may be new to baitcasters, you might want to try out different models from fishing friends, or perhaps stopby a reputable tackle shop, like BassPro or Cabelas to get a better ‘feel’ for them. Honestly, i have some less expensive reels that I rely on, and I have some higher dollar rigs that dont necessarily excite me to use. But, I learned on an old Pflueger knuckle buster chunking 1/2 ounce weights into the Miami River in the early fifties, last century; thought I’d gone to heaven when I coud finally afford. ABU 5000C with a genuine push button spool release, which I still use today, despite fishing buddies laughing at my antique reel. So, long tale short, if you can spend the extra cash, buy a Shimano Curado; if you want a good reel for less cash outlay, buy what you can afford in the Garcia or Daiwa line. One other point to consider is what you prefer in size of reel. Some of the low profile reels feel dainty in my hands. Lew’s speed spool if still available is one of those types, but they are strong and very efficient. My son works magic with his, but my thumb is too fat to comfortably manipulate the spool. Hope some of this helps you. I do suggest you do a hands on purchase rather than simply buy from a catalog. Let us all know what you decide on. We’re interested.

JustRight Loc: Hernando, FL

To more directly answer your question: IMO its not that important to have 8+ bearings vs 4. Mostly depends on the build qualiity of the total reel and those bearings. To overstate: say you blow the budget on a 9-10 bearing highly advertised reel, then dont necessarily give it the love, maintenance, and care it deserves; you wont be happy very long with it. Conversely, you can purchase a good reel for less, take care of it, and you’ll still be happy with it 50 years from now. Don’t know if you’re married; but this all goes the same when selecting a bride.😁🚣‍♀️

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Nuff said! RJS

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

Justright nailed it......if u take care of wife she'll let u buy expensive gear!!

Fishon Fishon Loc: Baton Rouge Louisiana

I say the more bearings the better and you don’t have to break the bank to do it check out the fishdrops reel on google under $50.00 has two braking systems great drag and casts a country mile I have 6 of them great for the price try one out and see good luck and Fishon Fishon!!!!

Mister twister Loc: Foxworth,Ms.

For about $120.00 you can get an ambassadeur 4600c that fits well in your hand and will last for several years. It’s a good reel with backbone. The trilene XL 12 lb works for me,that’s just me though. There’s lots of good reels on the market.

CamT Loc: La Porte, Texas

I have an Abu 4600 that 35+ years old and still my favorite

GlennMc928 Loc: Tualatin OR

The more bearings in a reel the better it feels on the cast but besides the better and smoother casting you are not really getting much out of it but Shimano loves you. The problem with buying a low count bearing reel today is that the reel quality you get is cheap quality and poor life in the long run so the reel makers almost make it so that you have to buy the high priced reel just to get a long lasting reel.