Would like to know what you think. All thoughts welcome.

[flash_kid]

I bought the BPS pro qualifier and it came with a BPS performance rod.
The reel is nice 8 bearing, mag spool, really smooth. The only thing that bugs me is the bail after you release it and cast its hard to flip back with just the handle. A lot of people seem to have this problem based on the reviews on BPS, but that is the only down side to this reel (i can see myself getting frustrated with the reel already).The rod, 6' 6" MH, i could live without but it was free.
this was on sale for $80 during boxing week.

Right now BPS has the Shimano Sahara paired with the BPS extreme spinning rod for $140.
The Sahara reel i believe has the line propulsion system plus all the other standard shimano features but only has 4 bearings. They are the Anti-rust bearings though.
The BPS extreme rods are great. I own two trigger extreme rods both 6' 6" one Medium and one Medium heavy and they are light and sensitive.

I would like to know what you guys think about the 2 combos and which one you would prefer taking all things into account. such as price, features, quality, brand, and number of bearings.

Thanks,

 

[balapickerel]

speaking of sales thought i'd post this link http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... mpatico.ca

 

[openfire]

Well, you already bought the BPS combo, so are you looking to do an exchange?

 

[flash_kid]

yes i can still return the BPS reel.

 

[openfire]

Well in that case, if it were me, I would return the reel and get something else.

Firstly, number of bearings are not the be-all-end-all. You can get a better reel with a better drag system in a reel that has less bearings. (I've seen some pretty cheap and crappy reels that are loaded with bearings)

As for the BPS reels, I've read bad reviews on them. That bail issue may not be the only issue you run into. I've read less than stellar reviews concerning the drag system on these reels. Mind you, I've never owned one myself, just telling you what I've read.

As far as drag systems go, I myself am partial to Daiwa. Many may not agree, but one of my first expensive reels was the Shimano Stradic way back in the day. It was a solid reel, and I used it for Salmon, Carp and Steelhead. I thought it was top of the line until I bought myself a Daiwa Emblem Z. I was blown away with that reel as the drag system was so smooth, and had superior castability. Since then, I only buy Daiwa when it comes to spinning reels. Just read what people say about their old Daiwa whiskers and Tournament SS reels.

So, if it were me, I would definitely return the reel in favour of a Daiwa.

You said that you could do without the rod... So, I would allocate all of my money to a better reel.

That's my 2 cents. :lol:

Edit to add: That bail issue would drive me nuts. I would definitely return the reel on that basis alone.

 

[frozenfire]

I agree with the above :lol:

 

[flash_kid]

thanks for the advice. much appreciated.

i've just heard that i should be closing the bail by hand instead of using the handle to reduce line twist. is that true?

 

[openfire]

You should be doing whatever is more comfortable for you IMHO.

If you don't mind closing your bail manually, then it can't hurt to do so. Does this practice reduce line twist? I have heard that it can have an effect, but I imagine that the benefit would be marginal at best. Depending on what bait you are fishing, the use of a swivel would have a far greater overall impact on reducing any line twist.

I personally close my bail by turning the handle. That is the way the reel is designed to function. This requires one less action on my part and is therefore more efficient. In some scenarios, I need to start a retrieve right when my lure hits the surface, and closing the bail manually would be a hindrance not to mention a general annoyance.