BPS Carbonlite Reel

[Big Al]

First time out yesterday and used my Carbonlite reel. I can honestly say I'm impressed. I've read all good reviews on this reel and decided to try one. The reel casts as nice as my Alphas. The dual braking system can really be dialed in. I was throwing a 1/4 spinnerbait when a 2 1/2 lb largie hit. The drag was very smooth as this fish peeled some line. Just wanted to post my experience with this reel. I hope the reliability is there.

[Buck2thPerch]

I don't own one but used one of my buddy's. Its really nice and great value. BPS has good quality reels for a good price. Not anywhere near the quality of Zillions or Curado's/Chronarchs but comparable to Shimano's Citica and Diawa's TD-A HSTA.

[Bassboss]

I've heard they're the same thing as a Pro Qualifier only lighter.. can anyone confirm?

[Buck2thPerch]

I've heard they're the same thing as a Pro Qualifier only lighter.. can anyone confirm?

I am 95% sure they are the same reel. The Carbonlite is what you would call the suped up version of the Proqualifier. These reels are very similar (looks and design) to that of the Abu Revo Line of reels.

[21farms]

I've heard they're the same thing as a Pro Qualifier only lighter.. can anyone confirm?

i have both and believe they are basically the same except that the carbonlite substitutes duralumin on the gears and driveshaft (instead of brass) and duralumin for the spool (instead of machined aluminum). that and a different handle, obviously.

[breezy]

I have used one since last season and have been very impressed with it also. If I was purchasing another reel in that price range I would choose the Carbonlite over a Citica or Revo S. I've owned all 3 but sold the Citica, really the only reason I keep the Revo is because of sentimental value. IMO you get a lot more for your money compared to other offerings in that price range. The only question is long term durability but so far mine is holding up fine.

[Jason Penn]

I've got 1 Carbonlite and 3 of the Pro Qualifier Tournamnents and am as happy with them as I have been any other reels I have owned. They are very comfortable to palm, they're light weight, and very smooth. One of the things I like about them most is there is no play in them like the Fuegos I used to have when engaging the reels.

I'm going to get another Carbonlite in the next few months and change it to 5:1. The only Daiwa reel I'm still using is a 5:1 Fuego, and that should replace it.

[capt1fish]

I own three Carbonlite reels. The dual brakes make them my preferred casting reel for cranks. I bought them while on sale for $99. At that price, if they last 3 or 4 years I'll be satisfied.

My biggest gripe is the color. I'm not a fan but I deal with it. It (sadly) matches really well with my Flex Lite and I've had them on my DX rods too.

I too found it a good reel for the money. Lots of value for performance, light weight and casting distance.

[Jason Penn]

I own three Carbonlite reels. The dual brakes make them my preferred casting reel for cranks. I bought them while on sale for $99. At that price, if they last 3 or 4 years I'll be satisfied.

My biggest gripe is the color. I'm not a fan but I deal with it. It (sadly) matches really well with my Flex Lite and I've had them on my DX rods too.

I too found it a good reel for the money. Lots of value for performance, light weight and casting distance.

It does actually look pretty good on the FlexLites The frame matches up well with the AirBeam seat on the SVF Steez rods also.

I had a couple of Steez 103HA's and a 100HA when I got the Carbonlite. The Steez always seemed a little "worked" when using them for cranks and bigger spinnerbaits, although I loved them for pitching jigs & plastics. The Carbonlite seemed to (to me) handle moving baits better.

[Reeltor]

I own both the Carbonlite and the Pro qualifier, can't stand the color of the Carbonlite so I switched out every single part thats lighter on the Carbonlite to the Pro. Now I love the Pro qualifier as light as the Carbonlite use to be which I guess is now the Carbon Heavy Will probably never use the Carbonlite now

[taylor5877]

you could have just gotten the PQ tournament...it's the same reel as the Carbonlite, minus the handle.

Cheaper too...

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-P ... 5/-1673056

[21farms]

you could have just gotten the PQ tournament...it's the same reel as the Carbonlite, minus the handle.

you're forgetting the carbonlite's use of duralumin (a harder aluminum alloy) for the drilled spool and crankshaft versus aluminum for both in the PQT and brass for the crankshaft in the PQ.

also, when a reel employs a one-piece aluminum frame, the manufacturer almost always touts the fact. the description for the PQT says nothing about a one-piece aluminum frame.

[Jason Penn]

you could have just gotten the PQ tournament...it's the same reel as the Carbonlite, minus the handle.

you're forgetting the carbonlite's use of duralumin (a harder aluminum alloy) for the drilled spool and crankshaft versus aluminum for both in the PQT and brass for the crankshaft in the PQ.

also, when a reel employs a one-piece aluminum frame, the manufacturer almost always touts the fact. the description for the PQT says nothing about a one-piece aluminum frame.

The PQT has an aluminum frame, says so on the box. I couldn't tell you if there is a difference in the crankshaft in the CL & PQT, they both look the same to me. There's really not that much difference in the CL & PQT. The CL spool is drilled more, the cast control clicks, you get the different handle, and the drag star and cast control are more of a smokey chrome vs the brushed aluminum of the PQT/PQ.