Are you using any Chinese manufactured reels?

[garza7585]

They have an "Exist" clone on one of those sites, don't remember if it was Temu or Aliexpress, but it was 30 bucks, I'm have way tempted to order it and try it. I've spent 30 dollars on worse. I'm more paranoid about spending money on the platforms than anything though, all that stuff looks super sketch.

[Just_Bass]

If I can afford I would buy trusted brand name Shimano/daiwa. If I cannot Walmart reel Abu, or alike would do me better than getting something I don’t know and no warranty whatsoever. You get what you paid still count. I’d rather buy used reel in flemarket. I have some low price reel as disposable when I’m on kayak or as loner like SLX, Exceler LT Fuego LT as well as conquest 100 DC or zillion HD or Ballistic FW.
Another thing that I’m afraid to buy from this big box Chinese online is brand name expensive stuff that sell for a lot cheaper. It might be B grade or rejected stuff from Manufacturers. I’d rather pay more and have it shipped from Japan.

[dennis_rf]

Friend handed me his “just out of curiosity“ buy the other day - the Soloking Acura. I expected hot trash but in the end I was blown away how smooth, non-geary, nothing-weird it performs. Spool is fast, retrieve nothing to complain about. You get a lot for 40 bucks. Just feels like a cheap frame that’s too bulky for a UL reel. No clue how it does under load and over time. He uses it for trout so probably no big change.
Again, 40 bucks. 32 on sale. Ridiculous

[nossuc242]

Friend handed me his “just out of curiosity“ buy the other day - the Soloking Acura. I expected hot trash but in the end I was blown away how smooth, non-geary, nothing-weird it performs. Spool is fast, retrieve nothing to complain about. You get a lot for 40 bucks. Just feels like a cheap frame that’s too bulky for a UL reel. No clue how it does under load and over time. He uses it for trout so probably no big change.
Again, 40 bucks. 32 on sale. Ridiculous

The Soloking Acura is a pretty sweet small reel great for BFS or finesse Bass fishing with the deeper spool. I'll see how it holds up in overtime, but can't beat it for the price.

I bought 100 size reels like Soloking GKA200 and variants like Seasir Commando. I don't like how they sit on the reel seat and palming unformtable with its larger hump. Probably will return it. Reels feel pretty solid feeling and smooth, especially the Commando which has Aluminum gears vs GKA200's brass. The Seasir feels smoother though. If you have bigger hands, it'll probably be good options.

You all should check out the "pricier" CDM rods with Toray 1100G and M40x. Those are rather impressive for the price.

[LowRange]

Avoid plastic frame chinease reels with aluminum gears like the plague. If you do get a chinease reel when get one with an aluminum frame and side plate with brass gears.

[hotdogin]

I'm really curious about the brand Loongze. Their round bfs reel looks like a tank with all that clean machining.

[IlliniDawg01]

Friend handed me his “just out of curiosity“ buy the other day - the Soloking Acura. I expected hot trash but in the end I was blown away how smooth, non-geary, nothing-weird it performs. Spool is fast, retrieve nothing to complain about. You get a lot for 40 bucks. Just feels like a cheap frame that’s too bulky for a UL reel. No clue how it does under load and over time. He uses it for trout so probably no big change.
Again, 40 bucks. 32 on sale. Ridiculous

I've gone down the AliX BFS budget rabbit hole lately as well. I have the Acura HICC50 like you as well as the Kingdom Micro Monster (made by the same OEM with slightly different aesthetics and a full axle spool). Both are shockingly good for under $40 shipped with 2 spools each. Incredibly light, smooth winding, with clickies, audible drag alert, and the ability to cast 2-10g effortlessly. Long term durability could be an issue, but with BFS fishing with light line, rods, and Iures and smaller than average fish, I suspect they will do just fine.

I also splurged for the the non-DC 100 size Loongze all metal CNC Round Reel. It isn't as solid feeling as a BFS Conquest, but it isn't far off, and it is much lighter and the same size. It casts like most Daiwa reels and goes down to 2g no problem. Probably my favorite reel right now. It was not a bargain at like $270 but I am very happy with my purchase.

Loongze has an even smaller 50 size coming out this month supposedly. I think I will try the DC version this time.

For the not as impressive, I just got a Seasir Cast-X in the mail. The spool is nice and light and it looks pretty nice except for the handle, but the refinement isn't there. Feels pretty geary out of the box, but haven't casted it yet. It will likely get stashed in my golf bag if it is usable.

I also have a Seasir M1 ($65 aluminum frame) and Flight Feather Cormorant ($225 magnesium frame) on the way. They are both reportedly very impressive...

[IlliniDawg01]

I'm really curious about the brand Loongze. Their round bfs reel looks like a tank with all that clean machining.

If you are on the fence, I recommend getting it. If you get a RH and a color other than silver and decide it isn't for you, post it for sale here and I'll probably buy it off you.