Best Spinning Reel for $200 in 2024 | BG MQ VS Stradic FM VS Ballist MQ LT

In this video, we discuss some reels in the $200 price point and compare three great options.

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[puttric]

I have a BG MQ that I use for yellowtail and it is flawless. Get drag and power and super smooth. I had Stradics over the years and broke everyone and no longer even have one. The BG MQ worth a try.

[SALTxTHExWOUND]

Just bought 2 stradic FM’s (2500 & 3000) from you guys and absolutely love them! Super smooth and light.
The shop is amazing btw, I’ll definitely be back 💯

[ryanhelou]

I prefer shimano simply because i can service them myself. Plus they have a worm gear for better line lay

[traviswonder]

Obviously this guy is a local and hasn't been around. In Canada, Shimano spinning reels have been king of the hill for freshwater fishing for 30+ years.

[darrenarnett]

I’ve been fishing Shimano exclusively for 25 years. They’ve always been solid choices. Since then, I’ve moved to Florida where I’ve mostly been fishing inshore saltwater flats and the last two Stradics I bought are having issues. The newest one is seized up right after the one year mark (one year warranty) and the Stradic I bought about two years ago had a broken drag clicker. However, it is still functioning. For the first time I’m looking as replacing them with Daiwa.
Note- I do rinse and maintain my feels. All my reels look brand new.

[Whitehalo]

I just got a bass pro catalog in the mail I was so excited. Nostalgia trip

[CurtCatchemFishing]

… often imitated never duplicated 😎 great video boys. See y’all when that Twin Power FE comes!

[outdoorssmith]

They need to make the drag sound really loud, that way when you get a fish on everyone around you knows and gets jealous lol

[philipfalco]

Great video! I still have the original Aero Stradic 2000. It's pearl white with a wooden handle and a aluminum spool and came with a spare. I've caught thousands of Bass on it. My P.B. 12.5 LB. Largemouth and believe it or not, a 140Lb. Tarpon (After a 3 hour fight). Now it's collecting dust because it weights 9.7oz. I have a few 18' Tatula's and 2 Stradic FL in the 1000 and 2500 sizes and just love my Stradics. I don't feel the need to get the FM. My FL''s are perfectly smooth with NO handle play.

[TroyCote]

I have an 89 wood handled Stradic. It was called the Aero back then. I broke my wooden single handle and replaced it with a Double handle Spirex! Still smooth like butter but the Anti Reverse gave out.

[butterytoast]

I switched to Shimano back when the Stradic ci4+ launched in 2016. I now own a Stradic FL and ci4+, Vanford, and a Sahara. Along the way I picked up a Daiwa BG and Ballistic LT. In my experience, Shimano makes better reels. The BG has been great but my Ballistic LT was a bit of a disappointment. Not as smooth as any of the Shimano reels and I’ve had the bail snap shut when casting multiple times. I’ve wanted to try out an MQ reel from Daiwa but seeing as it’s hard to service one yourself is a bit of a turn off. Daiwa doesn’t sell an MQ side plate tool and doesn’t sell magseal oil. You’d have to buy non authentic tools and oil from eBay. Not to mention how expensive the non authentic stuff is. Hopefully they begin to sell or include an MQ side plate tool with their reels and sell the magseal oil.

[TTangOutdoors]

The air bail on the Ballistic MQ might appear bigger but it's a hollowed bail, where the BG MQ has a solid bail. I wouldn't say the Air Bail is heavier. I feel you on the BG MQ being very solid, I fished the 3000 size BG MQ for a year and definitely love the big gear in a solid aluminum MQ housing. Love the content, you seem to know your stuff compare to a lot of other reel talkers on YouTube. Subscribed!

[vrunz]

I owned a stradic FC 4000.This was my most loved stradic ever.

[Swfl-fishin]

I got a daiwa bg MQ 4k for about a year and caught a 30 no problem

[tebuanrentung]

Shimano is owesome quality.. i use shimano biomaster 25 years play salt water now still smooth...no problem...💪💪💪

[Mustang_Dan]

I still run my Stradic FJ from around 2014 lol. I used it a lot for 2-3 seasons then stopped fishing for years till this year (2024). So it’s still pretty fresh. But I chose a Stradic due to getting an overwhelming majority of recommendations for it over anything else.

[rottenrottie]

Shimano stradic FH first year made was 2001, so it's 22 to 23 years old.I bought my first one in 2002 and still have it in excellent condition.

[ThomasShue]

The new Tatula MQ for $199 is the best I have owned… yes I like it better than my Stradic

[InshorePursuitFL]

Out of the top of my head the Ballistic has a larger looking bail but it’s called the air bail and it’s actually lighter than the smaller diameter bail in the BG.

[williamnewton]

Stradic FM is top notch hands down. Versatile reel with incredible smooth action but with torque power for a rather light reel. Big Bang for your Buck. Won't regret purchasing it if you must.