BAITRUNNER\BAITFEEDER

[ON-THE-CHEW]

I am currently looking around for a bait runner, I am just wonder what everyone recomends, any pros or cons of each model.
Reel Gear Ratio Line Capacity
Okuma Epix 4.5-1 210m/12lb
Okuma Eclipse 4.5-1 370m/12lb
Shimano 6500b 4.2-1 490m/12lb
Shimano BigBtr 4.6-1 600m/12lb
Penn 5600L 4.6-1 240m/15lb
Penn Captiva 5.2-1 225m/16lb
Diawa Grand Wave 4.2-1 410m/14lb
Diawa Sealine 4.9-1 410m/14lb
Diawa Regal 4.9-1 290m/14lb

Most gear ratios are fairly simialar, line capacities are drastically different, but except for the Shimano BigBtr they are all a similar price. Any opinions appreciated <>< <>< <><

[Scott15]

why dont u go for the shimano??

[finding_time]

I've got and ocuma CD-90 and an shimano 6500 i treat them both like sh!T and there both still going strong so take your pick.
Ian

Ps. the CD-90 lays the line better onthe spool

[seaturtle]

I have the shimano baitrunner,okuma eclipse and penn liveliner.
The baitrunner is the smoothest of the lot with a good drag,nice reel to use.Proven reel thats been around long time.
The eclipse isnt a bad reel ,so far its been good,time will tell if its as good as shimano and penn.
The liveliner although not as smooth as the shimano is the best built ,full metal body ,big shaft,strong gearing ,large drag under the spool,the drags very good.Built like the spinfishers,tough and made to last.
You wont go wrong with either the liveliner or the baitrunner,both quality reels,goodluck on your purchase.

[pstar07]

I have a Shimano BTR 3500, 4500, and 6500.... Very happy with them all... Nice and Smooth... Cost $150, $130, & 200

[gogecko]

Shimano has 10 yr guarantee.

[fishomatic]

I think the shimano was the original.
Matt

[Heath]

I have a Shimano 6500 A, 4500A & big baitrunner.

Big baitrunner eats the others alive. All baitrunners get a bit rattley after a while, but he big one is smooth as.
Caught spaniards on it last summer, bloody great it was.

And....... the big baitrunner has a line retrieval rate close to that other reel now discontinued :-X

[budge]

Has anybody else had anything to do with the penn captiva live liners (good and bad exerience) im chansing a baitrunner aswell at the moment but still wanted somtehing multi purpose with a higher gear ratio than the shimano. Tossing up between the captiva and a baitrunner 6500 but i dont think my arms will be up to using the baitrunner for throwing slugs for extended periods of time. Thanks for the advice.

[Jusel]

Have both an Okuma and a Shimano and haven't had any problems with either. I do think the Shimano is slightly better built but that comes at a price.

[Heath]

Budge,

Keep your eye out for the A model & chuck a set of TSS4 gears in it ;)

[budge]

Thanks heath i will have a look around and see what i can find.

[ancienttinnie]

if spinning with a bait runner it is possible to improve the ratio of the shimano btr6500a, cost is about $80 for parts machining and modification and installation. (if you can find someone who knows how it is done.) Have worked on nearly all bait runner style reels, shimano is best and easiest to work on, parts are also easy to get. Have seen okuma's with cuts from line near line rollers. Penn is simple and strong inside, also easy to work on. I have three shimano baitrunners and give them all a hard time and always they rise to the occasion.

[Blackened]

G'day
agreed, go the shimano. I have a 6500 spooled with 8kg platypus pink and i love it. Mad everything form litle bream to small bronzies, big mackeral and some other bust offs on it. Stood up well and gotta love the baitrunner drag.
Dave

[budge]

Yeah i just took a look at the price of the penn, looks like it may be a little cheap and nasty. What are the bait runners like to spin with without changing the gearing, too slow? I think ill stick with the bait runner and get the gears changed, would probably void the warranty though wouldnt it.

[ScottXVII]

I know of a few guys that are spinning with the 6500 and they say that goes pretty well, even though it is a little slow. If the penn that you are taking about is the captiva from penn then i think that you can get a better reel for only a little bit more.

I'd go the shimano with the ten year warranty but that's just me