I am looking for some suggestions from those of you that have high end baitcast reels. I am looking for a minimum of 9 bearings with a 7.0:1 gear ratio. I am looking to spend between $150-250. The ones that I have looked at so far are the Quantum TE, & Johnny Morris Signature Series. I am open to other suggestions though.

Thanks for your help.

there are only a very few reels made in a 7.0:1 ratio, and even fewer have 9+ bearings. If you could settle for a 6.3:1, you would have MANY more choices.

I am aware of that but several still exist on the market.I actually believe that just about every top brand makes one. I only listed the 2 that I have looked at so far. And I don't want to settle for a slower gear ratio. Even more important then the bearings is the gear ratio. And the Quantum is an 11 bearing reel.

The Shimano Calais is the best that I have used with those specs. You should give it a try.

yep, the calais is a sweet reel, but expensive. Keep in mind that 5 bearings is really about all you need in a baitcaster, and anymore wont make the reel more smooth, if its not machined to extreme tolerances.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have decided to keep my cost down and decided to go with the Johnny Morris Signature Series Baitcast Reel. I went and looked at it and it is normally $179 but is onsale online for $134. I was able to get the sale price at the store by taking in a copy of the web page. It actually has 10 bearing but has the 7.0:1 ratio that I was looking for. And I really liked the feel and design of it.

biat casters ar eoverated i think atleast from shor fishing

There are other factors you need to consider...such as casting distance.

Take for instance, Abu Garcia 6500, I can cast over 150 yards with a two ounce weight...it has 6 to 1 or is it 6.3 to 1 retrieve...

Not to say there isn't some nice baitcasters out there but for the money - IMO alot of Shine Shimmer and Glisten - "Show and No Go".
Got to spend 2-3 times what you could get 20+ yrs ago for 40-50 bucks!

Name one product that isn't like that?!!! It's called inflation. Don't get me wrong. I too believe that some reels are over priced. However, next time you are in your local sporting goods store, pick up a 50.00 reel then pick up a 200.00 reel. I guarentee thatyou will be able to tell a difference. Just like anything else, you get what you pay for.