New Baitcaster

Question
Im planning on buying another baitcaster and i do not want to spend more than $80, im on a tight budget.  I have narrowed it down to 3 reels...Bass Pro Shops Prolite Finesse, Pflueger Purist, and Daiwa Procaster 6+1 Series bait casters. Im leaning toward the Prolite Finesse. I was wanting to know if you or someone you know has had any experiences with or used any of these reels. Good? Bad?

Also, another quick question....I have 14 lb test on one of my other baitcasters and was wondering how much this will effect the depth of my crankbaits. About how many feet will be neglected on crankbaits running 2-3feet? 3-5? 6-9 and above?    I would think that it would effect the deeper cranks more than the shallow ones.  On the new baitcaster i get i will more than likely put 12lb on it, will there be any significant depth concerns with my crankbaits on this line? Thanks for the help.

Answer
I do not have experience with the reels mentioned, however, if you are looking for a good budget reel take a look at the Garcia 1003.  I have one of these, and it has performed very well.  While cheaper, it has all the features and performance of the more expensive models.

You line selection is good.  For crankbaits I use anywhere from 10 to 14 pound tests, with 10 being on my primary rig, especially the one for deep crankbaits.  My shallower lures, such as a Norman Quarterback have been used on a rig with 14 pound test.  I use shallow crankbaits a lot on stump fields, especially in the backwaters of the Mississippi River.

With today's new lines you can go with the 14 pound test, and still have a diameter of what used to be for 6 or 8 pound test.  Just check the diameters.

By the way, if you would like to find a place where anglers my have had some experience with the reels you mentioned, stop by www.bassinusa.com, and post a message to the pro staff.  This is free.  I am one of the members of that staff.

Hope some of this has helped.

Best of fishing,
Dan