Sons First Baitcaster

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won’t break the bank.

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I'd define this better.

One thing I learned with my kids is a cheap baitcaster will build frustration. A quality baitcaster will build enjoyment and casting skill.

If you have a good one for yourself, consider upgrading yours and handing down the one you have.

I have a couple of mid range lews that my daughters are learning on and have done well with.

Go to academy and buy a combo you can afford

Classic Pro from Lew's ($60 at Walmart) is my suggestion.
I have several that have lasted four or five years and they're easy to adjust and cast with.

Lew's speed spool is what I learned on. Highly recommend.

I would go with a Daiwa Tatula SV or a Shimano SLX DC. These will help with backlashes. Depending on your location, I might would let one of my SV's go for a decent price.

Thanks. I mostly fish with older (green) shimano curados, but want to get him his own. Would like to stay under $100. located in BR.

Thank you. Luckily he has big hands...will check that out as well as the lewe's

Shimano SLX on a Daiwa Procyon, though another poster here did inform me that the SLX is not meant for saltwater so keep that in mind

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One thing I learned with my kids is a cheap baitcaster will build frustration. A quality baitcaster will build enjoyment and casting skill.

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This.

I decided to try to learn how to use a baitcaster in my 20's and bought a cheap casting combo. Absolutely hated it. Frustrated the crap out of me with constant backlashes and I ended up throwing it away and didn't touch another baitcaster for probably 10+ years.

Then at one of the outdoor / sportsman shows, a Daiwa rep sold me on the Tatula SV's and their braking system that made it very beginner friendly. He was right and it was night and day compared to trying to learn on that $40 combo baitcaster. I use Daiwa Tatula SV's and Daiwa Coastals. Both very good reels and the braking system is forgiving for beginners.