$100+ Spinning Reels 2024
TiNuts reply :
So I went to my local Bass Pro Shops today to play with some rods and such to get ready for the upcoming sale. I had the guy get me a Revo sx spinning reel out of the glass case as I've been looking to get a spinning reel. I must say it was very nice. Now my question is, besides it being smooth, what makes a spinning reel worth $160 (or more than $100)? I played with several sub-$100 reels and there were a couple that I would say were almost as smooth, one of which I probably wouldn't be able to notice the difference between it and the Sx. This particular reel was around $70. The other one was $60. They both weigh approximately the same as the Revo.
I'm no pro, and I'm having trouble swallowing more than $100 for a spinning reel.
Darren. reply :
No pro either, not a tournament guy. I spent considerable time comparing reels at BPS a few years back when I settled on the Shimano Stradic 1000FI (2 of them).
I tried a number of different ones out of the box because sometimes the display models have been touched and dropped and messed up. Anyhow, I liked Shimano the best at the time (obviously). The Stradic sold me on the general feel. Very subjective, but it just felt better. Most of the reels I tried in that price range felt better than their less expensive counterparts - Shimano or otherwise.
You're talking a step up in quality of parts used, sometimes even where the reel is assembled, which can make a difference.
Do I have $60 reels that could do the work my $160 reels do? Yes...but there was something about the Stradics that sold me.
If I were looking today, I'd be looking at the new Daiwa Lexa spinning reel, closer to the $100 mark. I've got the Lexa casting reel and have been blown away by the quality for the dollar spent.
Greenstealth reply :
I honestly can't answer the question. I started off with a spinning setup and now I avoid it like the plague. I don't throw small stuff often, I primarily throw a t rig, cranks, topwater and spinnerbaits. I don't see a advantage going to spinning gear for that. I did come close to buying a stradic ci4.
Capt.Bob reply :
spend the money on the better reel. It will stay that way for years of use, where the cheaper reels will loose their wow factor very quick as the less expensive parts and greater tolerances show up quicker! The other thing is why do so many come and go, when reels like the Stradic and Sustain keep improving, the older models are still performing and holding the resale value, the cheaper ones wont do either!
TiNuts reply :
Thanks guys. I think I will buy a more expensive reel. I do like to buy things only once. Plus I'd like it to last long enough to give to my boys when the time comes.
So I plan on using this reel for dropshotting/finesse fishing. What's the better size to go with 20/2500 or 30/3500? It will go on a 7'ish med fast rod (unless up suggest something else).
Rangerphil reply :
2500! Even the 1000 size will work for dropshoting.
JellyMan reply :
I'll say it a million times. You get what you pay for. It's worth it in the end. The Revo spinning reel is a great reel! If you think about it, a hundo really isn't that much for what you are getting. I spend a hundo every month in BPS when I am fishing a lot for tackle, lures, line, hooks, ect.
Capt.Bob reply :
I agree with the 1000 for finesse setups, I would preffer the 2000 over the 3000 Stradic because the 3000 has that huge "T" handle, the 2000 has the smaller "T", mush more comfortable. I have a 6'3 MXF Legend Elite with a 1000 Stradic FJ that is killer but would love to have it on 6'10" MXF Legend Elite. my setup weighs 10.2 oz. and I can feel them when they start moving towards it!! 
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't buy reels based on my budget, I can buy pretty much whatever I want. The smallest fish I target are LMB, not one of the more formidable fish to land. I've been using 3 supremes for the last several years, each reel is like the day I took them out of the box, not that I'm recommending any brand but I don't feel freshwater fishing demands the quality of a more expensive reel. I have many spinning reels priced well over $100 and there is a place for them. Salt air, saltwater, sand and considerably larger and harder fighting fish can play havoc on your gear. That said, 2 of my favorite sw reels are sub $100, a medalist and an arbor, both used for barracuda which is one tough hombre, reels are as good as the day I bought them, very smooth and they another site. Of the 4 S brands that I own, 2 have gone down several times and IMO very over rated and overpriced, probably not buy one again. I'm stating to think so many better options out there now.
0119 reply :
Im all for lightness that $ buys. I agree with Snook and find certain brands over rated. The peeve I have with todays reels are they are built to self destruct eventually. None of them have a finish that resists much and I keep mine bagged in shimano neoprene bags when they're not in my hands!! I dont think a $100 buys you much reel these days. The Revo is newly designed, not proven. Stradic is true precision quality but sensitive to multi species use. The Lexa has alot of techno bling that is impressive and at a great price for what you get. As far as size, its really about the spool diameter. 1000 = small spool, more coils in your line and more wind knots for a casual user. 2500 = somewhat better line management. 3000 = just a deeper higher capacity spool.
Jig Man reply :
I have several spinning reels in sizes from 1000 to 2500. In your price range is the Symmetry. I have several of them some of them are close to 15 years old and have seen countless hours.
jerzeeD reply :
On 2/16/2013 at 4:45 PM, SirSnookalot said:I don't buy reels based on my budget, I can buy pretty much whatever I want. The smallest fish I target are LMB, not one of the more formidable fish to land. I've been using 3 supremes for the last several years, each reel is like the day I took them out of the box, not that I'm recommending any brand but I don't feel freshwater fishing demands the quality of a more expensive reel. I have many spinning reels priced well over $100 and there is a place for them. Salt air, saltwater, sand and considerably larger and harder fighting fish can play havoc on your gear. That said, 2 of my favorite sw reels are sub $100, a medalist and an arbor, both used for barracuda which is one tough hombre, reels are as good as the day I bought them, very smooth and they another site. Of the 4 S brands that I own, 2 have gone down several times and IMO very over rated and overpriced, probably not buy one again. I'm stating to think so many better options out there now.
I have 2 medalists myself. A 30 and 35 size
Both of them are tough as nails and refuse to die. I am considering dropping one off the empire states building next time I am in NYC....I am convinced it would survive!
roadwarrior reply :
Smooth, strong, silent and reliant.
The final product is a combination of design, engineering, machining, components and quality control.
Most reels feel great right out of the box, but it's performance over time that counts. I began fishing the
Stradic series when it was introduced in the 1990s. Over the years I have given all my reels to friends
who are still fishing them.
What impresses me even more is constant improvements. If you visit the Shimano website specifications
for every model are listed. I'm not an engineer and I don't really know what most of these features mean.
I do know that the finished reel has been built on a foundation that has produced great fishing equipment
for decades. Their reputation for top quality freshwater gear is only exceeded by their reputation among
saltwater fishermen.
0119 reply :
Was that Roadwarrior or Largemouth Gambler? I cant tell them apart. I gotta wonder if Bantam gives you guys commissions.
Constant improvements, constant model change in other words. Then a year or two later when the wonder reel does need a part, they dont have them anymore and you have to buy their "improvement".
00 mod reply :
On 6/6/2012 at 6:21 AM, Capt.Bob said:Ive had nothing but excellent results with their service, I had 4 instances where I told them what was wrong or broken and had the parts to fix it within a week, NO CHARGE! I have never sent my reels in to them, just told em what I needed and thats it, they just told me we will get it right out to you and ask if there was anything else?? oh ye and all were 3 to 6 years old, but all there top shelf reels also? Good luck when it comes back I'm sure it will be no charge and fixed rite!
On 6/6/2012 at 9:41 PM, J Francho said:My experience with them is limited to ordering parts. Most of the time, unless they are very expensive parts, they send them under good faith warranty. These are old reels, and that they stand by them speaks volumes to me. In fact just last Friday, I ordered a new worm drive and pawl to replace on a VERY well used Calcutta. No charge.
Now, as far as sending reels in for repair....I have to assume they probably do have a back log of a few weeks. Heck, I have a backlog of up to 4 weeks in the winter for cleanings.
Just curious, what happened to the spool?
On 2/16/2013 at 10:37 PM, 119 said:Was that Roadwarrior or Largemouth Gambler? I cant tell them apart. I gotta wonder if Bantam gives you guys commissions.
Constant improvements, constant model change in other words. Then a year or two later when the wonder reel does need a part, they dont have them anymore and you have to buy their "improvement".
Oh boy, here we go again. This point has been proven over and over here. And it seems you have been involved in ALL of those arguments. The last time was June of last year, see above posts, and those were your responses then. Seems the same responses will pop up again at your same remarks.
Hope you got your chrome plastic cover and your bail arm assembly. Not picking at you, but just trying not to beat a dead horse again. 
Jeff
0119 reply :
Yup, I will forever blow the anti shimano horn
00 mod reply :
And that is fine. It is certainly your right, but your point about not being able to get replacement parts, should be mute, as only you have had these problems. BTW, did you receive your 2 parts?
Jeff
SirSnookalot reply :
On 2/16/2013 at 11:34 PM, 00 mod said:And that is fine. It is certainly your right, but your point about not being able to get replacement parts, should be mute, as only you have had these problems. BTW, did you receive your 2 parts?
Jeff
Not exactly true, a year or two ago one of my stradic fi's needed a bail arm bearing, initially I ordered the part. Several weeks pass and no delivery, and I give them a call, I was told there was no record of the order, I was then told that the part was out of stock and on had been on back order from around Nov until Feb or March.
0119 reply :
The CI4 4000 I gave away before the part became available. The CI4 2500 is yet awaiting the bail arm assembly that oddly is available to my local shop but not to me. Its that shimano treats it wholesale customer differently than its retail customer difference. So thats near 2 years now. The eartquake still I guess.
Amazing, double naught mod, how much interest you took into me to research years of my posts. Im flattered for the attention. While we live in a freecountry, this site is certainly only a free place to its owner(s), as it should be. Otherwise why would it be such a sounding board for shimano and so unlawful to ever criticize it.
00 mod reply :
I'm not getting into a ticking match with you. Actually I looked up the past threads with the "Shimano doesn't have replacement parts" I was going to direct you to the search function to point out that the point is mute, but it seemed you had been involved in ALL of those threads anyways. No researching on you at all.
Criticize Shimano all you want; To each there own, but do not bash me for liking them. I am one of many who like Shimano here. You are one of many who do not. Not a big deal. I actually own other reels. It is not the end of the world to me.
This discussion will end here.
Hope you have a great weekend of fishing, and hope mine is just as well.
Jeff
0119 reply :
I didnt mean to be offensive or demeaning to the authority of the moderators. I apologize.
My apology's to the O.P. too for hi jacking the thread.
TiNuts reply :
On 2/16/2013 at 1:37 PM, JellyMan said:I'll say it a million times. You get what you pay for. It's worth it in the end. The Revo spinning reel is a great reel! If you think about it, a hundo really isn't that much for what you are getting. I spend a hundo every month in BPS when I am fishing a lot for tackle, lures, line, hooks, ect.
This is where my question comes in. I can see/feel a difference in baitcasters as the price changes all day. I'm failing to see much difference in spinning reels, on average, as the price increases. So I wonder, if I were to drop $150 on a spinning reel, am I really getting a $150 reel? Even if I am getting a $150 reel (for whatever makes it a $150 reel), is it really worth the extra $75-100, is a little extra smoothness really worth an extra $100?
TiNuts reply :
On 2/17/2013 at 2:44 AM, 119 said:I didnt mean to be offensive or demeaning to the authority of the moderators. I apologize.
My apology's to the O.P. too for hi jacking the thread.
No worries. I can see that Shimano vs the world on this site is very similar to Apple vs the world on tech sites. lol.
roadwarrior reply :
It is for me, but that's almost entirely subjective. Why do some guys drive a Lexus when a Camry will get
them from A to B just as efficiently? The Camry is a GREAT automobile and has been the most popular
passenger car for years. You can buy 4 or 5 Camry ($22k-$30k) for the price of 1 Lexus LS 600h ($120,000).
Another thing that I think is crazy is getting so tied up in the cost of fishing gear that is measured in $10, $20
and $100 increments. The same guy buys a $25k truck with another several thousand dollars worth of add-ons.
I like moon roofs and sun roofs, but is a hole in the ceiling really "worth" $2000?
Capt.Bob reply :
On 2/16/2013 at 4:45 PM, SirSnookalot said:I don't buy reels based on my budget, I can buy pretty much whatever I want. The smallest fish I target are LMB, not one of the more formidable fish to land. I've been using 3 supremes for the last several years, each reel is like the day I took them out of the box, not that I'm recommending any brand but I don't feel freshwater fishing demands the quality of a more expensive reel. I have many spinning reels priced well over $100 and there is a place for them. Salt air, saltwater, sand and considerably larger and harder fighting fish can play havoc on your gear. That said, 2 of my favorite sw reels are sub $100, a medalist and an arbor, both used for barracuda which is one tough hombre, reels are as good as the day I bought them, very smooth and they another site. Of the 4 S brands that I own, 2 have gone down several times and IMO very over rated and overpriced, probably not buy one again. I'm stating to think so many better options out there now.
Using a reel that holds 150 to 250 yards of 20# braid and comparing it to a reel that holds 100 yards of 6# braid is senseless as the OP is not talking about this size reel for Cuda!! 
Kinda like what is the difference if you chase Cuda with a reel that uses 150 or more yards of 20# test Braid, or chasing Bass and large Walleye with a reel and rod that weighs less than your reel alone, and holds less than 120 yards of 6# braid!! 
As far as holding up to saltwater and fish that put Jacks and Cuda's to shame. I would ask myself "who can pretty much buy anything" he wants, I would ask myself why Jose Wejebe was so successful and why he used only Shimano's, and I assure you he could have afforded anything he wanted to fish with, and was one of the top Saltwater Fisherman in the world, along with many many other Pro's!! Larry Dahlberg for example, also no chump!!
On 2/17/2013 at 12:33 AM, SirSnookalot said:Not exactly true, a year or two ago one of my stradic fi's needed a bail arm bearing, initially I ordered the part. Several weeks pass and no delivery, and I give them a call, I was told there was no record of the order, I was then told that the part was out of stock and on had been on back order from around Nov until Feb or March.
Yes Exactly! you just said it was available, for some reason you didn't make it clear enough what you wanted, or maybe the way you came across to the rep is why you didn't get your order, but as you yourself said, It is an available part, how dare them have it on back order????? But that does mean YES IT IS STILL AVAILABLE and will be in the future!! 
On 2/17/2013 at 1:37 AM, 119 said:The CI4 4000 I gave away before the part became available. The CI4 2500 is yet awaiting the bail arm assembly that oddly is available to my local shop but not to me. Its that shimano treats it wholesale customer differently than its retail customer difference. So thats near 2 years now. The eartquake still I guess.
Amazing, double naught mod, how much interest you took into me to research years of my posts. Im flattered for the attention. While we live in a freecountry, this site is certainly only a free place to its owner(s), as it should be. Otherwise why would it be such a sounding board for shimano and so unlawful to ever criticize it.
Shimano should have never had a reel selling so fast when it was introduced, that way they could have had the shelves fully stocked with spare parts before you ordered it, but it was a hot seller and one of many models they couldn't build quick enough at the time. Like you said in so many round about words, YES the part was is and will be available!! But sometimes we have to understand, when they are making the most demanded products out there, it takes time once in a while to keep everything available without stopping production of other parts and products!! When you are Using the most demanded reels available a new model, with the highest demand at the time, you may have a time now or then where you have to be patient for a particular item?? I am not saying this last senario about you, but it does happen, a lot to do with getting your part quickly comes with how you speak to the reps, when you order it. May be why some always have trouble and some never do??????? 
Just sayin!
Capt.Bob reply :
On 2/17/2013 at 3:11 AM, TiNuts said:No worries. I can see that Shimano vs the world on this site is very similar to Apple vs the world on tech sites. lol.
You can go to any fishing sight and you will find the same thing, Shimano is the most sold worldwide followed very closely by Diawa, they are the kings worldwide. It might be wiser to ask why, but then most won't listen to the answer to that anyway.
I am not only a Shimano man, I have in the last couple years changed my preferance for LP baitcasters to Lew's, If I wanted to buy a better Low Profile reel from Shimano I could, but I am a cheap A$$ and for the same quality of a 200 buck Lew's would have to spend double that, so I use the Lew's-------for now------- as I will bet money the number one reel manufacturer in the world already knows they made a mistake, and the next model Curado they introduce will be a BIG step forward instead of backwards, time will tell.
But regardless it isn't just the most popular on this sight, it is almost everywhere!! I owned and operated a Charter service on Lake Erie out of a Marina the had over 400 Charters operating out of their Home port, and I can assure you well over 1/2 of them were supplying their customers with Shimanos, and it wasn't because Shimano was giving them away, we used what was the most reliable for the money!
0119 reply :
The reel had been out 2 years when I needed the part. Its amazing how much effort and emotion we, me included, throw about in defense or attack of a company on a distant shore. Wouldnt it be grand to have a homegrown reel manufacturer we could get so worked up about.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 2/17/2013 at 5:45 AM, 119 said:The reel had been out 2 years when I needed the part. Its amazing how much effort and emotion we, me included, throw about in defense or attack of a company on a distant shore. Wouldnt it be grand to have a homegrown reel manufacturer we could get so worked up about.
I would never get worked up over any company, I think enthused is the word for it, and yes it would!!
As for being on back order, I have that all the time anything from terminal tackle to car parts, I just had to wait over a month on O'Shaughnessy jig hooks, and over a week on a 2006 Pontiac catalytic converter! S--- Happens, part a life, but not worth getting worked up over!! I won't sell my jig mold , and at 36 to 40 mpg I am going to keep my G6 also.
iabass8 reply :
My flux capacitor has been on back order since 1985 but I'm still hopeful.
TiNuts reply :
On 2/17/2013 at 12:55 PM, iabass8 said:My flux capacitor has been on back order since 1985 but I'm still hopeful.
I got one sitting in my garage. I just haven't been able to find any plutonium since the Cold War ended.
kickerfish1 reply :
On 2/17/2013 at 3:11 AM, TiNuts said:This is where my question comes in. I can see/feel a difference in baitcasters as the price changes all day. I'm failing to see much difference in spinning reels, on average, as the price increases. So I wonder, if I were to drop $150 on a spinning reel, am I really getting a $150 reel? Even if I am getting a $150 reel (for whatever makes it a $150 reel), is it really worth the extra $75-100, is a little extra smoothness really worth an extra $100?
That is for you to decide if it is "worth it". I know the quantum reels I have owned never lasted past a season of use before feeling rough and needing work done. Over the last 5 years I have fished primarily shimano reels. Price points being $60 up to the stradic ci4 at $200. The differences are weight, pounds of drag, water sealed drags, quality of bearings used, gearing systems, the actual material used to construct the reel, etc. Generally the biggest thing higher end spinning reels have going for them is features and life span when put through tough days on the water. While the cheaper reels may feel smooth during year one that often fades over time as the parts simply aren't constructed as well.
SirSnookalot reply :
QuoteAs far as holding up to saltwater and fish that put Jacks and Cuda's to shame. I would ask myself "who can pretty much buy anything" he wants, I would ask myself why Jose Wejebe was so successful and why he used only Shimano's, and I assure you he could have afforded anything he wanted to fish with, and was one of the top Saltwater Fisherman in the world, along with many many other Pro's!! Larry Dahlberg for example, also no chump!!
Both Jose Wejebe ( RIP) and Larry Dahlberg are sponsored by Shimano and only using the most top of the line rods and reels, and is it out of pocket money for them? KVD does not use Shimano and at present is the most notable bass fisherman alive.
It's true in many cases, but not always, that a slightly larger reel is used, that being a 4000 compared to a 2000. The reason is simple, more line capacity if we need it, better line management due to a larger spool and I like the balance on the rods better. As we are setting our drags based on our line the size of the reel isn't all that relevant. My two cuda outfits are a 5000 arbor about 12 oz with about 100 yds or so of 14# mono, and cabo 30 that holds about 110 yds of 20# braid, certainly not big reels. I know a lot of people liken a muskie to a barracuda, catch a 40" + then give me a report, you just may reevaluate your thoughts. And just how many of those 30# muskies does a person catch a year using a 300 calcutta and 80# braid, probably not too many.
I do realize perch and walleye are very formidable species, having lived in Michigan for nearly 60 years, I've caught my share and boy did they beat the crap out of me, I can't wait to go back and catch a 15" perch, maybe a charter for some of those bulldogs, I can see where I might need a Sustain and a NRX.
I'm not saying Shimano is a bad reel, but in the sub $200 price range they don't seem to stand up as well as some other brands, Penn is the predominate brand down here. Would I buy a Shimano for perch or bass, sure I would as long as it was less than $100, if I spent more, I'd go in for a psychological evaluation.
iabass8 reply :
Ill get the deloreanOn 2/17/2013 at 2:35 PM, TiNuts said:I got one sitting in my garage. I just haven't been able to find any plutonium since the Cold War ended.
0119 reply :
Yeah no shimanos on my coast either. Mostly paintless Quantum Boca's and squeaky Penns dusted with a liberal dose of walmarts cheapest Shakesphere combos with steel leaders!
TiNuts reply :
On 2/17/2013 at 10:27 PM, iabass8 said:Ill get the delorean
Awesome! It's been awhile since i've been to the future.
Sherlock 60 reply :
On 2/16/2013 at 8:31 PM, Jig Man said:I have several spinning reels in sizes from 1000 to 2500. In your price range is the Symmetry. I have several of them some of them are close to 15 years old and have seen countless hours.
I have 3 Symetre reels (1000, 2500 and 4000) that have served me very well and the newest is 8 years old. For $99 they are fine reels that will serve you well for a long time, so for your price point they would be an excellent buy.
Used to have a fourth Symetre, which was my favorite, but it wound up at the bottom of a river when a canoe capsized, never to be seen again.
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