Best Spinning Reel for under $100 2024
Lard_Bass reply :
This is following up on the BC thread. I have been looking for a spinning reel to go with my new St. Croix Avids (AS66MF and AS68MXF). I have a Daiwa Laguna 2500 that I enjoy and plan on pairing up with one of the rods. I have been looking at a Shimano Stradic/Symetre/Sahara/Sedona, Pfleuger President/Supreme, and Daiwa Tierra/Exceler/Capricorn/Theory.
I am looking for good value and would spend slightly over $100 for the right reel. I am partial to either Shimano or Daiwa. I was at Gander Mt. yesterday and thought the Stradic was very "silky" smooth. However, I thought the Daiwa Theory was smoother than the Shimano Symetre.
What is everyone's views and recommedations?
Jake. reply :
Stradic. I don't own one, but I've used my buddy's several times. It's a great reel.
dodgeguy reply :
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_94739_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2
it's a no brainer.
Gatorbassman reply :
Do a search on ebay for Okuma Inspira IS20. It is the best spinning reel I've used and you can't beat the price for the quality you get in return.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Okuma-INSPIRA-20-Front-Drag-Spinning-Reel-IS20-IS-20_W0QQitemZ160155131870QQihZ006QQcategoryZ36147QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
5bass reply :
Pflueger Supreme 8035MG....extremely light and the drag system is silky smooth.
Lard_Bass reply :
Dodgeguy & FBL, thanks for the heads up on the Supreme. I have been reading on Tackletour that some posters have complained about a slight stiff retrieve and max drag is inferior. Have you guys noticed any of those issues?
joshmb1999 reply :
I have the same avid you have (AS66MF) and I put a stradic 2500FH on it and LOVE IT. I would go with the stradic. I was wrestling with the same decision you are right now and then I found the stradic on sale at dick sporting goods for $99 - that made my decision easier for me.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the reels that you mentioned - they are all good reels but from experience with the stradic I would recommend it.
Good luck.
5bass reply :
QuoteDodgeguy & FBL, thanks for the heads up on the Supreme. I have been reading on Tackletour that some posters have complained about a slight stiff retrieve and max drag is inferior. Have you guys noticed any of those issues?
No. I currently have 4 of the Supreme reels. (3-8035MG's and 1-8030MG). I have not had any issues with any of the 4 I own.
In fact, I caught 2 stripers that were right in between 8# & 10# each 2 weekends ago on one of the 8035's that is spooled with 8# and the drag held up just fine.....it stayed consistently smooth thru both battles. Both fish were landed.
Lard_Bass reply :
Are the 8035's comparable to a 2500 size for bass fishing?
dodgeguy reply :
slightly bigger.i think 2500 is to small especially if you use flouro.bigger spool means less line problems.i've never had a stiff pflueger.also,how much drag do these guys want on a spinning reel with 8-10 pound line?i've never had a drag issue.
Micro reply :
If you are willing to spend slightly over $100, I recommend the Abu Garcia 802 or 804. These reels are build like tanks - all alumiumn bodies, rotors and sideplates, large use of brass and stainless steel, dual bearings under the spool elimiates spool wobble when under drag pressure, overbuilt bails, etc. Thase reels are extremely smooth and have super tough black crinkle finishes. No shiny bling, either. Suited for fresh or salt water. Even the spare forged aluminum spool is as nice as the one that comes on it.
I have 2 802s and 1 804. I caught several striped bass on my 804 and it works, and looks, like brand new. Best spinning reels out there right now IMO.
Lard_Bass reply :
Quotealso,how much drag do these guys want on a spinning reel with 8-10 pound line?i've never had a drag issue.
On Tackle Tour, I read that 20 lb braid was being used and the drag topped out at around 4-5 lbs. Not an issue for me since I usually use #6 Yozuri Hybrid Ultrasoft.
guest reply :
OOPPSSSS I thought you said under $100! My favorite Spinning reel comes at 60 bucks the Pflueger President .
PS This area has long been very Pflueger loyal, but I have been noticing a lot of those Okuma rods and reels are starting to show up on a lot of my friends boats. I am sticking with Pflueger, because I always wind up cpoming back to them anyway, but I am starting to hear good things from some of my friends about those Okuma Products.
Sorry I don't have any fancy pictures of reels OVER 100 bucks and taken apart for you
Micro reply :
"I am looking for good value and would spend slightly over $100 for the right reel." 
And don't worry about not having a picture of any other reel disassembled. That all pretty much look alike. Well except that the other reel wouldn't have as much stainless steel, or stacked ball bears, or brass, or over-built bail, or.... 
roadwarrior reply :
Hey!
Where's the posse?
Did you guys miss this thread or just getting tired of repeating the same ole' thing? Okay, this "might" have been mentioned before, but here goes:
Among Shimano enthusiasts, the only argument at this general pricing point is whether the Symetre or Stradic is the "best value". To save some money, the "old" Stradic is on sale for around $80, about the same as a Symetre. (The new Stradic is totally redesigned and around $160). These reels are what I consider the "Best Spinning Reel for Under $100".
Lard_Bass reply :
To the Pflueger loyalists, why get a Supreme (or any Magnesium reel for that matter) if doesn't help balance your rod (see this thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196007965)?
QuoteTo save some money, the "old" Stradic is on sale for around $80, about the same as a Symetre. (The new Stradic is totally redesigned and around $160). These reels are what I consider the "Best Spinning Reel for Under $100".
Where have you seen it for $80? That's a deal. I have seen it on clearance at Dick's, Gander, BPS, and Cabelas for $99. This may be a question for another thread but how is it that Shimano typically has less ball bearings than other manufacturers?
roadwarrior reply :
Delo's a week or two ago, but they are all sold. Here is the next best deal:
Shimano Symetre 1500 for $74.99.
http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanosymetrefi.html
fishfordollars reply :
Okuma Inspira IS 20 or the Pflueger Supreme 8035 MG
Ghetto_Basser reply :
Stradic all the way
Fish Man reply :
the only two i use,,,abu garcia cardinal and the shimano sahara
dodgeguy reply :
QuoteTo the Pflueger loyalists, why get a Supreme (or any Magnesium reel for that matter) if doesn't help balance your rod (see this thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196007965)?QuoteTo save some money, the "old" Stradic is on sale for around $80, about the same as a Symetre. (The new Stradic is totally redesigned and around $160). These reels are what I consider the "Best Spinning Reel for Under $100".Where have you seen it for $80? That's a deal. I have seen it on clearance at Dick's, Gander, BPS, and Cabelas for $99. This may be a question for another thread but how is it that Shimano typically has less ball bearings than other manufacturers?
most spinning rods are more in balance than baitcasting imho.a lighter reel will make the whole combo lighter.if your balance point is the exact center of the reel like i like mine to be then reel weight will have nothing to do with balance.
Grug reply :
I will chime in here as I have been buying/returning/selling all the reel models you have mentioned and there is only 1 model IMHO that is truely smooth and well worth more than you pay for it:
Shimano Symetre hands down..
Supreme stinks, not smooth and you feel the gears on retrieving vibrating baits like spinnerbaits.. Stradic is nice but Symetre is smoother. All the other Daiwa models (I just returned a Tierra to get a Symetre) are not smooth like the Symetre...
Spent alot of money and time to learn this over the last year and a half, but plain and simple, get a Symetre (1500 or 2500, no difference but the spool) and never have to look again.
Have fun shopping, I did...
5bass reply :
QuoteSupreme stinks, not smooth and you feel the gears on retrieving vibrating baits like spinnerbaits..
I've not had ANY trouble from any of the Supremes I own. I have no complaints with them at all....but then again, I throw all of the big baits (spinnerbaits, crankbaits, traps) with casting reels. Spinning reels are not real workhorses when it comes to heavy baits anyway, thats why they make casting reels.
Lard_Bass reply :
QuoteSupreme stinks, not smooth and you feel the gears on retrieving vibrating baits like spinnerbaits.. Stradic is nice but Symetre is smoother.
Interesting. When I looked at the Symetre, I could feel the gears. Not as silky as the stradic. It could've been just the one I was looking at. I will look at another one. Thanks.
Grug reply :
guest reply :
I don't know about the Supremes, but I do know Five Bass Limit and I am a Pflueger user, happily and without issues for a while now. I would tend to listen to FBL insight here, because I know and trust it.
Roadwarrior gave me a Shimano Stradic, while we were fishing Lake Fork. It seemed no better or worse than my Pflueger Presidents. I have been using Pflueger for a long time and I am not likely to switch and I don't see RW runmning out and buying a Pflueger Product anytme soon. To each his own
What baffles me is the amount of stuff people seem to find wrong with Pflueger Products. From my experience and the experience of many around me I would have to think that Pflueger Products ships different reels to the PA and NY areas because a lot of my frineds and myself put these reels through seasons of a lot of use without mostly user caused problems developing
Grug reply :
Interesting, tried a President last year and quite disappointed as well. Not smooth at all IMHO..Daiwa's really disappointed me over the last 2 years .All these reels are perfectly good performers BTW, I just prefer not to feel my reel while fishing in cold water, rather feel the light take of a big bass..
I must be a very, very picky shopper...but then again thats the fun of experimenting and finding what works for you...
guest reply :
I fished 102 days this last year. Some from the shore, a lot from my boat. Granted some of those outings were only a couple of hours long. All of my fishing was done with President Spinning Reels and 2 Trion Baitcasters. I also use 2 BPS Pro Qualifiers, which I just upgraded to Trions. My fishing Partner Bruce uses Trion Spinning reels and my Friend Danny uses only Preidents on the Susquehana. Total issue for me I just sent my reels to be cleaned and lubed to Pflueger, Danny and Bruce already have theirs done. There are many other fellas that fish here, some Shimano guys and a growing market here for Okuma seems to be growing.
As for gears No issues None,Nada of the Pflueger reels Avid uses Diawa and many here use Shimano with the same satisfaction. There are many quality reels and they all work weel under long hard seasons use. I really use my stuff hard as do many around me it just perplexes me how some experiences can be so different. If I din't see and expeience it first hand, there would be no questions
Grug reply :
QuoteThere are many quality reels and they all work weel under long hard seasons use. I really use my stuff hard as do many around me it just perplexes me how some experiences can be so different. If I din't see and expeience it first hand, there would be no questions
Absolutely agree! All these reels will work and work a long time with simple maintenance..no doubt..I too find it amazing what we all think is best..I would pass on all the Shimano models except the Symetre, so what is it about one model for me vs. the others when the differences are so slight? Who knows, my .02 for what its worth...
guest reply :
10-4 . Check your PM
Lard_Bass reply :
QuoteAbsolutely agree! All these reels will work and work a long time with simple maintenance..no doubt..I too find it amazing what we all think is best..I would pass on all the Shimano models except the Symetre, so what is it about one model for me vs. the others when the differences are so slight? Who knows, my .02 for what its worth...
For what it's worth Grug, the guy I usually talk to about gear at Gander Mt was telling me he sold about 75 Symetres in the past year and not one of them has come back with either service issues or dissatisfaction. He said that everyone really likes them. But for $20 more, he thought the Stradic was way worth it.
Grey Wolf reply :
The best spinning reel for under 100.00 ? You really meant to say " your most favorite spinning reel for under 100.00."
Opinions are like butt-holes , everyone has got one.
guest reply :
QuoteThe best spinning reel for under 100.00 ? You really meant to say " your most favorite spinning reel for under 100.00."Opinions are like butt-holes , everyone has got one.
You are so right BassBrat ;D
Bass_Akwards reply :
QuotePflueger Supreme 8035MG....extremely light and the drag system is silky smooth.
I fish a lot of slop, and I'm going to start fishing with braid next year a ton. Can I fish this reel with 20pd-30pd braid, and still make smooth, long casts from shore?
If not, what reel is best for this?
T
dodgeguy reply :
if you fish slop learn how to baitcast imho.it can be done with spinning but that is not what spinning is for.
jb_adams reply :
QuoteQuoteThe best spinning reel for under 100.00 ? You really meant to say " your most favorite spinning reel for under 100.00."Opinions are like butt-holes , everyone has got one.
You are so right BassBrat ;D
Yep, Muddy and others talked me into buying a Pfleuger President over the Stradic. I'm not sorry I did either. My budget was $50 because I had a $50 giftcard at Amazon.com. I wanted to stay as close to the $50 as possible to preven the wife from nagging at me about buying more reels. I got the President with shipping for under $60.
Recently, I picked up a President and a Stradic in the store. I agree with others that the President feels slightly smoother than the Stradic. I like the looks of the President better than the Stradic personally. Looks doesn't get the job done though in my opinion. I think there is truth in reputation and getting what you pay for so I'm sure the Shimano Stradic is a great reel. I personally am very happy with my President. I too have it on a St. Croix Avid rod. Except mine is a 7'-6" big ole worm rod with an extra fast tip. I can feel perch nipping at plastics and it feels like a small bass. That rod setup is so sensitive, I'd compare it to a GLoomis anyday! I love it!
As far as which is best for $100, well that debate will continue to go on and on. For $50, I can say that the President is the best reel for the price in my opinion. I compared it to other Shimano reels within that price range and I'd take the President every day....all day for the $50 price range.
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