Best freshwater bass spinning reel around $150? 2025
Baz. reply :
I'm currently looking for a new spinning reel to pair with my St. Croix 7' Premier MF rod. Trying to keep it from going to far above the $150 range. The few ive been looking at so far are the Abu Garcia Revo SX, Shimano Stradic FK, and Pflueger Supreme XT. If have any experience with these id appreciate some advice. Or if recommend something else.
Will be used mostly for finesse rig set ups, drop shots, small crank baits, typically on bass.
PS: ill say in advance i cant justify the ci4 price.
Thanks!
Scott F reply :
Quantum Smoke.
Baz. reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 6:35 AM, Scott F said:Quantum Smoke.
thanks for the reply. Seems interesting and i've heard people talk about them. Any experience with any of the ones listed to be able to compare?
Scott F reply :
I can't compare them to any of the ones you've listed. Quantum's are the only spinning reels I've used in many, many years. I found reels I liked and never saw a reason to change.
craww reply :
Daiwa BG can be had for nearly half that if u shop around. Just my opinion, but no other manufacturers make a reel under $150 that will touch it.
optimator reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 8:22 AM, craww said:Daiwa BG can be had for nearly half that if u shop around. Just my opinion, but no other manufacturers make a reel under $150 that will touch it.
I got a BG 2500 yesterday. I haven't fished it yet but man it's smooth. It's replacing my old Sahara.
waymont reply :
I use Pflueger supreme xt size 30, got them on eBay for around $115 ea and Shimano Stradic FK on Ebay for $125. I’d recommend both.
Hulkster reply :
I would spend a tiny bit more and get a Stradic FK. I have the 3000 size and its awesome.
Armtx77 reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 8:22 AM, craww said:Daiwa BG can be had for nearly half that if u shop around. Just my opinion, but no other manufacturers make a reel under $150 that will touch it.
Just got another 1500 in the mail today.
Stephen B reply :
Daiwa Fuego LT, Shimano Nasci are among my favorite around $100
Daiwa Tatula LT, Shimano Stradic FK, Shimano Stradic CI4 are among my favorite around $200
Pkfish49 reply :
Take my advice with a grain of salt, as I've only Bass fished one season and my PB is < 3 LBS, but with that in mind, my favorite reel so far is the Abu Garcia Orra S20. I don't remember what I paid for it, but Abu Garcia sells it directly for $69.95. I like this better than my pricier Penn Battle II, which is a little under $85.00 these days.
The Abu's retrieval and drag system is very smooth and comfortable to use.
Baz. reply :
Appreciate all the comments!
I've had experience with bg3000, have multiple friends with them and im a fan. That being said i am curious to what else is out there for comparison and experience sake.
Did some research to figure out some prices.
Shimano Stradic FK: $165
Shimano Stradic Ci4: $220 (too much for me to justify sadly, one sexy reel)
Daiwa Tatula LT: $175
Abu Garcia Revo SX: $140
Does anyone here have any experience with the revo sx? I've been reading some pretty good things about them but in somewhat limited amount.
Leaning towards the Stradic FK or the Revo SX.
EDIT: Also noticed that the revo STX is available for $160
Angry John reply :
The daiwa caldia 2506 might be right in your ball park. Its a great reel but JDM. Get into the dark side early....
https://www.ebay.com/p/Daiwa-14-CALDIA-2004-Fishing-Spinning-Reel-From-Japan/1530473585?iid=272659558709
or make an offer of 150 on this one
https://www.ebay.com/p/Daiwa-11-CALDIA-2506h-Spinning-Reel-High-Speed-Gear-F-s-From-Japan-585/1840332476?iid=162485843826
Chowderhead reply :
A lot of really good suggestions for you to consider. If you catch the eBay sales just right, you can catch a deal. Just bought a NIB Shimano Stradic ci4+ for $159.00 on the last sale.
Baz. reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 10:44 AM, Chowderhead said:A lot of really good suggestions for you to consider. If you catch the eBay sales just right, you can catch a deal. Just bought a NIB Shimano Stradic ci4+ for $159.00 on the last sale.
impressive! Yea, made a thread to make it easier... ended up doubling my options...
Angry John reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 10:55 AM, Baz. said:impressive! Yea, made a thread to make it easier... ended up doubling my options...
Pick the one you really want and then spend the next two months hunting down the best deal.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 10:55 AM, Baz. said:impressive! Yea, made a thread to make it easier... ended up doubling my options...
Not to burst your bubble..............but that is what happens on every thread that asks for input on reels (or rods). 
Lots of good stuff out there today and with thousands of people on this site you are going to get more options than you can shake a stick at.
Sorry, but I can't help you with any of those reels. The closest I have is a President XT and an older Stradic MgFB. Of the 4 you listed I would love to try the Tatula LT.
burrows reply :
Diawa tatula LT/ diawa fuego LT
look no further.
Baz. reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 2:53 PM, Burros said:Diawa tatula LT/ diawa fuego LT
look no further.
I like that.
looks like tatula lt will end up being my reel. Now to look for the right price...
desmobob reply :
Check out Tackle Advisor's new spinning reel tear-down and review. It's looking like there might be a new value champ out there...
The review claims there are lots of excellent choices and gives only one reel the "golden turd" award.
Tight lines,
Bob
Baz. reply :
On 4/11/2018 at 9:15 PM, desmobob said:Check out Tackle Advisor's new spinning reel tear-down and review. It's looking like there might be a new value champ out there...
The review claims there are lots of excellent choices and gives only one reel the "golden turd" award.
Tight lines,
Bob
Literally was watching a tackle advisor video as i got the alert that you said that. Never hit send on this though. Talking about the new ocean bg? sounds like a bit of overkill for what im fishing. May pick up before next inshore trip.
I found a new in box Tatula LT 3000 for $150 so decided to just go for it. Will share my thoughts on it after ive used it for a couple months.
desmobob reply :
On 4/12/2018 at 1:33 AM, Baz. said:Literally was watching a tackle advisor video as i got the alert that you said that. Never hit send on this though. Talking about the new ocean bg? sounds like a bit of overkill for what im fishing. May pick up before next inshore trip.
I found a new in box Tatula LT 3000 for $150 so decided to just go for it. Will share my thoughts on it after ive used it for a couple months.
The new Tatula LT looks like a best-buy spinning reel in its price range, at least according to the teardown/review. I'll be looking forward to your impressions.
Tight lines,
Bob
grub_man reply :
I'm not sure that there is a 'best' reel for any category or price range. We all have our preferences, but I must be way too utilitarian with my spinning reels. All I want is a smooth drag, a smooth retrieve, and instant anti-reverse (pretty standard these days), in that order. That can generally be found in the $60 - $80 range for me. My next spinning rod will sport an old Shimano Sahara 2500 or an old baby blue colored Abu Garcia Cardinal 30 blister pack reel wrapped onto the grip.
So, my answer is buy a couple reels in the $60 - $80 range, doesn't matter which brand, Shimano, Abu Garcia, Quantum, etc. and you'll likely be quite happy.
desmobob reply :
On 4/12/2018 at 2:32 AM, grub_man said:I'm not sure that there is a 'best' reel for any category or price range. We all have our preferences, but I must be way too utilitarian with my spinning reels. All I want is a smooth drag, a smooth retrieve, and instant anti-reverse (pretty standard these days), in that order. That can generally be found in the $60 - $80 range for me.
You can find all those features you need in that price range, for sure. But do you want pot metal, aluminum or large or small drive gears --cast or machined-- for your money? Do you want high-wear parts to be plastic or metal? Do you want effective water sealing? And so on...
In the same price range, some reels are better than others and, usually, one is better than all the others, at least for particular applications; a "best buy." If I'm going to spend my money on a reel, I want to get one that offers the best quality for that money. I think Tackle Advisor's tear-down comparison reviews are invaluable for finding out exactly what kind of quality you're getting for your money, not just what features.
Tight lines,
Bob
PatrickKnight reply :
As someone who owns a Stradic FK, has owned a Ci4+ FB, and fished the Tatula LT. Go with the Daiwa!
roadwarrior reply :
burrows reply :
I’m all shimano and I have the new Stradic ci4 but I must say diawa has the better spinning reels I will not buy another shimano spinning reel I just feel diawa has got down on their spinning reels. Shimano still rains king on baitcasters i don’t care what anyone says!
Baz. reply :
Figured i'd give an update. After about a month (12+) days on water I'm in love with this reel... Took a little more breaking in than usual but i am shocked how smooth this reel is now that it has. Im serious. my goodness. Using 15 lb Daiwa Jx8 braid the enjoyment of the smoothness will arguably be better than your wedding night's bedroom festives.
and even more impressive.... the weight.. have a 3000 size on a 7' St. Croix Premier and ooooooooof. I mean it when i say everytime i pick it up im still surprised by how light this thing is. My arm getting tired really isn't even a thing when using this rod.
And that drag..... ... .... i find myself tugging on the line for no reason often just to feel that butter.
Yea i'm in love. If your in need of a new spinning reel just go and get one and see what i'm talking about. I'm sure ill be getting another one soon enough.
Thanks for all the help guys.
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