Best spinning reel value 2024

fish-fighting-illini reply :

What do you think is the best spinning reel value for the money? This will mean different things to different people. To some the $500 and its features will be it. For some a $20 throw it away in a year reel is the ticket

What's your opinion?

Long Mike reply :

It depends. Value for money means different things to different people, depending upon a number of factors. There is no ONE answer to your question.

gopherbass reply :

I'll take the position the cheapest reel you can find is the best value when it comes to spinning reels. The marginal return on your investment, in terms of value added, diminishes extremely quickly with spinning reels.

guest reply :

Pflueger Trion for 39 bucks a great value and a great reel

Catt reply :

Shimano Stradic ST2500FH $119.99

Cephkiller reply :

Quote
Shimano Stradic ST2500FH $119.99

WORD

RoLo reply :

Quote
Best Spinning reel value

That's an easy one: Shimano Symetre

If you're looking for the "Best Value" in the Shimano house, my vote goes to Shimano Symetre, hands-down!

I own several of both models, and there's no perceptible difference between the Stradic and the Symetre.

Below is a rundown from a former post I made:

SHIMANO SYMETRE 2500 FI SY2500FI - $80

Max Drag Wgt Line Cap Bearings Inches/Turn Price

15 lbs 9.5 oz 120yds/10 lb 4-BB/1-RB 31 $80

> The Symetre 2500 provides 25% greater drag tension than the Stradic 2500: (15-lb vs. 12-lb)

> The Symetre 2500 weighs 2/10 ounce less than the Stradic 2500: (9.5oz vs. 9.7oz)

> The Symetre has the same number of bearings as the Stradic: (4-BB/1-RB)

> The Symetre costs 33% less than the Stradic ($80 vs. $120)

For comparison, you can buy 6 Symetres to 1 Stella and still have money leftover for a steak dinner 8-)

Roger

Big T reply :

I am with Rolo on this one, Shimano Symtre all the way, except both of mine are 4000 series. One is a 4000 Fh and the other is a 4000Fi that I just purchased.

skillet reply :

I was gonna say Symetre (I own one) but I don't think anyone is gonna come with a better explanation than RoLo has!! If you want a Shimano (and who wouldn't ;D)

As Ever,

Skillet

ww2farmer reply :

I like The Pflueger Presidant........$59. Smooth as silk , tough as nails.

justfishin reply :

Shimano Stradic

Cephkiller reply :

RoLo, you have convinced me to give the Symetre a shot. The next time I purchase a spinning reel I will give it a long hard look. Thanks.

fish-fighting-illini reply :

Sorry, I thought I was pretty clear. I was looking for specific models and their prices. Was just courious on what people thought was a good value. The questionn is to you and what is your opinion. I already stated in the post that it would be different for different people. Some it is high end some middle, some low.

Red reply :

abu garcia cardinal C101... 33 bucks

roadwarrior reply :

Although I have a preference for the Stradic, I think Roger has made a strong case for the Shimano Symetre.

The Stella isn't a consideration on this thread. That's like comparing the machines NASCAR ran yesterday at Talladega to production Dodge, Chevy, Toyoto and Fords. A chasis on four wheels is about all they have in common. The Shimano Stella has no place in the "value" category.

.ghoti. reply :

For the most bang for the buck, I'd go with the the Shimano Symetre, the Quantum Catalyst PT, or the Pflueger President.

switz reply :

RoLo--thanks for the comparison. Do you know how the Symetre stacks up against the Stradic MgFA. Are they worth the extra $??

lubina reply :

Quote

Quote
Best Spinning reel value

That's an easy one: Shimano Symetre

Like he says, better performance than any of my other reels, Energys and Catalyst

guest reply :

I'm with RoLo on this one.

One of the few Shimano reels I own is the Symetre. I didn't want to spend too much money. I was looking for a very light, smooth reel, for catching Jack crevalle in the canal. I shopped around quite a bit (a labor of love) and settled on the symetre 750

This little gem casts like a dream, weighs barely 7 oz's. has handled jacks up to 9 lbs and is an all around pleaure to deal with.

Two things I'm very fussy about in spinning reels.

1. spool oscillation - I do not want to feel the spool going back and forth - wobble is VERBOTTEN!!

2. loose fitting handle grips. - Many of the reels these days dont have screw adjustments so if your grips don't fit properly there isn't a heck of alot you can do.

In both these categories and others the reel is excellent.

It's had one trip to reel mech in the three years I've owned it for clenaing/lube.

Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'

PS> this is a great example of how the "bearing hype" is just that ......hype.

Put the symetre and a less expesive reel boasting 5 to 8 bearings and see which is smoother?

Sorry to keep rambling, but this is also a point many overlook.

All reels of the same make and model are NOT created equally. This is very important. You can get a symetre sight unseen from BPS and get a great reel. But I promise you, if you go to BPS and ask to see ALL the Symetre 2500's they have so you can choose the exact one you want you will be surprised to notice that they will feel slightly different. I never buy an expensive reel without doing this. You would really be surprised how the seemingly slight difference acceptable as "within specs" can be felt by the educated hand.

good luck and have fun

avid

RoLo reply :

Quote
RoLo--thanks for the comparison. Do you know how the Symetre stacks up against the Stradic MgFA. Are they worth the extra $??

Switz, there's no question that the MgFA is superior to a symetre, but of course, this thread centers on "value".

The MgFA is a specialized reel that I wouldn't place in a "best bang for the buck" category.

However, if you're looking for an enticingly lightweight reel that's non-corrosive even with saltwater exposure,

then I'm sure it's worth it

Roger

senile1 reply :

Quote
Shimano Stradic ST2500FH $119.99

I agree with Catt's choice but Rolo has prompted me to want to revisit the Symetre.

preemptive strike reply :

Pflueger President

phase5supply reply :

Pflueger Presidant A+ A Real Value

ksdog reply :

Having owned president's , stradics, symetres, etc. Daiwa Exceller is the best value winner.

logger reply :

Pflueger President, has been a great reel for 2 years for me, and affordable

Lanier Buzz reply :

Quote
Having owned president's , stradics, symetres, etc. Daiwa Exceller is the best value winner.

I've not owned the President, but I certainly have to agree with you on the Exceler. It's a very good reel for the money. I started out with one of them early this year and now I have four of them.

Ranger364 reply :

Shimano Sedona 1500 or 2500 $49.99 reg price.

This is an economic reel for someone on a tight budget.

Smooth as silk.

wickyman reply :

To me, value is in a name. I buy Abu Garcia Cardinal reels, one because they are cheaper, and two because they are easily obtained anywhere! I have one that is about 10 years old, I would say, and it still works like new. You just have to maintain a reel, keep it oiled and clean it after every single use, and make sure you replace things that wear out. I think new, my reel was 25 bucks on sale at a wal-mart. The thing that caught my eye, was the adjusting knob on the bottom of the reel! I think it is an MX series Cardinal also! Worth every penny I spent on it.

shimanogloomis man reply :

personaly u cant go wrong with shimano, i use the stradic, bro uses the symetre my uncle uses the sahara and my cuz uses the sedona either way u cant go wrong and we all beat the heck out of these reels just depends on how much u want yo spend ;D, the only diffence u may feel between them all is smothness but their all made with quialty

bmadd reply :

I'm kind of surprised to see only two posts for Abu Garcia Cardinals. I think they are the best spinning reels for under $50.

norriscraftdanny reply :

okuma v system has 15 bearings for just over 100 bucks

cbfishalot reply :

I would like to say the daiwa sol but it would be the stradic at the price point.

fourbizz reply :

Daiwa Tierra.

Its the reel that the stradic wants to be when it grows up. $119

I.rar reply :

floog president.

mainly because i havnt fished with much of anything else besides store bought combos and i picked up a president combo for less than $60 at sports authority.

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote
okuma v system has 15 bearings for just over 100 bucks

HOW DO ALL THOSE BEARINGS MAKE IT A BETTER REEL ?

auburn bass man reply :

For as long as I can remember I have always fished shimano. Today with a more open mind, I have ventured to pick up a few others at bass pro. The sol, while not "value priced" at bass pro, can be found for much cheaper. However when compared side by side to the Stradic I was reminded again why I have always chosen Shimano. There just wasnt a comparison as the Stradic (to me) seemed far superior. I fondled a lot of the others mentioned...pfhlugers quantums daiwas and many more that were both more expensive and cheaper than the stradic. The stradic as my number one choice, I would then have to say that the saros would be my next. I can honestly say that I had an open mind as I tried to get a feel for them as best I could without actually boating any fish with them. But for value hunters like myself and most people out there, Ive got to know Im making the right choice the first time. For me, that starts with the stradic and saros and continues down the Shimano line.

cart7t reply :

I sold my Penns and got Pflueger Presidents.

Just an absolutely amazing reel for the price.

KYntucky Warmouth reply :

pflueger president hands down. The mitchell advocet is good reel for $20

ArcticCat500 reply :

I've fished with Shimanos for several years and they are very nice, but I test drove a Floog Supreme this summer and Im gong that way.

Muddy reply :

Flooger PRESIDENT

followed closely by the Trions

Matt 825 reply :

Quote
Daiwa Tierra.
Its the reel that the stradic wants to be when it grows up. $119

LOL I had a Daiwa Tierra, after 2 months it died and I returned it and exchanged it for a Stradic.

My vote for overall value would go to the Shimano Symetre. That being said I have strong love for the Stradic.

Bass Dude reply :

I've had three Fleuger Presidents($59.99) and they are awesome. Someone put it perfectly---good value and tough as nails!! If you want an even better one---try the Flueger Supreme $99.99--even tougher and smoother than the President.

Grey Wolf reply :

Quote
I've had three Fleuger Presidents($59.99) and they are awesome. Someone put it perfectly---good value and tough as nails!! If you want an even better one---try the Flueger Supreme $99.99--even tougher and smoother than the President.

X2-------AGREE COMPLETELY

LAO162 reply :

OK, I'll through in the Daiwa Exceler... Admittedly the bail occassionally trips prematurely on the cast and it is sometimes difficult to trip the bail by cranking. My Stradic 2500FH trips on the cast about half as often and is slightly smoother. I trip the bail by hand so it doesn't matter to me (opnly to my Dad who fishes for pumpkin seeds).

The difference to me is that the Exceler's line management is as good or Better than my Stradic FH. More importantly, though, the Exceler provides better casting distance with all other factors being the same. Since I fish from the bank an extra 10 to 20 feet is the difference from falling short of the structure and getting past it. I usually choose the Exceler over the Stradic for this reason.

I could buy 2 Excelers for the price of 1 Stradic FH and almost 3 for the price of 1 Stradic FI. However, I'd still love to try the new FI ;D

Cheers!

roadwarrior reply :

Depending on your pricing point, either the Symetre or Stradic:

"Strong, smooth, silent and reliant."

Muddy reply :

Quote
Depending on your pricing point, either the Symetre or Stradic:
"Strong, smooth, silent and reliant."

You left one out " OVERPRICED"

In all fairness, RW gave me a Stradic , it is a well made reel. I just can't see the difference from my trusted and well used presidents at a lot less money.

ChiCityBasser reply :

For me its the Quantum Catalyst PTI off ebay from Wildwestbargains for $45 and liked it so much I'm getting the New 09 Catalyst PTI-B from BPS for $139.

MitchIsFishin reply :

Doggone it, Muddy, you went and muddied-up (pun duly intended) the whole picture. I have a Symetre 1500, my only shimano & love it. Also have a Trion GX-7 and love it. Shimano's, especially on sale are great. As are Pfluegers.

cbreeze22 reply :

Have two shimano spirex 1000 series that are smooth and great for trout. Both have served me well. Went with two Shimano Symetre 2500RE on M/L Avid and M/L Powell. Symetres feel just a little bit more smoother and picked them up at Cabelas on sale $59. I agree some reels of the same model in the store feel different than others. Maybe after a little use they all break in about the same . Dont know. 8-)

Muddy reply :

Hey Both manufacturers make great reels. I love Flogger but I love bustin RW's stones even more ;D

cbreeze22 reply :

Dang ! I was looking at these posts and checking some specs on my Symetre 2500. Said in my prior post I paid $ 59 for ea . on sale. Just realized I paid $69 for ea marked down from $ 79. Id still by em again and rate them on my good/value list. lol. Now all of you who paid $70 or $80 wont feel so bad when i mispook at $59. ;D

joshmb1999 reply :

threads like this one prove the old sayin "different strokes for different folks". i started buying higher end gear becuase of this forum and i chose the shimano route originally so my first really nice spinning reel was a stradic 2500fh. after i had a couple of those i just had to try a pflueger supreme 8035 becuase some of the folks here kept preaching that they preferred them over the shimanos. well - compared to my stradics i thought the supreme sucked!!! i really loved the way it looked but it just didn't fish great. that is completely just my opinion - i know that the reel doesn't actually suck but i just thought the stradics were sooo much better. smoother and casts better. i actually gave it to my brother in law/fishing partner.

Anyway - thanks for letting me share.

meanmuskie reply :

daiwa exceler and for a little more $$ the tierra imo. 8-)

Loudy reply :

Well i found a Cardinal 302 on Ebay brand new for 25$ the other day.

Quote
Although I have a preference for the Stradic, I think Roger has made a strong case for the Shimano Symetre.
The Stella isn't a consideration on this thread. That's like comparing the machines NASCAR ran yesterday at Talladega to production Dodge, Chevy, Toyoto and Fords. A chasis on four wheels is about all they have in common. The Shimano Stella has no place in the "value" category.

This is probably gonna tick you off road warrior but If you are just gonna put down anglers that can't afford brands like your favorite 700$ combos from shimano why do you even post in this thread. Every post of yours mentions about how good Shimano is and buy a Stella. As you said your post doesn't even have a place in this so called "Value" thread. Try answering the question or give a reply that could help.

Thanks, Envi3d

roadwarrior reply :

Why are you trying to pick a fight on a post that is nearly a year old?

I'm not putting down anyone. The "best value" in the Shimano

line-up is either the Symetre or Stradic. I have made that

statement consistantly over the years. If the question were

"favorite spinning reel" my choice would be the Stella.

Muddy reply :

Road Warrior has always recommended those reels he uses. He even gave me a Stradic to see if I would like it as much as my President. HE ALWAYS TALKS FROM EXPERIENCE and not Opinion,

I have decided to try and stay off these threads, because they always go to some type of chest thumping and wind up counter productive to the person asking

2009 SUGGESTION: Why don't we all answer the question based on experience, try to stay within the budget ( if provided) of the person asking for the suggestion and refrain from bashing each other. I think this would go a long way in clearing this up' Just post our suggestions without commenting on what another guy puts up. Then the person seeking the info will get just that INFORMATION ON A LOT OF REELS and RODS so they have a starting place to make a choice

MitchIsFishin reply :

Excellent suggestion by Muddy. I think you can trust opinions from RW, Fletchero, Marty, Muddy among other old-timers here on equipment. My experience has been with a Symetre 1500, great smooth reel, will last me a long time. I also use a Flooger Trion, and love it. Not quite as smooth, but nice & well built for what it cost. Also have an older Okuma Stratus (a Dick's sporting good special), that's been beaten to death, but won't die. Still as smooth as the Symetre.

Loudy reply :

Quote
Why are you trying to pick a fight on a post that is nearly a year old?

Why not you read it didn't you.

Muddy reply :

AH, he has to read it he's a moderator

roadwarrior reply :

Quote
Why not you read it didn't you.

Huh?

Muddy reply :

Never mind, just read your age , SORRY I WILL NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE AGAIN

roadwarrior reply :

Oops!

I should have looked, too.

envi3d,

Let's move on. Don't repost on this thread.

-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior

Global Moderator

firefightn15 reply :

O.K., before Jim Reeves starts wooing us , one of the spinning reels I've been using is the Daiwa TDA2500. It has been a super reel for me, but never see mention of it. Does anyone use this reel? I feel it would be top contender. :-/

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