Favorite Spinning Reel Under $100 2024

NWI-Bassin' reply :

the title says it all . whats your preferred spinning reel under or around $100. durablity , versatilty,castabliy, features .etc..

Darren. reply :

Under $100 would have to be the Shimano Sahara. Solid reel for $80.

jerkbait joe reply :

Pflueger President.

thehooligan reply :

One more for the sahara

yoyoman reply :

x2 plueger president

Jaiden reply :

Just picked up a sahara. I love it

NWI-Bassin' reply :

I haven't used either , but have played with them at my local bass pro . very solid reels.

Californiafisherman reply :

I have 2 pflueger presidents ..they're nice reels very smooth for the price. The only complaint I would have is that when I go to make a cast the bail doesn't click and prevents me from casting sometimes. This is a problem for both of my reels the 6935, 6930.. Honestly I've been wanting to buy a new reel for my dropshot rod and I was thinking of buying the shimano Sahara.

NWI-Bassin' reply :

what size are you guys using ?

The Next KVD reply :

x4 for the Shimano Sahara. I use the 4000 size for 3 reasons. 1) balances the rod out better, 2) The larger spool helps the line from getting alot of memory especially fluorocarbon, 3) because of #2 I seem to get just a tad more distance on a cast.

NWI-Bassin' reply :

On 2/11/2013 at 11:35 AM, The Next KVD said:
x4 for the Shimano Sahara. I use the 4000 size for 3 reasons. 1) balances the rod out better, 2) The larger spool helps the line from getting alot of memory especially fluorocarbon, 3) because of #2 I seem to get just a tad more distance on a cast.

The 4000 seems pretty big , i usually use 8lb mono. never had a problem . and i get great casting distance from a $35 daiwa .

Crookedneck reply :

Pflueger President

KYntucky Warmouth reply :

Pfleuger President size 30

The Next KVD reply :

On 2/11/2013 at 11:42 AM, NWI-Bassin said:
The 4000 seems pretty big , i usually use 8lb mono. never had a problem . and i get great casting distance from a $35 daiwa .

The smaller sizes handle mono just fine, its when you step up to fluorocarbon or braid that causes issues, atleast for me. If you look at what size reels the guys on the Elite Series have a good percentage of them use the 4000/40 size.

NWI-Bassin' reply :

the sahara is a smooth reel . i'm giving my uncle & dad one for fathers day . i think they feel smoother than the president.

Long Mike reply :

Pfleuger President. You will NOT be disappointed. Shimano makes some very good reels, but in the price range you are speaking of, the President blows everything away.

MCS reply :

Pflueger President or President XT

jerzeeD reply :

Pflueger Supreme MG can be had on sale or on some sites for under 100 bucks...Great reel. Check out the New Pflueger Purist as well. I just picked one up. It may very well turn out to be the best 80 dollar reel on the market.

J Francho reply :

Daiwa Exceler.

ww2farmer reply :

I have been very pleased with my $50 Shimano Sonora 2500's (the orange ones) I bought them to replace, slightly higher priced reels from other brands that just did not hold up. Not only were the Sonora's cheaper, but they have outlasted the "others" as far as usage time goes. In fact they have gotten smoother and better with age, and with ZERO maint.

Darren. reply :

On 2/11/2013 at 11:07 PM, ww2farmer said:
I have been very pleased with my $50 Shimano Sonora 2500's (the orange ones) I bought them to replace, slightly higher priced reels from other brands that just did not hold up. Not only were the Sonora's cheaper, but they have outlasted the "others" as far as usage time goes. In fact they have gotten smoother and better with age, and with ZERO maint.

On that thought, I also have two Shimano Spirex reels. I like the double handles and quick cast features. Great reel for $50, if not having instant anti-reverse is an issue...

On 2/11/2013 at 11:05 PM, J Francho said:
Daiwa Exceler.

While the Exceler didn't tickle my fancy, the new Lexa spinning reel definitely is. The experience I've had with my Lexa 100 bait caster has wowed me to Daiwa's quality.

J Francho reply :

I haven't gotten my hands on a Lexa spinner. It was a little out of the price range, and since it's brand new, well, didn't want to recommend something I know nothing about. They do look pretty sweet.

endless reply :

I can't make up my mind. It's a toss up between my Pflueger President XT or the GM Tournament series(combo) I bought 5 years ago and is still working great. It's before the GSX series came out.

SPEEDBEAD. reply :

Shimany Symetre on sale.

It was a fluke, but I got a Abu Revo spinning reel for $80 two years ago. They realized the mistake and would only honor one of the 6 in my cart. LMAO

HeavyDluxe reply :

I've gotten to use two of the reels people are advising - the Sahara and the President. I would think either of these would be fine choices.

For my own setups, I am now a dedicated Pflueger fan. They consistently seem to 'feel' like a reel above their price point. And, since I'm on a tight budget, that matters to me.

B@ssCrzy reply :

I know this is not a big name brand, but I just buy the Gander Mountain GSX Tournament and GSX Titanium spinning reels. Every November I go in there on Black Friday and they mark them down to $29 (normally $59) for the tournament and $35 (normally $79) for the titanium. (at least the past couple of years they have) I buy at least one and I have been really happy with them. I know they may not be top of the line, but knowing that if I break one I am only out $30-$35 is worth it to me. That being said if I were to buy either the sahara or president it would be the president.

upnorthbassin reply :

Right now you can get the Sahara from the cabelas website for $49.99. That's probably the best deal going but I am more of a plflueger fan overall so if I had to spend $100, it would be the Supreme. If I wanted the best value I'd get the Sahara...or maybe 2 of them.

chromedog reply :

2500 Sahara, I own like 3 of them and love them to death. going on 4 seasons now!

mod479 reply :

You should also take a look at the Okuma trio, I wouldnt reccomend it if I didnt have one. Its not the prettiest, or the smoothest spinning reel I have, but it is the oldest and has proven itself to be very reliable compared to some other brands in that price range.

SudburyBasser reply :

Count another vote for the President.

Felix77 reply :

Abu Orra Series. Have 3.

21farms reply :

i had the previous-generation shimano sahara FD, and it was absolutely the smoothest reel i ever had, spinning or baitcasting, even more-so than my other reels costing 2-5 times more. however, if i were buying today, i'd go with the symetre 2500FL simply because of the heft and feel of the forged handle (the sahara FD had a forged handle but the current FE model has a cast handle).

Ima Bass Ninja reply :

I have 2 pfluegers ( medalist and trion). Both work great. Pflueger makes a good spinning reel. I also have a Daiwa exceler. Good reel! It is really smooth and well built. But my most favorite is the pq spinning. I love the wide spool design. I'm sure it's the same as a pflueger arbor. And they have the extreme spinning on sale for 39.99. Seems like a great value

SirSnookalot reply :

The best reel...........only the Shadow knows.

There is no best reel under a $100, each has it's pros and cons and whatever you get comfortable with will work well. I use 3 sub $100 reels in freshwater( except for my $30 Shakespere with the handle out of bubble pack and have fallen in love with it, lol), all them are Pflueger supremes, each size matches the rod they are on very well, after several years of use only a drop of oil every now and then has kept them in tip top condition. Still in the sub $100 market I have a Pflueger arbor and medalist, both used in saltwater and targeting 20#+ fish, still smooth and perfect, perform as well as reels twice the price.

Bankbeater reply :

One more vote for the president.

upnorthbassin reply :

On 2/12/2013 at 4:22 PM, SirSnookalot said:
The best reel...........only the Shadow knows.

That brings back memories. When I was a kid my dad had a victrola in the garage. There were only a few records with it and one of them was The Shadow. I used to sneak in there and play it every now and then.

But back to the topic at hand...which shakespere reel did you get and why do you like it?

MN_SONNEN_ANGLER reply :

I don't use spinning gear too often but I have saharas and they are awesome in my opinion.

TNBassin' reply :

The Okuma Trio 30s is the best value on the market IMO. It's light weight, has an awesome drag, looks and fishes great, and it's buttery smooth. Not sure why Okuma products aren't more popular than what they are. I picked up my Trio for around $50, and it's the best $50 I've spent in a long time. Can't say enough about that reel.

SirSnookalot reply :

On 2/13/2013 at 8:29 AM, upnorthbassin said:

That brings back memories. When I was a kid my dad had a victrola in the garage. There were only a few records with it and one of them was The Shadow. I used to sneak in there and play it every now and then.

But back to the topic at hand...which shakespere reel did you get and why do you like it?

I needed a reel for my grandson bought a Shakespere Agility for him at Walmart. Sat on the rod unused for quite sometime so I pulled it out to do some jig fishing and it's done a fine job with 5#+ bass. It's smooth like most of the newer reels today and the drag has been more than adequate at the price I don't care how long it lasts.

Capt.Bob reply :

Hands down is the Shimano Symetre smoothest operating of any spinning reel under 100 bucks, any reel will do the job, but with a drag that rivals a baitcaster, and is as smooth as butter, and a track record of durability above all the rest, it is your best choice, if all you want is the job done there are many lesser reels that will work for a while, just not quite as long or as well!

Blue Streak reply :

On 2/13/2013 at 11:04 PM, Capt.Bob said:
Hands down is the Shimano Symetre smoothest operating of any spinning reel under 100 bucks, any reel will do the job, but with a drag that rivals a baitcaster, and is as smooth as butter, and a track record of durability above all the rest, it is your best choice, if all you want is the job done there are many lesser reels that will work for a while, just not quite as long or as well!

I agree with this one hundred percent. Excellent reel for the price, I have 3 and never had a problem with any.

Long Mike reply :

The simple truth is that probably all of the reels mentioned above will get the job done, if adequately maintained. Whichever reel you decide on, make sure you break it down (or have it broken down) and re-lube it no less often than once a year.

trueblue1970 reply :

I love my Sahara's and Sadona's. Today I picked up the GSX Titanium rod and reel combo for $79.00 at Gander...great deal.

kickerfish1 reply :

Put me in the symetre crowd. I have an older model that is wicked smooth after lots of use and time. The new symetre now comes with x-ship which is a great feature for a sub $100 reel. I also have the sahara and it would be my second choice.

Blues19 reply :

On 2/11/2013 at 11:05 PM, J Francho said:
Daiwa Exceler.

I agree. Love the Exceler. Have 2 of them.

fishingman88 reply :

I will agree with both the Sahara and President. I have picked up older Supreme XTs from Plueger under $100 when they go clearance and I love those reels as well.

Jake... reply :

Another vote for Sahara and President, I have both and I love em! I've never thought about spending more $$ on a spinning reel, they work and feel great.

cbass12 reply :

Shimano Sahara. I have three of them now since I added two more when they went on sale for $44.99 at cabelas.

Hyrule Bass reply :

I just got a Pflueger Supreme MG8235 but havent fished it yet, seems like an awesome reel, cant wait to try it.

also a couple of lower priced reels i have, and have fished and like are my Pflueger Trion and the Abu Garcia Cardinal 104...

katmandew reply :

You can get a Shimano Symetre FJ for less than $100 now. The newer ones are $99 plus tax in retail stores, but technically still under 100 and if you get it on ebay, you may find free shipping/no tax.

iceintheveins reply :

Pflueger President, hands down.

iceintheveins reply :

I have had a shimano sahara and would say good things about it too. But the President is better.

Sherlock 60 reply :

My favorite spinning reel for under $100 has to be the Shimano Symetre.

I have a 1000, a 2500 and a 4000 ranging from 10 years old to 6 years old and I have never had a problem with any of them.

For maintenance all I do is an annual lube job and they are just as smooth (if not smoother) than the day they were purchased.

mtaag3 reply :

Has anyone played with the new Penn Battles yet?

alexczarn reply :

On 2/11/2013 at 12:02 PM, Long Mike said:
Pfleuger President. You will NOT be disappointed. Shimano makes some very good reels, but in the price range you are speaking of, the President blows everything away.

That is good news, because I am just about to pick one up.

And on this topic, the Shimano Sienna has performed very well for me.

SirSnookalot reply :

On 4/26/2013 at 10:29 AM, mtaag3 said:
Has anyone played with the new Penn Battles yet?

Many times! Where I fish Penn is the predominate brand, but that is a saltwater reel not freshwater, not that makes much difference. The battle is slightly more than $100 but I'm sure it can be bought a little cheaper. Not personally owning one I wouldn't give a review except to look at the stats of the reel, for a smaller reel for freshwater use l I would prefer something a bit lighter in weight, Penn's are not known for strong drags, but they are smooth, efficient and more than adequate if one is using their drag properly.

I can honestly say I don't have a favorite reel or consider one as being the best, If I don't like a reel I get rid of it or it sits unused. As far as I'm concerned if my reels require a minimum of service and work as expected I got a winner, regardless of the price paid.

Capt.Bob reply :

On 3/18/2013 at 8:16 AM, Sherlock 60 said:

My favorite spinning reel for under $100 has to be the Shimano Symetre.

I have a 1000, a 2500 and a 4000 ranging from 10 years old to 6 years old and I have never had a problem with any of them.

For maintenance all I do is an annual lube job and they are just as smooth (if not smoother) than the day they were purchased.

Those were way better than their price suggest. Back then up till the FI they were primarily a Stradic inside and out, which use the same gearing and bodies as the Stradics, Sustains, and first Stellas of the time, give up a bearing to the Stradic. Then with the FI they quit using the same spool oscillation gearing, and went to the type used on there less expensive, then with the FL they quit using the one piece bail and went with a graphite body again, the first models used graphite then they upgraded them to Aluminum in my opinion a better frame material, till now, not the carbon of the CI4, they are good reels do now have X-SHIP which is a plus, but at the cost of an indestructible bail and a solid frame, but another model Shimano keeps cheapening up more and more to widen the gap between it and the Stradic, which were at one time up the the FH series practically the same as far as parts and bodies. No more like the Curado, they are hearing about it. Keep you FG and FH's they wont be built like them again.

lmbfisherman reply :

On 3/18/2013 at 8:16 AM, Sherlock 60 said:

My favorite spinning reel for under $100 has to be the Shimano Symetre.

I have a 1000, a 2500 and a 4000 ranging from 10 years old to 6 years old and I have never had a problem with any of them.

For maintenance all I do is an annual lube job and they are just as smooth (if not smoother) than the day they were purchased.

A lot of places you can find the old version going on clearance now. Lowest I've seen is 64.99. Regretting I didn't pull the trigger on it two weeks later.

solo_bro reply :

Shimano symetre FJ

Capt.Bob reply :

On 4/26/2013 at 11:52 PM, lmbfisherman said:
A lot of places you can find the old version going on clearance now. Lowest I've seen is 64.99. Regretting I didn't pull the trigger on it two weeks later.

On 4/26/2013 at 11:59 PM, solo_bro said:
Shimano symetre FJ

great price and would get the FJ over the FL to have the Aluminum frame and one piece bail, even though they don't have X-SHIP, Iike the FJ better.

backcast88 reply :

Daiwa Aird 2500 or 3000.

I looked at the Shimano's and Pflueger's and felt Aird was just as smooth and I prefer Daiwa over both Shimano (never really cared for their products) and Pflueger (questionable durability from past experience). It's also nice that the Aird comes with a spare spool 1 size up. Meaning the 2500 comes with an extra 3000 spool and the 3000 comes with an extra 3500 spool. I keep my 2500 on all the time with 8 lb fluoro but its nice to have the 3000 b/c I can easily put on the 3000 with 10 lb fluoro if I wanted to.

lmbfisherman reply :

Just a FYI - you can by a Symetre FJ for 59.99 at American Fishing Legacy.

Capt.Bob reply :

On 5/1/2013 at 12:21 PM, lmbfisherman said:
Just a FYI - you can by a Symetre FJ for 59.99 at American Fishing Legacy.

That would be as good as it get's out of all these suggestions!!!! The buy of the century!

Teal reply :

Stradic on ebay, 139

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