High End Spinning Reels? 2024
Chance_Taker4 reply :
What sets the lower end and high end spinning reels apart from one another? My spinning lineups are composed of sub $100 spinning reels but I have been looking at higher end reels (mostly in the $200-$300 range) What kind of components or technology goes in the higher reels that is missed when using lower reels.
Reels I'm looking at are Revo Premier, Revo MGX (Clearanced Out), Daiwa Luvias, Shimano Stradic Ci4
Scott F reply :
For me, when I upgraded to spinning reels in the $180 price range (Quantum) it was because they hold up much better than the less expensive reels I had been using. I’ve been very happy with my Quantum Energy and now Quantum Smoke models. My first Energy was over 10 years old ($140 then) before it started to wear down and get noisy. I’d never had reel last me more than 3 or 4 years before that. Higher end reels are generally lighter than less expensive models. If weight is an issue for you, spending more money will buy you a lighter reel (so will getting a smaller one).
Hulkster reply :
For the shimanos, you get the direct drive screw in handle where the handle screws directly into the main gear. everything from the Nasci and down does not have this, the Ultegra and up does.
you also get better water penetration protection and a better bail wire where the end is tapered. stradic has this, ultegra does not.
I have a stradic FK and I can say it is amazing. by all accounts the CI4 is even nicer
PatrickKnight reply :
First off skip the Revos imo, when it comes to high end spinners Shimano and Daiwa are a class above everything else. The main thing you get is longevity and overall ease of use. Most bass fisherman tend to skimp a bit on spinners but since its all I use I can say anything from the Stradic and above you really see what Shimano is all about. Also that Luvias is a remarkable reel.
If you have a 300 dollar budget the Luvias is where I would spend my money for 200 I would go with a Stradic FK (I personally don't care for the Ci4 as I find its so light it makes most rods pretty tip heavy).
As of late I have been extremely happy with my purchase of a Daiwa BG. It is hands down the best 100 dollar spinning reel I have ever used.
If I could go back to Jan 1 of 2017 I would buy the reel below and be happy very very happy. However I am still happy with my FK and BG combo.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Luvias_Aluminum_ABS_Deep_Spool_Spinning_Reel/descpage-LAA.html
Darren. reply :
I can really tell a difference in reel stability between
my Shimanos and Daiwa that do not have the fully
integrated handle.
Thus I use Stradics from FI to CI4+
Chance_Taker4 reply :
On 11/4/2017 at 9:40 PM, PatrickKnight said:First off skip the Revos imo, when it comes to high end spinners Shimano and Daiwa are a class above everything else. The main thing you get is longevity and overall ease of use. Most bass fisherman tend to skimp a bit on spinners but since its all I use I can say anything from the Stradic and above you really see what Shimano is all about. Also that Luvias is a remarkable reel.
If you have a 300 dollar budget the Luvias is where I would spend my money for 200 I would go with a Stradic FK (I personally don't care for the Ci4 as I find its so light it makes most rods pretty tip heavy).
As of late I have been extremely happy with my purchase of a Daiwa BG. It is hands down the best 100 dollar spinning reel I have ever used.
If I could go back to Jan 1 of 2017 I would buy the reel below and be happy very very happy. However I am still happy with my FK and BG combo.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Luvias_Aluminum_ABS_Deep_Spool_Spinning_Reel/descpage-LAA.html
That is the Luvias I was considering. I am just like the majority I can justify $300 casting reels but when it comes to spinning anything over $100 I couldn't bring myself to buy. But now I that I need a new spinning reel I am wondering what I have been missing out.
PatrickKnight reply :
If you don't want to spend more than $100 the BG is a hell of a reel for $100. It compares very closely to my FK in performance. It doesn't have the refined smoothness but at half the cost I wouldn't expect it to.
Oregon Native reply :
Daiwa 1300 SS.....has stood the test of time and it's a light and dependable.
(just my two cents)
MickD reply :
What you get when you go above the approx $100 range are durability, smo-o-o-th, better drags, and better bails. But. . . I have found Daiwas, even in the $100 range (old Cabelas reels), to be very durable. I still use a couple that are about 10 years old. Still smooth, bails still work fine.
NHBull reply :
Drags and direct drives
the stradic is about how high I will go.
it’s hard for me to justify higher ends than them side I can’t feel the difference
Big-Bass reply :
I have a Luvias 3012H that is honestly my favorite spinning reel. I own a Ci4+ and it is truly great as well but the drag on the Daiwa is just incredible. I like the larger spool size as well since it has a 37" IPT which is key in deep water finesse fishing. I have it on a 7'6" Cronos that is awesome. I got my Luvias for $199 from a southern tackle shop and it also included a Daiwa Vector hat. If you look around you can probably still find one for close to that price.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I like worm drive oscillating, sturdy bail wire, counter balanced rotor and good line roller in a spinning reel.
FrankN209 reply :
Everyone has mentioned either Shimano or Daiwa. But nobody mentioned Pflueger? What about the Pflueger Patriarch XT?
primetime reply :
The best spinning reels are the ones that are fully sealed, have best quality bearings etc. You get what you pay for, I buy some $30 reels knowing they will not last long, but too get a Spinning reel that will last, I find it has to be sealed, the Patriarch by Pflueger is in the same game as the stradic.
I think every brand makes reels that are top quality but everyone mentions Daiwa and Shimano because they seem to have been making the best stuff for the longest time. It is hard to beat the Price and quality of a $100 Daiwa or Shimano. The president is a great reel, if you only fish on weekends etc. It is plenty good if you take care of it, but since you are using lighter line, I spend more on spinning reels than casting because I want a reel I know has a great drag and won't stick at a bad time. If you buy an Okuma Helios, Stradic or even a $100 Shimano, Any Daiwa like a BG, Procyon and up you are buying a good reel. The Pflueger Extreme to Patriarch are also really good, I assume the Revo line & Quantum PT reels are also good.
The Daiwa BG has been around forever for a reason. For the price, Hard to beat the BG, only need the 2500 for freshwater as well.
WRB reply :
On 11/5/2017 at 9:30 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:I like worm drive oscillating, sturdy bail wire, counter balanced rotor and good line roller in a spinning reel.
Plus extremely smooth reliable drag system. You pay $$ for light weight materials and balanced wobble free drive trains.
The Stratic Ci4 has all the needed features.
Parts and technical support from both Daiwa and Shimano are excellent and should factor into buying higher end reels.
Tom
davecon reply :
Do not, I repeat, do not try a Shimano C14 !!!
I made that mistake and am now not happy with the other spinning reels I have.
The 3000 series that I have handles Snook, reds, and small tarpon (up to 60 lbs so far) and bass are a piece of cake in comparison. It is amazingly smooth, light, and the drag is silky smooth.
Once you try try one you will become addicted.
You've been warned !
Rodney Smith reply :
I don’t think you will do any better than the Ci4’s. I had several of the previous model and now the newest version. They are smooth, light, and powerful.
Lost.. reply :
It's a proven fact that the more money you spend on a reel, the more fish it catches.
Stingray23 reply :
Tighter tolerances, better quality bearings, much smoother, better components, better quality materials, will last much longer. To me, a nice, high quality spinning reel is a dream to fish with. I prefer Daiwa and Shimano. Especially, Steez and Stella.
MickD reply :
On 11/5/2017 at 10:00 PM, FrankN209 said:Everyone has mentioned either Shimano or Daiwa. But nobody mentioned Pflueger? What about the Pflueger Patriarch XT?
It's a great reel. Bought my first as a past model about a year ago, and it's very nice in all aspects of performance.
Stephen B reply :
On 11/6/2017 at 6:55 AM, Rodney Smith said:I don’t think you will do any better than the Ci4’s. I had several of the previous model and now the newest version. They are smooth, light, and powerful.
I would have 100% agreed with you a few weeks ago, but the new Tatula LT is amazing. Definitely give it a look. They weigh less than the Stradic and have more line capacity.
Yumeya reply :
High end spinning reels to me is-
Shimano Stella, Vanquish, Excense.
Daiwa Exist, Steez, Certate.
More and better bearings, smoother feeling with lighter materials, better smoother drag and better line lay.
Djohn reply :
Same as Scott F on the higher end Quantums. Tighter, smoother, and still going strong after up to 10 years on some of them.
S Hovanec reply :
When I think of high-end freshwater spinning reels, only Daiwa and Shimano are in the conversation. I admit to being a Shimano snob. In Shimano's US lineup, they have only 3 reels I consider high end: Sustain, Exsence and Stella. There are 4 high end JDM offerings: Twin Power, Vanquish, Exsence and Stella.
Do you need high end reels? No, the fish can't tell the difference. I just really like the feel of them. Once you have a true high end reel in your hands, you can tell the difference. Same goes for rods. I have a real hard time picking up anything but customs anymore!
BasserJim reply :
On 11/6/2017 at 6:43 AM, davecon said:Do not, I repeat, do not try a Shimano C14 !!!
I made that mistake and am now not happy with the other spinning reels I have.
The 3000 series that I have handles Snook, reds, and small tarpon (up to 60 lbs so far) and bass are a piece of cake in comparison. It is amazingly smooth, light, and the drag is silky smooth.
Once you try try one you will become addicted.
You've been warned !
I snorted and giggled at this..... Don't ever pick up a Stella then, you won't be able to throw that CI4 in the garbage fast enough.
Count me with the others in that there's no way that I would consider the majority of the suggested reels here high end. As others have said, Daiwa Steez, Certate, Exist, Shimano Excense, Stella.
As S Hovanec said, you don't need them, and they won't catch you any more fish, but they will certainly elevate your experience.
roadwarrior reply :
Well, you don't need a Lexus to drive to the store and you certainly don't NEED a
Stella to catch bass. However, it's not just about "catching", most of the time it's
about "fishing" (cast & retrieve). I have owned a variety of Shimano spinning reels
over the years, but for the past decade or so I have added to my collection of Stella.
They are like holding kitty cat in the palm of your hand.
S Hovanec reply :
On 11/6/2017 at 10:33 PM, roadwarrior said:
They are like holding kitty cat in the palm of your hand.
Stella is certainly sexy and I'd like it own her some day, the color scheme doesn't do it for me. I like to match up my rods and reels and I cannot come up with anything to make a Stella look good on a Blue/green flip or forest green SCV. Maybe on the pearl white SCV Inshore.
I guess I'll settle for holding a puppy dog! My next DS reel will be an Exsence.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 11/6/2017 at 7:59 AM, Stingray23 said:Tighter tolerances, better quality bearings, much smoother, better components, better quality materials, will last much longer.
If they last too long there is no excuse to go out and buy a new reel! 
Chance_Taker4 reply :
I don't think I'll ever have the budget to purchase a reel over $300. So to me $300 is my high end. I have been using Presidents, Abu Orra SX, Ardent Bolt and Lews Mach II Metal Speed Spin. I grew up using Abu and am starting to gravitate back to their lineup that's why I am considering the Revo Rocket plus I found it new for $130. However the Stradic will look even better on my rod and can't beat how light it is.
S Hovanec reply :
As mentioned, one of the biggest difference is longevity. Most reels in the $150-$200 range feel very similar. Compare them on 2 years, 5 years, even 10 years. Some won't be around to do the comparison. I have a 15 year old Sustain that is as smooth or smoother than most if the $200 reels on the market today. I think it was a $220 reel.....back in 2002.
BasserJim reply :
On 11/6/2017 at 10:44 PM, NYWayfarer said:If they last too long there is no excuse to go out and buy a new reel!
What the heck do you need an excuse for? My excuse for buying new tackle is that I want it. 
Rodney Smith reply :
I enjoy some high end things, but a Stella reel is at a price most guys would never consider paying for a spinning reel. I’m sure the Stella is the Ferrari of fishing reels, but for 98% of us who would never spend $600 on a spinning reel, the Ci4 would make a great choice.
BasserJim reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 12:14 AM, Rodney Smith said:I enjoy some high end things, but a Stella reel is at a price most guys would never consider paying for a spinning reel. I’m sure the Stella is the Ferrari of fishing reels, but for 98% of us who would never spend $600 on a spinning reel, the Ci4 would make a great choice.
They’re actually up to $800 now. 
NYWayfarer reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 12:13 AM, BasserJim said:What the heck do you need an excuse for? My excuse for buying new tackle is that I want it.
You must not be married 
BasserJim reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 12:22 AM, NYWayfarer said:You must not be married
Oh contraire, this is my beautiful wife of 3 years and my 2 year old fishing buddy and tackle thief. She doesn’t say anything about my tackle purchasing habits. I don’t smoke, got out to bars or drink excessively or hardly at all, I don’t do drugs or cheat. She figures if spending money on fishing tackle that brings me great enjoyment is the worst habit I’ve got she’s got it pretty lucky.
I don’t buy anything I know we can’t afford, and I don’t have to have an excuse or ask permission. On the same token, she has a closet full of dozens of pairs of shoes, lularoe leggings, Coach purses, and the like.... which she doesn’t need an excuse or permission for either.
Rodney Smith reply :
I have had one Shimano Metanium and one Loomis NRX. To me, that’s about as high-end as I’m comfortable going. However, if you have one passion and a Stella is within your budget and that’s what you want, I say more power to you. I’d love to fish one myself. Until that day, my ci4’s will have to do. The problem is, once you have tried the good stuff, it’s hard to go back. My wife just sent me to El Salto in Mexico for my 50th birthday. Now, fishing my spots back home suddenly doesn’t seem quite a good as they used to.
Alpster reply :
I am also a Stella fan and the "Twin Power" (JDM Sustain), I have is pretty sweet also for less $$. No one wants a Stella until they get to fish with one.
S Hovanec reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 1:31 AM, Alpster said:No one wants a Stella until they get to fish with one.
And that's why I'll let them on my boat, but I won't use them!
Bill B. reply :
Don't forget that, in about two weeks, you can buy the American versions of these reels at 20 percent off.
Also, for the Stella and Steez, consider taking advantage of the favorable exchange rate and buying from Japan. For example, you can get a 17 Stella for right at $400, shipped:
http://jpangler.com/index.php/reel/daiwa-spinning/17-steez.html
NYWayfarer reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 12:57 AM, BasserJim said:I don’t buy anything I know we can’t afford, and I don’t have to have an excuse or ask permission.
Hope you didn't take offense to my post, the winky face was there to avoid that.
By the above quote, it sounds like you have it all figured out. Money is the cause of a lot of anxiety and problems for many couples. When one person is a spender and the other is a saver, they have issues with excuses and permission. When both people are spenders...yikes! If both are savers, well they die leaving their kids a lot of money.
BasserJim reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 2:31 AM, NYWayfarer said:Hope you didn't take offense to my post, the winky face was there to avoid that.
By the above quote, it sounds like you have it all figured out. Money is the cause of a lot of anxiety and problems for many couples. When one person is a spender and the other is a saver, they have issues with excuses and permission. When both people are spenders...yikes! If both are savers, well they die leaving their kids a lot of money.
I am incredibly, immensely offended. You should immediately offer me a craft beer and a back seat on your boat for a day on Champlain to make up for this egregious error!!!!
Its all good!
skno reply :
Penn
burrows reply :
On 11/4/2017 at 9:40 PM, PatrickKnight said:First off skip the Revos imo, when it comes to high end spinners Shimano and Daiwa are a class above everything else. The main thing you get is longevity and overall ease of use. Most bass fisherman tend to skimp a bit on spinners but since its all I use I can say anything from the Stradic and above you really see what Shimano is all about. Also that Luvias is a remarkable reel.
If you have a 300 dollar budget the Luvias is where I would spend my money for 200 I would go with a Stradic FK (I personally don't care for the Ci4 as I find its so light it makes most rods pretty tip heavy).
As of late I have been extremely happy with my purchase of a Daiwa BG. It is hands down the best 100 dollar spinning reel I have ever used.
If I could go back to Jan 1 of 2017 I would buy the reel below and be happy very very happy. However I am still happy with my FK and BG combo.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Luvias_Aluminum_ABS_Deep_Spool_Spinning_Reel/descpage-LAA.html
My stradic ci4 doesn't make my rods tip heavy. For finesse fishing I find this reel to be extremely comfortable for fishing all day. A heavy reel finesse fishing all day long cramps up my hand.
On 11/7/2017 at 12:14 AM, Rodney Smith said:I enjoy some high end things, but a Stella reel is at a price most guys would never consider paying for a spinning reel. I’m sure the Stella is the Ferrari of fishing reels, but for 98% of us who would never spend $600 on a spinning reel, the Ci4 would make a great choice.
Agreed
S Hovanec reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 12:57 AM, BasserJim said:She doesn’t say anything about my tackle purchasing habits. I don’t smoke, got out to bars or drink excessively, I don’t do drugs or cheat.
Mine either. Actually, mine likes it when I get new stuff. I get a new SCV with TwinPower, she got my old SCV with Stradic Mg. I am repossessing the Stradic Mg and getting her a new JDM Stradic FK.
hoosierbass07 reply :
My highest end spinning reel is my Stradic CI4+ and it is so light it feel like it's made out of paper. I love that reel! lol.
bigfruits reply :
On 11/6/2017 at 6:43 AM, davecon said:Do not, I repeat, do not try a Shimano C14 !!!
I made that mistake and am now not happy with the other spinning reels I have.
i cannot fish aluminum reels for fresh water bass any more.
On 11/6/2017 at 7:38 AM, djektd said:It's a proven fact that the more money you spend on a reel, the more fish it catches.
youre missing the point.
.ghoti. reply :
I have some flooger spinning reels, and I can truly say nice things about them. I have one Supreme I bought the first year they came out. Don't rightly recall how long ago that's been, but it still works like it did when I got it. Of the three Supreme XTs, one was bought the year after i got the first supreme, and it still works like new. They are all light, smooth, nice smooth drags, and appear to be durable. Very good bang for the buck. Recommended.
However, I also have two Certates. All I can say is, yeah, there is a difference.
Yumeya reply :
On 11/7/2017 at 2:29 AM, Bill B. said:Don't forget that, in about two weeks, you can buy the American versions of these reels at 20 percent off.
Also, for the Stella and Steez, consider taking advantage of the favorable exchange rate and buying from Japan. For example, you can get a 17 Stella for right at $400, shipped:
http://jpangler.com/index.php/reel/daiwa-spinning/17-steez.html
I got the Steez on its way right now 
Lost.. reply :
@bigfruits Not missing the point at all, it was a joke. I'm all for buying quality gear. I have a few older Stradic Ci4's and 2 newer ones.. Can't say enough good things about them.
Hulkster reply :
the best thing Shimano ever did was change the horrible round EVA foam handle knob on the first few generations of Ci4s to the septon one. over on tackletour on the support forum, every other thread was about how to change out the handle knob lol
at least Shimano listened.
BrianSnat reply :
A lot of responses mentioned durability, that the high end reels last longer. I've gotten 25+ years out of my cheapie Shimanos. Even when I upgraded them it wasn't because they broke or didn't work properly, it was because I had a nice, new rod and thought it deserved a nice, new reel. But even my nice, new reels are generally in the $50 - $70 range. The fish don't seem to care.
Baitcasters? Sure, spend as much as you can afford, but the sub $100 sipinning reels will catch fish as well as a $300 reel and they do last. Well at least Shimanos do. I have no long term experience with other brands. The jury is out on my Pfleuger Presidents. I've only had them for a couple of years, but I like them. Heck, even if I only get 5 years out of them, I can replace them every five years for the next 30 years and they will still cost me less than a single high end reel. I figure by that time I will be 89 years old.
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