Spending big money on a spinning reel? 2024
EllisJuan reply :
I did not have a problem shelling out a decent chunk of change for my Conquest and Metanium, but for some reason have not been able to pull the trigger for a true high end spinning reel. I have some nice ones...a new '16 Stradic CI4+, a Stradic FK, a JDM Soare CI4+, etc. but I keep getting tempted to pick up Something more in the league of the Conquest. A Twinpower, '16 Vanquish, or even a Stella. I don't regret spending the money on the Conquest or Met at all...they are both truly exceptional. So my question to the guys that shelled out for the high end spinners, are they worth it? Do you regret it? Also which would you recommend for the money? Twinpower for ~$330, '16 Vanquish for ~$440, or go all the way...Stella ~$650?
d-camarena reply :
Im the other way around, my casting reels are all mid tier, most i bought for around 100, i have calais, caenan, casitas etc... for spinning reels i have 3 shimano ci4+, 3 saros, 2 fk, 2 symetres, and a twinpower. Wanna get a stella to pair with a nrx. Im a big spinning reel fan, the only technique i use casting reels for ir punching and swimbaits. Everything else goes on spinning. I know i might be missing out but has been working for me.
Also you can really tell a difference between spinning reel quality, i tried using a sienna last week on a trip and it was not fun
EllisJuan reply :
How do you like your Twinpower? How does it compare to the CI4+? I am thinking if I make the move it will probably be to a '16 Vanquish. I would pair it to my NRX 852.
Stingray23 reply :
I spent big money a few years ago and got a new Stella. Its the most I ever spent on one reel and I am glad I did. There is nothing like fishing it. So beautiful, so smooth, so balanced, its perfect. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
EllisJuan reply :
On 8/2/2016 at 1:33 PM, Stingray23 said:I spent big money a few years ago and got a new Stella. Its the most I ever spent on one reel and I am glad I did. There is nothing like fishing it. So beautiful, so smooth, so balanced, its perfect. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
You are not helping my wallet Stingray.
Has anyone compared the '14 Stella to the '16 Vanquish?
EvanT123 reply :
With a company like shimano I believe the mechanics of their spinning reels stradic and above are very similar. I think you are paying for more bearings and "enhanced" parts and materials. Sure these improve the feel of the reel but do they improve in it's function? Maybe in tuna fishing or gt popping but probably not bass fishing. The power of the stradic has already been proved in many environments harsher than bass fishing. Is the cost of the higher end reels worth it? I think that's up to the individual and/or their intended applications
if you want to see a crazy spinning reel there is or was a video on YouTube where a guy replaced all the bearings on a stella with full ceramics. Pretty cool.
EllisJuan reply :
On 8/2/2016 at 1:59 PM, EvanT123 said:With a company like shimano I believe the mechanics of their spinning reels stradic and above are very similar. I think you are paying for more bearings and "enhanced" parts and materials. Sure these improve the feel of the reel but do they improve in it's function? Maybe in tuna fishing or gt popping but probably not bass fishing. The power of the stradic has already been proved in many environments harsher than bass fishing. Is the cost of the higher end reels worth it? I think that's up to the individual and/or their intended applications
if you want to see a crazy spinning reel there is or was a video on YouTube where a guy replaced all the bearings on a stella with full ceramics. Pretty cool.
I know in my mind that you are right. And I guess the same can be said for my casting reels. As far as function my Currado is probably just as good as my Metanium or Conquest. But man do you feel the difference when you sit down the Currado and pick up one of the other two. I'm torn.
That guy in the youtube video sounds like me. I replaced every bearing in my Conquest with ceramic hybrids and have more money in upgrades for my Metanium than I paid for the reel...lol. I am a tinkerer.
FrankN209 reply :
I spend a lot more on my baitcasters because that's what I'm using 99% of the time.
MickD reply :
It is my opinion that with any product, you get to a sweet spot in price vs value where after that, added money yields less and less advantage. So I don't often go "all the way". I think when you get beyond about $200 on spinning reels, you've about max'd out.
BUT, that sweet spot may be higher up in price if you are shopping for a salt water reel. Really premium salt reels are better able to handle the salt and have more drag capacity where it is really needed. I don't think there is a fresh water fish that's going to fry a drag on a good spinning reel, but that is not the case in salt. If I were to fish salt regularly, I'd probably pop for a Stella or similar.
J Francho reply :
My only caveat with super high end spinning reels, is they can be difficult to work on, if you like to do your own maintenance. While the Stella needs very little maintenance, it requires some specialized tools (at least the last several I worked on, roadwarrior's to be specific) to completely disassemble. Though, if you buy the USDM version, I'm pretty sure Shimano takes care of that for you at very minimal cost.
Personally, I've been satisfied with my three copies of original Stradic CI4. They've held up to tons of smallies and even some trout over 10 lbs.
tholmes reply :
On 8/2/2016 at 8:44 PM, FrankN209 said:I spend a lot more on my baitcasters because that's what I'm using 99% of the time.
Same here. Maybe not 99%, but the vast majority of my fishing is done with baitcasters. I'm pretty happy with my mid-priced Shimano and Okuma spinners for smaller, lighter baits and fish.
Tom
fishballer06 reply :
I'm in the same boat as you. I bought two Stradics last year in hopes of upping my spinning reel game, one of the new one's and one of the clearanced out white one's. The new style one has yet to even be mounted on a rod, and the older white one has been out a every time with me this year, but I've caught maybe 4-5 fish on it.
While I certainly appreciate nice reels (my casting reel collection shows that), for my applications I just don't see a need to buy any super expensive spinning reels. The Stradics are very nice reels, but I really don't think I should have anything nicer than a Saros.
blckshirt98 reply :
The Stradic CI4+ and Thunnus CI4+ are the highest I've gone on a spinning reel and would never go higher. I've felt a Steez spinning reel and while it was nice, it wasn't pricetag nice. The only higher end spinning reel I might consider would be a used or on-sale Van Staal to use in the surf.
d-camarena reply :
On 8/2/2016 at 12:59 PM, EllisJuan said:How do you like your Twinpower? How does it compare to the CI4+? I am thinking if I make the move it will probably be to a '16 Vanquish. I would pair it to my NRX 852.
I like the ci4+ but its hard to find a rod that balances. For an nrx id go with a stradic fk or a twinp
rippin-lips reply :
I owned one spinning combo and it rarely got used. If we floated the river I'd take it. It's easier to use on a kayak and it could be replaced cheaper than anything else I have casting wise. I recently spent good money on a Megabass spinning reel after having your same debate for quite a while. Why drop that much money on a reel that will never get used. It seemed totally pointless to me. After some thought I figured if I'm only going to have 1 it might as well be one that won't ever need replaced. I'm happy I made the purchase though. I now use it every trip basically and it's sometimes the only combo I'll use because it's just a joy to fish with. It's only money and you can't take it with you anyway. Might as well put a smile on your face now.
Red Bear reply :
On 8/2/2016 at 1:46 PM, EllisJuan said:You are not helping my wallet Stingray.
Has anyone compared the '14 Stella to the '16 Vanquish?
if you truely wanted to help your wallet(which im thinking doesnt really need help if youre even thinking of spending $300-600 on a spinning reel), then why not just get one of the reasonably priced yet great quality pfluegers for much much cheaper? if i had a million dollars i wouldnt waste that money on a fishing reel when there are way cheaper options that work just as good...
rippin-lips reply :
On 8/4/2016 at 9:11 PM, Red Bear said:if you truely wanted to help your wallet(which im thinking doesnt really need help if youre even thinking of spending $300-600 on a spinning reel), then why not just get one of the reasonably priced yet great quality pfluegers for much much cheaper? if i had a million dollars i wouldnt waste that money on a fishing reel when there are way cheaper options that work just as good...
You can drive to work in a Corvette or a Cobalt. Both do the same thing but one is more satisfying. I know what I'd pick.
NYBasser reply :
I currently own a Saros 3000 FA, Stradic 2500 FJ, Stradic 2500 Ci4+, Sustain 2500 FG, and a Sahara 2500 FD.
Here's how I see my reels:
The Sahara is a great reel, and definitely good for beginners and pros alike. It's smooth, can take a beating, and gets the job done. I cannot find a difference between my Saros FA and Stradic FJ, aside from the color. They are both equally smooth and have great drag systems. I also feel that my Sustain feels exactly like my Stradic CI4+. Both are very smooth and are powerful reels. Sometimes, I even feel that the Ci4+ is smoother than the Sustain lol.
Often times Shimano makes spinning reels that are very similar, with negligible differences, and charge different prices for them. I personally see no point as to go further than a Stradic Ci4+ anymore, because it's smooth, looks great, and gets the job done. While the Sustain, Stella, Twinpower are all very nice reels, what's the point in buying them? There is a very negligible difference in smoothness, and they don't seem to offer much more in terms of drag and power, not that you need it anyway. You are practically paying for the aesthetics and the name at that point. The Stradic Series of reels are plenty smooth and do just fine.
In the end, it doesn't matter how much your gear costs, because the fish don't know and don't care. More expensive gear doesn't always correlate to more fish caught.
Master Bait'r reply :
I faced a similar conundrum. I ended up buying an older, used Stella 2500S. I got it for around the same price as a newer Stradic, but it's still a 15 bearing reel that I love every time I use it. I've never regretted it, and feel that I got a solid value out of the money I spent. While I won't disparage anybody who's got the coin to plunk down, a new Stella etc. just didn't seem like a sound strategy for me- I did want the function, quality and details though. I think finding that individual point of diminishing returns is key to finding the right deal, and no matter how much anybody else recommends something, they aren't you.
Red Bear reply :
On 8/4/2016 at 9:54 PM, rippin-lips said:You can drive to work in a Corvette or a Cobalt. Both do the same thing but one is more satisfying. I know what I'd pick.
I'm taking the Cobalt 10 times out of 10 especially since as you say it does the same thing, except its more reliable and fuel efficient, cheaper insurance, less in taxes, more room inside, etc. And if you had my commute from WV to Northern VA you would consider taking the Cobalt too. so actually i would find the Cobalt in more satisfying in this case. Bad analogy on your part. When it comes to reels, I dont see how that "Corvette" of a reel is more satisfying, plenty of "Cobalt" type reels out there do the exact same thing, cost much less money, and any upgrades in that "Corvette" are very very minimal when compared to that "Cobalt" (im talking reels not engines)...bottom line, your analogy actually works against your argument. If someone has the money to buy a $600 reel, good for them, but that doesn't mean its the best option at all...
On 8/4/2016 at 10:02 PM, NYBasser said:Often times Shimano makes spinning reels that are very similar, with negligible differences, and charge different prices for them. I personally see no point as to go further than a Stradic Ci4+ anymore, because it's smooth, looks great, and gets the job done. While the Sustain, Stella, Twinpower are all very nice reels, what's the point in buying them? There is a very negligible difference in smoothness, and they don't seem to over much more in terms of drag and power, not that you need it anyway. You are practically paying for the aesthetics and the name at that point.
You make an excellent point, I agree with this and it applies to more brands than just Shimano...
rippin-lips reply :
On 8/4/2016 at 10:02 PM, NYBasser said:More expensive gear doesn't always correlate to more fish caught.
Some people just get enjoyment out of using high end gear. If anyone actually thinks higher price equals more fish then I feel bad for them.
@Red Bear
There is nothing wrong how you look at it. However, for a lot of folks it's more enjoyable fishing with a $600-800 combo verse a $200 combo. Some people are budget minded and choose the 'Cobalt' and some are enthusiast and prefer the 'Corvette' I know people with bass combos that hit the 2-4K mark. I'd rather make a crappy drive to work everyday in a Corvette. If one has the money to afford it I highly doubt they are concerned with any of the things you mentioned.
Red Bear reply :
On 8/4/2016 at 11:05 PM, rippin-lips said:Some people just get enjoyment out of using high end gear. If anyone actually thinks higher price equals more fish then I feel bad for them.
at some point youre just paying for the name and the experience is no more enjoyable than something a little cheaper...
NYBasser reply :
On 8/4/2016 at 11:05 PM, rippin-lips said:Some people just get enjoyment out of using high end gear. If anyone actually thinks higher price equals more fish then I feel bad for them.
Yeah, but is it really worth it? I mean sure I enjoy my Sustain, but if I could go back, I would have bought another Stradic Ci4+ and another rod.
Recently, I was able to witness a weigh-in at a local bass tournament. Bunch of guys with Triton Tr-21's, Ranger's, and Nitro's with dual power poles, electronics, and 250hp outboards. Funny thing is, the 1st and 2nd Place winners were both guys who didn't spend much on their gear. 1st place was driving a late 90's Monark 16 ft Aluminum with a 75hp Mercury Force 2 stroke, and 2nd Place had an Alumacraft 1648 with a 15hp LEHR Propane Outboard. Was pretty amusing seeing all the guys with expensive gear get beat....lol
Ratherbfishing reply :
I have a buddy who fishes about twice a year. He leaves his gear in a hot/cold garage all summer/winter and by the time he uses it again, it's grimy and dusty. An expensive ANYTHING would be lost on him. If, however, you have the budget for it and really appreciate a well-designed/machined piece of equipment, by all means go for it. Personally, a well maintained Pflueger President spinning reel is about as nice as I desire.
rippin-lips reply :
Only the person paying for the gear can be the judge of if it's worth it. A buddy just picked up this nib limited monoblock for just over 3k. To him it's worth it. To me I couldn't justify it, but it's his money and he can afford it. It's a work of art though and I can appreciate it.
d-camarena reply :
Corvette please
Master Bait'r reply :
On 8/4/2016 at 11:27 PM, rippin-lips said:Only the person paying for the gear can be the judge of if it's worth it. A buddy just picked up this nib limited monoblock for just over 3k. To him it's worth it. To me I couldn't justify it, but it's his money and he can afford it. It's a work of art though and I can appreciate it.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Just because spinning reels are mechanical in their casting doesn't mean they are lacking in technology. There is a point of diminishing returns when purchasing any higher end item. The value depends totally on the purchaser and their priorities . JF had a great point regarding the complexity of some high end spinners.
fishindad reply :
On 8/4/2016 at 11:18 PM, NYBasser said:Yeah, but is it really worth it? I mean sure I enjoy my Sustain, but if I could go back, I would have bought another Stradic Ci4+ and another rod.
Recently, I was able to witness a weigh-in at a local bass tournament. Bunch of guys with Triton Tr-21's, Ranger's, and Nitro's with dual power poles, electronics, and 250hp outboards. Funny thing is, the 1st and 2nd Place winners were both guys who didn't spend much on their gear. 1st place was driving a late 90's Monark 16 ft Aluminum with a 75hp Mercury Force 2 stroke, and 2nd Place had an Alumacraft 1648 with a 15hp LEHR Propane Outboard. Was pretty amusing seeing all the guys with expensive gear get beat....lol
Back in my late 20's/early 30's (meaning a long time ago, lol) I was competing on a regional and national level as a triathlete. It never failed - the guys who showed up in baggy sweats with beat up bikes would kick butt and the guys with the latest skinsuits and $3K bikes would be somewhere in the middle of the pack.
Fish don't care or know what boat you're in or what gear you're using. It's all marketing.
blckshirt98 reply :
Some people just like bespoke/high end items for their aesthetics/artistic value. I don't think many will say they catch more fish because they have a $1,000 reel, but they certainly will say they look and feel better when fishing it. This isn't just a fishing thing either, it's found in any hobby. There are people that can afford high priced items and will want and buy high priced items, especially if there's a sense of limited availability/scarcity.
rippin-lips reply :
Yes, we know the fish don't care. Heck give me 10ft of mono and a hook and I'll catch a fish without a rod or reel. It's not about the fish at all. It's about the angler and the enjoyment he/she gets from his gear. Different strokes for different folks. Some either get it or they don't, and that's all there is to it. Good day gentleman.
Master Bait'r reply :
Nevermind...
Logan S reply :
These types of discussions often go down this road...I posted something like this in a similar thread a while ago...
There are 2 types of gear snobs...The first type is the guy that has to have latest, greatest, and most expensive gear out there and he'll assure you he's got the advantage of people with 'lesser' quality gear. The second type is the guy that's 'old-school' and/or 'doesn't fall for marketing hype', he assures you that everyone else is wasting money on the high-end stuff and that he does just as well with his old and/or budget gear.
The reality is that both are sort of right in certain ways. There IS a fair amount of marketing hype to sell the latest and greatest stuff. On the flip side, advances in rod/reel/lure/boat tech CAN make an already competent fisherman more efficient/effective/capable. At the end of the day, fishing success is mostly determined by the person holding rod...Whether it's the latest and greatest, a budget piece, or an old classic is of little importance.
Me personally? I enjoy high end gear. I also enjoy being able to fish longer each tournament day since I can run 65-70mph to and from my spots 
. Being able to get there and back in rough weather is also a nice thing...I can run and fish in conditions that would swamp a 16 footer .
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To answer the original question... IMO, the most important feature on a spinning reel is the drag. A smooth, predictable drag that doesn't stick on start up is something that you do have to pay a little money for. Usually once you get into $150+ price range you'll get a reel that fits this description, especially with Shimano and Daiwa. I know many will tell me that their reels have this same drag quality for lower prices, but this is what I've found personally.
Maico1 reply :
I am going to make it reel simple for you , if appreciate the Conquest the way you say you do then you will do the same with a Stella....Both reels with last you a life time.....
roadwarrior reply :
If you want to meet me at one of the local ponds I will give you three Stella to test drive. I have the original Stella 1000FA, 2500FB and 2500FD. You can decide for yourself if the cost is worth it to you. It is for me.
offsidewing reply :
2016 Vanquish is my favorite spinning reel. I currently have a 2500HGS. I had a Stella C2500HGS and like the Vanquish better in similar applications. I have the Vanquish sitting on a St Croix Legend Elite 610MLXF and it is a heavenly pair for bass fishing. Its my drop shot and Ned Rig set up. I'll also toss light tube jigs with it. The drag so far has been smooth and consistent.
I also have a 2016 Stradic Ci4 3000XGM. Its a great reel too, although not used as much as the Vanquish as its just been released. The Vanquish does feel more refined in terms of rotor balance and overall feel. Is the Vanquish $200 better than the Stradic? No. Do I regret spending $400+ on the Vanquish? Not for a second. Would I buy a Stella again? Probably not, unless I was fishing every day.
EllisJuan reply :
On 8/6/2016 at 9:11 AM, offsidewing said:2016 Vanquish is my favorite spinning reel. I currently have a 2500HGS. I had a Stella C2500HGS and like the Vanquish better in similar applications. I have the Vanquish sitting on a St Croix Legend Elite 610MLXF and it is a heavenly pair for bass fishing. Its my drop shot and Ned Rig set up. I'll also toss light tube jigs with it. The drag so far has been smooth and consistent.
I also have a 2016 Stradic Ci4 3000XGM. Its a great reel too, although not used as much as the Vanquish as its just been released. The Vanquish does feel more refined in terms of rotor balance and overall feel. Is the Vanquish $200 better than the Stradic? No. Do I regret spending $400+ on the Vanquish? Not for a second. Would I buy a Stella again? Probably not, unless I was fishing every day.
Thanks. Those are the three reels I was really wanting to hear compared. The '16 Stradic CI4+, '16 Vanquish, and Stella. Pretty awesome that you own them all. Would you say the Vanquish is the sweet spot? Does it feel more like the Stradic or more like the Stella? I was wondering if there was a noticeable with the Micro Module gears. Is it as pronounced as it is with the baitcasters?
If for some reason you want to sell the Vanquish, let me know. I would want the 2500HGS.
FrankN209 reply :
I think it's whatever your preference is. When i started bass fishing back in 96, i just used a syncopate and a berkley rod. The setup probably cost me 35-40.00. And I caught a lot of fish on it. MY PB of around 9lbs came off of that. Now that I have a nice job with some extra cash, I buy some of the better setups. But will it make me catch more fish? OFC not, learning how to fish does that for you. The higher end stuff is just for enjoyment.
IgotWood reply :
For me, rod and reel are always the two most important pieces of fishing equipment in my stash. I'll spend any amount of money to buy a rod or reel that will fit my perfectly with the type of fishing I am doing. Let me re-phrase that...I USED TO spend any amount of money...then I got married and had kids.
But jokes aside, I like high end gear because of its reliability, durability, and its capability in terms of technique or tackle. I am new to freshwater fishing, and don't have the money to outfit myself completely with high end gear. I am currently fishing a $60 Daiwa on the rod I use the most. I lost the fish of a lifetime a few weeks ago with that reel. It's the last time I'll buy cheap gear. That fish gave me PTSD. I plan on outiftting with Stradic's. I personally do not have the need for a Stella for freshwater fishing.
When I lived in New England I spent 4-6 nights a week in the saltwater surf, I used Van Staal, and ZeeBaas reels, which retailed for $800-1000 (before I had a family to feed). They were designed to be 100% waterproof, and to hold up against salt. This was important to me because we would swim out to the structure we wanted to fish. They were absurdly expensive reels, but that style of fishing was my passion, and these reel's reliability were of utmost importance to me.
fvogel67 reply :
I own a Stradic FJ and a Saros FA,With decent maintenance the only reels I'll ever need
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