Spinning Reel Features - What's Most Important 2025
n8cas4 reply :
I think I'm done with Shimano Symetres. I have 3 of them. Out on the water, the gears have "frozen" on me numerous times. I've tried to maintain these reels myself, and it's a pain. So I need new reels. I like getting all the same reels, so I can use extra spools with different line test or line type on any of my set ups. I use 8lb pline ultimate FC nearly 90 percent of the time. I don't throw braid too often on my spinning set ups b/c of how often I get hung up on docks, rock walls, etc.....
Features I currently think are important to me:
- cost - around 100 (+ or -)
- extra spool - comes in handy if you get a nasty wind knot or whatever in a tourney OR run low on line (let's just say I break off VERY often) and need to switch it out fast
- relatively light (I know this is where cost goes up)
- good gears - no freezing up
- in-season easy maintenance (I love the shimano portal for some drops of oil - but it doesn't seem to work for me when it's freezing up later in the week)
- castability (or line coming off the spool smoothly - shimano's new spool lip is nice - but again I'm not liking the gears in the symetre)
- 2500 - I think I like this size the best - not too heavy - not too small of a spool where line twist becomes more of a problem.
Am I missing anything else important? With these features in mind, what's another good reel out there?
Packard reply :
I love the Shimano Sahara so much. I've caught 6 pounders on the 1000 series. I clean and oil them about every 3 weeks and have never had a problem with them. The funny thing is that they are cheaper than your Symetres and I've heard other people have had problems with the Symetres too. I also have a Shimano Saros 2500 and it is a very light and strong reel, no problems with this one either. I also like the Okuma Trio High-Speed. Pfluger makes a decent reel too.
SirSnookalot reply :
IMO cleaning a spinning reel every 3 weeks for freshwater is overkill. I fish mine 12 months a year and only give them a shot of corosion block maybe 2 times a year, they work like new and never have been serviced. Salt water spinners don't get much more attention and they are fished hard and in harsh conditions.
I use supremes for my freshwater, any 60 -100 reel should be fine, I don't see a significant difference in that price range, all work good.
Jig Man reply :
So N8 what will you take for those old nasty Shimano reels?
Goose52 reply :
X2 on Pflueger Supremes.
The "30" size (140yds/8lb) weighs only 7.4oz, magnesium frame, 10 bearings. Regular price - $100. Available on clearance at FFO for $52.88 (last week you could have got them for $37.88!). These are 2011 reels and come with a spare spool. There is a new Supreme coming but the specs look essentially the same and there's no reason not to get the old model. I just got an 8025, 8030, and two 8035s for about $43 each shipped...
Check out: FFO - Pflueger 8030
n8cas4 reply :
check the flea market board come winter time... they might be there!! anyone try the new exceler's?
The Rooster reply :
I read the title of "Spinning Reel Features - What's Most Important" and was about to type that is is necessary for it to say Shimano Symetre on the side. 
And the 2500 is the size I have, but I've had no problems.
But for spinning reels, the most important features are that it is strong overall, and lightweight for comfort, and that it balances on the rod you put it on. There will be little to no casting differences between one vs. another, with the possible exception being the Shimano's due to the spool lip design. Most of the rest have a similar design. The only other difference would be how they wrap line on the spools because that effects the next cast also, and most of them do that the same way as well. I'd say the rod's lineguide size and action/power effect it as much as anything does, so basically it's also about the match between rod and reel together on how well they cast.
Otherwise, when I buy a reel now I look for an aluminum frame or something just as strong (not graphite), brass or duralumin gearing, but I know a lot of them have zinc gears instead, and I insist on bearings being on both sides of the main drive gear support. As an example, (and I know you said no Shimanos, so it's just an example) the Sahara does not have this but the reels above and below it, the Sedona and Symetre, both do. I only do this because I don't want wear setting in after a while from nylon bushings letting it get sloppy. That main gear needs to stay aligned with the pinion, and I know that a solid metal supporting part will help keep it there. A high quality bearing is necessary here too. If I feel the handle wobble in the frame then I know it has too much slop, bearing or bushing, either one. This means I have to check out the reel schematics on every one I buy in advance, but it's one of those things I do, and if they're not available then I just pass on it.
00 mod reply :
Smooth drag. Most important feature of a spinning reel. Try the stradics. You'll never look back
Jeff
Canga reply :
for the 100 price, the 35 size pflueger supreme is about as good as it gets imo... comparatively light weight for its size, plenty of line capacity, i have not run into any gear problems, and it seems to cast smoothly (tho i havent cast a "propulsion" shimano, so cant compare there, but i havent had any problems getting the distance i need out of them)
also, as for the exceler, i havent tried the HA, but i have the previous model and for the price i got it ($39) its a terrific reel, im actually keeping an eye out for gander to put them back on sale for that price to pick up at least one more!
may also want to consider the abu soron or wait for the orra sx, about the same quality level and i have never heard anything bad about the sorons.
good luck!
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Most of the key features have been hit on. Metal frame, good drag, strong bail wire, quality line roller. Match the reel to the rod as suggested.
As for servicing, I don't like those ports at all. You're just throwing new lube on top of old which could actually do more harm than good, but not likely catastrophic. Spinning reels should be maintained the same as your baitcast reels depending upon use.
BASSclary reply :
You want the Daiwa Exceler. Check Gander Mountain Often too. They frequently go on sale for cheap, around 40 or 50 bucks.
The Rooster reply :
If you like the Daiwa Exceler then I'd also look at the Cabela's Tournament ZX. Sometimes they are on sale for $50 also.
webertime reply :
Rooster nailed it. My Sahara binds and is really frustrating. My pflueger supreme xt (30) is amazing, although the Sahara's drag is nicer.
deaknh03 reply :
Pflueger supreme xt, I have the 35 and it's the only spinning reel I carry.
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't want to get into a brand war, but for a $100, way less on closeout, the floog supreme is unbeatable. I'm a spinning guy and own most major names, my stradics and I love them do not cast an inch further than my floogs, sorons, penns,daiwa or anything else, the rod is where the distance comes from and I think distance is over rated anyway. Getting back to the supreme, I own 3, my 35 was used for snook in saltwater for over a year with no wear it's still like new. If that reel can easily handle my 10-15# snook, the LMB hasn't been born that reel can't handle.
Gavin reply :
I've had binding issues with Shimano and wont buy another....The Daiwa Exceller is pretty nice, but has week bail springs...got rid of those too.
I'm pretty happy with my current reels...One is a Plueger President. I's been trouble free but I dont like the handle knob. I like my Abu Soron STX better. Cheers.
Packard reply :
I'd also suggest looking around for used reels. I got my Stradic for $20.
bassin is addicting reply :
thanks....the bait monkey just bit me....i went a bought that Supreme on sale for $52.
i've got 2 of the President's and never had a problem out of either one of them... hopefully the Supreme will be great also.
n8cas4 reply :
My abu revo premier baitcaster drag gave out during my last outing, not going back to them but I've never tried their spinning reels. I have to admit that the two of the three symetres that gave me trouble were bought at a discount (one from the fleamarket here that gave out on me VERY quickly and one from the bargain cave at cabelas). I have a c14 stradic 2500 that I LOVE, but I don't have the money to buy 2 or 3 more of them. The regular stradic is interesting as I can get it for 140 (FI not FJ). I might give shimano one last chance because i like their Line Propulsion Management system and propulsion spool lip. I have a floog president supreme where the gears are smooth but I don't like how the line comes off the spool (lot more wind knots and/or line twist)
Bronzeback Scuttler reply :
The TD Advantage 2000 is $99 at Tackle Warehouse right now, great drag, smooth retrieve and solidly built. I have 4 of the 2500 size and I really like the line management. Nothing is more annoying than uneven line loading and weak bail performance.Great casting with the ABS spool, easily compares to the Stradic for a lot less money.
n8cas4 reply :
the older daiwa advantage is a heavier reel, right? I looked at them when they went on sale at TW. However, for the same price I could try the new and improved exceller's that might have fixed the weak bail springs (they better have fixed something with the price increase on the new excellers). I figure to get one of these reels to use the remainder of the season and hopefully it will help me make a decision for next year.
n8cas4 reply :
Anyone try the lews spinning reel with the larger spool that's meant to cut back on line twist?
krisjack69 reply :
The Stradics are amazing reels.I have the FI 3000 reel and it the best spinning reel I have ever had.It has a great drag not to mention it cast far.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 9/15/2011 at 5:27 AM, n8cas4 said:Anyone try the lews spinning reel with the larger spool that's meant to cut back on line twist?
A large arbor spool helps reduce coiling from line memory. The only real world advantage I can see would be if you want to use line heavier than what you would normally use on spinning tackle without going to a much larger, heavier reel. For 6-8 mono, fluoro or any braid a regular 2500 class spool works fine.
roadwarrior reply :
On 9/12/2011 at 4:47 AM, 00 mod said:Smooth drag. Most important feature of a spinning reel. Try the stradics. You'll never look back
Jeff
Absolutely!
n8cas4 reply :
got a couple stradics (FI) at cabelas 119 locally. let's hope they don't bind. I'll be taking good care of them. DVT how many drops of oil am I putting in the maintenance port and how often? I know you're not a fan, but I plan on sending some reels your way this winter.
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