Looking at getting a new spinning reel soon, a few I have looked at are the Lew's Team Gold Carbon, Daiwa Lexa, Daiwa Procyon, Shimano Symetre, Shimano Saros. Looking at $100 to $150 for price range....are those listed good options? Any other suggestions? Reel will be paired with a *** *** Black 7'1" mh rod.
I think the Daiwa Lexa 2000 is the best of your list.
Frank
Stradic fjs can be had around 135 on fleabay.
I'm going to try the Cabela's Verano 2500. I'm a big fan of Daiwa reels and most of my spinning reels are Cabela's reels by Daiwa. Seems a good deal for the price as all others have been. I'll have it next weekend but won't use it for awhile yet since we're still icebound up here.
I'd look around for a Stradic FJ. If you're committed to that list, definitely the Saros.
Not committed to the list, those are just the reels I've looked at up to this point.....sort of leaning towards the Saros , I'll have to check the stratus fj mentioned above , any others worth considering?
If you can score a Stradic FJ for $135, its a no brainer.
I have Stradic FI models as well as a Lexa 2000. The Lexa is a *very* smooth reel, and well worth the money - you can find it in the $100 range on ebay. That said, if lightness is your game, the Stradic, Symetre are good bets. Procyon has good reviews, too.
Me, I'd pick the Stradic FJ if I could get it for the price suggested above.
Oh, and welcome to the forums!
I would consider the quantum accurist or the smoke.
I finally got to fish the Lexa I picked up this winter today, and it was very smooth. I'm very happy with that reel.
Stradic Fj would be my pick. But if you want to stay on the lower end of your price range the Symetre is a fine reel.
I have 2 symetres and I love them. There a great reel for the price IMO
I'll 2nd the Cabelas Verano. Very nice reel and goes on sale for 125. My next choice would be the Stradic FJ, but I have grown fond of the Daiwa air bail.
Symetre
On 4/14/2014 at 10:49 PM, roadwarrior said:Symetre
^^ This^^
pflueger supreme mgx
Saros
Thanks for all the replies! That verano did look interesting too, next time I get to a cabelas I'll check one out! A plus would be matching the *** *** Black rod - definitely not a deal breaker though. Actually looked at that pflueger supreme at a gander mountain yesterday, but I liked the shimanos I looked at a little more.
Daiwa Lexa. I prefer it to higher priced shimano's I have. What ever you get, don't base it on somebody else's preference and remember they all feel smooth right out of the box. Its what they feel like 6 month's down the road that matters. My Revo spinner's worked into being very smooth and tight. My CI4 worked into sloppy. My buddies Pflueger's worked into being geary but have lasted over five years of ignored abuse.
I agree with the Stradic fj recomendation!!!! I have one and love it, Well worth the money!
I've heard Pflueger Presidents are good, but they aren't in your price range
While it may depend on the individual and how they use their reel, do any of the reels mentioned seem to have a better track record of durability/longevity?
I bought my first Stradic 15 years ago or so. I eventually gave it to a friend who is still fishing
with the reel. I had it serviced once or twice, but I doubt my friend has. Although this is my
oldest still in service, I have given away a couple of Symetre and another Stradic that are
nearly as old. Every Shimano I have ever owned is still in use.
If you want a really good real for $150 the Pflueger Supreme XT is amazing! I've had mine for 6 years and have caught more fish on that reel than any other. The Pflueger Supreme is also a great reel for $100. I've used both extensively and they are both amazing!
On 4/15/2014 at 9:04 PM, DN3 said:While it may depend on the individual and how they use their reel, do any of the reels mentioned seem to have a better track record of durability/longevity?
That's just it, there aren't track records anymore. They change/upgrade models so often that none, not even the Stradic is really still around in the same form long enough to develop a track record. All you can really go by is the biased opinion of angler's who say they have had success. So buyer beware. Stick to a brand you feel comfortable with or accept you may be buying a near disposable reel. I think if you have even the slightest bit of mech. aptitude, finding a manufacturer who keeps spare parts in inventory for awhile even after it reinvents a model, is important.
I just ordered a Pflueger Patriarch and *** spinning rod for my uncle.
Get a Pflueger President for $60 and spend the rest of the money on lures.
Stradic on the auction site. That's where mine come from.
I don't think I've owned a spinning reel that hasn't needed some kind of attention if it's been used hard. My freshwater reels IMO are not used very hard, even though I use them daily. They are perfect after about 5 years use, I happen to use Pflueger supreme and all they get is a drop oil once in while, but I think just about any brand should fair well over time. I'd be happy to try another brand, can't justify a new one while mine are still functioning as they should.
I've seen a couple stradic FJ's for around $135-$150....is this a good price? Thinking a 3000 size would be ok? Anyone else know anything about the Cabelas Verano spinning reel - I heard its similar to the Daiwa Ballistic?
If you're going with a Shimano look at the Saros & Stradic to get the worm gear oscillation. The Shimano AR assembly is probably the most sturdy and easy to maintain. The Daiwa Air Bail feature is nice. On a bang-for-the-buck basis, Pflueger spinners are hard to beat.
Just ordered a Shimano Stradic FJ3000. Can't wait to get it and take it out on the water!
The Pflueger Supreme should be on that list. Magnesium body and 6.2:1 gear ratio makes it an attractive reel.
Daiwa Ballistic on the auction site for 140 would be my choice, and I have the stradic and the Procyon and a smoke. Ballistic is my favorite