Spinning Reels $150-$200 Range 2024
jchez444 reply :
Hey guys im looking for a good spinning reel in the $150-$200 range. reel will be used a lot and fished with shakyheads, dropshots, wacky rigs and paired with a denali rosewood shakeyhead rod. Also the line used with be 8lb fluro. Here are some of the ones i been looking at:
*stradic fj2500
*stradic ci4 2500
*supreme xt magne(black and gold) 9230
*pflueger patriarch magnesium 9230 or 35 size
* new daiwa ballistic unsure size
Any opinions would be great
clayton86 reply :
I just picked up a Abu revo premier spinning for 200 both gander mountains I went to had em marked for 199.
thehooligan reply :
Cant go wrong with either stradic...
Megastink reply :
I own a Pflueger Supreme XT. Its light weight, has a great drag and is very smooth. Plus, it's attractive. Ive caught bass on it, and I throw 12# mono on it and head upstate NY for the Salmon run. I've caught dozens of salmon in the 10-30lb range. No sign of fatigue from this reel. You can get one for $120 on ebay right now from Big Fish Sports. Thats the route I would go!
00 mod reply :
ci4 2500. I have 2 and love them!
Jeff
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Stradic FJ2500 for my money for daily use but if you were willing to spend the extra $35-45, then the Ci4 would be my choice..
Darren. reply :
Stradic fan here, previous models, tho, the FI.
Probably most you list are good for what you want to do.
My thinking on what reels to buy hinges on whether it is capable of both fresh and saltwater (because I live in VA, I do take my boys on occasion to do some brackish water fishing, although I freshwater fish 95% of the time).
That said, I went the Shimano route. Now I'm also becoming a fan of Daiwa gear as well. Most every Shimano reel will indicate it is ok for both, and for the Daiwa's I've looked at, same thing.
That's not important to a lot of guys. Other things that went into my being a fan of Shimano were the feel of the reels. I did compare numerous reels side-by-side including Pflueger, and others. Shimano reels just *felt better* to me. Subjective, yeah, but true nonetheless.
And like I said, I'm becoming a big fan of Daiwa now. Got my eye on the Lexa spinning reels right now. Hoping my wife doesn't poke my eye out for looking, LOL.
J Francho reply :
Pretty much ANYTHING in that range will be pretty solid. I can't really think of anything to stay away from.
Teal reply :
If you look hard enough you can find the stradic for less than 150...i did and i absolutley love it!!
upnorthbassin reply :
I think the Supreme XT is a great reel. I especially like the 9230 size. It's the perfect size for most bass fishing and it's crazy light. Mine sitting next to shimano 2500 size reels make them look super bulky. I like the Shimanos too but I really like the XT. It balances great with these newer rods that are extremely lightweight also. The only thing I don't like that much is the eva knob. The shape of it is good and I like eva...but on the knob it's kind of odd.
kickerfish1 reply :
It would be hard to go wrong with the FJ. For a lighter reel the CI4 is one of the best options. A solid list of reels you have noted but I would say the stradic reels are bit better overall and built very well.
Capt.Bob reply :
Stradic 2500 FJ Smoothest reel on the market and it only gets smoother under a load. Plus there bullet proof, and can be had for around $125.00 to $135.00 if you keep your eyes open and don't buy on instinct. I have 1000, 3000 w/2500 handle, and 4000, they are smoother than my older Sustains!
CTGalloway21 reply :
Abu Revo SX is pretty solid. I use it, a Revo premier, and a Quantum Energy.
KYntucky Warmouth reply :
Any of those reels seem to be a good choice. I have a Stradic CI4 2500 and a Pflueger Supreme XT 30. I love both those reels and it's hard to choose my favorite between the two. Honestly, my decision would be based on the rod and matching color schemes, my CI4 is on a Damiki Dark Angel and my Supreme is on a Pinnacle Perfecta, both match pretty good. I see you are pairing it with a Denali Rosewood so I would say the Stradic CI4. I think, asthetically, it would look pretty good together.
00 mod reply :
On 2/20/2013 at 6:51 AM, KYntucky Warmouth said:Any of those reels seem to be a good choice. I have a Stradic CI4 2500 and a Pflueger Supreme XT 30. I love both those reels and it's hard to choose my favorite between the two. Honestly, my decision would be based on the rod and matching color schemes, my CI4 is on a Damiki Dark Angel and my Supreme is on a Pinnacle Perfecta, both match pretty good. I see you are pairing it with a Denali Rosewood so I would say the Stradic CI4. I think, asthetically, it would look pretty good together.
Don't know which Perfecta you have, but if it is the 70mlf, that 2500 ci4 is a match made in heaven! I have 2 now!
Jeff
iabass8 reply :
On 2/19/2013 at 11:42 PM, J Francho said:Pretty much ANYTHING in that range will be pretty solid. I can't really think of anything to stay away from.
x2. i've used 3 of the 4. all good reels.
SudburyBasser reply :
Good stuff. For the first time in my life I'm getting a substantial tax refund and wanted to upgrade the reel I use for my finese. I think you boys just convinced me to buy a CI4 or Stradic FJ to put on the Shimano Compre rod I use for that.
jerzeeD reply :
One vote here for the Pflueger Patriarch. Love mine. Light and butter smootg.
skeletor6 reply :
On 2/20/2013 at 2:41 AM, kickerfish1 said:It would be hard to go wrong with the FJ. For a lighter reel the CI4 is one of the best options. A solid list of reels you have noted but I would say the stradic reels are bit better overall and built very well.
Second this. The fj is a great reel. May be getting 2 of them soon. Only reason to choose the ci4 over the fj is for weight savings and looks if you prefer that.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 2/19/2013 at 11:42 PM, J Francho said:Pretty much ANYTHING in that range will be pretty solid. I can't really think of anything to stay away from.
I would agree 99.99%. Of the reels I own up to $220, only 1 is a disappointment and I believe I just got a lemon as I've handled other peoples that were beautiful. This thread is no different than others, nothing more than a popularity poll. To declare 1 brand and model to be the "best" is walking thru life wearing blinders. I do not consider catching bass, perch or walleye to be used as the benchmark for longevity and performance of a reel.
J Francho reply :
theHooligan is selling a sweet CI4 for $150 in the Flea Market. If I was in the market, I'd be on it!
00 mod reply :
On 2/20/2013 at 9:49 PM, J Francho said:theHooligan is selling a sweet CI4 for $150 in the Flea Market. If I was in the market, I'd be on it!
x2! One week to late!
Jeff
jchez444 reply :
On 2/20/2013 at 6:00 PM, SirSnookalot said:I would agree 99.99%. Of the reels I own up to $220, only 1 is a disappointment and I believe I just got a lemon as I've handled other peoples that were beautiful. This thread is no different than others, nothing more than a popularity poll. To declare 1 brand and model to be the "best" is walking thru life wearing blinders. I do not consider catching bass, perch or walleye to be used as the benchmark for longevity and performance of a reel.
Thank you, i just sent him a pm
Capt.Bob reply :
On 2/20/2013 at 6:00 PM, SirSnookalot said:I do not consider catching bass, perch or walleye to be used as the benchmark for longevity and performance of a reel.
You would be correct if you use that same type of gear for all those types of fishing! 
Bass perch and walleye??? Most would consider those three species right there to require no less than three different types and sizes of reels!! only a fool would use the size of equipment I use for walleye or perch to catch saltwater species with, unless you are going after pilchers!! and only a rookie would go after those same species (perch, Walleye, Bass) with the humongous reels that most use for salt water species. Your comments hold little use for this category of fishing. It is kind of like comparing a Mack truck to a real Bass Boat towing truck, can be done but most have more sense than to do it!! When you load a real that holds less than 100 yards. of line and is having the handle turned pulling lures for hours on end, it does require better material than hanging six ounces of weight 200 feet over the side of a gunnel or lobbing a heavy weight with live bait out on a huge sand flat to entice whatever comes buy, and really doesn't require the elegant and finesse that most advanced freshwater tactics do!! Like a drag that will remain butter smooth at 1 to 3 lbs. as well as 15 to 20 lbs. Totally different. 
Hi Salenity reply :
Another vote for the Patriarch!
SirSnookalot reply :
On 2/22/2013 at 1:13 AM, Capt.Bob said:You would be correct if you use that same type of gear for all those types of fishing!
For your perch, bass and walleye there scores of posts from people using no more than a $60 Pflueger president or entry level sedona that have lasted and performed for many years. Those fish do not test equipment to the fullest, regardless how small your reels are. I admit I don't catch big bass, 8-9# about the biggest, a 30 supreme has been doing a fine jobs for years and the reel still performs like new.
Humongous reels for saltwater, sure for offshore use but inshore not so. You can research the number of posts by saltwater people on here using 2000 or 2500 reels for redfish, snook, bassn blvd was with me using a 2500 to catch 10# jacks. Is there a difference between a walleye and jack crevelle given the same size, the difference is night and day and I know anyone on here that has caught both would agree. Those are the kind of fish that test your equipment, that said when it comes to performance and longevity, I think people that catch fish in both salt and fresh 12 months of the year have better insight on what's going to last and what isn't.
J Francho reply :
QuoteI do not consider catching bass, perch or walleye to be used as the benchmark for longevity and performance of a reel.
Gee, for the amount of money I've spent on gear that hasn't lasted but a season or two, I'd totally disagree. It isn't all about simply fighting the fish. I don't fish for bass in drainage canals from shore, I do it in a boat or kayak, often amidst heavy cover. Rods go in and out of lockers, strapped to the deck for long, fast, and sometimes rough runs. Big smallmouth on true ML gear and light line will certainly test your drag, even if it's just 2# of resistance. I'd wager that your style of fishing for bass is lot less similar than most members' type of bass fishing. You've said it, if they are where you are fishing and bite, then you catch them. If not, upi go home, no big deal. That's not how we fish. We hunt them down. We put our baits where they might get lost. Largemouth are easy to catch? Sometimes. Mostly not. Man, I was just talking to a pro friend of mine telling me about fishing muskrat holes in soft marsh banks. Sometimes those holes go back four feet under the bank. You don't get their head turned, and body headed to the boat, you aren't getting it back. You've often said that's not how you *like* to fish, and would rather go out and drown live bait in the ocean for bigger fish. Well, for some of us this is how we *have* to fish. It's what the local waters handed us. So, are you rubbing it in, making it seem so easy or just being irrelevant? It's fine to share your opinions, and they are welcome, but man, debating this every time the topic comes up is tiring. Some of us when encountered with a tough day, push on. Sometimes we have no choice, or forfeit our tournament fees. Fishing for us is completely different than fishing for you. Neither is better, or *righter* so ease up and please don't tell us we don't know what we're talking about, that these fish aren't like Jack Crevelles, barracuda's, or whatever. This site is completely devoted to that person that wants to learn how to catch bass.
BTW, I use my wimpy bass gear for other fish, too. Here's a brown that I'll put up against anything in salt, pound for pound.
Capt.Bob reply :
On 2/22/2013 at 4:14 AM, J Francho said:Gee, for the amount of money I've spent on gear that hasn't lasted but a season or two, I'd totally disagree. It isn't all about simply fighting the fish. I don't fish for bass in drainage canals from shore, I do it in a boat or kayak, often amidst heavy cover. Rods go in and out of lockers, strapped to the deck for long, fast, and sometimes rough runs. Big smallmouth on true ML gear and light line will certainly test your drag, even if it's just 2# of resistance. I'd wager that your style of fishing for bass is lot less similar than most members' type of bass fishing. You've said it, if they are where you are fishing and bite, then you catch them. If not, upi go home, no big deal. That's not how we fish. We hunt them down. We put our baits where they might get lost. Largemouth are easy to catch? Sometimes. Mostly not. Man, I was just talking to a pro friend of mine telling me about fishing muskrat holes in soft marsh banks. Sometimes those holes go back four feet under the bank. You don't get their head turned, and body headed to the boat, you aren't getting it back. You've often said that's not how you *like* to fish, and would rather go out and drown live bait in the ocean for bigger fish. Well, for some of us this is how we *have* to fish. It's what the local waters handed us. So, are you rubbing it in, making it seem so easy or just being irrelevant? It's fine to share your opinions, and they are welcome, but man, debating this every time the topic comes up is tiring. Some of us when encountered with a tough day, push on. Sometimes we have no choice, or forfeit our tournament fees. Fishing for us is completely different than fishing for you. Neither is better, or *righter* so ease up and please don't tell us we don't know what we're talking about, that these fish aren't like Jack Crevelles, barracuda's, or whatever. This site is completely devoted to that person that wants to learn how to catch bass.
BTW, I use my wimpy bass gear for other fish, too. Here's a brown that I'll put up against anything in salt, pound for pound.
Very Nice Francho!! yes you have to do both to realize the difference, and those are just some more of the things I was referring to, I have many times caught 17+ lbs. Skamainia Steelhead on Lake Michigan out of Michigan City Indiana on 2500 Stradics years back (80's and 90's) where I was very lucky I was in a boat and could chase them while trolling, that was when I started using 4000 Stradic and Sustains, and still would loose some, as those babies don't stop to come out of the water till they have busted that drag loose on those 400 Calcuttas loaded with 20 LBS. braid for at least 100 yards, and that is typical for any size of this hybread Steelhead, and then they will tail walk anywhere from 10 to 50 feet three times, every time this is just their routine, then you can gain line on them and you have to be agressive after that first run, as they will when coming close to the boat come out of the water and do it again and this can exhuast the fish to a level that can cause death. They will put 40 lbs Shinook to shame they are so fast and strong, they are compairable to Tarpon twice their size. Yes I have 3 retired friends from my Iron Workers Local that have spent the winters in the Keys for years and have fished the flats with them many times over the years, and over wrecks for snapper and grouper. The Skamainia are usually bigger than bones but every bit as speedy and much stronger, Much like Snook but speedier and out of the water much more!! You are so right 10 to 12 lbs. Walleye on a 2500 that will woller on the bottom of reefs infested with zebra muscle to 45 + inch Musky that will head for heavy weeds and wood, when you size your gear to the light side as it is more fun as snookers says, you test it, no matter if it's salt or heavily obstructed freshwater. I think we have all been there done that, hell I have had 15 lbs dogfish (bowfin) hit bluegill I have been reeling in on my 5' UL with a 1000 Stradic and 4 lbs. line, you wana test your gear try that!! Too many teeth though they usually win with this light of Flurocarbon, It is a small small world, some just never realize it!!
SirSnookalot reply :
In the first place I did not mention saltwater fish in this thread until someone other than myself mentioned humongous saltwater reels. Yes that is true they are sometimes used offshore but not always, casting off reefs with mh spinning is a very common practice as well which I do much more than soaking a bait. What I initially said was "I do not consider perch, bass and walleye a benchmark for longevity and performance of a reel", and still don't. I do not fish drainage canals for bass, I fish many of the major and secondary canals the ones fished by boats, but I do it from shore try lifting an 8# bass up a 10' bank, not quite as easy as lipping them along side the boat
That's a nice trout no question about and I appreciate the frequency of displaying that same fish, I've done that myself. But to think pound for pound that comes any where near to a tarpon or jack is a pretty far stretch on reality. Living in Michigan for nearly 60 years I've caught just about every species up there and being down here for 10 years I've caught the ones down there. I know the difference, I'm not sure a person with limited experience catching southern coastal fish would have the same handle regarding these species. Additionally most of my inshore fish are caught from shore, not unusual to chase them down on foot 100 or more yds to avoid being spooled and sometime we are. I know some of the members that fish saltwater too will agree with me.
Not that this explanation, or your trout, or your forfeiting of fees or difficulty in finding bass, or how simplistic the way I catch them (this is Florida, it isn't real hard here) has anything to do with topic.
JCiurej34 reply :
As many have already said I would personally go with either Stradic, preferably the FJ. I would get the FJ, if you aren't worried about the extra weight, because the one that I have seems to be a much more solid reel than the CI4 in my opinion.
Sherlock 60 reply :
I have both the Stradic FJ 2500 and the Supreme XT 9230 and they are both fine reels. For the moment I like the FJ better because it is smoother and has a more solid feel (and is a bit newer), but I really like the Supreme XT as well. Both are excellent reels.
The XT is light as a feather and the FJ is solid and smooth. Take your pick.
jcrewguy reply :
I've owned the Stradic ci4 and now own a few Pflueger Patriarch 9535's... the Patriarch, in my opinion, is the more superior of the two. The reel is super light, super strong, and as smooth as they come. I've landed a few 15+ lb pike and carp on it with no issues at all. I do also own a few of the Pflueger President reels and for the money, they are also excellent reels!
My next purchase will be the Abu Garcia Revo Inshore INS30 Spinning reel to pair with a St. Croix Mojo Inshore rod so I can sling 1-2oz swimbaits around this season 
jchez444 reply :
I went with the ci4, due to me fishing brackish water, (upper bay and potomac), knowing the magnesium wouldnt hold-up to the salt. thank you everyone for your opinions
J Francho reply :
Good choice, I have a few of them, and like them a lot.
Darren. reply :
On 2/23/2013 at 5:26 AM, jchez444 said:I went with the ci4, due to me fishing brackish water, (upper bay and potomac), knowing the magnesium wouldnt hold-up to the salt. thank you everyone for your opinions
I think you'll really like the choice.
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