Spinning reel suggestions? 2024
Jacob Phelps reply :
I just went on a week-long vacation where it was very humid and affected our spinning reels a bunch. I own two Shimano Siena spinning reels (yes, I know they are cheap), and my dad has three or four slightly more expensive Shimano models (can't remember which model). Both of my reels began to bind after a while of use and one of my dad's reels began to bind as well. I know mine are cheap and it is about time to upgrade them. I haven't had a problem with them until now, and they could have ruined my fishing vacation if it weren't for my uncle who lent us some higher quality reels to use for the rest of the week. I have done some research as follows:
- I know Stradics are thought very highly of, but they are a little more than I would like to spend. Are they worth the extra money?
- I have done some research and a website or two had positive things to say about the Pfleuger Supreme XT reel. It appears to be a good option.
- Because i loved the Quantum that my uncle lent me, I looked into the Quantum Smoke, and Quantum Energy spinning reels and was wondering if anyone had anything to say about them.
- I have read on the internet that the Abu Revo S reel is a great reel for the price, just wondering if it is a reliable option.
- I heard somewhere that Diawa spinning reels were good, but they seem to weigh a bit heavier than their competitors.
We do mostly finesse fishing with our spinning reels (wacky worming and very light texas rigging, some dropshotting). Was just wondering what your thoughts were on some of my research and/or if you had any other suggestions to look into. I'm looking into the $150 range. Thanks!
fishnkamp reply :
I own about 7 Pflueger Presidents that my wife and I own. everal of these are 10 years old some are less than 2 years old and all of them function flawlessly. We have been bass fishing and tagged into large catfish and stripers with them. I would expect the Supremes would be even better but not sure, I do know the Presidents are work horses. We fish baits from 1/10 ounce jigs to 3/4 ounce baits depending on the rods it is attached to. I fish mostly Berkley Fireline braid in 14 pound test but also some Suffix Elite in 8 pound test Good Luck choosing your new reels.
Dave A reply :
It's a little odd- I also have a series of Shimano reels, and I find that the Symetre and Saharas tend to bind while my Siennas don't. I have since moved to Daiwa and bought the Procyon and it has served me very well- Casts great and smooth as silk. Check out eBay to save a few $.
Hope this helps,
Dave
NYBasser reply :
I have tried Quantum, Abu Garcia, and Daiwa reels, but always seem to gravitate back toward Shimano. Sure they are all good reels, but I feel that none of them have the feel of "refinement" provided by Shimano.
Stradic FJ's go for around $150 on Ebay, if you can find them. The new Stradic FK goes for around $160. Most Shimano spinning reels from $100 and up are all solid reels that get the job done. If you want to spend less, check out the Saros or the new Nasci. Both are similar to the Stradic for around $110.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Pfluegar President is where it's at for and affordable, dependable spinning reel. I've gone almost completely to Pfluegar and Okuma for my spinning reels, save 1 Stradic CI4. The binding is a known issue with some of their spinning reels, especially the Sahara and Symetre.
timsford reply :
Everyone on here seems to really like the pfleugers, I personally prefer daiwa. I use the tournament Ss 1300's mostly but also have a few of the new procyons. Both can be found right around 100. The tournament Ss is an old design they have been making for well over 20 years unchanged and it isn't as refined as new reels but lasts forever and will handle any fish you can hook. The procyons have done well and are much smoother and have an aluminum frame. The president is one I have avoided because it is heavy Imo to have a graphite frame and if you look at the line capacitys, the pfleugers hold way less line than the others. I'd have to get a 30 or 35 size pfleugers to hold as much line as my 2500 procyon. Also i have several guys in the local club and a guode that im friends with and all who have owned pfleugers say they get rough within a few years, especially if you fish for stripers like i do. The pfleugers above the president are made of magnesium but if you want to use it in salt it isnt saltwater friendly. Same reason I don't use quantum anymore because every quantum I've ever owned has gotten rougher over just a few seasons and it's about impossible to source parts although the energy does look nice and has a spare spool. I had an okuma Rtx which was a very lightweight nice reel for the 80 bucks I gave, but it just didn't have the power I needed and I was always worried that it would flex and ruin internals so I sold it. The shimano reels under the stradic are all graphite framed reels as well. I've bought and sold and traded a lot of reels and I've just kept coming back to daiwa. Still even with daiwa the procyon or maybe the new bg would be the only new ones i want because i want a reel that will last and for me that means aluminum frame and not graphite, ci4, or whatever each company wants to call what is basically plastic. Most reels are made of this now because everyone is so worried about the reel being lighter weight and also because it's cheaper.
roadwarrior reply :
On 8/21/2016 at 10:43 AM, Jacob Phelps said:I know Stradics are thought very highly of, but they are a little more than I would like to spend. Are they worth the extra money?
Yes.
Why not save up your money and buy a new reel next spring?
http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/spinning/stradic-ci4plus.html
smalljaw67 reply :
I like good tackle and I try to make sure my casting set ups are decent but I hate spending money on spinning, especially the reels. So, having used a lot of spinning reels here is what I can tell you. Pflueger will give you the best bang for the buck, I never recommend someone get a reel with a graphite frame but the Pflueger President is tried and proven to not only work well out of the box but it also seems to last and is reliable for a reasonable price. If you want to go to the $100 mark, well the Supreme, which is my favorite spinning reel right now, is a winner, you won't find a spinning reel that light made of magnesium for that price anywhere else and the drag is butter smooth plus it is a sealed drag so no worry about it getting dropped in water. Okuma has some nice reels in the lower end of the price spectrum, the new Inspira is one I'd try, I have the older discontinued Inspira which was $40 more and was built like a tank and performs excellent so I don't imagine Okuma using that name on a reel if it was junk. Then you could always save a little more to get a Stradic or a Ci4+ if you like Shimano, I don't like anything under the Stradic as I believe you can get better for less but when you get to the Stradic line they really are great reels.
MickD reply :
Never had a Daiwa that I didn't like. Never had a problem with one.
ww2farmer reply :
If you can't afford a high end reel, and/or you don't want to spend the money on one...............Go straight to the Pflueger President. It's a high end reel in durability, and performance, with a poor man's price tag.
crypt reply :
Penn. 420ssg or 430ssg. made for saltwater,but strong enough for Bass fishing. light,tough,bulletproof.
Jacob Phelps reply :
On 8/21/2016 at 9:50 PM, roadwarrior said:Yes.
Why not save up your money and buy a new reel next spring?
http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/spinning/stradic-ci4plus.html
The problem is that I had been planning on upgrading/adding to my casting setup before this trip. Now i feel as though I NEED to upgrade my spinning reels because they could have ruined my vacation. Guess I could save up big time and just upgrade everything anyways ... 
On 8/21/2016 at 10:16 PM, smalljaw67 said:I like good tackle and I try to make sure my casting set ups are decent but I hate spending money on spinning, especially the reels. So, having used a lot of spinning reels here is what I can tell you. Pflueger will give you the best bang for the buck, I never recommend someone get a reel with a graphite frame but the Pflueger President is tried and proven to not only work well out of the box but it also seems to last and is reliable for a reasonable price. If you want to go to the $100 mark, well the Supreme, which is my favorite spinning reel right now, is a winner, you won't find a spinning reel that light made of magnesium for that price anywhere else and the drag is butter smooth plus it is a sealed drag so no worry about it getting dropped in water. Okuma has some nice reels in the lower end of the price spectrum, the new Inspira is one I'd try, I have the older discontinued Inspira which was $40 more and was built like a tank and performs excellent so I don't imagine Okuma using that name on a reel if it was junk. Then you could always save a little more to get a Stradic or a Ci4+ if you like Shimano, I don't like anything under the Stradic as I believe you can get better for less but when you get to the Stradic line they really are great reels.
On 8/21/2016 at 10:24 PM, ww2farmer said:If you can't afford a high end reel, and/or you don't want to spend the money on one...............Go straight to the Pflueger President. It's a high end reel in durability, and performance, with a poor man's price tag.
I have heard that many people like the president reel, but I have also read in my research that it feels cheap and some people have had problems. I'm not sold on the website, but http://best-spinningreels.com/pflueger-president-review/ had a bad experience with the pfleuger president which worries me a little.I had been thinking about trying out the president for a while, but since my reel problems almost ruined my vacation I feel like I need to make 100% sure that I'm getting a quality reel that will be durable.
Thank you for your suggestions! I will definitely look into the president as a possibility.
Jacob Phelps reply :
On 8/21/2016 at 12:36 PM, Dave A said:It's a little odd- I also have a series of Shimano reels, and I find that the Symetre and Saharas tend to bind while my Siennas don't. I have since moved to Daiwa and bought the Procyon and it has served me very well- Casts great and smooth as silk. Check out eBay to save a few $.
Hope this helps,
Dave
Thank you for your thoughts. I am definitely looking into the Procyon as an option. The prices on eBay are very enticing.
Jaderose reply :
Pflueger President. I just don't see any reason to spend more money on a spinning reel when This does EXACTLY what I want it to do every time I want it to do it.
Yudo1 reply :
I agree with others that recommend the President. For about $50 it's pretty hard to beat. My money goes into casting gear because I don't use spinning gear as much, but I do own a president that is about 8 years old and performs like new. I know people really like the stradic and I'm sure it's better, but the President does everything just fine for me.
Oklahoma Mike reply :
Can't go wrong with a Pflueger. I'd spend a few extra bucks and get the Supreme, or the Supreme XT if that's within your budget.
Darren. reply :
Welcome aboard, Jacob!
I fish mostly spinning now and Shimano Stradics are
my reels of choice. More specifically, the 1000 series.
Yes, for bass fishing. They're more than enough for
big bass, and with 10-15lb braided mainline, I get
plenty of line on 'em.
That said, I started out looking to buy a Pflueger, but
after I got my hands on, I preferred the *feel* of Shimano
and went that direction.
That's not to say Pflueger is bad, no, they're excellent,
but just not for me. Doesn't mean I won't change later,
either.
I gave my Daiwa Lexa (both my spinning and casting)
reels to one of my sons. I really can say that I LOVED
the feel of the Daiwa bail wire. It was/is smooth and
looks good. But even the 2000 was bigger than what
I like.
So it's up to you and what you like.
fishnkamp reply :
Jacob take the result in the review http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/179757-spinning-reel-suggestions/# with a huge grain of salt. My wife and I own and fish a total of 7 Pflueger President. Some are over 10 years old and several are less than 2 years old. In over 40 years of fishing I have never experienced the issue the author of the review had with his reel. I can tell you exactly what his problem is. First notice he had the same issue to a smaller degree with both Pflueger reels. I bet the truth is he has problems with most spinning reels. I guarantee he makes his cast and turns the reel handle immediately thus causing loose coils on the spool and eventually he winds the loose coils under the spool and then yes he has to remove the spool because the line is wrapped around the shaft. If instead you make your cast, flip the bail over by hand as lift the rod just slightly the line on the spool will be tight, no loose line means no loose line to get out of hand. This technique was taught to me when I was about 12 years old and is exactly what the reviewer never learned. I have watched many other anglers eliminate their trouble with spinning gear by teaching them that simple action. There is nothing wrong with the reel it was simply an incompetent operator.
Jacob Phelps reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 5:15 AM, Darren. said:Welcome aboard, Jacob!
I fish mostly spinning now and Shimano Stradics are
my reels of choice. More specifically, the 1000 series.
Yes, for bass fishing. They're more than enough for
big bass, and with 10-15lb braided mainline, I get
plenty of line on 'em.That said, I started out looking to buy a Pflueger, but
after I got my hands on, I preferred the *feel* of Shimano
and went that direction.That's not to say Pflueger is bad, no, they're excellent,
but just not for me. Doesn't mean I won't change later,
either.I gave my Daiwa Lexa (both my spinning and casting)
reels to one of my sons. I really can say that I LOVED
the feel of the Daiwa bail wire. It was/is smooth and
looks good. But even the 2000 was bigger than what
I like.So it's up to you and what you like.
Thanks Darren. I just got back from Gander Mountain where I tried some reels. I first tried the regular Pflueger President and wasn't really impressed at all, but it was what I expected. I then asked if they had any Diawas and he handed me a few without giving me the price point. I was impressed with the feel of the diawa so I thought that this one was probably one of the more expensive models, but found out it was a $60 reel. I definitely preferred the feel of the diawa (I think its the RG model) over the president. Would have tried more, but the kid wasn't very helpful and seemed not to care at all.
I know stradics have a great reputation, but I'm still uneasy about spending that much on a spinning reel. I will definitely find a better place to try one out and maybe my mind will change once I try one.
Darren. reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 6:28 AM, Jacob Phelps said:Thanks Darren. I just got back from Gander Mountain where I tried some reels. I first tried the regular Pflueger President and wasn't really impressed at all, but it was what I expected. I then asked if they had any Diawas and he handed me a few without giving me the price point. I was impressed with the feel of the diawa so I thought that this one was probably one of the more expensive models, but found out it was a $60 reel. I definitely preferred the feel of the diawa (I think its the RG model) over the president. Would have tried more, but the kid wasn't very helpful and seemed not to care at all.
I know stradics have a great reputation, but I'm still uneasy about spending that much on a spinning reel. I will definitely find a better place to try one out and maybe my mind will change once I try one.
Do you remember the model Daiwa?
If you find something you like in-store, and money is
an issue, you can look for the model on eBay. I've
bought off there and haven't regretted it.
Jacob Phelps reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 6:32 AM, Darren. said:Do you remember the model Daiwa?
If you find something you like in-store, and money is
an issue, you can look for the model on eBay. I've
bought off there and haven't regretted it.
It was a "Diawa RG" spinning reel. I think it's a brand new model of Diawa's spinning reels.
CybrSlydr reply :
I've just started fishing, have gone on 7 fishing trips and caught a total of two fish so take this for what it's worth:
I have a Penn Battle II and it works great. Smooth, cranks great, drag is very nice - very solid feel and build.
I really like it - but it's also the only reel I've ever owned, so... yeah.
DogBone_384 reply :
Pflueger, Pflueger, Pflueger... I own Presidents, President LTDs, Supreme XTs, and a Patriarch XT (currently $149 on Cabela's site) and dig them all. I also have one lonely Abu Revo SX....
Darren. reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 6:35 AM, Jacob Phelps said:It was a "Diawa RG" spinning reel. I think it's a brand new model of Diawa's spinning reels.
Key to all of the responses is that we all have favorites,
but our favorite(s) won't necessarily be yours. So bottom
line it is best to get the feel of the reel yourself, if you can.
If you like the Daiwa, rock and roll! That's important! I'd
hate to sell you a Shimano Stradic or Pflueger President
and have you regret the purchase later...no matter how
much I or others swear by their greatness.
The Young Gun reply :
I agree that the Pflueger President is a great reel, but I think i found its match this year. The Daiwa Revros 2500 is honestly the best reel for the money imo. It feels like a 150$ reel for 50$... It has been a work horse for me this year. Look them up!
Viper0463 reply :
Here are the reels I use on a consistent basis.
Shimano stradic ci4+ 2500 and 3000
Shimano saros 2500
Diawa lexa 2500
I like all of them and they have all been put through some serious torture. They all have at some point been on my steelhead rods and had several caught. I personally don't like quantum and my cousin was a factory rep for them and I still won't use them as I have no faith in them from several bad experiences. I have no experience with pflueger. The 4 reels I use are all still smooth and work great with little to no maintenance.
Scott F reply :
I have owned nothing but Quantums for many years, Right now, the Smoke models are in heavy rotation along with a few Energy models. Very happy with all of them.
Jacob Phelps reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 9:22 AM, The Young Gun said:I agree that the Pflueger President is a great reel, but I think i found its match this year. The Daiwa Revros 2500 is honestly the best reel for the money imo. It feels like a 150$ reel for 50$... It has been a work horse for me this year. Look them up!
That was the other diawa reel I tried today! Was very impressed with the feel. In my opinion it makes the president feel a bit cheap.
Edited by Jacob PhelpsSpelling
You_Only_Live_Once_Fishing reply :
On 8/21/2016 at 10:18 PM, MickD said:Never had a Daiwa that I didn't like. Never had a problem with one.
Same, the Daiwa made cabelas reels are great.
redbirdsfan44 reply :
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but I'm sure you could find a stradic Ci4+ on ebay for around $150 now that the new Ci4+Hg is out. I have used many different spinning reels from abu, pflueger, quantum in that $100 range and to me the extra money I have spent on my stradic FK and now the Ci4+Hg has been well worth it. I have not yet fished with the NASCI but from picking it up and playing with one just about every day (I work at Rogers Sporting Goods) it does feel quite a bit better than the symetre. As far as the bending goes only time will tell on that. Thats the gamble you take on a graphite reel IMO. Shimano is top notch when it comes to premium spinning gear. If you don't see it necessary to spend the extra money you will not be disappointed in the supreme XT.
bigfruits reply :
not only are the ci4+ reels smooth, they are very light weight. they made many of my spinning rods a lot more enjoyable to fish. i have 3 ci4+s that i swap back and forth depending on what spinning rods im bringing that day.
Viper0463 reply :
The ci4+ reels I have are the best spinning reels I've ever used. I did change out the drags to carbon after I used them for a bit and that is a noticeable improvement. These are the first spinning reels I've ever had that didn't have that drag surging thing. I'm not saying the drag is like a good baitcaster but they're better than the bps pro qualifier baitcaster that I have. Smoother and more reliable. When I find a few more of these reels at what I feel is a great price I will buy a few more. If you can find one or more of these at $150 new or less there is nothing better in my opinion. Like I said earlier mine have been put through torture and have yet to be serviced and they still work perfectly. I'll be buying the new generation one this spring also. Do I need it nope, do i want it yes.
Red Bear reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 11:36 AM, Jacob Phelps said:That was the other diawa reel I tried today! Was very impressed with the feel. In my opinion it makes the president feel a bit cheap.
i can assure the pflueger president is anything but cheap. i own 2 of them myself and they have been great so far, i say so far because i just bought them this spring. but in the end, it comes down to what feels good in YOUR hands. the members here can give you suggestions in all price ranges all day long, but ultimately its you that has to feel good about what you choose in the end...
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