Fin-Nor

[Capt_Jeff_Rogers]

Hey Dave,<br>I've used about every spinning reel out there. Mostly the bigger models from each company but I'll comment on the over-all quality of each. My favorite it the Shimano Stella series. Once they got rid of that stupid wood handle, they had the winner. They're well ballanced and have very smooth and reliable drag systems. The only one I've seen break (besides the stupid wood handle) was this one:<br>[blush]<br><br>A very close 2nd is the Diawa HiA series. It was Diawa's attempt to compete with the Shimano Stella series. They did a good job! It's the only Diawa reel I've seen that didn't fall apart/break and held up to the riggors of deep water jigging.<br><br>Penn SS and Fin Nor Ahab come next, in that order. Both are kind of clunky (not well ballanced) in their operation. The Penn reels are cheaper and easier to get parts for. That and the cheaper price puts it above the Fin Nor. Both will break down peridically if used frequently. Not sure about the Fin Nor drag system. I've never had one apart. Neither of these reels are as smooth as the Shimano and Diawa.<br><br>Last on the list is the Van Staal. Very well built and pretty. I've used a couple of them where the drag knob bottomed out before you could get the desired pressure on the fish. Good thing you can grab the spool to add some [shocked] The ballance is fair but not "good". I don't care for the gear ratio except on the new VS400. They've also modified that funky bail (or lack of a bail wire) system. Adding another roller just doesn't do the trick. Slack line can still make it come off the roller. Even if there are 2 of 'em.<br><br>I bought a Shimano baitrunner recently but haven't put it to the test yet. <br><br>Hope this helps.<br><br>Capt. Jeff<br><A HREF="http://FISHinKONA.com" target="_new">http://FISHinKONA.com</A><br><br>