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Thought I'd try to get some input from our extensive knowledge base. Hope this isn't a repeat question.[unsure]
I'm looking for your opinion of the best priced, most durable/lasting, mid sized, fresh water open faced spinning reel. For the last several years I've gravitated to the Daiwa, Regal-Z series which is fairly inexpensive and seems to perform well enough but just doesn't last as long as I'd like because of worm gear material, etc. I realize I probably will have to spend a few more $, but before I do I'd like to hear some opinions, ok?
[  ]Leaky
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Shimano all the way. At least it has always been my favorite. I have three open face shimanos and 3 level winds. A good open face will run from $59-119 dollars. One of my open face reals is 15 years old and I haven't had a problem.
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I purchased a Bass Pro Shops Extreme metal exm 10fa last year. I love it!!! It's got all the features of the more expensive reels at a great price. I paid $30. One problem though, I can't find it anymore in thier catalog. I want to pick up one or 2 more.
Thier customer service is awesome also!!! I slipped on the rocks last fall and busted up the bail arm. Called them to order parts and they sent me the entire bailarm assembly, rotor and a spare spool all for free. Can't beat that!!!
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[#804000][size 2]First think reel size. How much line are you going waste as backing? Big reels use alot of line that gets wasted or used as backing.[/size][/#804000]
[#804000][size 2] Now, I buy smaller reels like Shimano Stradic 2000(discontinued), 1000, or 2500. Also, I look at the Quantum Kinetic sizes 10 or 20. Pflueger has a ten ball bearing $59 called the President(good reviews so far. soldout in some local stores. Cabelas can get it to you in 3 days).[/size][/#804000]
[#804000][size 2] I want smooth and reliable. The more you spend usually the better made. Either spend time playing with a reel at the store or borrow a friends. If I'm low on funds the Pflueger President and Quantum Kinetic are the way to go. If there is an extra dollar in my pocket, the Shimano Stradic or the Quantum Energy(both run about $120) are the way to go. [/size][/#804000]
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[cool][blue][size 1]Hey Leaky, you have already gotten some good stuff from Tomegun and other esteemed forum rats. I will just toss in that I too have been on an eternal (infernal) quest for the perfect reel...high quality, but affordable. In my search, I have scored some good ones and blown good money on bad reels. I found out a long time ago that the most expensive reel is one that doesn't work well, even if it didn't cost much.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have to echo the sentiments of others in saying that I have always been happy with the Shimano spinning reels I have acquired. I am still actively using 4 of the light model 1000 Custom ST spinners I bought in the mid 80's. I keep them cleaned and lubed...and have replaced a few bail springs...but they still work like swiss watches for the light fishing I prefer. And I have landed fish over 20 pounds on them.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]It scares the heck out of me when I look at the prices on the higher quality (price) reels anymore. I recently spent time bugging the heck out of the reps at both the Shimano and Daiwa booths at a sports show and saw some SWEET reels...both spinning and baitcasting. It finally dawned on me that for $300, a reel better be sweet. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I do appreciate quality, but not just to show off to my fishing buddies. I want a reel that casts smoothly and retrieves effortlessly...and that has a smooth drag system. If I can get that in a reel under $50 dollars, then I go for it. I ain't no snob. Unfortunately, when it comes to reels, the old addage that you get what you pay for is often true.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]A few years ago, quantum had a bad reputation for making lousy reels...all plastic and no finesse. They have made some real (reel) improvements, but the upscale pricing has kept pace with the engineering. Same with Daiwa. The rep I talked to admitted that up until a couple of years ago he could not have repped Daiwa. But, some of the new reels...especially the super small baitcast models...are as good as you can buy anywhere.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Me, I still whine about them discontinuing the old Mitchell 408 and some of the other Garcia reels. They used to make a pretty good reel at a price affordable to the average angler. Yeah, you had to replace a lot of bail springs and anti-reverse pawls, but I made my own and always had spares with me.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I have a hard time keeping up with all the new stuff on the market. I wish I was independently wealthy and didn't have to worry about how much to spend on tackle. But, if wishes were fishes I would be strictly catch and release.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Hey Leakey, from what I know of your preferred fishing activities, I am suggesting you stay on the light side. get a reel rated for 4 or six pound line, with two spools...one with 4 and one with six or eight. If the spools hold 200 yards of line, fill the first 1/2 or 2/3 with the cheapest stuff you can get, or some old leftover line off another spool. Then "topshot" the last 60 to 100 yards with good quality mono, joined with a good blood knot. When you have used the line down to where you are getting to the blood knot on long casts, it is time to cut off the topshot and fill up with a new one. That forces you to replace your line more often and you really only use the last 60 yards or so unless you are hooking into some big carp that make long runs.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]That's the best (and worst) I can offer. I guess you know that asking for personal opinions on reels is one of those questions to which there is really no absolute right answer. It is always a matter of opinion.[/size][/#0000ff]
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I agree with everyone that shimano puts out a great product, I have a few of them in my arsenal. I have also started to use the okuma models as well, they are cheaper than the shimano's have more bearings in them and so far have taken a good beating. Their action is really smoth and I am starting to like them more than I like the shimanos. Either way shimano is still an awesome reel. Good luck on finding the right reel for you.
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I will vouch for the Pflueger President. I just purchased the 6735 and used it for the first time this past Saturday. Great reel for the price! (59.95)...10 bearing system, lightweight graphite body, it was smooth casting and comes with a spare reel.
I ordered mine from Cabela's and had it within a week. Can also get it at Bass Pro Shops if you prefer there but don't pay more than $59.95.
One of the better values in reels I've come across.
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I am a huge fan of Shimano's stradic 4000, for walleyes and bass.
I also am a big fan of Okuma's. (Thanks UtBass!!!!!)
I also liked the Quantum's Hypercast reels, you will cast so many times, there is a thing on the reel that you squeeze with a trigger that opens the bail, and just cast away to your heart's content.
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I agree 100% with Bodine, Shimano is the way to go. Once you've owned an anti-reverse spinning reel you'll never go back. The main benefit I've found in the anti reverse is not only positive hook sets but you can keep a tighter line while bait fishing. You can get a good shimano anti-reverse reel starting around 50$ + or - a few bucks. Good luck on your quest for a better reel.
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I have a Shimano Sahara that I've used for trout, bass, bluegill, perch, catfish and just about anything else I've ever caught and it still works spectacularly. It has a smooth drag, plenty of line capacity for what I do with it.... (casting, trolling, deadsticking) It has paid me back the 60 bucks and then some with how many fish I've caught and the abuse it has taken and kept on ticking. Its worked great for me. Another model that people haven't mentioned is the Mitchell Copperhead. I have beat the life out of one that I own and it still would work just fine. Its about ten years old and starting to bind up a bit but it probably just needs to be cleaned and it would work just fine. Course, I got the Shimano and don't even use the copperhead anymore but thats what I started out with here in Utah and I think its an awesomely tough reel for the 40 bucks that I spent at Sportsmans on it. Either Brand should serve you well and last for a long time. As long as you oil them and keep them relatively clean, you'll be happy. I've heard taht the Okumas are a bit heavy.... I don't know how much that plays into your decision but I know a guy that has one and I've fished with it too and for that short period of time, it worked nicely. Good luck.
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[#804000][size 2]I went to Sportsman's today to look for another Quantum Kinetic. They didn't have any in a size 20 left. But, Sportsman's just received a shipment of Pflueger Presidents. I talked huntN4bass into buying one last week(a 6735 model). I wanted a smaller reel for ultra-light rods and to ice fish with. I saw the new Quantum Energy PTI, saweet baby($115.99 to much for what I wanted to accomplish) So, for $56.99 each I bought 2 Pflueger Presidents size 6730(about the size of a Stradic 2000 and the new EnergyPTI 20). The President has 10 ball bearings and seems to me the best all-purpose spinning reel under $100.[/size][/#804000]
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Ok,
I think it's about time for me. I really appreciate the input thus far. Special thanks to tomegun. Haven't made a final decision but am leaning towards either a Pfueger President or a Shimano Symetric.. Shimano Stradic looks good but a lot of $. This all comes about from my kids deciding that they are tired of getting me presents that I don't need and asking me to make a "wish list".
My biggest value is durability, not bells and whistles!!! So, I guess I have to waite for more input, do some research, and make a decision.
P.S. Tomgun - How did you take my catch and keep of smallies at the Gorge??? Are we still cool? [unsure] If so waite till I post my pics. of our feast!!! [sly]LOL Seriously, I respect your views and commend you! [cool] But they are sooooo------good eating.
[crazy]Leaky
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[#804000][size 2]Too many small smallies at the Gorge, enjoy. HuntN4bass and I might head up there 4th of july week.[/size][/#804000]
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O.K. durability is my game I fish from shore and only have one pole and reel at a time, so it gets used hard and the shimanos are the way to go it's the only reel I have that lasted more than a year. My reels go swimming with me when I fall in get thrown in the sand and the rocks when I'm landing a big fish by myself. I killed 2 quantums and a daiwa before my shimano.
So if thats the kind of durability you need hope it helps.
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Hey poor guy,
If that doesn't sound like me I don't know what does.[crazy] Big difference though, I'm probably twice your age. LMAO However, I do use a tube sometimes. You should try it and post up on the tube forum!!![sly]
Ok, you need to be more specific!!!![unsure] What model Shimona? They've got a lot ranging form moderate prices to very expensive (for me)!!!
[ ]Leaky
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