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Which Spinning Reel?

A

Ankar Sheng

Joined
Dec 5, 2008
Messages
596
I'm in the market for a new spinning reel, but I just cant make up my mind. I want something high end, but not ridiculous, under $150. I was leaning towards a Quantum Energy, but I've heard they dont rewind the spool evenly.
The Shimano Saro's looks good too...

I dunno, I've spent hours reading reviews, there's tons of gimmicky features out there each with their own 'cutting edge' trademark. I've been catching fish just fine for years with what ever crap reel I've been using, someone sell me on something new :p
 
Well, what size line are you looking to put on it? Ultra light 2,4,6lb; lightweight 4,6,8lb; or heavier?

What kind of fishing will you be doing with it?

In my opinion, the most important part of a reel is the drag, find something with a good, smooth drag. Next is how smooth it feels when reeling it. Then of course how well it stacks the line. I also like an infinity anti-reverse, but it's not that big a deal.

The best thing you can do, after you've narrowed it down through research is to go to a store and handle the ones you are thinking about.

I hope that helps. Sorry I can't suggest one in particular, as all my rods have different reals, and I don't think any of them cost more than $40.

Do stay away from shakespeare though, I have had nothing but problems with everyone I've ever owned.
 
I've heard good things about the Quantum, but never used one myself. What I've been told time and time again is that, when shopping for a spinning reel, the more bearings the better. For a price range of ≤ $150, you should have about 8 or 10.
 
I've always liked Quantum reels more than anything else. Mainly because they "felt" the best to me when reeling in. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the PTi models. I have the Kinetic and it's a very well behaved reel with no downside I can see. I like the magnetic bail of these Quantums too.
 
I want something mid sized. I usually usually use 8lb line and fish for pike and pickerel in the lakes, but I want to do more river fishing and want something that can handle catfish too. Spare spool would be a nice feature.


I also like how the bails on the Quantum PTi's is that NiTi shape memory alloy they use in some eye glasses frames.

The shimano's have a lot less ball bearings at any given price point
 
All my reels are Shimano Spirex 1000's (i run 4-6 lb test) or 2000's (i run 4-8 lb test) with front drag. Great reels for the price and they last a long time. No handle wobble with double handles and reels up line nice and even.
 
PorcupineMtns66 said:
All my reels are Shimano Spirex 1000's (i run 4-6 lb test) or 2000's (i run 4-8 lb test) with front drag. Great reels for the price and they last a long time. No handle wobble with double handles and reels up line nice and even.
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+1

I have a few Shimano's and I like the Spirex with double handles best. Mine is a 4000.
 
They have a nice bail trigger on them also which works great. I'm not sure how many ball (thinking 5) bearings are in it but it is plenty because if feels very smooth always. This is a mid-line reel and is plenty but stay away from anything with rear drag. You can get them for about $60 anywhere.
IMO After a certain number of bearings, it's just overkill and expense on light spinning reels.
 
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For 8lb test check out the Shimano Stradic 4000FI. Can be had for around $140. I have a the 5000 and 6000 and love them both.
 
I believe that I've tried every major brand when it comes to spinning reels. If I had to buy only 1 brand from now on it would be Shimano. Every shimano spinning reel I've owned or tried seemed to lay the line down smoothly and evenly. I had trouble with the last two quantums with the bail closing when I was casting and have since sold or traded them ( I can't remember which ). My second favorite brand is Pfleuger. They make some nice inexpensive reels that perform much better than their pricepoint.
 
I dont use spinning reels much but think 150 dollars would be a waste. There should be some excellent reels at half that price. Im a Shimano convert also. Their rods and baitcasters are quality their mid priced spinning reels should be too.
 
dipbait said:
I dont use spinning reels much but think 150 dollars would be a waste. There should be some excellent reels at half that price. Im a Shimano convert also. Their rods and baitcasters are quality their mid priced spinning reels should be too.
Click to expand...

You know what, I think youre right. For about $90 or less I should be able to get everything I need. Thinking about going for the Shimana Sahara
 
as an avid fisherman i advise you to stay away from Quantum. I own 2 Quantum Energys and after 3 yrs i am having issues with them. the drag on one works when it damn well pleases and the other well, its just a POS... go with SHIMANO! their quality control is one of the best in the business.. i will never own another quantum.
 
Has anyone used a Ryobi before? I've used Daiwas and Shimanos (mid range and high ends) but when I know I'm going someplace where my reels may get banged about I use my Ryobis. They are built really tough (just like their power tools)... Try the Excia... I've used mine for a little over a 3years for light saltwater and freshwater. All metal construction, smooth line laying, chunky air bail, SEALED drags that's really smooth AND comes with a free spare aluminium spool (TiNi coated lip), not ABS like what most makers give. You can get them off the bay for about USD75 (1000 and 2000 series). They are a bit heavier due to the all metal construction though but the extra weight is worth it. The reel is also well balanced with very little wobble during retrieve. The Excia and the Applause is a good starter model...

Stock photo...
zestervrotor.jpg


If you are willing to spend a bit more... Shimano Biomaster.
Own photo...
biomasterrhombuswd7.jpg
 
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I have 5 Shimano's. Two are Stradic, previously mentioned by another gentleman. I have a small ultra light Spirex, and a good Sienna $49.95 pkg rod and reel combo. I forgot the name of the other. It is my saltwater rig with the exta drag. If you need specific answers, just ask away, I'd love to talk about fishing. :-)
 
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