Thread: Harder and harder to find a great spinning reel.

The quality reels of "yesteryear" are still available today. The prices are just higher. The reason... back in 1982, a diawa gold would cost you about 30 bucks (I still own three of them and get them serviced often). In todays money, that same reel would cost you $250 dollars. It took me awhile to realize this after constantly saying, "man, you can't guy a 30 dollar reel like you used to". Thats because the 30 dollar reel you purchase today was a 5 dollar reel 30 years ago!

I never (should be in caps) purchase a reel from a website without having it in my hands first. I may go to 10 box stores and have 200 reels in my hand. I remember the ones I like and why. Then and only then will I purchase one from online. No reason to pay shipping and handling to just get it in my hands and find out it is a piece of junk.

All reels are different. Their ergonomics, the lentgh of arm, the way the bail snaps, everything. I'm not a fleugar guy, I just don't like them in my hands. For cheap reels, I purchase Quantum. That said, I also have a Quantum accurast that I purchased for $120 bucks for my daughters rod that I love but would be a bad parent if I took it off her custom built rod. They have since adjusted that model and I hate the new one (hence the reason I didn't buy another).

For me, all of my older (still functioning reels) spinning reels are Diawa. That said, I have not purchased a Diawa spinning reel in more than 20 years. Hmmm, makes you wonder. Lately, if it is a spinning reel, it is a Shimano (for me). MY top reel choice is a Stradic and my cheeper reel choice is the Sedona. The Stradic will run you about $250 bucks... but thirty years ago that same reel would have cost you 30 bucks. You got what you paid for back then and it still holds true today.... If someone in my boat offered me 2 chrispys (2 one hundred dollar bills) for my stradic right this second, I wouldn't take the deal. I would however gladly trade several brand new 30 dollar reels (5 bucks 30 years ago) for one

I guide off of a pontoon and have used Shimano reels mainly Sedona 1000FD's. They get the daylights beat out of them and keep on ticking. Some are 5 years old now and still work well. Some have been retired and I keep those for spool replacement, handles etc. I use Power Pro braided line for all my casting trips. I have used other brands and some are good also. Just my 2 cents.

President reels for me. Can't be beat for the price. IMHO

I've used this reel from BP, I have 6 and zero problems. If you have a problem they have a free 1yr replacement no questions asked. I use they JMS10 size.
Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Series Spinning Reel | Bass Pro Shops: The Best Hunting, Fishing, Camping & Outdoor Gear

Originally Posted by TGIII

I really enjoy the Pflueger President reels that we're using, very smooth and flawless functioning.

I love the Pflueger reels, all mine are Pflueger minus one bass pro house brand and I have Mr.Crappie reels on my 4 12foot spider rigging rods.

Shimano Stella. But I had to save for 65 years so I could buy myself one when I retired.

Like Blackhawk I have had good luck with the JM sivnature and their Browning wide spool reels. Also have been getting great results from many Mitchell reels. Longlining goes to the Shimano IX100.

''I should have gotten a Pflueger Supreme for the same money or a president for half the money and I would have gotten twice the reel''. DING, DING, DING!!
I purchased my supremes on sale for $50 (50% off) bought 4. Excellent reel! The president is $50 and never goes on sale...now I know why.