Thread: Spinning reel recommendations

If you have a Academy Sports nearby they have Pfluger Presidents on clearance for $32. I know this because I just left the store but I did not need any reels.

I like my Presidents. metal frames and smooth drag. PRES25 is a good all around size.

Originally Posted by Grainraiser

If you have a Academy Sports nearby they have Pfluger Presidents on clearance for $32. I know this because I just left the store but I did not need any reels.

When does a lack of need get in the way of a good fishing deal?
😁😁😁😁

I have to agree with most of what’s said so far, it’s one personal opinion. I have 3 president 20’s and a 25 or two. One is an XT also in 20 size. That one is doing very well after a few years of constant use. However, the regular 20’s will be my last. They are developing a personality that isn’t present in my Daiwa and Shimano reels. I’ve become a bit more avid buyer of slightly better gear and after using reels like the Sahara and Regals and my best reels, the Presso’s. These aren’t in the price range spoken of but folks, they’re worth the extra change. I’ve used some of the regals in salt water also with no ill effect. These are light and have 10 bearings and a very good drag. I was lucky enough to find a regal with a shallow spool and loaded it with some Varivas braid and a 6’6” trout slayer series rod and it’s as good a rod as one could ask for. Lots of good reels in the hundred or less bracket. Weight changes between the composite and metal frames so have an idea what will balance best on your rod of choice. Sorry for the ramble, hope this helps.

Originally Posted by RandyinRockford

Guys, I'm sure this has been beat to death but I'm wanting to purchase a new 1000 size spinning reel for a SC 64LF Panfish series rod to be used for crappie and bluegill. I'm a Daiwa/Shimano guy. Between the Sahara, Legalis, Fuego, and Miravel what would you choose? I realize the Miravel is around $ 130 and the other reels are in the $ 80-100.00 range so the Miravel worth the extra $$?? What do you recommend based on experience? Thanks in advance, Randy.

The Sahara is a pretty solid panfish reel. The Miravel is definitely a nicer reel, but not a necessary step up for crappie. There is a Shimano reel in between the Sahara and Miravel. The Nasci. Only a little more expensive than the Sahara, but cheaper than the Miravel. I have all 3, along with a number of more expensive Shimanos for the larger size reels. If you are rough with your reels, I would go with the Sahara. It feels a little more robust. Although I believe they weigh the same, the Nasci feels lighter to me. If you go up to the Miravel, you drop about an ounce of weight. It would be nice if you could try all 3 on the rod you choose to feel the balance of each. If you have a Bass Pro/ Cabelas near you, maybe you could bring your rod in and ask the guys at the reel counter if you can try them on there. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. BTW, I bought the original Stradic Ci4 1000 around 2009. Bass Pro did not have them in yet, but the manager ordered one in for me. That reel is still going strong, despite accidently catching a couple decent muskie on it. Now, a lot of the components that were new on the Stradic Ci4 are standard on the Miravel.

Recently purchased a couple Daiwa Revros LT's my self after fishing with Pflueger presidents for 8-10 years and as already said the Daiwa reels are so much smoother than anything I’ve used in the past ! I like the 2000-2500 size because I don’t have near the line memory issues that I used to have with the 1000 size reels.