Fishing Forum

Thought I'd try to get some input from our extensive knowledge base.[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

Hi leaky,

I would have to say that I am partial to Shimano SPirex200 and thier Sedona 200 models I have had both my reels for just under five years. I have not had to replace anything on the reels but it is confrting to know that all the parts are available dirrectly from Shimano.

These two models are not the top of the line but certanly perform as thought they are.
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I'm not sure which reel to suggest you get. But let me tell you that I've got a Pflueger Trion and after just two years it needs help. I just picked up one of the new Rapala reels and so far I'm impressed with it's operation. It's taken a beating in just two weeks with snags and a kid.

I've been impressed with my light rod's spinning reel. It's a Spidercast. As far as operation, it's probably the best one I've owned.
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[size 2] [font "Comic Sans MS"] By any stretch on the imagination am I an expert, but I've been using the Mitchel 300 and 300A for years. You can't get much more inexpensive then that and they have been durable. My 300 is going on about 18 years and just recently replace one of the gears.

[size 2] [font "Comic Sans MS"] David
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Hey Leaky, Shimano gets my vote.I've used them on and off and still come back for more. You do get what you pay for so buy the best the budget can handle.I bought a stradic-2500 and couldn't be happier with the performance. I'm not as happy with the Pflueger president that I got this year.
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It looks like Shimano is the reel of choice. I have a few different models of them and haven't had an ounce of trouble. I also have some old Mitchells the just haven't given out yet either.

There are some newer, inexpensive models of Mitchel out there now. I am currently doing a test on one of them.
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Abu Garcia[cool]

I would recommend the Cardinal 100 series. I have two C100U reels. They have a rod and reel combo that you can pick up for around $40. The combo hasnt let me down yet. It has 4 bearing and a 5.1:1 gear ratio. It doesnt get any better for $40 bucks. You can buy the reel itself for around $35.


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quantum synergy, just dont get any better then that.

Best Fishes

Chris
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hey Leaky, it's been a while,

the quantum sinergy's made by shakesphere are dandy little reels, and many of the parts are inter changable. I use them for my ice fishing choice and am quite pleased with their duribility and reliability.

But I would have to say that it is a close toss up between the sinergy and Shimano of equal size. I too have a couple of these and have used one as my second replacement on my 30 year old fishing rod.

my first was a shakesphere reel and the only reason I switched over was at the time I was in a hurry to get on the water and I had lost a peice of my reel, "the nut that holds on the spool" the bait shop did not have a shakesphere or any parts for the already achent 15 year old reel.

I have not regreated the switch and would recomend shimano just so long as you are not in the pratice of dunking the reel in the lake and river and do not throw it in the sand. It this sounds like it is undoable then you realy need to stick with the sinergy because of its simplistic design and easy cleaning.
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Chris,

Glad to see ya here! Did you tell them that I suggested you come here? Hopefully you did. So, when are you going to have time to get together and out on the water? Lemme know.

-- Joe --
-- Lost --
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I put dwon lost recommended me, I didnt know you had a different screen name, I work this whole weekend again so pretty much limits me to mornings, and when you dont go to bed, It's Hard to wake up but, more reason to just stay up all night!

Best Fishes

Chris
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hey bassmaster

i was thinking about getting one of those C100u's, where did you get yours. I'v heard that they work well. $40 sounds like a good price. let me know
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You can get them dirt cheap at pony.
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i would have to go with a Quantum i have had my quantum for about 8 years and is still in really good condition its a quantum rx its a really nice reel and i have probably caught 5000 fish on it cause fish lake i catch about 150 fish each night
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If your catching 150 fish a night maybe you should turn pro![shocked]
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