I need to buy 3 to 5 reels for some 30" ice rods and do not want to spend to much ($20 -25) each. Probally the 1000 or 100 size but maybe the next larger one to use all year long. Kids use them also, so I would hate to see an $80 reel down the hole. Haven't yet but caught 2 headed for a swim. I have a Cabelas fish eagle. Shamano ? from Walmart, a Fenwick, and 2 cheap ice combo reels. Looked tonight at a Mitchell and another Shamano. Any others I need to look at ? What works well for you ? I do use my Shamano and a full length rod also but less with the kids running around the holes. Mostly fish Henrys and Ririe in the winter.,
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I might have 3 reels laying around if I do ill let you know by tomorrow
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The last time I bought a number of reels for ice fishing I bought the Shakespeare Prius. It seems like I paid about $15 each. They have worked out really well for me. I'm not sure if they are still available. Then I bought some combo's with the Alpha on them (available for about $8 each). Those aren't quite as nice as I'd like.
I'd have pretty good confidence in most reels in the $15-$20 range. You said $20-$25. I'm not sure if that meant each, or for the whole lot. If that is an each price, you should have no trouble finding suitable reels that will service you or your kids for a long time. I like to buy like units whenever I can. That way, when I have one break, which does happen on occasion, I can use it as a repair model later. So far, none of the Prius' have given me any problems.
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Dave Genz True Blue $24.99 @ Cabelas is my favorite. Wide spool, good drag, works smooth at -30 deg f(coldest I have tried it)
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I will have to look at them ( true blue) when I get down to the store in a month. I did buy 3 Cabelas classic 1500 reels for $20 each and came with 2 spools Aluminum and a plastic or carbon. It's size is like the one I have. They have a push button to fold the handle and not a screw to undo = nothing to loose. Relube and I am ready to go.
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