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I "froze" up my spinning reel. It was a mid-price Pflueger that I wasn't very impressed with anyway. So I'm in the market for a new reel but with all the advances in technology blah, blah I don't know what to get. I need a reel designed for 8# test 4.9-5.2-1 ratio. There are so many options that I've found myself stumped. I was hoping for some input from the 'fellas to point me in the right direction. I don't want to spend more than $100. As picky as I sound I should know what I want right? After looking on E-Bay I'm worse off than when I started looking. Life is full of decisions...
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Everyone will have their favorite one. For me, I have three Shimano stradic 2500. They go for $120.00 Well worth the extra $20
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What are you going to be fishing for with it? Based on the line, i'm guessing bass right?
I'm not a big fan of spinning reels, unless it's a neccessity, like tossing super light tackle or chunking for larger fish offshore in the ocean. But, I bought my son a Penn Spinning reel. (i'm not sure of the model, i'll find out and post it soon) But I put 10lb Stren Super Braid on it and he's caught everything from large mouth bass to atlantic spadefish on it. It's tough and really smooth. Even after being in the saltwater, it's just as smooth as can be. It's small enough to use bass fishing and large enough to tackle big carp and things with as well. Personally, I use a Quantum Xtra-lite spinning reel for my light freshwater applications. I keep it lubed up quite often, and i've never had a problem out of it. It's silky smooth and holds quite a bit of 10lb braid. I've even caught 8 lb channel catfish on this little thing just screwing around. An Ugly Stix Ultra lite rod makes a smart match, that's whats on mine. Perfect combo with the Stren line.
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I fish mostly for bass. I use my spinning reels for drop/split shot rigs. (and high winds). After a few days of investigating I've decided it's either a Quantum Energy E30PT or Shimano Stradic. Thanks for the input.
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[cool]I use a Shimano 4000 and Shimano 2000. I love them both. They are very smooth.
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[black][size 3]Both of those are nice reels. You wouldn't go wrong with either one.[/size][/black]
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I am way into Shimano. They seem to be the upper end for the price range. I know, too, that Cabelas had some Okuma reels on sale, and I got tons of positive feedback here, so that's also something to look into.
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For my money, there is no better buy out there than an Abu Garcia 300 series. (field and stream magazine agrees). Obviously it depends on what you will be targeting, but I have used mine for everything from stream trout, to land-locked stripers, to bonefish and barracuda and it has worked great, and all for under $50.
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Even Wallys World has a few different Abu's to select from at decent prices. Those are the only ones that they keep locked up under the cabinets.[cool]
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You know, honestly. the old red faced ones out on the isle aren't too bad. I've got one of the cheaper 6000's and my oldest son has one of the cheap red faced 5500's. Mmmm, do you remember seeing them in any of my prior pic's Steve?
They still have 2 bearings, and are still a pretty stout reel. But like you said, if you want the high end Abu's, they are the ones locked up behind the counter. The C-4 series is the best bet. 4+1 bearings and a super strong drag system. [cool] For the big game, Abu makes a 10000. It's a monster. Once I save up and buy my Taurus P-9, one of those 10000's is next.
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Here is some info on the cardinal 300 series. It has seven bearings:
The optimum balance of rugged durability and advanced design, the redesigned 300 series is loaded with features typically found on more expensive reels. The advanced drive system is powered by high-performance gearing for precise gear mesh, smoothness and durability. The graphite frame is engineered for high strength without excessive weight. The exclusive advanced oscillation system lays line even and precisely across the spool for effortless, tangle-free casts. Plus, an oversized line roller reduces line twist. The multidisc drag system produces a wide range of precision adjustments. Ever last spring bail system ensures fail-free reliability. Instant anti-reverse for solid hooksets. AccuBalanced rotor eliminates wobble.
Obviously, this is not in the same leage with something like a Stradic, but again, for the money, this is a great reel and at $34 on sale, you can afford to outfit a couple of rods with them.
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I have a few of the 5500s, 6000s and 6500s in both right and left handed. I was able to upgrade them with sonic sealed bearings which allows them to cast just as good as my Newells.
The bearings can soak in saltwater for several months and never get damaged. Think about it. A nice little 10 dollar upgrade per reel, and you have a friend for life.[cool]
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Mmmm, that sounds good on paper, but let me ask you these questions:
1. What are those "high performance" gear made of? If they are made of brass or some other soft metal, they won't be very durable. Manufactures use soft metals like brass because they make for a much smoother reel. Something better, like stainless steel, isn't as smooth but is much stronger.
2. What are the "multidisks" in the drag constructed of? A cheap sheet metal? Plastic? Or is it titanium or carbon fiber? Many manufacturers cut corners to get those bearings in there.
Before I purchase a reel, I make sure what the construction of the main and pinion gears are, what type of bearings, and what the drag is constructed of.
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[black][size 3]Hey tubeN2,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I have a 6501 that I have considered upgrading. But I haven't taken the plunge yet. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and have disected a reel or two, but I have been a little hesitant to change something that seems to work really well as it already is. I don't really fish much salt water out here in Utah, but the thought is still intriguing.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Would it be that much of an advantage for me ? And could you provide a little more detail on the process you went through to upgrade your Abu Garcia ?[/size][/black]
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Hey fishhound,
Depending on who makes the bearing kit you purchase, it will have instructions on how to install them. But, in the senario it doesn't come with directions, you can always call Abu Garcia or go to their website and get a reel break down. It's possible they may even coach you through it over the phone.
I called shimano one time and they coached me through replacing an anti-reverse.
As far as the need for swapping out the bearings, it depends. I know steve is constantly in the saltwater, and swapping out his bearings was a definate advantage, as it would be for me as well. I would say if you're not around saltwater, it may not be to your advantage to go through the trouble. However, it's like steve said, they'll last a lifetime. If a bearing fails, it could be trouble depending on which one it is. If you have a 6501, which is a left hand model, and i'm guessing a C-4, it has 4 ball bearings; one of which is vital to the reel functioning properly. But for the price Tubn2 said, it might just be worth it.
My question is, why doesn't abu just use the higher end bearings to start with if they only cost 10 bucks? I wonder if Abu is reading this?[cool]
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I hear you Tarpon4me, and you certainly have a point. I should point out that the 300 series, while you CAN use it for saltwater, you need to be careful. I used my wading and it was fully submersed in salt water a couple of times. Even though I rinsed it very well and thought I had gotten all of the salt out, it still bound up. Luckily I was able to open it up, clean it out, get the rust off the bearings, and now it is as good as new. My emphasis on the 300 series is price, and performance v/s price. My point is that for the price, this is a great reel. Like I mentioned, clearly this is not a reel that is in the same league as stradics, energy's, and other $100+ reels, but if want a smooth running reel at a bargain price, a 300 series is a great buy--besides, you could wear out about 4 of them for the price of some of the higher end spinning reels for the same money.
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T4me, I'd get the Taurus first also, sooooo sweet!
I ended up getting the Shimano Symetre. Thanks for all the input.
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The saltwater test is simply a test of durability. Many of the bearings are not subjected to such a harsh environment but when it will go the distance as perscribed for salt, then it will exceed you expectations for the fresh water.
I have a buddy that is a distributor for Avet reels. The factory is only a few miles from my house here in SoCal.
Since I went through a few sets of bearings already on my Avet reels, my buddy told me of the upgrade that they did on the new Avet reels. (I know that I haven't mentioned Abu yet).
After having 35lb fish tugging on my 15lb line on a 14lb drag system, something has to go. YUP! The bearings.
I was given new complimentary bearings from the Avet factory and realized how smooth they were.
I found the cross reference to the NMB bearing catalog and purchased some for my Abu Garcias. Bam!!! Now I can launch the 1/4 oz Jig heads on a 100yd cast with the Abu Garcia.
Cost @20bucks[pirate] but wait, it gets better.
Prior to that, it could only be done on my Newells. Take a look at the Newell 220 and found the same bearings.[shocked].
Those bearings were available from one of my reel repair guys for only 5 bucks each.[  ] Cost 10bucks.[cool]
So.....now you know that Carl Newell, who took over the Jigmasters from Penn had something special going. He even put the same bearing in the later models of the Penn reels.
I have a Penn 9m levelwind with the same quality bearings in it for long distance casting of lighter weight jigheads.[  ]
Now if they could just improve the drag[crazy]
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I would certainly hope that Abu is reading this. I'm sure that they are loosing plenty of money on repairs right now. Several of my fishing buddies are already lining me up with referrals to upgrade other peoples reels.
I am not charging an arm and a leg because they are my buddies. But they always let me beat them out of the JP on the boats we go out on.
Are they just being nice to me or what?[cool]
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[black][size 3]I already have a Taurus - I think you'll like it when you get it.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I'm pretty satisfied with my 6501 and how it casts. I also like the drag pretty much. I have no real complaints about it. But then again, I've only had one Abu that I had to tear down and tinker with - that is a spinning reel, and, it even survived my TLC.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I've been eyeing those 10000s myself but that could be major overkill for my application. Whereas the 7000i seems like it would more likely fit the bill.[/size][/black]
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