View Full Version : Spinning Reel for @$65
Xplorer
12-05-2003, 06:16 AM
Everyone,
I am looking at adding a couple spinning reels to my Xmas list. Price should be about 60-70 max. What are your favorite models in this range?
The reel will be used on a 7' medium action multipurpose rod. The majority of the time will be used for lindy rigging in 15-45'. A little jigging and long lining also. I would guess i'd spool it with either 15/4 or 10/2 powerpro. Definitly want infinite anti-reverse.
Thanks for any input.
Xplorer
Hawker
12-05-2003, 06:52 AM
Actually I don't think you can go wrong with either the Mitchell 300X or the 308X for a quality trouble free spinning reel. I use both models, and have found them to be great reels. I also use the Abu Garcia Cardinal series reels, my favorite of them being the 600 series but I do not use them as much as I do the Mitchell's. These reels will get you in way under your $65-70 range, and will give you years of trouble free service.
Hawker
Hawker
12-05-2003, 06:52 AM
Actually I don't think you can go wrong with either the Mitchell 300X or the 308X for a quality trouble free spinning reel. I use both models, and have found them to be great reels. I also use the Abu Garcia Cardinal series reels, my favorite of them being the 600 series but I do not use them as much as I do the Mitchell's. These reels will get you in way under your $65-70 range, and will give you years of trouble free service.
Hawker
Xplorer
12-05-2003, 07:00 AM
Hawker,
Actually I would be replacing a couple of 308's that are on the rods right now. Nothing really wrong with them, they are around 6 years old and was hoping to find a somewhat smoother reel. Mine dont have infinite antireverse either.
Xplorer
Xplorer
12-05-2003, 07:00 AM
Hawker,
Actually I would be replacing a couple of 308's that are on the rods right now. Nothing really wrong with them, they are around 6 years old and was hoping to find a somewhat smoother reel. Mine dont have infinite antireverse either.
Xplorer
Crusher23
12-05-2003, 07:03 AM
You might want to try the Okuma epixor series. I bought one last year and it quickly became my favorite. I know Okuma stuff gets put down occasionaly on this board but I really like the one I have.
The Crusher
Crusher23
12-05-2003, 07:03 AM
You might want to try the Okuma epixor series. I bought one last year and it quickly became my favorite. I know Okuma stuff gets put down occasionaly on this board but I really like the one I have.
The Crusher
MoWalleyeguy
12-05-2003, 07:09 AM
Just to verify the last post. The NEW Mitchell 300X and 308X are all new. They came out in 2003 I belive, with the silver model being a 5 ball bearing reel and the gold edition being 10 ball bearings. They are NO comparison to the OLD Mitchells (I have one of thoughs). These new reels are very smooth. I bought 2 308X's for crappie fishing but also used them for walleyes and they work very good and are smooth. For the money I think the Pflueger Solara is a slightly smoother reel and at $50.00 is a nice bargain. I would say the Mitchell is more solid and heavy duty though. All depends on what type of fishing your doing I guess. If there going to be dropped and kicked around the Mitchell will outlast most others.
MoWalleyeguy
12-05-2003, 07:09 AM
Just to verify the last post. The NEW Mitchell 300X and 308X are all new. They came out in 2003 I belive, with the silver model being a 5 ball bearing reel and the gold edition being 10 ball bearings. They are NO comparison to the OLD Mitchells (I have one of thoughs). These new reels are very smooth. I bought 2 308X's for crappie fishing but also used them for walleyes and they work very good and are smooth. For the money I think the Pflueger Solara is a slightly smoother reel and at $50.00 is a nice bargain. I would say the Mitchell is more solid and heavy duty though. All depends on what type of fishing your doing I guess. If there going to be dropped and kicked around the Mitchell will outlast most others.
ChadM
12-05-2003, 07:13 AM
Scheels has the Shimano Symetre for $64 on clearance. Normally $84.
I believe Cabelas or Bass Pro is at $69.
This is a good reel for the money.
eyedoktr
12-05-2003, 07:17 AM
If you have a Dick's near you, wait for their sale on the Okuma Aria. It is exactly the same as the Epixor but made exclusively for Dick's. I've picked up 6-8 over the last 2 years and usually only pay about $35-40 for them.Also at www.dsports.com
Reeds has the Symetre for $69.99 or 2 for $129.99. I have one and love it!
JLDII
12-05-2003, 07:43 AM
If you can get the symetre for $65, do it. Those are great reels that will make you happy for a long time.
pwrfshn
12-05-2003, 07:55 AM
The new Sahara from Shimano is pretty hot.
Had one in my hands last night and is very solid, smooth, and in the right price range. I've been really happy with the Stradics I have, but the Sahara will be tough to pass up at 2 to 1 pricing.
http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/us/en/fishing/products/reels/reels_spinning/sahara/SH1500FA.html
They are re-designed for 2004 and 59.99 at the local shop I saw them at.
Good luck,
Xplorer
12-05-2003, 09:16 AM
Thanks for the claification, took a look at the new ones, much nicer. Also see that cabelas has a pfleuger/im6 combo for $65, with 7.5' rod available. Hmmmmm...... Xplorer
Xplorer
12-05-2003, 09:18 AM
Thanks, I'll be in scheels in eau claire this weekend and will definitly check them out. Xplorer
Hawker
12-05-2003, 10:00 AM
Then you really do need to check out the newer models because they "do" have instand anti reverse, new super easy quick change spools etc. Nothing like the older models I promise ya!!
Hawker
Otter
12-05-2003, 10:17 AM
Another vote for the Shimano Symetre.
Gilligan
12-05-2003, 03:15 PM
Hey Doc..you were supposed to let me know when they went on sale last year and ya blew it! I gotta upgrade this year for sure so keep me posted.
Ristorapper
12-05-2003, 09:45 PM
Just took advantage of the 2 for $129.99. FREE shipping but did experience two problems with reeds. They tried charging me freight and they charged me the 69.99 each price so had to e-mail to settle the dispute but finally got them for $129. for two STEAL!!
Ristorapper
12-05-2003, 09:47 PM
http://www.muskiefever.com/Cgi-Bin/Webc.exe/Catalog/st_prod.html?p_prodid=301&p_catid=61
Chuckles
12-06-2003, 06:00 PM
Here's another vote for the Garcia cardinal 600's. Have several and greatly enjoy them. The anti-reverse is 100% and they are extremely lightweight. 6 ounces and a little change for the 600u. Making for a much more sensitive package than a hsimano cna present without buying a stella anyway. For 50 bucks they are great - especially since just 2 years ago they had them for $100. Cabelas and many othrs have them. Chuckles
wailinKalin
12-06-2003, 07:08 PM
Bought 4 SY 1000s,they are GREAT reels.Got the last 4 at Cabela's.The spools from my aging Stradics fit fine.Maybe some of the parts,also?
The Stradics were the first to be made a while back,got MORE than my moneys worth from them. :7
The NEW Mitchells are also fine reels.
walleyebuster
12-07-2003, 06:55 AM
Another vote for the Shimano Sym. I have three of them. Best reel for the money I could find. Use them on LOW for Lindy rigging all the time. I have two that ate 3 years old. I have a Stradic also which is twice the money. The Sym performs just as good.
Xplorer1
12-08-2003, 07:30 AM
Thanks for all the help guys.
Got a chance to check out all the reels mentioned. Unfortunatly for me the deal on the symetre's at Scheels was over, tried to get them to still give it to me if i bought 2, but no go.
Really liked the Sahara, if fact i think 2 of them jumped in my wifes Xmas cart for me! Gander even had them on sale for $50, and I think they will work well setup with 15/4 powerpro.
I was told that the symetre's are also redesigned for 2004. The only 2004 i found was a "2000" model rear drag. I may have to watch for these this spring and "give" my wife one of the Sahara's.
Xplorer
ChadM
12-08-2003, 08:45 AM
I would give Reeds a call and check on the Symetry's. They are a much better reel then the Sahara. If you fish a lot you will want to upgrade but if you just fish occasionally you may not notice the difference.
Otter
12-08-2003, 12:15 PM
Xplorer1, the rear drags are heavier and not as nice a reel, IMHO. Reed's currently has 2 Symetre reels for $129.99 with free S&H! Otter.
http://www.reedssports.com/Cgi-Bin/Webc.exe/Catalog/st_prod.html?p_prodid=301&p_catid=61
was in galyans last night the symetre is all new for 2004 very nice reel imo...check it out not to many deals on it yet but worth it
Xplorer
12-10-2003, 05:36 AM
Otter,
Thanks for the heads up, just ordered one from Reeds:) Unfortunatly, now i gotta wait another 5 months for open water to try it out (actually i may give it a go this winter for lakers here in northern MN and ontario)!
Try the Trion or Solara series-super smooth and they come matched with IM-8 series rods. Cabelas has a sale right now. I bought 2 combos Solara with 7' one piece rod-oh ya! Good Fishin to ya!