View Full Version : Reels
Jigin Joe
03-16-2002, 07:43 PM
I am going to get a new spinning reel this coming week and would appreciate any suggestions on what make and model to consider.
Jigin Joe
03-16-2002, 07:43 PM
I am going to get a new spinning reel this coming week and would appreciate any suggestions on what make and model to consider.
bullfroglabat
03-16-2002, 07:48 PM
The shimano Stradic is hard to beat, but pricey ($114.00 Cabelas)
bullfroglabat
03-16-2002, 07:48 PM
The shimano Stradic is hard to beat, but pricey ($114.00 Cabelas)
SLIPKNOT
03-16-2002, 08:48 PM
Ditto the stradic or for less yet you can get a sedona which I think is just as good as my symettre for like $45. But if you have the money, go with the stradic, you will be glad you did. Good luck!
SLIPKNOT
03-16-2002, 08:48 PM
Ditto the stradic or for less yet you can get a sedona which I think is just as good as my symettre for like $45. But if you have the money, go with the stradic, you will be glad you did. Good luck!
Reels
03-16-2002, 10:04 PM
Hey Joe,
I third the stradic. Best all around real, that will last you a lifetime.
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Reels
03-16-2002, 10:04 PM
Hey Joe,
I third the stradic. Best all around real, that will last you a lifetime.
<{{}}><
rogerm52
03-16-2002, 10:39 PM
I too say go with the stradic.
rogerm52
03-16-2002, 10:39 PM
I too say go with the stradic.
Esox Warrior
03-17-2002, 02:32 PM
Another vote for Stradic. Right now you can get one as a Bass Pro combo with their new HM54 walleye rods for $119.00. That is a gret price.
Esox Warrior
03-17-2002, 02:32 PM
Another vote for Stradic. Right now you can get one as a Bass Pro combo with their new HM54 walleye rods for $119.00. That is a gret price.
mkebenn
03-17-2002, 04:12 PM
I just bought a Stradic today, and then saw this post. I was almost afraid to look. I'm feeling MUCH better now. Mike
mkebenn
03-17-2002, 04:12 PM
I just bought a Stradic today, and then saw this post. I was almost afraid to look. I'm feeling MUCH better now. Mike
luredaddy
03-17-2002, 05:37 PM
Take your time and find an older Zebco Cardinal #3 or #4, 3 is the ultralite! #4 is the the size of the Stradic. They are equal or superior to anything made today. Just make sure you get the older green and cream colored reels.
luredaddy
03-17-2002, 05:37 PM
Take your time and find an older Zebco Cardinal #3 or #4, 3 is the ultralite! #4 is the the size of the Stradic. They are equal or superior to anything made today. Just make sure you get the older green and cream colored reels.
RAJ95
03-17-2002, 06:19 PM
>Take your time and find an older Zebco Cardinal #3 or #4, 3
>is the ultralite! #4 is the the size of the Stradic. They
>are equal or superior to anything made today. Just make
>sure you get the older green and cream colored reels.
RAJ95
03-17-2002, 06:19 PM
>Take your time and find an older Zebco Cardinal #3 or #4, 3
>is the ultralite! #4 is the the size of the Stradic. They
>are equal or superior to anything made today. Just make
>sure you get the older green and cream colored reels.
The comments about the shimano reels are fine. Shimano makes very high quality reels.
However, don't overlook some of the other fine reels on the market.
There are lots of great reels out there that cost much less.
Lots of nice reels in the $50-$75 range.
Look for a reel, with a "perfect" drag - long stroke, instant anti reverse - at least 5 and preferably 5 or 6 ball bearings, aluminum spool, guide and groove in the line keeper to minimize line twist - and you will have a quality reel.
Since most of the reels - including Shimano are made off shore - i.e. Korea, Pakastain, or other locations - you just need to check out the action of the individual reel.
I think that you can check out a few different ones and find one of many that suit you and your needs very well.
I prefer a paddle handle - made of the rubbery "krypton" as opposed to a round, or wooden handle - that some of the manufacturers put on their "high end" reels. Why, I have no idea - except to try to impress someone with the look of "real wood.
Bass Pro, Cabellas, Gander Mountain - all have their house brand reels, that represent an excellent value.
Take care
REW
The comments about the shimano reels are fine. Shimano makes very high quality reels.
However, don't overlook some of the other fine reels on the market.
There are lots of great reels out there that cost much less.
Lots of nice reels in the $50-$75 range.
Look for a reel, with a "perfect" drag - long stroke, instant anti reverse - at least 5 and preferably 5 or 6 ball bearings, aluminum spool, guide and groove in the line keeper to minimize line twist - and you will have a quality reel.
Since most of the reels - including Shimano are made off shore - i.e. Korea, Pakastain, or other locations - you just need to check out the action of the individual reel.
I think that you can check out a few different ones and find one of many that suit you and your needs very well.
I prefer a paddle handle - made of the rubbery "krypton" as opposed to a round, or wooden handle - that some of the manufacturers put on their "high end" reels. Why, I have no idea - except to try to impress someone with the look of "real wood.
Bass Pro, Cabellas, Gander Mountain - all have their house brand reels, that represent an excellent value.
Take care
REW
WAeyes
03-17-2002, 07:13 PM
If the Stradic is a bit out of your price zone, the Shimano Symetre is about $80 which is the next step down from the Stradic. Enjoy
WAeyes
03-17-2002, 07:13 PM
If the Stradic is a bit out of your price zone, the Shimano Symetre is about $80 which is the next step down from the Stradic. Enjoy
Boatman
03-17-2002, 07:30 PM
Shimano makes a fine product but is a little steep on their prices. There are many fine reels on the market that will give you excellent service at a more reasonable price. Such as the Okuma spinning reels with 8 ball bearings and the Shakespeare Catera front drag reels. they are great values for the price. If price is not important then buy the Shimano top end reels But if you want better values than look at the Okuma at about 55 dollars or the Shakespeare Catera at about 35 dollars. Both will give you a lifetime of service.
Boatman
03-17-2002, 07:30 PM
Shimano makes a fine product but is a little steep on their prices. There are many fine reels on the market that will give you excellent service at a more reasonable price. Such as the Okuma spinning reels with 8 ball bearings and the Shakespeare Catera front drag reels. they are great values for the price. If price is not important then buy the Shimano top end reels But if you want better values than look at the Okuma at about 55 dollars or the Shakespeare Catera at about 35 dollars. Both will give you a lifetime of service.
Melonbob(ON)
03-18-2002, 06:00 PM
I agree there are alot of reels out there that can be found for a lower price than shimano, however, I haven't found many that keep up. I tried last year, I was going high end and convinced myself there was better for less. I ended up going with the quantum TiMag with I believe it was 10 or 11 bearings. It didn't make it through opening weekend. Stiffened all up. Dealer told me it had to be broken in, alot of people put toothpaste in and run it in with a drill. I'm sorry, but I'm a millwirght and I don't want to be putting toothpaste around any bearings, much less ones that precise. I also believe that a 100+ dollar reel should work well out of the box. I got a second, it did no better. Went with a stradic and never looked back.....(:
Granted reels like Okuma cannot be found around here, so I can't speak for them. My choices are shimano, quantum, Abu, shakespere, and Diawa. From these brands, none of them hold up to Shimano. Tolerances may or may not have something to do with it. You can have a reel with 25 ball bearings if you want, but if tolerances are out, it will feel like garbage. This is just my experience with the brands I mentioned. I tried to get out of Shimano, it's all I've been using since I was around 13, but I found myself right back at them......lol
Melonbob(ON)
03-18-2002, 06:00 PM
I agree there are alot of reels out there that can be found for a lower price than shimano, however, I haven't found many that keep up. I tried last year, I was going high end and convinced myself there was better for less. I ended up going with the quantum TiMag with I believe it was 10 or 11 bearings. It didn't make it through opening weekend. Stiffened all up. Dealer told me it had to be broken in, alot of people put toothpaste in and run it in with a drill. I'm sorry, but I'm a millwirght and I don't want to be putting toothpaste around any bearings, much less ones that precise. I also believe that a 100+ dollar reel should work well out of the box. I got a second, it did no better. Went with a stradic and never looked back.....(:
Granted reels like Okuma cannot be found around here, so I can't speak for them. My choices are shimano, quantum, Abu, shakespere, and Diawa. From these brands, none of them hold up to Shimano. Tolerances may or may not have something to do with it. You can have a reel with 25 ball bearings if you want, but if tolerances are out, it will feel like garbage. This is just my experience with the brands I mentioned. I tried to get out of Shimano, it's all I've been using since I was around 13, but I found myself right back at them......lol
Jigin Joe
03-18-2002, 06:21 PM
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to give their feedback.That is what makes this site great. This is the first discussion board I have ever been a part of and the responses and willingness to help others that I have seen is fantastic. Everyone that participates in this site should be very proud of what we have here. Thanks JJ
Jigin Joe
03-18-2002, 06:21 PM
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to give their feedback.That is what makes this site great. This is the first discussion board I have ever been a part of and the responses and willingness to help others that I have seen is fantastic. Everyone that participates in this site should be very proud of what we have here. Thanks JJ