Shimano Spinning Reals or Equal

[Rick Wy.]

All of my spinning reels (jigs and crank applications) have been Shimano Stradics or Spirex. I like the Spirex for casting with the Quick Fire trigger.

Looking to buy another rig this year and am considering something new. (just to be different)

Any recommendations out there for something comparable to the Stradic from a different manufacturer?

Another thought would be to keep with what I have, in that most posters have been very pleased with the Shimano Line and the Stradic.

Rick

[Rick Wy.]

REELS, not REAL

[Goldpig]

Like yourself, I have an affinity for Shimano, namely the Symmetre and Stradic. I have used the Daiwa SS before and loved it. Unfortunately, I am a little strange in that I like to have all of the same manufacturer so it's too late for me to start switching.

[WAeyes]

I'm weird like that too, gotta have those Stradics.

[cisco]

If instant anti-reverse is important to you, don't go with the trigger cast reels.

If you are looking to change, my favorite spinning reel is the Suveran with center drag. Check the Berkely website for info. I've had mine three years and use it more than any other spin reel I own.

[tbomn]

I also have the quirk of wanting all the same brand, Shimano is my choice, love the Stradics and Symetres. I have heard some fairly good reports about the Marado Helix series. I know, before you jump to any conclusions, Marado has a reputation for being less than top quality stuff, but, this reel has instant anti-reverse, positive click bail, 8 bearings, and is a pretty sweet looking rig. I probably would stick with the Stradic, but what the heck, give it a look.

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[MarbleEye's]

A question ive always had is how good are the cabela spining reels? It seems like that look good in writing, but for the price they ask something must be missing. It always seems like they have all the things i like to see in a good reel but half the price that im used to seeing/paying. Any first hand experiences with these?

Now my addition, This past winter I baught a Abu Garcia Cardinal Agenda 2. It has instant anti-reverse, 2 BB and 1 RB, the drag has worked great and for around $30 it is one of the best reels ive ever had for the price. I now have a UL on my ice fishing rod and it works flawlessly in the winter. Although ive only had them for one season they are quite a nice reel for a reasonable price.

MarbleEye's

[manitobawalleye]

have fished almost exclusively shimanos for about 20 years...
last year bought a fin nor for a little more than a symetre and will not go back.... quality is way better, smoother drag...
have not seen with trigger .... bought the ahab mega lite and am totally satisfied.... found on ebay for 75$ but see they have since reduced from $169 to $119 at bass pro and added a new model above in quality that looks excellent.... cannot comment on the cheaper ones... but you get what you pay for and to me symeters have gone downhill since 10 years ago and are overpriced

[tbomn]

Would have to disagree on the Shimano reels "going downhill" over the past 10 years. I bought one of the first Aero Symetres years
back and thought they were great. Since then I have had all the models, always in the front drag. I thought the "FG" in the 2000 series was the best yet, until they came out with the "FH" model, they seem to "only" be getting better. That 2000FH Symetre, for the money (around $85.) IMHO, is the best buy on the market. The Stradic in the 2000FG, is even better, but a little more money.

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[Mal]

I too have bought Shimano exclusively and had the urge to try something different. That was last winter before I and a bunch of friends made our trek up to Detroit and the Bass Pro Shop. They had some reels on sale and figured I would try one - especially since I could not go wrong with the price. So, I purchased one of the Extreme Spinning reels (EX40FA). Don't know if it will hold up in the long run like the Shimano's but I put it through its paces. Fly-in trip for walleye and pike in Northern Ontario, some 9 to 10 pound walleye on Lake Erie, and the big test, 20 to 30 pound salmon in Alpena, Michigan. Held up great (instant anti-reverse, 5 ball bearings, and the price on sale was $29.95). Time will tell. Just to be on the safe side, I bought another one for backup (have not had to use it yet). Give it a look and good luck!!

[rawburt]

You will find the Suveran Center drag spinning reel at www.abu-garcia.com