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Spinning reel upgrade?

6K views 55 replies 27 participants last post by  Panfish_Hunter 
#1 ·
I recently had a Phlueger President kick the bucket, this is the second one that I have actually had break on me. So, I am wanting to upgrade a little bit, nothing too expensive but I am willing to pay 100-120 for a new reel. Any suggestions for a solid spinning reel? I will mainly be using it on my all around rod for bass, walleye (casting on Erie) and saugeye. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
#9 ·
I've been a fan of Okuma reels for a few years now. I have both an RTX, and a High Speed Trio. The RTX would be a great choice for what you're wanting to do. It's extremely light, super smooth, and wobble free. I really like the elliptical gearing Okuma uses.Only thing they're missing is a carbon fiber drag.

If you're interested, FishUsa.com has the Okuma Helios on sale right now. It's a vastly better reel, and just a tad heavier than the RTX due to the upgraded gearing. It has carbon fiber drag. Standard Shipping should be free as well, if you don't mind waiting about a week for it.

It will be the reel I eventually upgrade to.
 
#6 ·
When I read the title of the post I was going to suggest a president or a supreme to you! Too bad about the Pflugers for you, I've had nothing but good to say about them... But there's no denying Shimano makes a great reel.
About the Okuma... When I worked in a fishing store, the reels we got back most for being defective were Quantum and Okuma... Just a warning, not all are bad, but Shimanos never came back with issues.
 
#7 ·
There are no doubts that the Symetre is a really nice reel. Especially for the money. But if it were me, I'd throw another $40 on and get a Saros. It has the Aero Wrap line winding system. They say it allows longers casts, and it really does.

I have an older Saros and it is as melted butter smooth, as it was the day I got it.

Great reel !!!
 
#13 ·
Best Shimano you can afford is the correct answer IMO. I've not used the Saros, but have owned 5 Symetre's and 4 Stradics. All are great reels. You can find models that are a couple of years old still new in the box from power seller stores on E-Bay if you want to save some money. Just something to consider.
 
#15 ·
Shimanos stay useable longer than ANY other reel made.With proper maintenance,almost forever.Even their "economy" line like sedona and Sahara,while not quite as light or elaborate,will pretty much ALWAYS get the job done.You're making a wise decision.It'll catch tons of fish for you.
 
#19 ·
I prefer 2500 size but I like the least weight possible.You'll sacrifice a little line capacity and probably a few #s of drag(w/out looking up specs).It does fine for me for Erie smallies,LM,and even channel cats.Definitely wouldn't go over 3500.Just overkill and too much bulk and weight for no real benefit,IMO.Others may well disagree and that's fine,its all preference.I just really prefer the smaller,lighter 2500 size and its all I buy.
 
#22 ·
So if you're fishing 300' of water,you only can let the fish pull 120' of drag w/2500.With a 3000 you can let them have 390'.The real downside to a 2500 is fishing 400' of water and only having 20' of play left:D.Really though,its just preference.You don't ever use 50-60% of the line on your spool,regardless of what size you use.
 
#24 ·
For me I like the extra spool size so that I can fish more before having to strip my line and restring thus saving a little money here and there. I feel like I have to put new line on every few weeks unless I work in a few different reels. I run 8lb flouro on Abu Orra s10. I might have to go down to 6lb or step up to the s20 size for the line I like. I have 10lb flouro on my wife's s30 size and it seems to be a better ratio for me at least. FWIW just my 2 cents and experiences.
 
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