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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!
 
#32 ·
I took it out for a test run today, and I must say I'm very impressed. It is silent when casting and it's super smooth. Unfortunately no bass wanted to play during my 30 minute trip but I will definitely be replacing another reel here soon with a 3000 model
 
#35 ·
Pfluegers are proven JUNK! If you have done any type of search on OGF you will see alot of negative feedback.
Of course there are those that stand by them, but anyone that fishes hard will wear them out with the quikness.

I use mainly all SHIMANO Stradics but am suprised no one had mentioned the LEWS Speed Spool.
Very nice reel for 50$
I have a few of the 100a and 200a's and they are built like indestructable tanks!
 
#38 ·
I settled on a Quantum TE 10 PTIB which unfortunately has been discontinued. (I have a total of 6) 4 are NIB. No problems and its an incredible reel. A friend recently broke (crashed it on some rocks) an arm lever 8 bucks with shipping fast delivery and easy fix. When I ordered the part, I thought I might grab a spare handle but the price almost matched what I paid for the reels.

I do like the smoke PT speed freak which fits your budget. Also think the Shimano Stradic is a very good choice.

Almost every reel in your price range is gonna be a good one. Go shopping, try the different reels in your price range and see what feels best to you, Then get online and compare prices. I try to support local retailers but refuse to pay 50% or more mark up, Sometimes they have deals and other times they dont, Good luck with your search, You will need a bit larger reel than I like but different sizes in the models are about the same other than weight and line capacity,
 
#41 ·
I just picked up a Abu Garcia Ora, I did my research and all the reviews that I have seen for the newer models have been very good. I just didn't have enough to get another symetre (poor college kid) lol
 
#47 ·
lots of good reviews of Shimano here. I am looking for a spinning reel, too. My concern is the reel's ability to hold up to pressure from constant retrieving big, deep diving, hard-pulling cranks that I like to throw from shore and piers - like RR 800s and deep bandits. I find I can get 1-2 seasons out of some reels, and actually do better with fewer ball bearings. What do you guys think I should consider? Thinking $150 if it will last me 5 years, but if it will only last two, I can just keep buying $30-$60 reels and cranking up 'til they die...
 
#49 ·
The Symetre and Stradic can both take some abuse and perform like new for many years with proper maintenance. I have some that are 20 plus years old and still going strong. There are potential lemons with any product you buy, but it's hard to beat the Shimano line for durability starting with the Symetre on up.
 
#53 ·
thanks for the advice
Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert by any means. Just sharing my personal experience with them. After many years of using Shimano's from the old MarkII line of the early 80's to the present ones up to a Sustain, I've developed a biased opinion of them. To me personally, the sane approach of not breaking the bank and still getting a quality reel falls somewhere around the Symetre. There isn't enough of a difference to start nagging you that you didn't spend the extra cash on a more expensive one. I've never used a Saros, so have no comment about them.
 
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