I have Shimano, Diawa, Lew’s, Pflueger, Abu, and KastKing in my arsenal, and the only brand I wouldn’t buy again is Abu.
My Pfluegers are work horses, and my Lew’s serve specific roles that made them the best option when purchased, and are joys to fish with. Would and will buy both brands again.
My one Kastking just keeps working no matter how much hell I put it through. At the prices of Kastking I would definitely buy again. Going on 10 or so years of abuse on that reel, never serviced it, yet it keeps hucking.
I stay away from Shimano spinning reels. I haven’t had great luck with them. Their casting reels work fine for me though and would buy again.
My daiwa reels, nothing needs to be said. Would and will buy more Daiwa.
Variety is the spice of life.