MJinMN

I like Power Pro moss green in 20lb as my all-around but no idea if it's the best. Also, I lost a few baits when I started with braid until I started using palomar knots. Good luck.

I've got a number of stradics and also Daiwa spinning reels. The difference between the FL/FK etc. and the Ci4 models is weight, the Ci4s are 2-3 oz lighter in most sizes. My original Ci4 (FA?) has had some issues and not lived up to expectations but the FB I have is a dream, wonderful light reel and works flawlessly. I don't have anything against the heavier stradics, you should try one on the rod you're wanting to use it on and see which balances better or if one feels better to you. I also have purchased a number of the Daiwas over the past 3 years and my general feeling is that the lower end of Daiwa's lineup is much better than Shimano's, but that the stradic is probably better at the upper end. I have two tatulas (one black and one stainless steel) and the black tatula is probably my least favorite of the Daiwas that I own. Recently I bought a Regal LT for $60 and it is smooth, reliable drag and casts great. I like it at least as much as the tatula that cost 3x as much. Generally, if you are wanting to splurge on a dream setup, my favorite one is an avid with the FB stradic Ci4+. However, if you want a really sweet reel for the price, I'd go with the Regal LT (other LTs are fine too but I think that is a recent model and they continue to get better) and you could use the money you save to get a nicer rod?

I have two and am waiting for the ice to melt. I bought one of the sterling silver ones, which only comes in the 3000 size, and a 2000 size "regular" Tatula LT that I am putting on a light action rod. On the second reel, I probably would've just bought the Fuego LT for $99 if it came in the 2000 size, since the 2000 seemed to match the rod I'd picked out and that also is a really nice reel. My Cabela's was running a promotion where you get a nice coupon towards a new rod or reel if you donate one, and there also is a promo going where you can get a Daiwa Huk shirt for $5 if you buy a Tatula, so my bait monkey was able to justify the extra $$$. With all that being said, if it works with your rod, I am in awe of the sterling silver reel.....

I have owned a lot of Shimanos and enjoy lighter weight gear. Consequently, my favorite reels in recent years have been the Stradic Ci4s. However, after checking out the Tatula LT at the store recently, I ordered one of the sterling silver Tatula LTs instead of buying another Ci4. I have been happy with the performance of my other Daiwa spinning reels (revros and RG-AB) and assuming that the Tatula works as good as it feels, I expect that I will be purchasing those over future Ci4s.

I would suggest you take a look at the Daiwa RG-AB which retails for $59. It is an incredibly smooth reel and I think you could take the $40 you save to buy a nicer rod. I returned a Daiwa BG because I liked the RG-AB better....

My sense is that it would be very difficult to find a significant function or feature difference between the two reels. The RG is a tiny bit lighter. If you like the RG's appearance better, go with that, I think you'll be equally happy with either from a functionality perspective.

I own a Revros and have been blown away by how nice of a reel it is for the money. It is super smooth and casts a mile. I went back to buy a second and found the newly released RG-AB which seems like almost the same reel, just a tiny bit lighter. Ended up buying that. Generally, I would say if you enjoy a smooth reel and are comfortable with an average weight, you will probably love either of them. If you really value the lightest weight reel, you might need to pay a bit more but you can find a lighter reel that probably won't be as smooth.

If you're looking at spinning reels, i'd check out the Daiwa RG-AB which has been on sale at my local Cabela's for $49 but is "regularly" $59. They're relatively new so nobody can tell you how they'll be 10 years from now, but I think they're one of the smoothest reels you can buy. Also, regarding line choice, perhaps consider McCoy Mean Green? It's relatively inexpensive, gets good reviews and should be pretty versatile.

I believe the Mojo Bass uses the same SCIII blank as the Avid and Avid X, seems like good quality within the target price range...?

I also think the Daiwa RG-AB is probably the best deal out there right now, on sale for $49 in-store at my Cabela's. It's as smooth as reels costing two and three times as much, although you can definitely find lighter reels if that is your priority.

Have not seen the video. I know that Lews is putting out a lot more length/stiffness combinations for a number of their rods in 2017. Based on specs, I thought that the TP1 Speed Stick was the best fit - they have 6'6" MF rod with IM8 graphite and microwave guides. Have only found that at $99 and am trying to find a place to check one out. What model were you referring to?

Thank you for all the suggestions. I had looked at the Powells given the positive reputations on these boards. I was a little worried that with all the rods having XF tips that it wouldn't be great for casting and potentially limited to single hook applications. Thoughts? Also, I don't know any place nearby that carries them, do you like the reel seat? I'm use to ones that would have cork on the back rather than what I think is called the skeleton? I will trek back to Cabela's this weekend and try to decide whether the ML Veritas would work. That might be a fun setup for finesse applications and lighter weight stuff. Nice pair with the Ci4+? Also wonder if I could use that jigging for walleye... hmmm. Will also check out the Triumph. I figure the Avid X is really about exactly what I'd like, I just can't justify spending that much given the amount of abuse I put rods through and the amount I fish. I also really like the lifetime warranty on the HMG. Thank you for the suggestions.

So, I've spent a ton of time trying to research options, reading sticky posts and searching past threads. After all of that, I'm looking for some final advice.... Generally I'm looking for a good all-around spinning rod. I have three daughters and we fish multi-species. I have lighter rods for panfish and some heavier rods for large baits, so I was thinking I would go with MF action. I thought around 6'6" would be best for kids to be able to cast accurately with and also for boat safety. I was generally thinking a budget of $75 to $100. The rods I'm coming up with in my search are: - Fenwick HMG - Lew's TP1 Speed Stick - Daiwa Fuego (just came out, anyone who has experience?) - Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 - would MF be too stiff? - Something used There's also a Cabela's "Tournament Trail" IM8 rod that feels good but have read some reports of tips snapping. Anything else I'm missing or should be considering? Comments? Thanks in advance....

I purchased a Revros last year and was blown away with how nice of a reel it is for $59. The RG-AB is new this year and seems to be the same as the Revros only lighter. I recently purchased a 2500 RG-AB but won't be able to fish with it until the ice melts. Personally I think it's the best bang for the buck spinning reel on the market today.

I have been looking in the same general price range recently. My thoughts are that the Nasci is very smooth, but not as light as some other reels. I believe it is a bit smoother than my Ci4+ stradic, but the stradic is lighter. I also purchased the BG as an option and ended up returning it. I felt it was relatively heavy and not as smooth as either Shimano, although its components should last forever. If you don't need the saltwater option of the BG, I definitely would look at the Daiwa RG-AB. I bought one at Cabela's yesterday for $49. It is smoother than any of my Shimanos and weight-wise the 2500 feels similar to the Ci4+ 3000. If you want to use heavier line then you may have to go to the 3000 on the Daiwa which then offsets some of the weight advantage...