A Modern "heirloom" Spinning Reel?

[therealjohnkeel]

The "why are shimano fans so hardcore" discussion (http://www.bassresou...ns-so-hardcore/)-in particular the thoughts about the difference between modern equipment and the "built to last" stuff from decades ago-got me thinking about something:

Is there such a thing as a modern, bulletproof, heirloom-quality spinning reel? I'm not the kind of guy who actually likes buying new equipment. I drive my cars into the ground and buy quality clothes and shoes and wear them until they fall-apart. I get my dress shoes restored and re-soled. I carry a Glock

I just took up bass fishing this year and I would love to get a reel that I could maintain and keep for decades and give to my son. Anyone know of a modern make/model that would fit the bill. Price is a factor but, I'd be willing to go high-end for something that would last a lifetime. I would rather buy 1 $300 reel than 10 $30 reels. I would fully expect to have to adhere to proper maintenance. Does such a reel exist?

[00 mod]

I carry a glock also!

I haven't had it long enough to say it will last FOREVER, but I suspect it might!

Shimano stradic ci4 2500 - without a doubt the best bang for your buck in a spinning reel on the market!

Jeff

[0119]

Heirloom? Zeebass. No other currently made spinner could qualify.

You couldnt give me a Glock

[DON1937]

I don't know enough about modern spinning reels to say that any of them are heirloom quality. From what I've seen I don't think that many of them will be around after 50 years of use. I have 2 Mitchell 300s that are nearing the 50 year mark and work as good as they did when new. They're not as pretty as some of the modern reels and their straight cut gears can be noisy. I can change spools just by pushing on the front of the spool without disrupting the drag setting. I have two Shakespeare reels that I bought in 1976 for $9.99 at K Mart and they are both as smooth today as my new Pflueger Supreme. Fishing equipment is like guns.......I don't have to need one to buy it.

My Glocks are ugly to some people but they always go bang and will be around long after I'm gone.

[Fishes in trees]

Spinning reel life is a function of how well you take care of it. I too have a MItchell 300 series (301 right hand crank) that I purchased in 1976. It still works. It was my primary spinning reel until 1990. Now I keep it on the bench, a collectors item, but it would still fish good should I choose to use it. As I recall, every year or so I would break a bail spring on this reel. The tackle store in Columbia, MO (where I was living most of that time) had sold A LOT of that brand of reel and they kept the springs in stock.

My advice would be to buy one you like and take care of it and it will last until you get old or someone steals it - which ever comes first. Of course, should you fish in salt or brackish water, all bets are off.

[roadwarrior]

I agree with 00mod, the CI4 is the best bang for the buck. However, the Stella 2500FE might be a candidate

for "heirloom" status. With a little effort you might find one NIB or gently used for around $400.

[Dwight Hottle]

Is there such a thing as a modern, bulletproof, heirloom-quality spinning reel?

Take a look at a shimano stella or a diawa certate.

[rockchalk06]

You could also buy a reel, use it a bit and then store it.

[therealjohnkeel]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

[BassinMD]

Stradic 2500 is a great real and if well maintained would last forever , and you also could not give me a glock XD, something about plastic sights makes me sigh and stay with my kimber. Not a new kimber though because they are now junk but one made when kimber was a great company.

[trevor]

For a true heirloom reel, there's a company called Zeebaas: https://www.zeebaas.com/our-team. Van Staals may also fall into this category, but don't get quite as spectacular reviews as the ZB's. The Penn Torque is another such reel.

I would say in the more affordable category, Shimanos are hard to beat. The gears are top notch, and even with hard fishing, everything holds up great for me.

[therealjohnkeel]

Oh man, I checked-out the Zeebaas reels. Yup, conceptually, that's what I was looking for: built to last, owner maintainable and versatile. But wow... yikes... I think my wife would stab me in the neck if I bought even the cheapest model. It's looking like the Stradic might be more attainable, with less bloodshed. Thanks again, everyone.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Stella and Certate are sweet, super smooth reels for sure but hardly user friendly when it comes to servicing. The Stradic is a good "work horse" reel. A problem with spinning reels is that many users tend to neglect them more so than baitcasters for whatever reason. I suggest having them torn down and deep cleaned regularly as part of the maintenance schedule.

[mod479]

^{Stradic Ci4 is a great reel for the money, I love both of mine. 2500/4000}

^{-Smooth, light, awesome drag system!}

^{-Ugly color combo, and a paint job you dont wanna let touch the ground is my only complaints...if you wanna call those legitimate complaints...}

^{Since you are okay with ~300 price tag, dont forget about the Sustain FG. I would have it over my stradics in most situations, but only becuase its not as gaudy, the retrieve is smoother, and feels more refined at the end of the day.}

^{Both reels have a cool maitenence port for quick servicing too, which will prolong the life if you keep them oiled up every month or so.}

^{If it lasts, it'll get passed down someday...here is my little river rig:}

^{Dobyns Champ. 703 SF}

^{Sustain FG 2500}

^{Platinum Promix 6#.}