Firefighter82 Posted January 10, 2013 Posted January 10, 2013 I just got back in to fishing last year for the first time in 15 years. I bought two cheap poles and the reels stink. I'm going to keep the poles and upgrade the reels. I use mostly senko's and the occasional crank bait. I don't want to spend a boat load of money since we just had twin boys and need all the money I can keep. Lol let me know thanks. Sean Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted January 10, 2013 Super User Posted January 10, 2013 Get a couple good spinning reels for $30-$50 from any of the better brands, Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Pflueger, etc ..............assuming your talking about spinning reels..............they all make decent stuff. Personaly I prefer Shimano. I fish 100+ days a year and have zero problems with my $50 Shimano Sonora's. For "general purpose" fishing, a Shimano or Daiwa in the 2000 or 2500 size is a good choice. IDK about the Abu/Pflueger/any other brands sizes, they don't use the 1000,2000,2500,etc. numbering system Shimano and Daiwa use, and often times without seeing them in person I am confused by there numbering systems. Quote
Firefighter82 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Posted January 10, 2013 Thanks for the input. Yeah my buddy got a bait caster and he doesn't know how to use it and he gets ticked off after every cast cause he gets a nest in the line every time. Just watching him I'll stick with the spinning reel. Lol Quote
Firefighter82 Posted January 10, 2013 Author Posted January 10, 2013 I see alot of reels that say 4 bearings, 6 bearings, what is a good amount of bearings for a good reel. Quote
PondBoss Posted January 10, 2013 Posted January 10, 2013 Sounds like your buddy needs to adjust his reel. I would recommend the H2O Xpress line of rods and reels at Academy. They are inexpensive and very good quality. The Mettle reel has a really easy 6-pin braking system that is backlash proof if you set it up properly. Plus they are the best bang for your buck reel out there. They make several options for the rod, so you can find one that fits what you like. Just saw your post on bearings, the Mettle has a 10 bearing system and only costs $50. Quote
tracker01 Posted January 10, 2013 Posted January 10, 2013 Do not put to much into bearings. A $100.00 Shimano with 5 bearings should out last a $50.00 reel with ten bearings. It depends who made the bearings and what material they are made of. Shimano is big in the bicycle racing market, and their bearing savy is in their fishing reels also. Quote
Arv Posted January 10, 2013 Posted January 10, 2013 For your price point, IMO, most $50 reels will be ok. I'd look at a Shimano Sonora/Sahara or Pfleuger President. I have a Shakespear Dimension that I picked up from Walmart for 40-50 bucks and its still works fine. I don't expect it to last forever and I will eventually upgrade when I can afford it. But for now it does what I need it to. Quote
thehooligan Posted January 10, 2013 Posted January 10, 2013 You can get a shimano sahara for $60 online right now, id scoop one of those up quick Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted January 11, 2013 Super User Posted January 11, 2013 Thanks for the input. Yeah my buddy got a bait caster and he doesn't know how to use it and he gets ticked off after every cast cause he gets a nest in the line every time. Just watching him I'll stick with the spinning reel. Lol What reel does your buddy have? Does he read this forum? There are plenty of threads on learning to cast with a baitcast reel. He could start with the 2 stickies. 1 Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted January 11, 2013 Super User Posted January 11, 2013 I see alot of reels that say 4 bearings, 6 bearings, what is a good amount of bearings for a good reel.Just look for the reels that say Shimano on it. Quote
gripnrip Posted January 11, 2013 Posted January 11, 2013 You can get a shimano sahara for $60 online right now, id scoop one of those up quick x2! I have 2 of these reels and love them. Quote
tbone1993 Posted January 11, 2013 Posted January 11, 2013 I have an about 5 year old Abu garcia cardinal that still works perfectly and trust me I beat that reel up. It has survived rain,mud, drops and caught hundreds of fish. For the price it is a great reel line up. Also I am a big fan of the pflueger presidents. I have been putting more money into bait casting setups lately so i havent picked up a higher end spinning reel but I do use my friends from time to time. 1 Quote
Super User MCS Posted January 11, 2013 Super User Posted January 11, 2013 Abu Garcia or Pflueger are the way to go. especially for a great reel in the 50-60 dollar range, can't beat the President. 1 Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 11, 2013 Super User Posted January 11, 2013 Confusing, huh? These "What's Best" threads always get bogged down in brand loyalty, but a big part of that is experiece with a brand over time. To put this in perspective, whenever we have a "Favorites" poll, the results are always +/- 60% Shimano vs. the field. You can argue that these polls are not scientific and usually only have a hundred votes or so vs. our 38,000 members. So, judge that as you like. My specific recommendation is a Shimano Symetre 2500FJ. If $100 or so new is too much, "gently used" is offered on our Flea Market quite often for around $75. Quote
Super User MCS Posted January 11, 2013 Super User Posted January 11, 2013 Confusing, huh? These "What's Best" threads always get bogged down in brand loyalty, but a big part of that is experiece with a brand over time. To put this in perspective, whenever we have a "Favorites" poll, the results are always +/- 60% Shimano vs. the field. You can argue that these polls are not scientific and usually only have a hundred votes or so vs. our 38,000 members. So, judge that as you like. My specific recommendation is a Shimano Symetre 2500FJ. If $100 or so new is too much, "gently used" is offered on our Flea Market quite often for around $75. Saharas and symetres are $20 off at Gander mountain right now, you can get one new for 59.99 and 79.99 respectively. And Gander has free shipping Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 11, 2013 Super User Posted January 11, 2013 Saharas and symetres are $20 off at Gander mountain right now, you can get one new for 59.99 and 79.99 respectively. And Gander has free shipping WOW! Quote
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