Shimano Reels Personal Reviews

[CDobber]

All:

 

I'm researching a new reel to ask for at Xmas.  I've narrowed down to Shimano simply to narrow it down in some way, shape or form...so this is simply looking for your feedback/expertise on Shimano spinning reels.  I have read through other forums that discussed them on here but did not find any that compared them pros/cons to each other.

 

I have a Shimano Compre 6'8" MHF pole that it will be paired with, and is my bass dedicated pole.  I pair it with 25# Spiderwire braid.  I largely use the pole from shore and am still very much in the experimental phase of lure usage, though I tend to prefer soft plastics with a jig, topwaters, frogs, shallow running cranks/squares/spinners.  I consider myself novice, no intention of ever entering competitions.

 

I am normally casting from shore, though it will see use on our boat.

 

I believe the 2500 series is what I should be narrowed down to as well....and am looking at Symetre (RD and FD), Sedona (FD), Sahara (SH) and Spirex (RD and FD) though I wouldn't rule out others if suggested.  I expect to pay $100 or less if purchasing it myself, though would guess it'll come as a gift.  I currently don't have any experience using a RD, but also have not progressed skill wise to adjust the drag to anything but tight for all applications.

 

I read some people finding fault with graphite bodied ones, which all but the Symetre RD appear to be...though the online reviews I've gone through on cabelas and amazon are 4 or 4.5 stars for all 6 models listed.

 

Anyone with personal feedback, positive or negative, to narrow the field further?  

 

 

[Gaerith]

You can  probably get a Symetre for 20% off on Black Friday.  Of the choices you presented that's the one I would go with.

[kschultz76]

Given the options you're considering the choice is easy - Symetre (new front drag version) which is the only one that has xship. Should be a capable spinning real for you. With Black Friday sales coming you might be able to land a Saros for about the same price as a full price Symetre as well.

[Virtuoso]

Make sure whatever reel you get has the patented line management system. I am fairly certain the ones you mentioned do, but I would take that feature over X-ship. But better to have both!

[tomustang]

Ditch the spirex and sedona, they are ok reels but a double handle could be more of an annoyance and the sedona can wear out quicker.

The sahara and symetre are nice reels, I wouldn't go under the sahara line based off quality and smoothness. You will notice a small upgrade with the symetre over the sahara which I think is worth it.

But since you are asking for it as an xmas present go for something even better in the line, a stradic fj 2500. They can even be found on ebay for around $140.

[kschultz76]

Well since tomustang said it I will back him up. The Stradic FJ 2500 is a beautiful reel. If you can find a deal on one you can afford to for it. But the Saros isn't far off from it, and the Symetre is great in its price point.

Any Shimano that comes with Xship will also have their line management system so you don't have to worry about that. I believe the Sahara has the line management but doesn't have xship.

[Capt.Bob]

Out of the reels you mention the Symetre hands down is the choice I would recamend, but as suggested for around $125.00 to $140.00 the Stradic FJ 2500 would be a huge jump up in quality, or for the same size reel the 3000 has the "T" handle I prefer and a deeper spool that holds a little more line, the handle I like better than the 2500, but the capacity is of little importance. I have both plus the Sustain, the Stradic is my personal best buy of all spinning reels not just Shimano, the Sustain is very nice I just don't see the price difference for the performance difference. Go for the Symetre if you must but I would find a way to get the Stradic. JMO

[Lewi]

I will have to differ with one here on his statement of staying above the sahara line.  That is a great reel, no argument there as I have one also but I have a sonora and I wouldn't trade it in for anything.......oaky, maybe something but the orange is pretty cool, none-the-less it is a sweet spinning reel for $50.  

[Loop_Dad]

I have Saros and  Sahara. Both of them are one model back by the way, but they are from the same model year. When I bought Saros, I went "wow what a nice reel". Then I picked up Sahara on sale as spare. Guess what, I didn't feel that much difference to justify the price difference between the two. The next time I would just get Sahara. It's good enough for my spinning needs.

[SirSnookalot]

$100 and under Shimano makes a nice reel, drags are fairly good and in freshwater durability is not a major issue.  IMO Shimano does have the best line management system.  If I were a Shimano buyer I'd take a good look at the symetre, I don't find a graphite frame being much of a negative.

[CDobber]

Thanks so far, all.....the Symetre was my leading candidate going into the question yesterday and doesn't seem to be changed.....though, like many of you, the Stratic was in the back of my mind as an alternative if found at the right price.  Most of the gift levels our family does (sans spouse) are around $50, though my birthday is only 2 weeks before Xmas so they could be combined.  I have been keeping an eye on the flea market here, just in case, but hadn't seen any Stratic's coming much under $135 or $140 but with the right sale (or gift cards) I would certainly consider based on forum posts in this thread and quite frequently elsewhere on this board.

 

Nice to hear some features to look for as well....most I had posted did the line management system but the Xship was an unfamiliar term I will be looking up.  

[tomustang]

 

Nice to hear some features to look for as well....most I had posted did the line management system but the Xship was an unfamiliar term I will be looking up.

[Virtuoso]

X ship good for smooth power retrieve

[Raul]

From the Shimano spinning line up the Sahara is ----> best bang for the buck you can find, I own a couple and they are excellent reels, the Symetre is an excellent reel but for a few more bucks you can get a Stradic, IMHO it´s ---->"the best spinning reel you´ll ever need", why I say it ? cuz I own it and own the next level up which is the Sustain and for that kind of money it ain´t that great.

 

I´m mainly a Shimano fan but when it comes to spinning reels Daiwas are much more refined and feel better.

[War Eagle 44]

From the Shimano spinning line up the Sahara is ----> best bang for the buck you can find, I own a couple and they are excellent reels, the Symetre is an excellent reel but for a few more bucks you can get a Stradic, IMHO it´s ---->"the best spinning reel you´ll ever need", why I say it ? cuz I own it and own the next level up which is the Sustain and for that kind of money it ain´t that great.

 

I´m mainly a Shimano fan but when it comes to spinning reels Daiwas are much more refined and feel better.

I'll have to strongly disagree here, my Stella 3000FD is by far the best spinning reel I've personally handled. I know it's out of the price range for many guys but that doesn't mean it isn't one fantastic reel.

[shootermcbob]

I have personally fished the sahara, the symetre, the saros, and the stradic. Stradic wins...hands down IMO.

 

That said, they are all very nice reels. I do not believe there is a "wrong" choice here, and you will be happy with any of the reels mentioned. 

[lmbfisherman]

I a Symetre FI awesome reel, I use it on my Fenwick ET Smallmouth.  I would definitely pick this one out of all your choices, but if you can afford a Stradic FJ, I'd definitely say do it, but I understand having a budget.  The Symetre is no slouch though.

[SirSnookalot]

Wouldn't argue one way or the other about x- ship, have yet to use it.  I did find the choice of reels interesting in that video, a stradic and a sustain neither of which appeared to be a bass sized reel.  Only if I'm right and those reels were 4000's I would have selected a different species like permit in the flats to depict cranking power.  Staying with the theme of bass I think a 2500 or smaller reel would have been more appropriate, just my opinion.  I did enjoy the outstretched arms and exuberance displayed.

[CDobber]

I do appreciate all that have given feedback on my topic to this point.  Got to go out and try a Symetre (on a stick) at Gander the other day and looked at a few others in person, though I didn't bother them to open a case and look at the Stradic FJ.  Its pretty much between the two, and only if I/wife find the Stradic on a good sale, as I really don't need to own a $170 reel in my situation.

[MarkH024]

I do appreciate all that have given feedback on my topic to this point.  Got to go out and try a Symetre (on a stick) at Gander the other day and looked at a few others in person, though I didn't bother them to open a case and look at the Stradic FJ.  Its pretty much between the two, and only if I/wife find the Stradic on a good sale, as I really don't need to own a $170 reel in my situation.

You can find a good used Stradic FJ on fleabay for in the 115-135 range. That is where I got mine and the reel is flat out awesome. I have a Symetre as well, and it's a great reel but would take a Stradic over it in a second.  

[kschultz76]

Whatever you can comfortably afford that gets you on the water is a good choice. The Symetre is a quality reel and I think you'll be happy with it.

[skeletor6]

For the money, the Stradic FJ is the best deal IMHO. You basically get all of the features that Shimano has to offer without going to a $300+ reel. Only drawback would be its weight. It doesn't bother me, however, on certain rods one might want to go lighter.

[CDobber]

FYI I did pick up the Stradic FJ that was for sale in the flea market and presume I'll get either another of those or the symetre from the family....keeping my purchase a bit on the down low.

[tomustang]

Good choice.

[kschultz76]

Great reel, enjoy it!