BONZ Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 Looking for a new spinner for bass and light inshore fishing. Checked out both reels in person they both feel solid. Haven't seen too much written on the new symetre other than some have complained of the bail hitting there knuckles when they reeled and the plastic body. On the Orra, I have read that some have had the reel make a grinding noise when reeling, but the reel felt great in the store. Does anyone have any feedback on either of these reels? Has anyone tried the new Lews spinners they just came out with? Quote
alexandboi Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 I have a symetre. I think it's a great reel for the price. It's probably my most used reel and gets thrown around the ground since I'm a bank fisherman. Even so it's still super smooth... With the bail thing, I haven't had it hit my hand or fingers. But maybe that's because I have smaller hands? 1 Quote
Under the Radar Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 I've got both, the Symetre FJ and Orra-S. Thoe the Orra is a solid feeling reel it does have some issues with smoothness. My partner has the Orra-SX and same issues. Symetre's hands down on this one. Some of my Symetre's have many seasons on them an they're just as smooth and the day they came out of the box. FWIW Quote
BONZ Posted January 12, 2014 Author Posted January 12, 2014 I have a symetre. I think it's a great reel for the price. It's probably my most used reel and gets thrown around the ground since I'm a bank fisherman. Even so it's still super smooth... With the bail thing, I haven't had it hit my hand or fingers. But maybe that's because I have smaller hands? You have the new symetre with the carbon frame and x-ship? If so it's good to hear its durable, as I fish from a kayak and beat up all my reels.I know it's rated for saltwater, have you used it in the saltwater? Quote
Super User SirSnookalot Posted January 12, 2014 Super User Posted January 12, 2014 They would all be fine, for light inshore I would prefer a 3000 or comprable size in another brand. There are other good choices too, I've seen pflueger supreme xt 35 for $107, pretty good reel too. 1 Quote
BONZ Posted January 12, 2014 Author Posted January 12, 2014 I've got both, the Symetre FJ and Orra-S. Thoe the Orra is a solid feeling reel it does have some issues with smoothness. My partner has the Orra-SX and same issues. Symetre's hands down on this one. Some of my Symetre's have many seasons on them an they're just as smooth and the day they came out of the box. FWIW Thanks for the feedback. I know the FJ model is a workhorse, but the new model does not seem as sturdy(carbon frame , thin bail wire). I haven't seen too many reviews on the new model. Have you the used the symetre in saltwater? Quote
BONZ Posted January 12, 2014 Author Posted January 12, 2014 They would all be fine, for light inshore I would prefer a 3000 or comprable size in another brand. There are other good choices too, I've seen pflueger supreme xt 35 for $107, pretty good reel too. Aren't Penn reels(Fierce, Sargus) just rebadged Pfluegers? That's what I've been told. Would a 2000-3000 Penn Fierce be a good choice? Quote
Super User SirSnookalot Posted January 12, 2014 Super User Posted January 12, 2014 Aren't Penn reels(Fierce, Sargus) just rebadged Pfluegers? That's what I've been told. Would a 2000-3000 Penn Fierce be a good choice? Can't really answer that question but I don't THINK so. Inshore fishing is the prime thing I do, it's my opinion if a reel performs well and is durable fishing saltwater then it's going be fine in freshwater, I don't believe the opposite is true. For a double duty reel my first consideration is to the salt. Penn battle is a real nice real, a bass fisherman probably would not care for it, it's on the heavy side (3000), an inshore angler wouldn't give it all that much thought. Recommendations come in quite fast, my recommendation is the reel that feels good and fits your eye, they will all perform pretty good in that price range. At $100 cust service is important too. Quote
alexandboi Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 You have the new symetre with the carbon frame and x-ship? If so it's good to hear its durable, as I fish from a kayak and beat up all my reels.I know it's rated for saltwater, have you used it in the saltwater? Yes the one I have is the newer one. I haven't used it in salt, but I have caught a few 25"-28" stripers here in the Cali aqueduct and those guys fight pretty hard... If you are patient you maybe able to find it on eBay for around $70. I got mine NIB for $65 and after all the stuff I put it through it was money well spent haha. Quote
craww Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 Spent alot of time comparing the sx and symetre and got the orra sx. Its hard to put into words but the symetres just took more effort to get started cranking. That really bugged me for some reason. Ive noticed other spinners have the same issue and I think its just an overgreased on the main gear. However past issues with a previous gen sahara mysteriously seizing up at random times made me weary. The orra is a little gem. Smooth and has an outstanding drag. I also like the one peice gearbox as its easy to pop it off and get to the maingear for maintenance if you choose. They are a better reel than the next abu spinner up in price range, the revo s IMO. I think if abu would have given them a different name they would be getting a lot more press. Completely mental on my part as Im sure their good reels, but association with a lower end BC made me over look them. Quote
BONZ Posted January 12, 2014 Author Posted January 12, 2014 Spent alot of time comparing the sx and symetre and got the orra sx. Its hard to put into words but the symetres just took more effort to get started cranking. That really bugged me for some reason. Ive noticed other spinners have the same issue and I think its just an overgreased on the main gear. However past issues with a previous gen sahara mysteriously seizing up at random times made me weary. The orra is a little gem. Smooth and has an outstanding drag. I also like the one peice gearbox as its easy to pop it off and get to the maingear for maintenance if you choose. They are a better reel than the next abu spinner up in price range, the revo s IMO. I think if abu would have given them a different name they would be getting a lot more press. Completely mental on my part as Im sure their good reels, but association with a lower end BC made me over look them. Did you have any trod with grinding noise on your Orra? It seems some people have had this problem. From what I read, the problem was only on the early models. The Orra seems like a unbelievable deal on paper, strong drag, metal body and non- corrosive bearings. I had the same problem on a few of the lower end Shimanos. The reel got wet from the rain while fishing and became almost impossible to turn the handle. Took the reel apart, cleaned and relived and it was back to normal. Unfortunately the problem returns every time the reel gets wet. The lower end Shimanos don't like water, not even a small splashing. Quote
craww Posted January 12, 2014 Posted January 12, 2014 I handled 4 orras and they all felt pretty good, no grinding but the one I got had more free and easier spinning knob on it so I went with it. The others were fine, but the one I got you could dang near blow on it and get it to spin (the knob itself not the handle) probably just a little less grease or oil. If you want to check them out dicks has them in the blister packs were you can crank them 1st. Personally I only buy rods and reels I can touch in person Ive seen some drastic differences in reels amongst the same models. Quote
Super User NorcalBassin Posted January 13, 2014 Super User Posted January 13, 2014 I have the SX and the new Symetre. To be honest, for me, it's not even close with the new design and x-ship on the Symetre. The SX has since been designated to a "loaner" rod I keep on board for friends to use. Definitely go with the Symetre. Quote
Under the Radar Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 Thanks for the feedback. I know the FJ model is a workhorse, but the new model does not seem as sturdy(carbon frame , thin bail wire). I haven't seen too many reviews on the new model. Have you the used the symetre in saltwater? After 20+ years of Charter boat & Private Yachts, I confine myself to freshwater nowadays and no charters. No I haven't used the Symetre in Salt water, but with an easy no pressure rinse after fishing it should hold up for a long time. Quote
Super User SirSnookalot Posted January 13, 2014 Super User Posted January 13, 2014 A spinning reel used in saltwater does not have to be rinsed each time it's used, only thing that gets wet is the bail from the line touching it. It's all about the conditions, if it's windy the air will have salt, on the beach sand is blowing, sea weed may have sand or grit, on a boat just being in a rod holder the reel can get wet, those time rinse it for sure. Calm conditions off a jettie or sea wall, no need but it certainly does not hurt. Quote
BONZ Posted January 13, 2014 Author Posted January 13, 2014 Snook, What Reels do you use for inshore? Quote
Super User SirSnookalot Posted January 13, 2014 Super User Posted January 13, 2014 Stadic 4000, daiwa tierra, Abu sorons, pflueger arbor and medalist, cabo 30&40 Quote
fishingman88 Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 +1 on the Symetre. Has held up for me like a champ. Quote
MikeinFresno Posted January 13, 2014 Posted January 13, 2014 when I took my Symetre apart to clean it after a dunk in my kayak i found it had an o-ring that sealed it and kept any water from getting inside. This makes it a good choice for this type of use where the reel may get wet. 1 Quote
Krappiehog Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 We have both, orra s and symetre... Both good, but shimano is smoother, and better feel, and drag is a little better. I don't think u will go wrong either way. Quote
Big T Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 Aren't Penn reels(Fierce, Sargus) just rebadged Pfluegers? That's what I've been told. Would a 2000-3000 Penn Fierce be a good choice? They have the Plueger body by my observation. The Fierce is a great reel,for.the money I have the 4000 series. The Battle 3000 is even better. I curently own 3 differnent Battles. My oldest reel is a Symetre 4000 that is 12 yrs old., but it has a metal body not the graphite/plastic stuff Quote
Super User tomustang Posted January 14, 2014 Super User Posted January 14, 2014 You have the new symetre with the carbon frame and x-ship? If so it's good to hear its durable, as I fish from a kayak and beat up all my reels.I know it's rated for saltwater, have you used it in the saltwater? Thanks for the feedback. I know the FJ model is a workhorse, but the new model does not seem as sturdy(carbon frame , thin bail wire). I haven't seen too many reviews on the new model. Have you the used the symetre in saltwater? It's graphite. Quote
Super User SirSnookalot Posted January 14, 2014 Super User Posted January 14, 2014 Glad to say I'm not in the market, my stuff is pretty darn good. If I were I'd be considering 1 of only 2 reels at this time, Supreme xt or Daiwa lexa, the choice would be made based on the rod I plan on using it with. My decision is not based on using a reel for double duty, but for a specif purpose and in this case light inshore, my freshwater gear is set. Heavier inshore reel would be a different choice. That said I don't think there is anything wrong with a symetre or the Abu. Quote
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