Spinning Reel Suggestions $100 - $150

[DN3]

Looking at getting a new spinning reel soon, a few I have looked at are the Lew's Team Gold Carbon, Daiwa Lexa, Daiwa Procyon, Shimano Symetre, Shimano Saros. Looking at $100 to $150 for price range....are those listed good options? Any other suggestions? Reel will be paired with a *** *** Black 7'1" mh rod.

[FrankW]

I think the Daiwa Lexa 2000 is the best of your list.

Frank

[I.rar]

Stradic fjs can be had around 135 on fleabay.

[Jeff H]

I'm going to try the Cabela's Verano 2500.  I'm a big fan of Daiwa reels and most of my spinning reels are Cabela's reels by Daiwa.  Seems a good deal for the price as all others have been.  I'll have it next weekend but won't use it for awhile yet since we're still icebound up here.

[Tywithay]

I'd look around for a Stradic FJ. If you're committed to that list, definitely the Saros.

[DN3]

Not committed to the list, those are just the reels I've looked at up to this point.....sort of leaning towards the Saros , I'll have to check the stratus fj mentioned above , any others worth considering?

[Darren.]

If you can score a Stradic FJ for $135, its a no brainer.

 

I have Stradic FI models as well as a Lexa 2000. The Lexa is a *very* smooth reel, and well worth the money - you can find it in the $100 range on ebay. That said, if lightness is your game, the Stradic, Symetre are good bets. Procyon has good reviews, too.

 

Me, I'd pick the Stradic FJ if I could get it for the price suggested above.

[Darren.]

Oh, and welcome to the forums!

[Alpha Male]

I would consider the quantum accurist or the smoke.

[bflp3]

I finally got to fish the Lexa I picked up this winter today, and it was very smooth. I'm very happy with that reel.

[Sherlock 60]

Stradic Fj would be my pick. But if you want to stay on the lower end of your price range the Symetre is a fine reel.

[FlipSide]

I have 2 symetres and I love them. There a great reel for the price IMO

[Hogsticker]

I'll 2nd the Cabelas Verano. Very nice reel and goes on sale for 125. My next choice would be the Stradic FJ, but I have grown fond of the Daiwa air bail.

[roadwarrior]

Symetre

[Inglorious Basser]

Symetre

^^ This^^

[Hyrule Bass]

pflueger supreme mgx

[olegs]

Saros

[DN3]

Thanks for all the replies! That verano did look interesting too, next time I get to a cabelas I'll check one out! A plus would be matching the *** *** Black rod - definitely not a deal breaker though. Actually looked at that pflueger supreme at a gander mountain yesterday, but I liked the shimanos I looked at a little more.

[0119]

Daiwa Lexa. I prefer it to higher priced shimano's I have.  What ever you get, don't base it on somebody else's preference and remember they all feel smooth right out of the box.  Its what they feel like 6 month's down the road that matters.  My Revo spinner's worked into being very smooth and tight.  My CI4 worked into sloppy.  My buddies Pflueger's worked into being geary but have lasted over five years of ignored abuse.

[bowjunkie76]

I agree with the Stradic fj recomendation!!!!   I have one and love it, Well worth  the money! 

[ABW]

I've heard Pflueger Presidents are good, but they aren't in your price range

[DN3]

While it may depend on the individual and how they use their reel, do any of the reels mentioned seem to have a better track record of durability/longevity?

[roadwarrior]

I bought my first Stradic 15 years ago or so. I eventually gave it to a friend who is still fishing

with the reel. I had it serviced once or twice, but I doubt my friend has. Although this is my

oldest still in service, I have given away a couple of Symetre and another Stradic  that are

nearly as old. Every Shimano I have ever owned is still in use. 

[RyanFishing]

If you want a really good real for $150 the Pflueger Supreme XT is amazing! I've had mine for 6 years and have caught more fish on that reel than any other. The Pflueger Supreme is also a great reel for $100. I've used both extensively and they are both amazing!

[0119]

While it may depend on the individual and how they use their reel, do any of the reels mentioned seem to have a better track record of durability/longevity?

 

That's just it, there aren't track records anymore.  They change/upgrade models so often that none, not even the Stradic is really still around in the same form long enough to develop a track record.  All you can really go by is the biased opinion of angler's who say they have had success.  So buyer beware.  Stick to a brand you feel comfortable with or accept you may be buying a near disposable reel.  I think if you have even the slightest bit of mech. aptitude, finding a manufacturer who keeps spare parts in inventory for awhile even after it reinvents a model, is important.