Looking To Buy My First "step Up" Spinning Reel.

[Fantod]

I'm looking to buy my first "step up" or "big boy" spinning reel. Grew up using Zebco 404's (who didn't?). Graduated to spinning reels later on. Have always used entry level/beginner/combo sets.

 

Well, now I'm ready to move up to something more "adult." I don't a multi-hundred dollar reel. I'm thinking something in the $60-$70 range at the most. Money isn't a huge factor, but it's going to take some convincing for me to shell out a C note for a fishing reel.

 

It's going to be used for bass fishing out of my canoe on local ponds & lakes, and will be going on a 7' medium Ugly Stik GX2.

 

I've looked in the local stores, but they're all blister packed or boxed, and there's no way to try them out.

 

My hands aren't overly big, but I don't want something thwacking me in the knuckles while I'm reeling.

 

What I'm looking for the most is durability, dependability, and fun. I guess it's a "set it and forget it" kind of thing. I don't want something that I'm constantly fiddling with and adjusting.

 

Possible contenders include:

 

Shimano Sedona

Pflueger President

Quantum Q-Vex

 

If there are any better reels in the price range, or if there are opinions of the three I've listed, please share them.

 

And yes, eventually I'm getting a baitcast reel. One step at a time!

 

All opinions are welcomed, and thanks in advance!

[Mattfrom_NJ]

Here's how these threads tend to go.  You'll get some guys that'll say Shimano is the best.  Then you'll get some guys that'll say there's no better value out there than the president.  Then you'll get some guys that'll say it doesn't really matter since your only bass fishing.  I currently own 2 pflueger's (President, and Supreme) and 2 shimanos (Symetre, and Stradic).  Both brands are very smooth.  I haven't ran into anything that would really test the drag so can't comment too much on that.  One thing I like about the President was the bail.  Might seem trivial but I liked their's over shimanos.  Anyway, of the 3 you listed I'd go w the President.  If you can spend a bit more or look around get a used symetre, saros, or even an older stradic.  

[Darren.]

Sedona and President are good reels. I personally prefer Shimano reels. They just feel better in my hands, among other reasons. Subjective reasoning, as are all opinions.

 

My advice to you, spend time - if you can - in a local sporting goods store (or a Bass Pro) testing each reel. Flip the bail (and back - by hand), test out how it feels when you reel it. Does it rock (uneven feeling) in your hand, or does the reel body stay centered, and is reeling smooth.

 

Also, ask to test out a reel from the box, not necessarily one out on display as those have been handled by everybody, and may be in bad shape.

 

I spent time on forums and was strongly leaning to a particular brand until I went into the store and tried them out for myself. I did not go with the brand recommended on the forums. So keep that in mind. Make up your own mind doing your own research with your own hands on experiences. Otherwise you may regret your purchase because what I may love, you may hate.

[Marty]

I bought a Pflueger President 6935 last year and have been very pleased. I can't make a comparison to the other two mentioned. What sort of problems are you having with your "beginner" reel and what is it?

[Djman72]

All 3 all solid. I only get pflueger spinning reels and I love them. Go test em out at a BPS or Cabelas and see which one you like!

[Capt.Bob]

When it comes to Spinning reels I like mine to wear Shimano badges, I have never been disappointed in their Spinning Reels, I can't say that about other brands, but I am hard on them and use 1000 for what most use the 2500 and 3000 for. For 70 bucks the Sahara is available, and in my opinion a step up from the sedona, for a few bucks more I would look at the Symetre or Saros. 

[F14A-B]

I use presidents and shimano, but you know the old adage , more you spend the more/ better the piece ... I can't answer you're question, of you're choices ..president... Coming from a 404 heck a trion would probably make you happy...pres. Over Sedona for sure though then right on up the Shimano line!

[Darren.]

... and use 1000 for what most use the 2500 and 3000 for.

 

Same here. I LOVE the 1000 size and have had no problems with pulling at least a couple dozen 6 pounders in with 1000FI Stradics. Love the size and there's plenty of drag to deal with anything. If the drag is not enough, my hand against the spool adds to the drag in order to fight the fish. Easily done.

 

*EDIT* Since I've never pulled in a HUGE freshwater fish, I shouldn't say "anything". A several hundred pound sturgeon, or such would probably tax the reel. LOL.

[FishTank]

All the ones you listed are great reels.  One of my favorites around your price range is the Shimano Sahara.  The 2500 is a great size for the rod you picked.

[EvanT123]

I have a symetre fl and fj. The fl is certainly a nice reel however it doesn't really hold a candle to the fj. Yes even though it has x-ship. Take my recommendation for what it's worth which is basically nothing. Look at a pflugeur or even some diawas in that price range.

[Fantod]

Thanks everyone for your input. Went to a decent outfitter and tried them out. The bail on the President was the deciding factor for me. It just felt smoother, and a lot more solid than the rest. Now, I just have to wait for these torrential downpours of the eastern N.C. summer to stop!!!