Best Performing Spinning Reel Brand - With Braid ?

[ChrisD46]

In your experience , do you have a favorite brand of spinning reel & model which peformed the best using braided line versus  other brands & models of spinning reels while also using braided line - OR have you really noted little difference in performance (as long as the braid was spooled properly to begin with) ?

 

As an example , Power Pro claims it's braided lines work best with : "Spinning reels equipped with the Propulsion Line Management System are ideal for use with PowerPro as the small loops thrown off the spool minimize backlash, loops and tangles. For the best PowerPro spinning reel experience look for Propulsion equipped spinning reels that also utilize the Aero Wrap II Oscillation for the best line lay possible." ...  I became curious about these Power Pro statements as it appeared to VERY  closely resemble Shimano spinning reel traits - then I remembered Shimano bought Power Pro back a few years

 

* Are there other brands of spinning reels & models that equal or exceed Shiminao spinning reels in terms of performance , casting distance , etc. using braided line ?
 

[Team9nine]

I don't think it matters much. I primarily use Shimano and Daiwa, but also have Pflueger, Cabela's and Okuma spinning reels, and can't say that I notice any difference in how they handle braid - and I use Power Pro a lot. The recommendation is simply there because Shimano owns Power Pro, so naturally they're going to try and promote or recommend their counterparts, because two sales are better than one

 

-T9

[the reel ess]

Just pick one with a good drag. Braid is smaller so you can size up and still have a smaller, more castable diameter. It won't break under normal use, so the drag will eventually get a workout.

[k3bass]

I'm definitely not a fan of shimano reels but in my experiences their spinning reels have the best line management, Daiwa spinning reels have great line management also. Never have wind knots or loops when using braid on my stradic fjs or my certates. My presidents will have a knot every once in a while no matter how hard i try and make sure that I never have slack line after closing the bail.

[ChrisD46]

Thanks for the replies ... No fault in Power Pro promoting parent company (Shimano) but also nice to know Daiwa is thought to have a decent line management system for braid as well .

[k3bass]

I just noticed the casting distance part of your question. I've used about every spinning reel out there over the years and I don't think that there is a difference between brands. I also don't think the shimano beveled edge spools make a difference at all. Now a larger diameter spool will definitely outcast a smaller one no matter what the brand. Your rod action/length and line diameter make a big difference also.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Power Pro is a Shimano product so they're doing a little cross marketing there. I like the way braid handles on a spinning reel period. The heavier/ stiffer the mono being replaced, the more the braid stands out as an advantage. Pflueger President is a great bang for the buck in spinning reels, Shimano's self contained AR assembly and worm gear oscillation in mid level and up models are nice features, and I like Daiwa's Air Bail. If you have $70 and up budgeted it's hard to go to far wrong and you can spool it with whatever suits the conditions and application.

[Hogsticker]

How big are the guides on your rod? Power pro original isn't the best performing braid imo. A little rough and diggy compared to the likes of 832 and Smackdown. To answer your question, I find Shimano spool lip somewhat helps with flow and casting. If you get a new reel, try to make sure it has a roller bearing. Most of the mid tier new Daiwa does.

[ChrisD46]

Thanks for replies:

For the money - I'm looking at the Daiwa newly revised Exceler series .

My experience with Shimano (Sahara) is that they are "knuckle busters" and now see that the beveled spool edge is not all that .

Always good to hear the Pflueger Prez series spinning reels are going strong and maintaining fans .

I agree that 832 and Smackdown should be a step up from standard Power Pro - but I'm still new coming over from Co-Poly lines.

[jgordon]

I recently switched to braid and picked up the Pfeulguer presidential from Cabelas and "reely" enjoying it currently

[RoLo]

In your experience , do you have a favorite brand of spinning reel & model which peformed the best using braided line versus  other brands & models of spinning reels while also using braided line - OR have you really noted little difference in performance (as long as the braid was spooled properly to begin with) ?

 

As an example , Power Pro claims it's braided lines work best with : "Spinning reels equipped with the Propulsion Line Management System are ideal for use with PowerPro as the small loops thrown off the spool minimize backlash, loops and tangles. For the best PowerPro spinning reel experience look for Propulsion equipped spinning reels that also utilize the Aero Wrap II Oscillation for the best line lay possible." ...  I became curious about these Power Pro statements as it appeared to VERY  closely resemble Shimano spinning reel traits - then I remembered Shimano bought Power Pro back a few years

 

* Are there other brands of spinning reels & models that equal or exceed Shiminao spinning reels in terms of performance , casting distance , etc. using braided line ?

 

When I was heavily involved in saltwater fishing, my gear was divided fairly evenly between Shimano & Daiwa

(not to mention Penn and Newell). That's no longer the case however, as I've been disappointed by Daiwa reels

beginning with their low-end "Advantage" on up to the "Daiwa "Steez". It took several decades,

but today I'm in the Shimano camp with both feet. Although I own a couple of Stellas, in my opinion

the "Shimano Stradic" is the best bang for the buck.

All my spinning reels happen to be spooled with braided polyethylene, but that's neither here nor there.

 

Roger

[JGBassinAL]

Thanks for replies:

For the money - I'm looking at the Daiwa newly revised Exceler series .

My experience with Shimano (Sahara) is that they are "knuckle busters" and now see that the beveled spool edge is not all that .

Always good to hear the Pflueger Prez series spinning reels are going strong and maintaining fans .

I agree that 832 and Smackdown should be a step up from standard Power Pro - but I'm still new coming over from Co-Poly lines.

 

I used to have the old version of the Daiwa Exceler 2500 and it was a great reel. I use a Stradic Ci4+ now and if you have the budget it is a great reel. If not, I think you will be happy with the Daiwa Exceler as well. And as mentioned, the Pflueger President is an awesome reel for the money. I prefer Sunline SX1 braid on my spinning reel. All braids handle well but IMO SX1 is the best handling. I use either 12 lb. or 16 lb. 

[SirSnookalot]

I do think there is something to it.   I've never had a wind knot on any of my Shimanos, although overall my opinion is only fair.   I had a Johnny Morris wide spool, nearly every cast produced a wind knot, exchanged it for a Daiwa tierra and have yet to have a wind knot.  I get the occasion wind knot on my Abu sorons, but not that often to be concerned.

In fresh water it's all Pflueger and I've had many wind knots on each of them with every brand of braid, but one.  I'm using 10# US braid for about 6 months on a reel, no knots and no twist and I use inline spinners with swivel.  I spooled 2 saltwater reels with 20# Us Braid, using lures than constantly spin 360 degrees the line twist is barely noticeable.  

I do think certain reels manage better than others, same goes for braid.

[roadwarrior]

 

 

* Are there other brands of spinning reels & models that equal or exceed Shiminao spinning reels in terms of performance , casting distance , etc. using braided line ?

 

 

No.

 

 

[Crestliner2008]

All my spinning reels are now filled with braid, either PP or Fireline. They all perform much better than they ever did with fluorocarbon or monofilament lines. I use either a fluro or mono leader however, depending on the presentation I am using.