Lightweight Spinning Reel

[papajoe222]

I decided to give spinning equipment another chance and will be doing a build on a 7ft. blank.  I know next to nothing about spinning reels as far as size vs. recommended line. I'm looking for something that can handle 8-12lb. line, but doesn't weigh 9oz. I'd like to keep within a $100 budget.  Any recommendations? Thanks

[NorcalBassin]

Since you're planning on 8-12 pound test (assuming you're not referring to braid) you're probably going to need a 2500 series reel, which will make it semi-difficult to get much below 9 oz for under $100. I have a Shimano Symetre 1000 on my NRX 822 SYR with 6 lb fluoro that I've been really impressed with, but you'd lose quite a bit of line capacity if you go into the upper range of what you're planning on a 1000 sized reel (to keep it light). Best of luck with your search! 

[Missourifishin]

I use 12 pound mono on a Mitchell 300 Pro, which is just under 10 ounces. I'm a big fan of Pfleuger spinning reels as well. If you look around online I think you'll find a Pfleuger that fits all of your specifications. 

[smalljaw67]

If you are at the $100 budget then a Pflueger Supreme is the ticket! The 30 size reel will hold 130 yards of 8lb line so it will probably hold around 100 yards of 12lb and it weighs in at 7.5oz. I have the MGX model which is basically the same model, that reel has been excellent for me.

[buzzed bait]

If you are at the $100 budget then a Pflueger Supreme is the ticket! The 30 size reel will hold 130 yards of 8lb line so it will probably hold around 100 yards of 12lb and it weighs in at 7.5oz. I have the MGX model which is basically the same model, that reel has been excellent for me.

 

agree with this.  i have the MGX model as well and it has been a great reel.

[WRB]

Okuma Helios HX25S is a about $110, weighs under 7 oz, take a look at their less expensive spinning reels also.

Tom

[tander]

I agree with others that you can't beat a Pfleuger either the President or Supreme. I just bought the 30 Supreme series, weights 7.1 oz.. It is the XT which is going to run a more than $100. I caught mine a Wal-Mart for $107 which was a real deal.

[NathanW]

If you want to go light the Okumas are hard to beat. You can defiantly feel them flex and they don't reel as smooth as the Shimanos but the drag is just as smooth. On a spinning setup I have come to believe that cutting weight really improves the overall performance of your setup. Much more so than on casting gear. Size 2500 is perfect of me but you might notice that most pro's go 3000-4000. The bigger reels handle bigger fish and bigger line better than the 2500s.

[DubyaDee]

agree with this. i have the MGX model as well and it has been a great reel.

I have a few supremes. Incredibly light and reliable. Can't go wrong for $100.

[gulfcaptain]

I picked up a EXO 25 on E bay for $104.  So if you look you may be able to find a 30 size either EXO or Smoke on E bay and get it right around that $100 mark, maybe $115.  But still not bad for a $150-200 reel.  Also look into the Quantum Tour KVD 25 or 30 size reel as well.  Top out under 7.5oz and still should be able to get one for about the $100 mark or under depending on the bidding.

[timsford]

Id go with at least a 2500 and probably a 3000 size reel to hold enough line and for better line handling. Some lightweight (under 9 oz in 3000 size) reels under 100 that get good reviews are pfleuger supremes, quantum energy, smoke, and exo, lews tournament hs and team gold carbon, abu orra s and sx, and you can always find great deals on lightly used stuff on this and other forums if you can handle used. Also these prices are found by shopping around on the net and lots of searching. My favorite reel thatbwill last forever and hold plenty of 10lb is the daiwa tournament ss. It will outlast almost any other reel and handle any fish you can hook. Its old school but as good as any ever madr

[desmobob]

My two favorite lightweight spinning reels are the Shimano Symetre and the Daiwa Tournament SS Whisker.  They are sort of on opposite ends of the spectrum as far as "feel," but great reels.  My next spinning reel will be one of the Pfluegers that everyone seems to hold in such high regard, and are generally referred to as a "best bang for the buck."

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[PatrickKnight]

In my eyes there is no better spinning reel on the market in the 100 dollar range than the Symetre.

[tracker01]

In my eyes there is no better spinning reel on the market in the 100 dollar range than the Symetre.

 

Agreed!

[PitchinJigz]

I was wondering why nobody had recommended the Stradic Ci4+, but then I realized you said $100. I agree with the others--Symetre all the way.

[k3bass]

The Pfleuger supreme is hands down better than the new symetre for the price. Magnesium body and rotor, much lighter and smoother.

The new symetre is all graphite now and even has one of the main gear bearings replaced with a plastic bushing. Plus they still have binding issues.

[rippin-lips]

Okuma RTX 25

Weighs just under 7 ounces

I picked mine up for $70 new

When we float the river for smallies I take 1 combo and that's this one. Has plenty of days on it where I caught 30-50 fish. It's been dunked,fallen overboard,ect. Still smooth and works great. Has an awesome drag on it too. We all know how strong a river smallie can be. You can step up to the 30 size if you want more total drag. Both reels weigh the same still. I've been very impressed with it over the past 1.5 years.

[Wprich]

I agree that the pflueger supreme is a great choice, I have 5 of them and they can easily handle 6-10# pound line, plus with the spare spools you can spool one with braid and one with fluoro or however you like.

[Scott F]

Right now, Cabela's has the Quantum Smoke spinning reel, normally $159.99 for $99.99.  Of course the one I ordered is backordered, but I won't need it for several months.

[.ghoti.]

Another vote for Pfleuger. I have a Supreme XT 30, an XT 25, and a Supreme 30. Any of those would be perfect for you. If you're really thinking about 12lb test line don't get the 25. But in reality, if you need 12lb test line, go with a casting reel.

[bigfruits]

imma vote symetre or used ci4+. 

[Oregon Native]

Personally would save just a bit more and get the Tournament SS from Daiwa.  Casting I love Shimano.  But the SS's are battle ships.  Light, smooth, great spool size for casting distance.

Just sayin