Need for high end spinning reel??

[JRammit]

So ive learned you get what you pay for with a baitcast reel.. With the high tech braking systems, bearings and drag systems

But why the expensive spinning reels??.... Ive always said the only thing separating a $40 reel from a $100 reel is a few ball bearings

Barring the really cheapo reels of course.... For $40 you can pick up a reel of any brand with an instant anti reverse and front drag... A $100 reel isnt gonna cast any better, that comes down to line and rod choice.... Basically all a spinning reel does is pick up slack

I have a Shimano Sienna that im happy with and plan to buy another eventually.... If you were a salesman, how would you convince me to buy a Symetre instead??

 

[Choporoz]

I wouldn't.  I have a Sienna that I love.  I also have a Symetre that I have a love/hate relationship with.

The Sienna is a horse.  Always strong and faithful, never given me a problem.  The Symetre is much smoother; both the drag and the retrieve.  However, the Symetre is temperamental; the 'binding' issues that I get, particularly in warmer weather are intermittent, but maddening.  

    In general, however, my 'higher end' spinning reels offer a smoothness that is very satisfying, but don't necessarily fish any better than a RELIABLE cheaper reel, IMHO.  The exception, of course, is those reels (at any cost, really) that have hurky-jerky drag.  Those will lose you fish eventually.

[Darren.]

I do see a difference between low and high end
reels, and smoothness is one of the areas.

The other, at least with Shimano is their X-Ship
gearing which is just fantastic. I can really tell
the difference. They're smoother, they really move
a fish better than non-X-ship. I have Stradics with
and without it, FWIW.

The other is drag, as Choporoz also mentioned.

Not that you can't find a good, inexpensive spinning
reel. Plenty have them and use them. For me, I do
not regret spending the money for my four Stradics.

And lastly, though not always the case, weight. If say
you were to opt for a CI4+ you'd see a significant
reduction in weight, more like that of a bait caster.

 

[roadwarrior]

Need?  No, probably not, but want?  Yes!

Strong, smooth, silent and reliant. Higher priced reels tend to improve over time. For me the most important feature is a smooth, reliable and consistent drag.

[kickerfish1]

I don't think anyone would could a Symetre to be high end. At the Stradic level and above, the reels tend to separate themselves...

[Fishin' Fool]

Compare your Sienna to the Stradic FK and then the CI4 you should feel the difference between the reels. FWIW I own 4 Stradics but have not felt the need to spend the extra $50 to grab the CI4 at this point.

[roadwarrior]

I agree. Stradic would be where "high end" starts.

 

[avidone1]

For bass fishing you never NEED an expensive spinning reel.  The reason why folks like myself will occasionally spend the high prices is because they are elegant and deeply satisfying.  I own a Daiwa Steez spinning reel.  It is beautiful to look at.  If has no vibration at all when retrieving. It has micro drag settings.  It casts silky smooth.  it is very light. 

I also have a Shimano symetre and Sedona which work just fine.  But there is something about the refinement of a truly high end reel that enhances the experience for me.   It's not a "bragging" thing, because I fish alone so there is no one to brag to.   But it is an "ego" thing.   I KNOW I'm using a tool that is the best.  It strums those soulful chords

[S Hovanec]

A Chevy and a Mercedes do the same thing too, what's the need for a Mercedes?  Some people just like nice gear that will last.

[Kyle46N]

In my experience, fishing ultralight and light action bass for 25 years, the biggest difference between higher end spinning and low end spinning is the durability.   For example, out of the box, Okuma makes some smooth reels under 50 bucks.  But, two years of hard fishing and they start to break down.  Cheaper components.   In the past few years I've upgraded to Pflueger supremes and they are holding up much better.  Alloy frames, etc.   You can probably experience similar longevity with any of the higher end brand names when you start getting into alloy frames and more durable components.  The big exception I've read about over and over is the Pflueger president.  I've lost track of how many reviews I've read of guys owning these things for years and they're still solid.  That's a low end (cost) reel with a record of durability.  But even then, they are heavier than many of your high end reels.  Give and take. 

[Fishin' Fool]

I agree that durability is a big factor of the more expensive reels. I've bought the "higher end" Gander Mountain reels only to get a few seasons out of them but my Stradics take a lickin' but keep on tickin'.

[JRammit]

Good answers!

On the durability side, my 1st Sienna is 10 years old, i never once cleaned or oiled it (didnt know to back then) and it still works fine.. I only quit using it because the spool is all chipped from me tripping and falling in the rocks one too many times

My "new" Sienna is about 3 yrs old now, and i love it... But i just bought a Diawa Tatula BC, and i find it unpleasing to put it down and use my cheap spinning gear.... So i feel y'all there!

[Deleted account]

56 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I wouldn't.  I have a Sienna that I love.  I also have a Symetre that I have a love/hate relationship with.

The Sienna is a horse.  Always strong and faithful, never given me a problem.  The Symetre is much smoother; both the drag and the retrieve.  However, the Symetre is temperamental; the 'binding' issues that I get, particularly in warmer weather are intermittent, but maddening.  

    In general, however, my 'higher end' spinning reels offer a smoothness that is very satisfying, but don't necessarily fish any better than a RELIABLE cheaper reel, IMHO.  The exception, of course, is those reels (at any cost, really) that have hurky-jerky drag.  Those will lose you fish eventually.

That is a design flaw of several Shimano spinning reels. What I finally did that works great, is remove the friction ring and tripping pin. No more binding, or bails slamming shut on snap casts.

[IAY]

It makes me happier when I use it. Only reason I need lol

[buzzed bait]

i agree that it's not necessary.  BUT i did find a pflueger patriarch on sale a while back (like great sale you can't pass up) and am so happy i bought it.  not that it's a huge difference honestly, but it is just buttery smooth and pretty light too.  that said, i really like my trions too....  MUCH cheaper and they do a fine job for their intended uses!

[Nick S]

8 hours ago, reason said:

That is a design flaw of several Shimano spinning reels. What I finally did that works great, is remove the friction ring and tripping pin. No more binding, or bails slamming shut on snap casts.

Removing the friction ring only helps shimano reels that have the old black ring that swelled up and rubbed the rotor. The symetre fj and new fl reels still bind and it has nothing to do with the friction ring. Even if it did you shouldn't have to remove parts from a hundred dollar reel to use it! Shimano should have fixed the issue years ago but they still deny the problem and produce spinning reels that bind. 

[mrpao]

For  some strange  reason I've  had the  most binding  with the Shimano  symetre series.  I have both lower and higher  shimano  spinning  reels.  The symetres  always  gave me the most issues.  So now, I just stay away from  them.  Most of my other shimano  spinning reels are trouble  free  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You don't need expensive reels of either type. Spinning reels don't depend on mechanics for casting, but bails, oscillation, rotor balance, AR, weight, smoothness and long term durability are all areas of difference in low and higher end reels. 

[Onvacation]

My wife, who is 14 years younger than me, bought me a Stradic Ci4 for Christmas.  I could get by with a cheaper reel and an older wife, but in both instances I was fortunate enough to get the extra smoothness, slightly higher build quality, and something that I knew would outlast me.  Just sayin'. 

[BaitMonkey1984]

2 hours ago, Onvacation said:

My wife, who is 14 years younger than me, bought me a Stradic Ci4 for Christmas.  I could get by with a cheaper reel and an older wife, but in both instances I was fortunate enough to get the extra smoothness, slightly higher build quality, and something that I knew would outlast me.  Just sayin'. 

Been reading these forums religiously for about three years. This is hands down my favorite post I have ever read. Funny yet 100% true. 

[Chrisran99]

I have fished shimano's for years in salt water, but never took the plunge on their higher end reels. Most of my experience was with the Sahara and one Symetre. When looking at better spinning tackle I bought a Abu SX 30 and it was great until I just got a deal on a Stradic FJ. It worth the money, even though I only gave $80 for it. Paired with some 10# power pro and a Fenwick HMG ML it has been pure poison with small crawls and sinkos on the beds. So to answer your question does it catch more fish, I doubt it, but I'm a happy customer.

[frogflogger]

My zebco cardinal 4 is still smooth - I got it the first year they came out - replaced a few rollers and bail springs.

[buzzed bait]

12 hours ago, Onvacation said:

My wife, who is 14 years younger than me, bought me a Stradic Ci4 for Christmas.  I could get by with a cheaper reel and an older wife, but in both instances I was fortunate enough to get the extra smoothness, slightly higher build quality, and something that I knew would outlast me.  Just sayin'. 

LOL.... maybe i should have shopped around a little more on the wife, eh??

[Onvacation]

Don't get me wrong, I still appreciate the classics.  

[Master Bait'r]

If there was any shred of "need" in my desire for high end spinning reels I might consider your stance.  

 

Thankfully there is not!