Need for high end spinning reel??

[Capt.Bob]

not a salesman and they probably don't like this. But I wouldn't talk you into either!! That is because I found out a long time ago, buy the best and it is easier and cheaper to UPDATE,,, instead of having to UPGRADE,,,,, when you do!! 

 

I bought my first Stradic Bantam about 20 years ago, I found out the big difference is how long that reel keeps functioning like new and how much the sell for when taken care of used! Since I bought my first Stradic I have not owned less since! The Stradic I used for three years back then in a raging river with 20# fireline and in boulder ridden whitewater throwing as much as 1 1/2 oz using split shot up to 1 1/8 oz to get my 3/8 oz jigs down in this current for 2 months nearly every day, from sunup till I some days sundown. snaggs and breaking off are often, the reel takes a hammering most fishing won't ever subject to them. It was the first reel I could use for more than one season without the frame and rotor gears and anti-reverse,  being totally stressed out and sloppy, gears stayed smooth, super stopper held up, drag operated as it should. 

Befor that I bought top end reels from other manufacturers, a different one every year, and every year they needed more parts and work and could not be put back into service as the way they were new no matter what I did. Today those techniques have changed, now seldom do I need more than 1 oz to get my floating jigs down, using lighter lines on the bottom, Usually 1/2 or 5/8 will do the trick, much easier on the reels, but today I use nothing but Stradics and Sustains. They last and I do get my my money back when I replace em.

Two years ago I updated my Stradic FI's, 2-2500, and a 4000, I replaced them with new 1000, 3000, and 4000 FJ's, I did this at very little cost, those used FI's sold for nearly what I payed for them, cosmetically perfect, and mechanically as new back in the boxes with what they came with, and didn't lose over 15 bucks from what I payed for them new! I did this when I went from the stradic FD models, the FG models and the FH models, every time I never spent more than 10 or 15 bucks to replace a reel I had used for 2 to 4 years with the newest brand new model. You won't do that with the less expensive models, I can sell used Stradics in the box like I bought them, and not loose more than 15 bucks from what I bought them for after using them for a year, buying them on sale new, but ya can't with a Sienna Solace Sahara  or whatever other reels Iv'e seen. 

I'll spend 10 to 20 dollars every two to 4 years to use these reels over the less expensive reels I can't get my money back out of. I'm ready to sell some very clean FJ's now, and replace them with the Ci4+, smoother better drags and much lighter, and a huge improvement over the first Ci4's. I have already bought 2 2500's and a 1000 Ci4+, and yes no other reel compares that cost less than 600 bucks in my mind, and taken care of I will sell them when I am done with them for close to what I paid, and 2 of them probably more than I paid,,,,,,,,,don't ask, 

2 hours ago, frogflogger said:

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

Not saying your reel is not smooth as it was new!! BUT,,,,,

Before you think you know the true meaning of smooth,,, you gotta try a new Stradic CI4+ or FJ,,,, no selectable AR I won't try the newest, but trust me,,, the cardinal is not in the same smooth category,,, 

[Murrica]

I have learned over time to buy the best I can afford the first time.  My Ned Rig rod has burned through 2 lews reels in a year and half and and I purchased the Stradic FJ on sale (should Have bought all of them for the $120 price on them) and that is the smoothest reel for the the money I have felt.  Light as well.  Not clunky and smooth drag.

[Gavin.Ange]

I don't understand why it even matters, if we wish to purchase high end spinning reels then we can, until you purchase a "high end" spinning reel, you cant say much, but to me its the smoothness, the QUALITY is a big one, better drag system, lighter too... But whatever  

[PatrickKnight]

I buy high end spinning reels because I use spinning tackle much more than I do casting. I recently just upgraded a 15 year old Stradic FG 2000 to a Stradic FK 3000 and man the difference is much more than I was expecting. 

[J Francho]

Cheap spinning reels drive me nuts - wobbly rotors, clunky bails that flop back on the cast, excessive twist from crummy rollers, AR slipping...you name it.  I go Stradic or above these days.  Yes, I prefer Shimano spinners.  I have a Pinnacle Performa that actually pretty good too, but I think that's a $100 reel.