Light spinning reel for bass

[Bassin4Fun2]

I am looking at buying a new spinning reel for bass fishing. Due to health issue I need to get the lightest one possible that will still be good for bass fishing. I would like to keep it around $100-150 but would consider higher if necessary. I only fish a once or twice every few weeks, so it's hard to justify a $200+ Stradic and is it going to be that much better than a $100 dollar one? Thinking about Shimano Symetry 1000, Pflueger Supreme 25 or would it be better to jump up to the 2500 or 30 series? I appreciate any help and recommendations. Thanks so much. 

[Darren.]

I can tell you I love the 1000 size Shimanos.

Stradic is very tough to beat, IMO. Probably
the best value in the Shimano lineup.

You might be able to find a CI4+ on eBay or
here in our Flea Market at the high end of
your range. I don't have one, but the weight
savings are excellent. I have 2 FI models and
2 FJ models.

[buzzed bait]

had a symetre, didn't care for it.  supreme XT would be a nice light reel, but the mgx is a little heavier.  another option is pflueger patriarch which is on sale for $150 at some places (cabelas) and very light, love mine.

[Red Bear]

i love my pflueger supreme. light weight and super smooth. i'd say go for it.

[Raul]

Shimano Sahara, best bang for the buck.

[Goose52]

I have used two Pflueger Supreme "25" size reels, with line ranging from 6 lb mono & copoly, and 15 & 20 braid, as part of the primary spinning battery for the past 7 seasons. Combined, they are just about at 3,700 bass reeled in.  The only downside so far is that they've eaten a few bail springs...

They are a small, light reel...but have no problem bringing in some size:

 

[blckshirt98]

I've never used a Plueger reel but it seems to be one of those brands that always has positive comments from people who have bought/used them, on any fishing forum.

[Darren.]

Bottom line for you - or best bet is to get your hands
on different reels in the store and see which ones
fit your fancy. We'll tell you Shimano, Pflueger, Daiwa
etc., but you'll have to be the final judge.

At least you know what good experiences we've all
had with reels we prefer.  

[Burtonxj]

You can definitely score a Stradic FJ in the $100 range, possibly less. Shoot, could probably find a used FK for $150.

[DogBone_384]

Here's a picture of my spinning arsenal .... seven are Pfluegers.  Two Pfluegers are Supreme XTs, one XT, and four Presidents/LTD Ed.s

The lonesome reels are a Sedona 1000 and Revo SX.  I'm not a big fan of the Sedona, but bought it on sale, in a pinch.  The Revo SX is a great reel, but is heavier than my Pfluegers.  It doesn't see much action anymore.

There's one more Supreme XT ... I keep it in my truck with a travel rod for those 'just in case' trips.

The one in the back is my first rod/reel, a Shakespeare I bought in the early '80s.

 

[Bassin4Fun2]

Thank you for everyone's help. I think I have narrowed it down to either the Pflueger Supreme XT, Supreme or President LE. Especially with the rebate going on. It looks like the President LE is actually lighter than the Supreme. Is it worth the extra money for the Supreme XT? Also I kind of like the Okuma Revo RTX-25S. It only weighs 6.6oz and has the higher 6.0:1 gear ratio that I like. 

[Wprich]

10 minutes ago, DogBone_384 said:

Here's a picture of my spinning arsenal .... seven are Pfluegers.  Two Pfluegers are Supreme XTs, one XT, and four Presidents/LTD Ed.s

The lonesome reels are a Sedona 1000 and Revo SX.  I'm not a big fan of the Sedona, but bought it on sale, in a pinch.  The Revo SX is a great reel, but is heavier than my Pfluegers.  It doesn't see much action anymore.

There's one more Supreme XT ... I keep it in my truck with a travel rod for those 'just in case' trips.

The one in the back is my first rod/reel, a Shakespeare I bought in the early '80s.

 

I'm similar to you I have seven pfluegers 4 presidents, 2 supreme xts, and 1 mgx.  I feel they're the best spinning reel and would highly recommend the OP pick up one. As far as the question, I'm kinda iffy to the 25 series for bass.  I have a 8025 and a 6925 and I've been using them for trout, and they fit perfect for that.  Yes I've caught some bass and a few small pickerel on them, but I feel the 30 series would be a better fit for bass imo.

[Bassin4Fun2]

Nice setups. I am strongly considering the 30 series to get the higher speed and they don't seem to be that much more weight.

[Goose52]

27 minutes ago, Bassin4Fun2 said:

Thank you for everyone's help. I think I have narrowed it down to either the Pflueger Supreme XT, Supreme or President LE. Especially with the rebate going on. It looks like the President LE is actually lighter than the Supreme. Is it worth the extra money for the Supreme XT? Also I kind of like the Okuma Revo RTX-25S. It only weighs 6.6oz and has the higher 6.0:1 gear ratio that I like. 

When comparing the various Pflueger models, are you comparing the same sizes?  The Pflueger website shows a "25" size President LE at 6.7 oz, the "25" size Supreme at 6.6 oz.

Regarding the Supreme XT, I'm not sure it's worth the extra $50 (list price) over a Supreme. I do not have the current Supreme XT but do have two "30" size XTs from an earlier generation. Nice reels, but I don't feel they warrant a 50% price premium (at list price) over a Supreme. I bought them on closeout for $75 each so it was too good a deal to pass up!

On the gear ratio - the "25" size Pfluegers are indeed painfully slow - only about 22 IPT. This is about the only thing I don't like about these models. The Okuma shows a nice 29 IPT which is great but I have no personal experience with their reels. The Okuma does have a "carbon" frame, sideplate, and rotor compared to the magnesium components on the Supreme if that makes any difference to you.

I see you just posted that you might consider a "30" size. I have "30s" in the President, President XT, Supreme, and Supreme XT series. They are generally about an ounce (give or take) heavier than the 25s but DO offer a substantially higher IPT that is nice to have.

[Bassin4Fun2]

Thanks for that information. You are right, I accidentally looked at the MODEL # PRESLESP20X which is 6.10 oz. I am leaning towards the Supreme XT 30X at 6.8 oz and 6.2:1 or the Revo RTX-25S. Decisions Dicisions. Guess I can return one if dont like.

 

[Wprich]

1 hour ago, Bassin4Fun2 said:

Thanks for that information. You are right, I accidentally looked at the MODEL # PRESLESP20X which is 6.10 oz. I am leaning towards the Supreme XT 30X at 6.8 oz and 6.2:1 or the Revo RTX-25S. Decisions Dicisions. Guess I can return one if dont like.

 

Look into the supreme mg or mgx, they are the silver ones before the xt model like the one in goose52s post.  You can get one of them for 100 in stores and usually for 80 or less online at sites like eBay.  I have a brand new one in the box I bought from gander for $80 last year that I couldn't pass on.

[Bluebasser86]

I'd go with the Okuma RTX 25. I bought one this year for my drop shot rod and it's been great so far. It's very lightweight but it's very solid feeling, like it everything fits together very well. I like the nice, big handle that's easy to find and comfortable. The fast retrieve was a big factor for me too. I didn't want to be spending a bunch of time reeling up my DS from the depths to make another cast, and it is indeed very fast for a spinning reel.