Which spinning reel

[Matt_3479]

A buddy of mine was looking into getting his first “nicer” spinning rod and reel. Normally the combo costing less then 100. We got him a st. Croix mojo bass, 7’ medium fast action and looking for a reel. I have been unbelievably happy with my shimano nasci but wanted to see what you guys recommend for the same price range as the nasci. He is tight on cash and that’s about as much as he will spend

[Tywithay]

I like the Daiwa BG in that price range. It's just a super solid reel. Has a direct drive handle, which is a quality upgrade over most other $100 reels.

[LegendaryBassin]

NASCI is great but also check out the Daiwa Fuego LT and Daiwa BG.

[optimator]

48 minutes ago, Tywithay said:

I like the Daiwa BG in that price range. It's just a super solid reel. Has a direct drive handle, which is a quality upgrade over most other $100 reels.

What he said 

[burrows]

The bg is a bit heavy and big for bass fishing I would go with a diawa Exceler LT or fuego LT or even the Legalis LT all smooth reels perfect for bass fishing.

[MotoSD]

My vote is also for either the legalis lt, exceler lt, or fuego lt.  Always been a fan of the shimano spinning reels but a local big box store had the legalis lt on sale for $55, figured it was worth a try.  I got the 2500 and couldnt be happier.  The.exceler lt seems to be almost identical except with a screw in handle. 

[Tywithay]

1 hour ago, Burros said:

The bg is a bit heavy and big for bass fishing I would go with a diawa Exceler LT or fuego LT or even the Legalis LT all smooth reels perfect for bass fishing.

How is it big? The 1500 size frame is the same as every other Daiwa 1500 frame. The weight is the trade off going from a carbon frame to an aluminum frame. For me, if it's not zaion, I'll take aluminum over the generic graphite.

[Drew03cmc]

Kastking Sharky II or III

 

[Beetlebz]

Shopping around on eBay in the deal section A couple weeks ago I picked up a Shimano Sahara 2500 for 66 bucks. At the time eBay had a coupon code and I walked away for 55 bucks. I didn't even need it but I couldn't say no for that price. 

 

Unless he plans on dipping into salt now and again I'm not sure I see a point on spending nasci money for a bass reel nowadays... but if he wants to step up a little the fuego lt is a gorgeous feeling reel, though I haven't fished one. The nasci isn't a bad choice either, as you know. My point is there are a few really nice reels that will last and save him a few bucks. 

[Yudo1]

My first choice would be the BG, but if you wanted a lighter reel then go with the Fuego LT.

[Crestliner2008]

Pflueger President.

[new2BC4bass]

9 hours ago, Burros said:

The bg is a bit heavy and big for bass fishing I would go with a diawa Exceler LT or fuego LT or even the Legalis LT all smooth reels perfect for bass fishing.

A little heavy at 8.5 oz., but definitely not too big.  I am using a BG1500 on my 6'7" Light with 5# braid.  If you go with the 1000 size NASCI, then you can beat that weight by .9 oz., but if you go up one size in each brand then the NASCI is .3 heavier than the BG.  The President 30X weighs the same as the comparable size 2500 NASCI.  The Okuma RTX holds more line than the others and weighs less.  So if you need a light reel at $100 the RTX is a better choice.  It actually holds too much line for my needs.

 

Now if the OP's friend needs a lower cost reel, then have him check out the Trion.  Not the lightest, but a good reel at a very reasonable price.

 

Had my BG1500 out yesterday for the first time.  I am really liking it.  I learned right away that I should use a leader with it as that light braid has very little abrasion resistance.....to be expected, tho.

[NYWayfarer]

11 hours ago, Drew03cmc said:

Kastking Sharky II or III

 

The above are great. The Sharky III is sealed and has a direct drive handle for under $60

 

or try the Kastking Kodiak for around $70. The Kodiak has an aluminum frame.

[OkobojiEagle]

What is being meant by "direct drive handles"?  I've read some older spinning reels had no drag system and the spool was solidly linked to the handle... you were constantly engaged in a "backreel mode".  These spinning reels have been referred to as direct drive.  My hunch is the reference in this thread is of the handle being screwed directly into the main gear not running "through" the main gear and screwing into the cap on the opposite side...?

 

oe

[Tywithay]

10 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

What is being meant by "direct drive handles"?  I've read some older spinning reels had no drag system and the spool was solidly linked to the handle... you were constantly engaged in a "backreel mode".  These spinning reels have been referred to as direct drive.  My hunch is the reference in this thread is of the handle being screwed directly into the main gear not running "through" the main gear and screwing into the cap on the opposite side...?

 

oe

You are correct. The handle is threaded and screws into the drive gear. It meshes better and creates a more solid feeling reel compared to handles the go through the gear.

[Boomstick]

Add my vote for the BG. It's a very well made reel and other than being heavier, is on par with much more expensive reels

[edfitzvb]

If we're looking at $100 for a reel, look at Pflueger Supreme or the Supreme XT. Both good solid reels with good performance and factory support. I own Shimano and Pflueger, and like both, but my impression is that you get more for the dollar with Pflueger.

[Boomstick]

35 minutes ago, edfitzvb said:

If we're looking at $100 for a reel, look at Pflueger Supreme or the Supreme XT. Both good solid reels with good performance and factory support. I own Shimano and Pflueger, and like both, but my impression is that you get more for the dollar with Pflueger.

While I stand by my BG recommendation, I will add that I completely agree that Pflueger reels are also a great option.

[Armtx77]

I will toss a vote in for the BG 1500. I bought my first last fall. Bought my second 3 weeks ago. Bought a couple of spare spools over the weekend.

 

Im clearly biased.

[LCG]

Pflueger president xt size 30. I have two of them and they have been good. 

[PatrickKnight]

The BG is the most durable reel at 100 bucks. The Fuego is a solid option for people who want a lighter weight slightly less durable reel.

 

With Daiwa's current 100 dollar offerings I see no need to even bother looking at Pure Fishing unless the goal is to stay under 100 dollars. 

 

Also the BG 1500 and 2000 share the same frame size the 2000 will just give slightly more line capacity. For the rod he got I would pair it with a 2500 size.

[Bankbeater]

I use to own two Shimano spinning reels.  I bought my first Pflueger President about 7 years ago and have not looked back.

[Matt_3479]

I surprised about how little the shimano was talked about. I figured the nasci was a great reel!! And for the money there almost the same as the Fuego lt 

[frosty]

I have a Pflueger president limited edition and I really like it. They don’t offer the limited anymore but they offer a president xt which is an upgraded model 

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Pflueger_President_XT_Spinning_Reel/descpage-PRS.html

[PatrickKnight]

11 hours ago, Matt_3479 said:

I surprised about how little the shimano was talked about. I figured the nasci was a great reel!! And for the money there almost the same as the Fuego lt 

Shimano's quality has gone down in that price range over the last 5 years imo. While Daiwa has really stepped up their low to mid range offerings.