Help me pick a spinning reel <= $100

[@reelChris]

In anticipation of the labor day Tackle Warehouse sale, I’m looking at a few size 2500/3000 spinning reels with at least a 6:1 gear ratio to pair up with a Dobys 703SF.  I'm planning on using it for lighter worms and small jigs. My budget is around $100.  I’ve narrowed it down to:

 

Daiwa Fuego LT

Okuma RTX

Abu Garcia Revo X

Pflueger supreme

Pflueger president XT

 

I’ve purposely left off the Daiwa BG because I hate the reel handle style, and it’s heavier than the others.  I have the Revo X and I like it, but I want to try something else.  There's very little practical info about the Okuma and a lot of people say the Pflueger QC has been lacking lately.  So, I’m leaning towards the Daiwa.  Am I missing something?  

[Scott F]

The Quantum Energy is a very good reel at $100

[Yumeya]

Shimano Sahara or Nasci all the way.

 

The difference between the two is the Nasci has seals to prevent water from getting into the reel.

[Hammer 4]

I'll toss in a vote for the Diawa Fugo. I have the 2500 size, the smoothest spinning reel I've owned. Fit and finish are great, great reel for the $$..In the past I've owned some mid-higher end Shimano reels, i.e. stradic..this Fuego is easily as smooth.

[Spankey]

8 hours ago, Yumeya said:

Shimano Sahara or Nasci all the way.

 

The difference between the two is the Nasci has seals to prevent water from getting into the reel.

Both good reels for the $$$. 3000 series is the same size and weight as the 2500 series. 3000 is 6.2 : 1, bit more line capacity on the 3000 series also. 

 

Do the Shimanos have 1 1/2 dozen bearings in them? No. And it doesn’t seem to be necessary. 

[BigAngus752]

I own a Fuego LT, a President, and a President XT.  I will never buy another Pflueger.  I will buy more Fuego LTs.  

[browne762]

I have a handful of Shimano Sahara reels and for the MSRP of $80 they are great. On sale and they are even better!

[Tizi]

Fuego LT.  I have 2500 and 3000.  Smooth and just work. Can be had for $75.

[Randy Price]

I had a bad experience with the Fuego 2500 LT so I would recommend either the Sahara or the Nasci.  Nothing against Daiwa I think I just got a lemon and it soured me against the Fuego LT.

[Djohn]

I agree with the Quantum Energy I own 5 of them and they are heavy used with issues. Other than this all your options are good. This is a Chevy versus Ford argument. I happen to be a Toyota guy. 

[deadadrift89]

I've enjoyed my Pflueger Sumpreme 30 this season no trouble. I've also got 2 Revo SX and 2 Orra Sx purchased them last year. Had trouble with one of the Revo and Orra's, so Abu is out for me now on. 

[Columbia Craw]

I have two buddies who are steelhead guides and both use Daiwa  Fuego LT 3000's. That's a pretty good endorsement.  I have one and two Ballistics and the performance of the Fuego LT is surprisingly close.  If I need another spinning reel that's what i'm purchasing.

[DogBone_384]

Pflueger, Pflueger, Pflueger ....

[MN Fisher]

If I was going to get another spinning reel it'd be a Pflueger. The two I currently use have performed flawlessly, and my old 640 is still usable despite being over 40 years old.

[DomQ]

Heard the okuma epixor xt was a good reel, tackle advisors did a really detailed review. 

[Derek1]

Nasci is good for the money. This one season with the president had been great for the $50. 

[hawgchaser]

I have 2 Sahara’s, 2 Symetres, 1 Daiwa Procyon, 2 Pflueger Presidents. 

 

Im buying Pfluegers from now on. I have a 12yo President that is just as smooth as when I bought it. I LOVE my Shimanos but not anymore than the Presidents. They fish about the same. The Daiwa Procyon sucks and it was the most expensive by far. 

[FishTank]

I would go with a Shimano Sahara.  Just a great reel. 

[TBAG]

Sahara and don't look back.

[WheresColton]

Sahara is a work horse

[@reelChris]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!

 

There aren't enough reviews about the Okuma or the Quantum out there, and as many people love Pflueger's as complain about their QC but they're heavier than the others anyway.  So, it's come down to the Fuego or the Nasci.  The only real difference between them appears to be that the Daiwa has a reverse gear and the Nasci doesn't.  I've never used a spinning reel without reverse, but the only time I ever use it is to adjust how a bait hangs before I cast it.  Not sure that's a real necessity.  

[zell_pop1]

I didn't think Shimano or Daiwa were part of TW's sales. Personally I like Daiwa Eliminator , but you said the BG is out and its basically the same. 

[Hammer 4]

4 hours ago, @reelChris said:

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!

 

There aren't enough reviews about the Okuma or the Quantum out there, and as many people love Pflueger's as complain about their QC but they're heavier than the others anyway.  So, it's come down to the Fuego or the Nasci.  The only real difference between them appears to be that the Daiwa has a reverse gear and the Nasci doesn't.  I've never used a spinning reel without reverse, but the only time I ever use it is to adjust how a bait hangs before I cast it.  Not sure that's a real necessity.  

If you decide on the Fuego, check e bay, you can find at very good prices.

[JustJames]

I also recommend Daiwa LT series, but if you are going Fuego LT, think about “magseal” You might not need to service the reel for awhile but once you need it, it required special oil in magseal. The exceler LT which is cheaper and only different is magseal and one more bearing. I also have shimano Sahara FB but sold my symetre FL for daiwa legalis LT.