Spinning rod and reel recommendations

[Your local fishing boy]

I’m looking for a new spinning rod and reel combo. Preferably on that you can buy at a local retailer like Walmart or academy etc and that has a medium action rod and a decent reel and that is in a 30 to 100 dollar price range. I saw one at academy that looked pretty good. it was a lew’s speed spin hm30 I think.The one with the black reel and the cork handle. If you have this combo is it any good? Would you recommend it? And any other recommendations?

[rtwvumtneer6]

The Daiwa Aird X is by far the best "budget" spinning rod I own.  It'll run about $55 dollars, but cheaper if you can find it on sale.  I'm biased to Shimano reels, and any of them will work.  If you can spend a few extra dollars and can find the Sedona 2500 size, that's a solid reel at a very reasonable price.  They retail around $70. Hope that helps.

[MN Fisher]

I'll double-down on the Aird-X. I have 1 spinning and 3 baitcasting and I'm very happy with them.

 

Far as the reel - I'm a Pflueger fan from way back (40+ years) and in your price range there's the Trion (I have 2 and like them), President (two of those also, good reels), President-XT and Supreme.

[BrianMDTX]

I’ll triple down on the Aird X (I have two- a MHF and a MF). Get a Aird X MF and pair it with a Daiwa Revros. Or if you want a less expensive reel, I’m pretty impressed with the Shimano Sienna 2500 I just got. It’s on a slightly more $$ Daiwa Procyon MF rod. The reel was $24.99. Two weeks ago it fought and reeled in this 4.5 lb bass with ease. 
 

 

[DaubsNU1]

I picked up a Simano Nexave FE 2500 at Scheels for $49. Paired it with an old Cabela's XML - Ti that has been sitting in my garage for quite a few years.

 

I really like this set up.  

 

Daiwa makes good stuff.  Good luck!

[Randy Price]

I agree with others regarding the Daiwa Revros 2500 LT or the Shimano Sienna in a 2500 size.  As far as a inexpensive rod I would go to cabela's/bass pro and look at their store brands.  My son really likes his Shakespere Ugly Stik.

[king fisher]

On 8/24/2020 at 5:27 PM, rtwvumtneer6 said:

The Daiwa Aird X is by far the best "budget" spinning rod I own.  It'll run about $55 dollars, but cheaper if you can find it on sale.  I'm biased to Shimano reels, and any of them will work.  If you can spend a few extra dollars and can find the Sedona 2500 size, that's a solid reel at a very reasonable price.  They retail around $70. Hope that helps.

Diawa Shimano combo.  Is that legal, ethical, dangerous, or even possible?  Do you actually practice this kind of behavior yourself, or just recommend such heresy to others?  I would consult with a lawyer before making such a potentially dangerous politically charged recommendation.  LoL.

[Kyle S]

I'm in the market for nearly the exact same setup! Getting ready to purchase a 7' medium Daiwa Aird x and probably a sienna 2500.....Will report back! Good luck!

[BrianMDTX]

1 hour ago, Kyle S said:

I'm in the market for nearly the exact same setup! Getting ready to purchase a 7' medium Daiwa Aird x and probably a sienna 2500.....Will report back! Good luck!

I knew from go the Sienna 2500 was not a top-tier spinning reel. At $24.99, it’s not mid-tier. I bought it via a gift points program so I risked no $$ of my own, so if it turned out to be junky, no big loss. But I am really pleasantly surprised. It reels very smooth, the drag adjusts well and is also pretty smooth and it has an AR switch. It may last 10 years or 10 months. Time will tell. But so far it has exceeded my expectations.