Shimano spinning reels

[r83srock]

I am so out of touch with spinning gear, it’s just not my deal. But, I’ve recognized it’s something I need to do the past few years, and some of the light line techniques have paid off at times. I’ve got some gear now, and I did have a shimano sedona 2500 for a while, smooth little reel, but the stem was too short! I went to a o op pfluger summit 35 and it’s a bit big. Thinking of trying a 3000 shimano. Haven’t had a chance to get over to cabelas to try out some reels, so I’m wondering, does shimano make reels that have a longer stem/frame? My issues is my knuckle hits the line guide when holding the rod and reeling.

[Finessegenics]

I don’t have anything specific to suggest but beware of the 3000 Shimanos. Most are the exact same as 2500s in terms of body size. Only difference is the 3000s have a deeper spool. So if the stem was too short on the 2500, it’ll be too short on the 3000s too.

[GTN-NY]

I have Sedona 3000 and 4000 and have never hit my knuckles

[GetFishorDieTryin]

You get more for money with a Daiwa then a Shimano if your spending under 200$.  I bought my dad a Sedona 2500 a few years back and was surprised that it weighed close to 10oz.  The Legalis LT, Exceler LT and Fuego LT would be better options for you IMO.  They are as smooth or smoother then the equivalent Shimanos, they have 1 piece aluminum handle that threads in instead of the hex pin on Shimanos, so the handle has a better connection with the main gear.  They are considerably lighter as well.

 

You shouldn't have any issues with the rotor or line roller hitting your knuckles.  Does the rod your using have a grip that's thicker then most others?  How do you grip your spinning rods? How many fingers are forward of the stem?

Jumping up to a 3k wont make a big difference in the length of the stem.  The 3ks look identical to the 2.5ks but they are just slightly bigger with a wider spool.  

[r83srock]

2 minutes ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

You get more for money with a Daiwa then a Shimano if your spending under 200$.  I bought my dad a Sedona 2500 a few years back and was surprised that it weighed close to 10oz.  The Legalis LT, Exceler LT and Fuego LT would be better options for you IMO.  They are as smooth or smoother then the equivalent Shimanos, they have 1 piece aluminum handle that threads in instead of the hex pin on Shimanos, so the handle has a better connection with the main gear.  They are considerably lighter as well.

 

You shouldn't have any issues with the rotor or line roller hitting your knuckles.  Does the rod your using have a grip that's thicker then most others?  How do you grip your spinning rods? How many fingers are forward of the stem?

Jumping up to a 3k wont make a big difference in the length of the stem.  The 3ks look identical to the 2.5ks but they are just slightly bigger with a wider spool.  

Rusty,

 

Thanks for the recommendations, I will check the daiwas out sometime.

 

The rod I’m using is a 6’8” medium xf st. croix mojo bass. I think the handle is pretty standard. I have tried gripping one two and three fingers ahead of the stem, and I prefer 2. The pfluger hasn’t given me issues. I have a trion 25 that worked well but I gave that to my wife. 35 is a bit heavy on that rod. I’d consider a 30 size pfluger also. I’ll look around.

[tracker01]

I “had” the same knuckle problem. But it was many years ago. I think they changed this about the time the Stradic was out. The bail kept hitting my knuckles. You might still be using old spinners.
Just say’in.

[r83srock]

7 minutes ago, tracker01 said:

I “had” the same knuckle problem. But it was many years ago. I think they changed this about the time the Stradic was out. The bail kept hitting my knuckles. You might still be using old spinners.
Just say’in.

Well I purchased the Sedona from Tackle Warehouse last winter, so I find it unlikely, but maybe!

[LCG]

After trying various Abu 's and  Pfluegers, I landed on the Shimano Stradic FL 2500. This reel is extremely smooth and feels solid. Don't see needing to replace it in a very long time. I really feel Shimano offers very good value. 

[learnin]

Try the Diawa BG 2500.  It's bigger than the Shimano 2500 & 3000 but IMO not to heavy.  Might give you the clearance you need.   It's about half the cost of a Stradic.  I like the Shimanos a lot but I've got two of the BG 2500s I use for saltwater fishing.  IMO and a lot of others it's a quality reel. 

[Randy Price]

I own both Daiwa and Shimano spinning reels and use them a lot.  IMO Shimano makes a better spinning reel.  I'm fond of the Stradic/Ci4+ series of reels in the 2500 size.  I have a Daiwa Fuego and HAD a Ballastic but returned it after a short fishing trip.  Both companies make good reels but to me the Shimano's are smoother.  I also like the fact that Shimano makes their reels in Malaysia and not China as Daiwa does.  IF you like to back reel then get a Daiwa as Shimano reels no longer offer this feature.  I never have back reeled in 40+ years so that isn't an issue for me.  I have the Daiwa BG and it's built like a tank but it seems heavy to me and better suited to saltwater fishing (IMO).

[MickD]

Go to a big box store that  handles all brands and see which work for you.  I have never had this problem so wonder if you are gripping the rod/reel differently than I do.

 

Also, watch out for Shimanos if you like having an anti-reverse switch.  It appears that they and many other brands are deleting them on their newer offerings.  A BIG mistake, in my opinion.

[Michigander]

I've got bigger hands and my Shimano Spheros 3000 is big enough. It's basically an old model Stradic. 

 

Also Shimano Safari reels are good too, very happy with mine.

[Ben77]

Another vote for the Diawa BG 2500 it's a fantastic reel for the money a true workhorse!

[GaryH]

Shimano Stradic c14 Great reel. Never had any issues with it. Steelhead fishing in freezing temps. with no issues.

[Spankey]

What’s nice about the 2500 series of the Shimanos is the ratio reduction vs. the 3000. Yes they are the same size and weight but the lower ratio is nice. I guess it all depends how you are using it.