Is there anything that compares to the Shimano Nasci at the $100 price point?

[Ohioguy25]

I’ve been very happy with my Nasci 2500, smoothest reel I’ve ever owned. I just got a couple warranty replacement rods from Saint Croix, looking to gear them up. Any recommendations or is Nasci my best option? 

 

I am almost entirely fishing creeks for smallmouth, have never thrown a baitcaster but would be open to possibly adding one provided there isn’t a huge learning curve.

[jimmyjoe]

   I've got a Nasci 1000. I had a problem with the line roller; Shimano replaced the reel. The Sahara is supposed to be the same reel but without the Coreprotect. I think it's great for a plastic reel. Some people like the Daiwa Fuego better, but some don't. If you don't like plastic, you might want to look at the Daiwa BG series; they seem reliable, smooth and they're easy to service.

   I've also not heard anything bad about the Lew's spinners, but I don't use one myself. Their Custom Speed Spin is metal.

   Good luck!    jj

[LCG]

A baitcasting set up will really open a few more doors for you I think. Most people find certain techniques better suited to either a spinning combo or baitcasting. It's worth learning if your interested in it. It's not mandatory by any means, but it's another tool. Ie hammer and screwdriver. 

[Ohioguy25]

4 minutes ago, LCG said:

A baitcasting set up will really open a few more doors for you I think. Most people find certain techniques better suited to either a spinning combo or baitcasting. It's worth learning if your interested in it. It's not mandatory by any means, but it's another tool. Ie hammer and screwdriver. 

Would baitcasting be better for creeks?

[LCG]

Probably not solely creeks as I assume you are throwing light lures. Baitcasting setups excel at power fishing techniques like spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs, texas rigs, crankbaits, swim baits, Frogs, etc. Spinning is much more geared to light lures and finness techniques. I fish rivers, ponds, and lakes so use both for most outings. 

[Teal]

Bait monkey says get one of each as a reward for surviving 2020.

 

Good luck finding a good reel.   I dont think you can go too awfully wrong at the 100 dollar price point with shimano or daiwa.

[Ohioguy25]

28 minutes ago, LCG said:

Probably not solely creeks as I assume you are throwing light lures. Baitcasting setups excel at power fishing techniques like spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs, texas rigs, crankbaits, swim baits, Frogs, etc. Spinning is much more geared to light lures and finness techniques. I fish rivers, ponds, and lakes so use both for most outings. 

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking, baitcasting is good for accuracy but the big benefit is distance and heavy line/tackle which I don’t need. I mostly throw live bait (crawdads and minnows) on 8 lb test.

[LCG]

18 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking, baitcasting is good for accuracy but the big benefit is distance and heavy line/tackle which I don’t need. I mostly throw live bait (crawdads and minnows) on 8 lb test.

In that case I would stick with the Nasci. Don't own one myself, but after buying the stradic FL, I will not be using any other reels. I am sold on their quality and craftsmanship, very smooth drag, powerful retrieve. 

[bulldog1935]

I agree with everyone who says you need a baitcaster - work the learning curve and educate your thumb.  

 

My favorite $100 spinning reel is the Tica Libra SX, but in the 1500 size.  The reel is all metal and in this size, the weight difference is insiginficant.  

The Libra SX 1500 is a choice size for 8-lb.  

Note the Libra SX 3000 size matches Shimano 4000 - a big step up.  

Tica doesn't have quite the smooth gears as Shimano (who does), but very well balanced and built to last.  It also has selective anti-reverse.  

Where it shines, Libra has the same spool stroke as the newer Shimanos based on '18 Stella (read as long cast), and you see here how well their IOS locomotive drive manages line lay - there's 200 yds stacked braid on this spool.  

This is a low-geared reel, which I prefer, and for speed I pimped it with Daiwa double handle.  

I also like their line roller better than any Shimano (all the same up to Stella) - I replaced all my Shimano line rollers with MTCW titanium - of course I fish the salt, and would eventually have to replace Shimano chromed brass line rollers, anyway.  

 

Tica is based in the PNW, and sells direct on Amazon.  Libra SX is derived from their offshore Cybernetic, and a powerful little reel.  Last month, loaned the Libra to a buddy on our trip, and he got a limit of speckled trout on it - the reel has also never cast a wind knot. 

 

Here's the Libra SX1500 out of the box + 8-lb copolymer.  Tica America C/S was also good about getting me a spare spool.  

[jimmyjoe]

   Tica and Okuma are two of the more highly respected international brands originating from Taiwan. Both are into freshwater as well as saltwater. For the money, they both seem to be good deals.   jj

[VolFan]

If youre gently lobbing live bait, you're going to be happier with spinning. I'm a die hard Sahara user but YMMV.

[zell_pop1]

Pflueger Supreme is the best spinning reel at $100 price point. Now baitcasters sure Daiwa Fuego or Shimano SLX are best in that price range.

[Fishes in trees]

I've got one of the Shimano Nasci reels.   It is an ok reel - casts good, gears feel fine, etc.

I wish I wold have noticed that it didn't have an anti-reverse switch.   Any spinning reels that I buy in the future have got to have an anti- reverse switch.   I like that feature, even though I very seldom catch a fish that requires back reeling, I still want to have that feature.

I have several Pflueger reels that were all at the $60 price point, more or less, they all have the anti-reverse switch and I'm pretty happy with the overall performance of those reels.

 

I have a couple of the Shimano Spirex reels - they're 7 or 8 years old now and I like everything about these reels.   I like the double paddle handle.  I like the Quick fire feature, where you can open the bail with one hand.  I have both the front drag & rear drag models.   The rear drag model is a little heavier, but I like the variety of adjustments you can make quickly without getting your fingers anywhere near the line.   I like the lever where you can push it all the way over and the drag is instantly locked as tight as possible and then when you move the lever back toward center the drag is whatever you set it at.  I liked everything about these reels, but they aren't readily available anymore in the shop where I generally buy my fishing reels at.

 

These reels were at the $60 more or less price point.   I'm pretty much at the point where I don't see the value of spinning reels in the $100 & up categories.   Granted, I've never fished in waters where monster small mouth were possible and that would up the possibility that I'd be steamed if I lost a big fish due to reel malfunction, but for me, where I fish and what I use spinning gear for, $100 price point spinning reels don't really attract me right now.

 

It isn't that I'm a tightwad - A couple of Curado DCs ,several Chronarchs & Calcutta reels, a pair of the old Calais reels are testament to that.   I just can't see what the extra $40 or 50 bucks gets me over the reels I'm currently using.

 

thanks for reading - rant over

 

 

[Ohioguy25]

1 hour ago, Fishes in trees said:

I've got one of the Shimano Nasci reels.   It is an ok reel - casts good, gears feel fine, etc.

I wish I wold have noticed that it didn't have an anti-reverse switch.   Any spinning reels that I buy in the future have got to have an anti- reverse switch.   I like that feature, even though I very seldom catch a fish that requires back reeling, I still want to have that feature.

I have several Pflueger reels that were all at the $60 price point, more or less, they all have the anti-reverse switch and I'm pretty happy with the overall performance of those reels.

 

I have a couple of the Shimano Spirex reels - they're 7 or 8 years old now and I like everything about these reels.   I like the double paddle handle.  I like the Quick fire feature, where you can open the bail with one hand.  I have both the front drag & rear drag models.   The rear drag model is a little heavier, but I like the variety of adjustments you can make quickly without getting your fingers anywhere near the line.   I like the lever where you can push it all the way over and the drag is instantly locked as tight as possible and then when you move the lever back toward center the drag is whatever you set it at.  I liked everything about these reels, but they aren't readily available anymore in the shop where I generally buy my fishing reels at.

 

These reels were at the $60 more or less price point.   I'm pretty much at the point where I don't see the value of spinning reels in the $100 & up categories.   Granted, I've never fished in waters where monster small mouth were possible and that would up the possibility that I'd be steamed if I lost a big fish due to reel malfunction, but for me, where I fish and what I use spinning gear for, $100 price point spinning reels don't really attract me right now.

 

It isn't that I'm a tightwad - A couple of Curado DCs ,several Chronarchs & Calcutta reels, a pair of the old Calais reels are testament to that.   I just can't see what the extra $40 or 50 bucks gets me over the reels I'm currently using.

 

thanks for reading - rant over

 

 

I had a Pfleuger before upgrading to the Shimano and it was like a night and day difference in terms of smoothness. You didn’t notice this?

[Ohioguy25]

3 hours ago, zell_pop1 said:

Pflueger Supreme is the best spinning reel at $100 price point. Now baitcasters sure Daiwa Fuego or Shimano SLX are best in that price range.

I had a Pfleuger but Shimano feels much smoother.

[new2BC4bass]

Absolutely agree spinning is the way to go for the fishing you are doing....and I use a baitcast reel whenever possible.  Don't know the size of the creeks you fish, but if small...meaning short casts...and you want to try a baitcast reel, then I would learn to pitch.  If you can pitch good, you will be very accurate and have no problem thumbing a spool on a regular cast.  I would be remiss if I didn't point out that light lures with a baitcast reel isn't for the beginner.  I've only tried pitching with a heavier jig.  I can only cast comfortably down to a #5 Shad Rap (listed as 3/16 oz.).  Light lures take skill even with the proper gear AFAIC.  Guarantee you will get very frustrated if you try to learn using a baitcast reel using light lures...say 1/4 oz. or less.  Best to start with a 1/2 oz. lure minimum.

 

No experience with the Nasci, but love my Daiwa BG.

 

EDIT:  I found my BG for less than $100, but if you want to spend less I would still look at Daiwa offerings such as the Revros LT.  Bought an earlier model as a birthday gift for a brother-in-law a few years ago.  He is still using it and hasn't mentioned any problems with the reel yet.

[Bluebasser86]

2 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

I had a Pfleuger but Shimano feels much smoother.

I was a fan of Pflueger but they sold out and quality took a major nosedive IMO. I've switched to almost all Daiwa now. Shimano lost my business after the binding issues and now taking away the anti-reverse switch on some of their reels so I can't compare any of their reels in the last several years to anything.

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I was a fan of Pflueger but they sold out and quality took a major nosedive IMO. I've switched to almost all Daiwa now.

I would consider Diawa spinners except for one big thing...they seem to think we need miles of line. Every reel I consider has the 'D' spools which are 30%-50% larger than other reels of the same size.

 

Pflueger - I've been happy with mine, no issues that I've come across though I'll be skipping the Trions from now on since they've removed the AR switch on those.

 

I also added some Mitchells into my arsenal - got three RZTs on closeout and so far they've impressed me.

[Bluebasser86]

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I would consider Diawa spinners except for one big thing...they seem to think we need miles of line. Every reel I consider has the 'D' spools which are 30%-50% larger than other reels of the same size.

I use the shallow spool models the offer. The Revros comes in a shallow spool in the 2500 size, 110 yards of 8lb (I don't think it really even holds that much), and the CXH models of the Tatula. The deeper spool models I have, like the Eliminator, I just put backing on so it doesn't waste a bunch of line.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I use the shallow spool models the offer. The Revros comes in a shallow spool in the 2500 size, 110 yards of 8lb (I don't think it really even holds that much), and the CXH models of the Tatula. The deeper spool models I have, like the Eliminator, I just put backing on so it doesn't waste a bunch of line.

Well, I've already got the spinning lineup for 2021 set - from this point on, it'd be upgrades...which with the Pres-XT LE I got, has already started.

[Spankey]

I was always a Shimano Symetre fan in a few sizes. Was told they lost the rights to that name and jumped on the Nasci bandwagon when they came out a few years ago. I feel they are a step, 1/2 step better than the Symetre. But to each his own. I really never had much of issues with the Symetre nor these Nasci’s. But I have other reel in the mix. The Sahara is another good reel if you want to save about another $10. 

[Hulkster]

not sure if they lost the rights to the symmetre name because it is back this year as part of a combo from Shimano. no idea if they will be as good as the old symmetre reels though

[Ohioguy25]

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I was a fan of Pflueger but they sold out and quality took a major nosedive IMO. I've switched to almost all Daiwa now. Shimano lost my business after the binding issues and now taking away the anti-reverse switch on some of their reels so I can't compare any of their reels in the last several years to anything.

What is binding?

[Bluebasser86]

Just now, Ohioguy25 said:

What is binding?

When you're trying to reel and the reel is sticking, or stopping altogether and taking a lot of force to turn the handle. The Symetre was terrible about it. They did it anytime they got wet, which is bit of an issue for a fishing reel.

[Ohioguy25]

10 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

When you're trying to reel and the reel is sticking, or stopping altogether and taking a lot of force to turn the handle. The Symetre was terrible about it. They did it anytime they got wet, which is bit of an issue for a fishing reel.

Fortunately have not yet experienced this. I have had some friction caused by debris/sand when I dunked it but a cleaning/oiling fixed. Are Daiwa as smooth as Shimano?