The best reel brand

[Toad_Hunter]

Daiwa or Shimano both old companies Daiwa started in 1958 and Shimano started in 1921, both changed the fishing industry and build off one another. My question is which makes better reels? or are there companies that are making better reels? Are Lew's and Abu reels comparable to Shimano and Daiwa? What are yalls opinions?

[MN Fisher]

Note that while Shimano as a company has been around almost 100 years - they didn't start making fishing reels until the 70s.

[optimator]

I think I still have a gen 1 Revo in use. Other than that one my other 15 or so combos are either Shimano or Daiwa. I mostly lean Shimano for baitcasters and Daiwa for spinning. JMHO.

[Deleted account]

I think Daiwa and Shimano are better than most other brands, but I also think that most of the products from all the major brands are quality products that exceed the requirements of the task at hand.

[jimmyjoe]

   Here we have another question about "better". What do  you mean by "better"? Do you mean:

 

  1) Spinning or casting?

  2 ) More durable? Not much difference.

  3 ) More refined? This begs the question, "refined FOR WHAT?". Both companies have ultra-refined reels at the top. Both have reels that are less refined at the bottom. Mass production methods mean that you are more likely to get a lemon at the bottom of the price structure. I'd give an edge here to Shimano for casting, and Daiwa for spinning, but not by a lot.

   4) Better for certain techniques? Tell us which techniques you're targeting and we'll be better able to give you an answer.

   5) Which size? There's a lot of difference between the market in 150-size reels and the market for the big stuff that is used for large swimbaits.  Generally, Shimano and ABU rule for big stuff in freshwater.

   6) and BTW .... which section of that price structure interests you? Are you interested in only the high end, only the low end, or only the middle section?  That middle section is VERY competitive.

 

   If you have certain specific answers that you require, give us a little more info and we will help you all we can. That's why a lot of the people hang out here.     ???                      jj

[Spankey]

I’m pretty much a Shimano fanboy both spinning and casting. The Daiwas I own I like. Recently over the last few seasons I’ve gotten into the Abu Garcia “Winch” stuff. I’m more than 100% satisfied with the Revo series Reels. I paired them with Abu rods and happy with my decision. 

[NorthernBasser]

1 hour ago, BassWhole! said:

I think Daiwa and Shimano are better than most other brands, but I also think that most of the products from all the major brands are quality products that exceed the requirements of the task at hand.

This is how I feel as well. Shimano and Daiwa are my top 2, for sure. Way too close to say which one I like better. 

 

But Lew's makes some real (reel?) nice reels as well. And I have a 13 Fishing Concept C I bought a few years back to give a try. It's been a GREAT reel. 

 

Haven't enjoyed the Abu's I've had as much tbh, but I know a lot of people love them. Just personal preference and the experience each individual has had with certain reels. 

[JLBBass]

Baitcasters, I own:

Pflueger Patriach XT's

Lews BB1 Pros

BPS Carbonlite (old gold models)

BPS Carbonlite 2.0's

 

Spinning:

Daiwa Tatulas

Pflueger Patriarch XT's

Shimano Stradic ci4's

Okuma RTX's

 

So, I'm "all over the place" when it comes to brand!?

Honestly, I think, If you shop for good prices, Pflueger makes the best reel for the buck! I only paid $100 or less for all my new Pflueger Patriarch XT's, both baitcast & spinning. They retail for $250'ish, but because they fly under the radar so much ,you can find deals on them. I bought most of mine off Pflueger's website a couple years ago, when they had an awesome sale on them! Bought a couple off Ebay also. I've owned some quality Daiwa & Shimano reels, and I'd put Pflueger right up there with them!

 

 

[Toad_Hunter]

11 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   Here we have another question about "better". What do  you mean by "better"? Do you mean:

 

  1) Spinning or casting?

  2 ) More durable? Not much difference.

  3 ) More refined? This begs the question, "refined FOR WHAT?". Both companies have ultra-refined reels at the top. Both have reels that are less refined at the bottom. Mass production methods mean that you are more likely to get a lemon at the bottom of the price structure. I'd give an edge here to Shimano for casting, and Daiwa for spinning, but not by a lot.

   4) Better for certain techniques? Tell us which techniques you're targeting and we'll be better able to give you an answer.

   5) Which size? There's a lot of difference between the market in 150-size reels and the market for the big stuff that is used for large swimbaits.  Generally, Shimano and ABU rule for big stuff in freshwater.

   6) and BTW .... which section of that price structure interests you? Are you interested in only the high end, only the low end, or only the middle section?  That middle section is VERY competitive.

 

   If you have certain specific answers that you require, give us a little more info and we will help you all we can. That's why we hang out here.     ???                      jj

1) casting reels 

2) better as in more durable, smoother, etc

4) I'm looking for something for top water walking baits poppers etc

5)looking at 100 to 150 size 

6) price point $200-$350

[Backroad Angler]

Shimano has treated me well, and I have steadily been selling off my other brand reels to replace them with shimano. For your price point, I would check out the chronarch. 

[jimmyjoe]

19 minutes ago, Toad_Hunter said:

1) casting reels 

2) better as in more durable, smoother, etc

4) I'm looking for something for top water walking baits poppers etc

5)looking at 100 to 150 size 

6) price point $200-$350

 

  Thanks for the info!

   Let me pick this apart in the order I would for casters. Remember: this is only my opinion.

 

   For topwater and poppers, there's not a difference in my mind.

 

   The $200-350 segment is so competitive that you can go either way .... and people do, quite successfully.

 

   In that price segment, ANY reel that you buy better be both smooth and durable. Period.

 

   If you wish to discuss the 100-150 size, then my opinion is Shimano.  Your answer indicates that you're open to a wide range of prices. In my mind, nothing can beat the Shimano Bantam mgl 150 at $350. It's smooth, it's strong, and all indications are that it will be durable and have good resale value. It also handles braid, nylon and fluorocarbon with equal aplomb.

   But you need to remember that I'm making that statement as a person who likes centrifugal braking systems over magnetic. You might not feel the same way.

 

   Whatever you decide, I wish you good luck!                        jj

 

  

[Russ E]

It is all personal perspective. Diawa reels dominate my arsenal.

With that out of the way, I think most brands make decent reels.

With all of the options out there, if you make junk, it would be hard to stay in business.

There are a couple companies that flood social media to overcome quality. I will not name any here.

they are not the four you mentioned.

[new2BC4bass]

I thought from the title that you were trying to start WWIII. 

 

I agree with JJ.  Any reel I pay $200-$350 for better be smooth and last.  I lean towards Daiwas, but own about 10 different brands of reels.   Like Russ E, my Daiwas are in the vast majority.  I've not used any of my reels enough to wear one out.  I'd say the smoothest reel I own is an old Alphas ito Ai.  Feels like snot on ice.  Slick.

 

EDIT:  Added 'Slick' because some of you may never have seen ice. 

[Michigander]

At that price point, I don't think there's going to be a clear winner. The real question is who makes the reel that matches your rod.

 

#MatchyMatchy

[Dens228]

In before this thread goes wildly astray with verbal barbs, brand bashing, and people getting their panties all bunched up and results in the thread getting locked! LOL

I say by page 4, 5 at the latest.....

 

All my reels except one are Daiwa..........

[FishTank]

I have reels from Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Quantum and 1 Lew's.  If I weigh all things I look for in a reel, Shimano and Daiwa are my favorites. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

7 hours ago, jimmyjoe said:

In my mind, nothing can beat the Shimano Bantam mgl 150 at $350. It's smooth, it's strong, and all indications are that it will be durable and have good resale value. It also handles braid, nylon and fluorocarbon with equal aplomb.

The Zillion SV is gonna give the Bantam a run for its money

9 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Note that while Shimano as a company has been around almost 100 years - they didn't start making fishing reels until the 70s.

I think Daiwa actually made Shimanos first reel

[Deephaven]

5 hours ago, Dens228 said:

In before this thread goes wildly astray with verbal barbs, brand bashing, and people getting their panties all bunched up and results in the thread getting locked! LOL

I say by page 4, 5 at the latest.....

 

All my reels except one are Daiwa..........

That is never going to happen.  Either way, at least you have one good reel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As for which brand is better, neither is the only answer.  At any point in time or depending on the model each has something that is superior to the other.  I will buy whatever works best for what I want it to do.

[RDB]

You can get JDM Metanium & Aldebarans in your price range.

[Dens228]

37 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

That is never going to happen.  Either way, at least you have one good reel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As for which brand is better, neither is the only answer.  At any point in time or depending on the model each has something that is superior to the other.  I will buy whatever works best for what I want it to do.

Well played!

 

[Jig Man]

I have no way of knowing which is best since I only own one brand, Shimano. 

[padon]

eh to me its ford or chevy. just a matter of what you like. ive used both on and off for 30 years and was always happy with either. right now im running 90% shimano. i like them. if somebody switched all of them for equal priced diawa im sure id like them too. i do have 2 lews casting reels and their nice too. just find the one you like and buy a quality model from any of the major companies and i think youll be fine.

[kayaking_kev]

I own or have owned several brands and I will basically only buy Shimano or Daiwa anymore.

 

For me personally, Shimano is #1, I just think they feel better in my hand and feel more refined than Daiwa's. While all the Daiwa's I have owned have been nice reels, I really only love the Tatula SV, but I admit there's a lot I haven't tried on the higher end, but a lot of them seem big or heavy. I do like the look of Daiwa's better though.

 

Lew's and Abu Garcia's probably feel the best in the hand to me, but not once you start reeling with a fish on the line and IMO, they don't compare with Shimano or Daiwa in durability or longevity.

 

13 Fishing reels are kind of hit and miss for me, some are decent and some are junk, so I just stay away now.

 

I've had Penn Pursuit III spinning reel for 3 years now that had been good to me, but I think it's better suited for salt water.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Shimano for casting

 

Daiwa for spinning

[Bluebasser86]

Pick what you like, can afford, feels comfortable, and works for you.

 

I use to be all Shimano. I tried some different reels, have had some from several different companies that all had their pros and cons. Now I'm mostly Daiwa, but I still have some Okumas that I really liked. There isn't a "best", because it's subjective from person to person with what their wants and needs in a reel are.