What's your favorite reel?

[Jrob78]

11 hours ago, Big-Bass said:

Have you seen the new Zillion HD reels?  Based off the newer Zillion, they are pretty sweet!

The HD is next on my list but I need to make sure I can swap gears for a slower ratio. If not a 7:1 will do.

[Big-Bass]

7 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

The HD is next on my list but I need to make sure I can swap gears for a slower ratio. If not a 7:1 will do.

Right now, the yen is so low that deals can be found that might otherwise save $50-100 right off the top.  

[Jrob78]

56 minutes ago, Big-Bass said:

Right now, the yen is so low that deals can be found that might otherwise save $50-100 right off the top.  

Yep, JDM is the only way to go right now.

[casts_by_fly]

The reel that always amazes me every time I pick it up is an older Shimano Stradic FH 1000.  Stock photo below of a bigger one.  I've had this reel for 18 years or so and its been my light spinning reel in all of that time.  I've fished it on a 5' ultralight, a 6'9" ML custom 3-piece, and other rods, but my favorite is its current incarnation on a 7'6" bass pro ultralight.  I put it together for trout 2 years ago with some 4 lb light line.  The reel is so solid and smooth.  The bail flips perfectly every time whether I turn the crank or manually do it.  It is butter smooth.  The drag is amazingly silky and ideal for super light line.  I wish I had a couple more in 1000/2000/3000 sizes.

 

[Hytekrednek]

13 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

The reel that always amazes me every time I pick it up is an older Shimano Stradic FH 1000.  Stock photo below of a bigger one.  I've had this reel for 18 years or so and its been my light spinning reel in all of that time.  I've fished it on a 5' ultralight, a 6'9" ML custom 3-piece, and other rods, but my favorite is its current incarnation on a 7'6" bass pro ultralight.  I put it together for trout 2 years ago with some 4 lb light line.  The reel is so solid and smooth.  The bail flips perfectly every time whether I turn the crank or manually do it.  It is butter smooth.  The drag is amazingly silky and ideal for super light line.  I wish I had a couple more in 1000/2000/3000 sizes.

 

 

Yes! I have the 1000 and it is still smooth, reliable, and just a pleasure to use. even after all the years of use, it still functions like new. I hope my new Vanford 1000 last like my stradic has

[bulldog1935]

But what they improved in the 19 Stradic didn't lose anything and made significant gains.  Longer pitch, stiffer spindle, larger finer-toothed gears, overqualified A/R roller bearing. What it gained is just about amazing. 

When it came out, it was dubbed "The Best $400 Spinning Reel You Can Buy" (but it only cost $200. 

Parts exchange with '18 Stella - Daiwa doesn't built reels this way - all the current Shimano worm-drive reels are the same design, with cost cut in material selection and Malaysia v. Japan labor. 

This is JDM C2000SHG, which is the same as US-market 1000FL (and $60 cheaper)

 

If you can figure out what the quote below has to do with me, you won't be able to let me know.  A 5th made the list. 

[casts_by_fly]

8 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

But what they improved in the 19 Stradic didn't lose anything and made significant gains.  Longer pitch, stiffer spindle, larger finer-toothed gears, overqualified A/R roller bearing. What it gained is just about amazing. 

When it came out, it was dubbed "The Best $400 Spinning Reel You Can Buy" (but it only cost $200. 

 

 

 

If I fished a spinning rod for bass and was putting a new combo together this is where I'd start.  My dad gave me his HMG/Pfleuger combo that he doesn't use anymore and I've had it in the boat once or twice all year.  It isn't worth my spending $200 for a new reel that I'll barely use. 

 

I think I'm going to do an 'all plastics' day where I plan to fish any and all plastics all day.  Maybe I'll throw it in for that.

[Bass Rutten]

Spinning: daiwa ballistic mq lt 2500, smooth and solid af. Casting: daiwa alphas sv tw 800 (jdm), no major faults I can find so far other than it was a little dry, and due to being used to the traditional daiwa brake dial being on the side not the bottom I'd accidentally flick the brake dial with my index finger, I've gotten used to it now. I caved and ordered a zillion svtw (jdm) due in no small part to all the hype and talk about it, plus that $251 price didn't hurt. I have a feeling my favorite casting reel is likely to change with it's arrival.