Spinning reel recommendations?

[DanielG]

So, I've got about $200 for a new spinning reel. I've got some good casting reels but only a low end Shimano spinning reel. I'll be putting it on a Dobsyn medimu/light Fury rod. Bass where I live are 1.5-2 lbs. mostly. Been wanting a decent reel for awhile. I'd appreciate some recommendations. The $200, believe it or not is part of my medicare advantage plan I have with my insurance provider. They authorize a lot of 'healthy recreational' type of stuff. I'm not sure where the fishing reels tie in with backpacks, bikes, and walking sticks but hey... And it's use it or lose it by the end of the year. Thanks in advance.

[MickD]

Daiwa Tatula LT in the size you prefer.  Very smooth, reliable, light so it balances well with most rods.  

 

Off subject, but rod builders out there, don't copy the location of the keeper on this rod unless you've tried it out and like it.  I did one once and have disliked it every time I've used the rod.  The only thing good about it is that it keeps the lure hooks out of the way of any really long rod sleeves you might use.  But it's easy to snag a hand on a lure and it's not as  handy as keepers just in front of the front grip/seat.

[NorthernBasser]

I agree, the Tatula LT would be a great option.

[ScottW]

I’m partial to Shimano spinning reels myself. The NASCI, Miravel or Sahara are all good choices and are at or under $200. I’ve got a Sahara and it’s wicked smooth.

[thunderblack]

I'm listing a like new Daiwa Ballistic MQ 3000 for sale.  Great reels. Have another I fish. Stradic is another good one. 

[bulldog1935]

Do not pass go, go to Digitaka and buy a JDM Shimano Stradic for under $150, including express delivery. 

 

If fine braid is ever in your sights, no reel manages braid like Shimano worm-drive, and Stradic is entry-level for Shimano worm drive.

Calling Stradic entry level is a true hyperbole - the design copies Stella, and all the parts interchange. 

 

and nowhere on this thread does @DanielG ask for a passe optional anti-reverse switch. 

 

No high-grade reel uses an optional A/R switch, and the very best spinning reels don't have auto-bail close.   You use manual bail both to feed line and to retrieve - it prevents every possible line handling problem with spinning reels. 

[MickD]

Those buying new spinning reels should be aware that many makers' new reels do not have anti revervse switches.  If you want one don't go Shimano, Pflueger, or some others.  Check the details before you buy.  Daiwas still have the switch.

2 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

Do not pass go, go to Digitaka and buy a JDM Shimano Stradic for under $150, including express delivery. 

Does it have an anti reverse switch?  

4 minutes ago, MickD said:

Those buying new spinning reels should be aware that many makers' new reels do not have anti revervse switches.  If you want one don't go Shimano, Pflueger, or some others.  Check the details before you buy.  Daiwas still have the switch.

Does it have an anti reverse switch?  

No. If it's important to you, this doesn't work. If it's not, looks like a good buy.

 

[ScottW]

My Shimano Sahara has the switch under the reel close to the rotor. It’s the FJ model not the FI which doesn’t have the anti reverse.

[MN Fisher]

Both the Miravel and the Ultegra I picked up this year don't have it. Really only necessary if you're a back-reeler

[Revival]

- Shimano JDM Stradic FL

- Daiwa Kage LT

- Daiwa JDM Tatula LT

 

[roadwarrior]

3 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

Do not pass go, go to Digitaka and buy a JDM Shimano Stradic for under $150, including express delivery. 

 

If fine braid is ever in your sights, no reel manages braid like Shimano worm-drive, and Stradic is entry-level for Shimano worm drive.

Calling Stradic entry level is a true hyperbole - the design copies Stella, and all the parts interchange. 

 

and nowhere on this thread does @DanielG ask for a passe optional anti-reverse switch. 

GREAT deal!

[PhishLI]

3 hours ago, MickD said:

Those buying new spinning reels should be aware that many makers' new reels do not have anti revervse switches.  If you want one don't go Shimano, Pflueger, or some others.  Check the details before you buy.  Daiwas still have the switch.

Some don't though. Gotta check beforehand.

[MN Fisher]

3 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

f fine braid is ever in your sights, no reel manages braid like Shimano worm-drive, and Stradic is entry-level for Shimano worm drive.

If that's what they've labeled 'Silentdrive'...um, the Miravel has it...new entry level point.

[DanielG]

Right now I'm looking at the Shimano Stradic and the Vanford. Still pondering though. I've got time. So many good reels and features.

[PhishLI]

13 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If that's what they've labeled 'Silentdrive'...um, the Miravel has it

Looks like it.

https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/INFO/TECHNOLOGIES/SILENT_DRIVE0.html

[bulldog1935]

@DanielG

Internally, Vanford and Stradic are identical.  The main difference is forged aluminum body for Stradic, and CI4+ body for Vanford.  Vanford also shares a lighter rotor with Vanquish. 

 

If you notice on Vanford, the stem or knee of the reel is shorter, placing the reel body and rotor closer to the rod.    This is simply Shimano recognizing the limitations of plastic-composite stiffness, and making that choice to give the reel the stiffness they want it to have. 

Some people have complained about the fit between the rotor or knee bend and their fingers on the rod (three separate threads on BR). 

Just something to keep in mind - pointing this out will get the standard flurry of detractors, but I don't have a horse in this race, nor a dog in the fight. 

 

The other reel example the OP used on his thread Also happens to be Shimano CI4+ composite body. 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/242520-shimano-vanford-questionissue/?do=findComment&comment=2769297

[Revival]

1 hour ago, DanielG said:

Right now I'm looking at the Shimano Stradic and the Vanford. Still pondering though. I've got time. So many good reels and features.

I would have initially said Vanford but it’s more than I thought you wanted to spend at $240.

 

The Vanford is my favorite spinning reel but at $146, the JDM Stradic FL is the better value.

[NorthernBasser]

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

@DanielG

Internally, Vanford and Stradic are identical.  The main difference is forged aluminum body for Stradic, and CI4+ body for Vanford.  Vanford also shares a lighter rotor with Vanquish. 

 

If you notice on Vanford, the stem or knee of the reel is shorter, placing the reel body and rotor closer to the rod.    This is simply Shimano recognizing the limitations of plastic-composite stiffness, and making that choice to give the reel the stiffness they want it to have. 

Some people have complained about the fit between the rotor or knee bend and their fingers on the rod (three separate threads on BR). 

Just something to keep in mind - pointing this out will get the standard flurry of detractors, but I don't have a horse in this race, nor a dog in the fight. 

 

The other reel example the OP used on his thread Also happens to be Shimano CI4+ composite body. 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/242520-shimano-vanford-questionissue/?do=findComment&comment=2769297

Yeah, I've been forced to hold it so the stem is between my pinky and ring finger. I'm actually starting to get comfortable holding most my spinning setups that way now after years of having it between my middle and ring fingers. 

[DanielG]

36 minutes ago, Revival said:

I would have initially said Vanford but it’s more than I thought you wanted to spend at $240.

 

The Vanford is my favorite spinning reel but at $146, the JDM Stradic FL is the better value.

Yes $239 compared to $219 for the right size of the other one. I figured not much difference. And $200 is a budget but If i personally have to put in a few to get one I don't mind.

[bulldog1935]

You're giving $70 to the US importer by not buying JDM through Digitaka. 

https://www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/1/STRADIC - $145, delivered gratis in 4 days. 

looks like current JDM stock is limited on Vanford. 

https://www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/1/VANFORD

Same same

Here's the spec sheet on Shimano JDM sizes

USM Shimano Stradic 1000HG-FL in the same JDM reel is '19 Stradic C2000SHG.

The table in this link will convert PE# to diameter and equivalent pound-test mono

https://www.jpfishingtacklenews.com/japanese-line-size/

[killobet]

I have one vanford  2500S   on my  medium light  rod. Really smooth and pretty light. Im actually looking for another spinning reel for my light spinning rod and thinking might get another vanford or better.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

If you want to buy from a domestic dealer in the US it comes down to 2 reels.  The Taula LT or the Stradic FL.  You really cant lose, both reels are excellent.  If you want a smooth light reel get the Tatula.  If you dont mind some extra weight for a little more refinement, get the FL.  Both reels retail @199.99 so you would have to wait until thrusday night to get them at the black friday discounted price so including tax they will be under 200$.

 

You have a similar decision if you choose to buy JDM.  Again you have the choice between the Stradic FL, but now you the Vanford is within the budget.  The Vanford is essentially a Stradic FL with a carbon composite body, that makes the Vanford considerably lighter then the FL.  The FL may feel a little more sturdy because of the AL body, other then that they are pretty much the same reel.  I would recommend the Vanford because of the light weight.  Thats just my recommendation, but you cant lose with any of these reels.

[ska4fun]

On 11/22/2022 at 5:10 PM, DanielG said:

So, I've got about $200 for a new spinning reel. I've got some good casting reels but only a low end Shimano spinning reel. I'll be putting it on a Dobsyn medimu/light Fury rod. Bass where I live are 1.5-2 lbs. mostly. Been wanting a decent reel for awhile. I'd appreciate some recommendations. The $200, believe it or not is part of my medicare advantage plan I have with my insurance provider. They authorize a lot of 'healthy recreational' type of stuff. I'm not sure where the fishing reels tie in with backpacks, bikes, and walking sticks but hey... And it's use it or lose it by the end of the year. Thanks in advance.

Daiwa Emeraldas LT

[DanielG]

Well, I ordered the Shimano Vangard 3000xg and some Berkley mono. Ya... I like braid on my casting reels and I've been trying to like Flouro for awhile, but I'm going back to mono. Used it since I was a kid and to me, even with it's drawbacks, I manage it well. Eventually I might do braided on spinning but I struggle with leaders.

[Revival]

By Vangard I’m assuming you mean Vanford?  Good choice and let us know how you like it.