Reel Suggestions Please

[VABasser]

This is a two part question, first about a new baitcaster and second a new spinning reel.  I have a Curado right now that has done good for me but I haven't fished any other real high end baitcasters to compare it to so I'm not sure if I'm missing something or not.  I want another baitcaster about the same price range as a Curado would be.  I have no problems just getting another Curado but like I said above I just don't know if there is another reel out there that is better for the same price.  As for spinning reels I'm looking to upgrade mine to something nicer.  I want a quality reel that will last me for many years but I don't want to shell out a ton of money considering I'm already getting a new baitcaster and a few new rods.  Any recomendations on either of these I would appreciate because as of right now I'm pretty undecided about what to buy. :-/ Thanks

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Spinning Reel Pflueger President, I am just starting bait casting I have to figure that out yet

[Hawgin]

In the price range I think the Curado is as good a reel as you will find.  If it is one of the current models, then I would definitely get another one.  If it is one of the older green ones, then I would look at the Citica, since it seems to have replaced the older style Curado (and they in turn have moved up the ladder).  

I will defer to someone who uses spinning gear more than I do to answer your other question.

[Evan Pease]

I've got a Diawa Viento and love it. And for a spinning reel I use the Procaster. I have one that has lasted around 6 years and they are innexpensive.

[Marty]

I'm happy with my Daiwas and could recommend that you try one in your price range.

[Alpster]

Get a new Curado, you can't beat it for the price. Spinning reel - get a Shimano Straidic, can't beat it for the price. I have owned both and much higher end reels. For the money these are the way to go.

Ronnie

[CSB]

I ahve the Daiwa Sol and Fuego, and I like them both. They have a more "solid" feel when cranking than the Curado and also have a better braking system. On the other hand, the Curado is more smooth when casting. I say spend an extra $70 and get the Chronarch 50MG! Its my new favorite.

[roadwarrior]

Get a new Curado, you can't beat it for the price. Spinning reel - get a Shimano Straidic, can't beat it for the price. I have owned both and much higher end reels. For the money these are the way to go.

Ronnie

Now, there's some good advice. :

[Fishing Doug]

I agree with Alpster on the spinning-Stradic is a good value.

if you consider the Chronarch 50mg to be in your price range, I say go for it.  I am a big fan of light weight reels.

[hi_steel_basser]

If you want to try something different, try Quantum reels. For the money, they cast smoother but don't last as long IMO. The new PT series hasn't been out long enough to really test durability, but so far, so good. Shimano is as good as any. I have yet to try Diawa, Ardent, or Okuma. I have never been pleased with a Shakespeare product.

[SneakySnook]

Baitcaster I just got a new Daiwa Zillion 7.1:1 and love it more then my calcutta 251. Think my calcutta will be going on sale soon.

Spinning reel I will say a stradic 2500 and if you can go with the Stradic MG 2500. Very smooth and light.

[RoLo]

I own a bunch of spinning reels the majority of which are Daiwa SS Tournament, Shimano Stradic & Shimano Symetre.

If you're looking for the Best Value in the Shimano house, my vote goes to Shimano Symetre (hands-down).

There's no perceptible difference between the Stradic and Symetre. Below is a rundown from a former post I made:

SHIMANO SYMETRE 2500 FI SY2500FI - $80

Max Drag Wgt Line Cap Bearings Inches/Turn Price

15 lbs       9.5 oz       120yds/10 lb       4-BB/1-RB       31 $80

> The Symetre 2500 provides 25% greater drag tension than the Stradic 2500: (15-lb vs. 12-lb)

> The Symetre 2500 weighs 2/10 ounce less than the Stradic 2500:                   (9.5oz vs. 9.7oz)

> The Symetre has the same number of bearings as the Stradic:       (4-BB/1-RB)

> The Symetre costs 33% less than the Stradic                                           ($80 vs. $120)

For comparison, you can buy 6 Symetres to 1 Stella and still have money leftover for a steak dinner 8-)

Roger

[stevestrauss9]

I have a quantum energy pt 600 that i love and also a shimano curado 200b.  Both are fantastic reels, but i do like the braking system on the curado better than quantum's.  As for spinning reels, a great low-cost reel that I use is the okuma.  Its kind of a new guy, and the company is a little smaller than the big boys, but for the cheaper price i have gotten GREAT use out of it with no problems whatsoever.

[The_Natural]

The Stradic has a better bail assembly when comparing it to the Symetre, and also picks up 2" more line per turn in the 2500 size.  The fact the reel picked up more line made me go for it...I found mine online for under $100, so it wasn't a lot more to invest.  I've since sold mine; I'm going to try something else, even though the Stradic performed well for me.

[Chris at Tech]

As far as spinning reels, some good values for just over $100 are the Stradic and the Daiwa Tierra.  I have both of them, and they've both treated me really well.

As far as baitcasting reels, the Abu Garcia Revo series has been getting great reviews.  I intend to pick one up at the Bass Pro Spring sale.

[VABasser]

Thanks for all the help guys.  Right now I'm leaning towards one of the new Curados (mine is the older model) and for the spinning reel a Symetre or Stradic.  Not positive yet but that is a starting point at least.  I'm going to look around on Ebay for some good deals so that could also influence my decision.  Thanks again.

[justfishin]

Shimano Curado lefty, for a baitcaster.

Stradic for spinning reel.

Round reels, I like them, Abu Garcia 4600 C4 or Abu Garcia 5601 C3.

[Bud]

Shimano Chronarch  baitcaster.

Shimano Stradic for spinning reel.

[FishTank]

If you like the Curado, just get another.  For a spinning reel, if you want to try something different, you might look at a Quantum Energy PTi.