Just bought a spinning rod/reel. Did I make a mistake?

[bgaviator]

I’ve been loving my ultralight spinning reel setup I got last year. I enjoying fishing with it more than my baitcaster to be honest. Just a lot less stressful and casts just as far if not further in my opinion. So I’ve been wanting to get a spinning rod/reel for bass/catfish/whatever…

I went ahead today and bought a Daiwa Tatula XT medium spinning rod. And I bought a Daiwa BG 2500 reel. I had previously gotten recommendations for this reel, but some people on Reddit are telling me that it’s too heavy of a reel and not appropriate for what I’m wanting to do. I did get to hold the reel in Bass Pro shop and it felt substantial and smooth. But I did notice that it weighs almost as much as my Zebco Bullet reels, and yeah, I do find those heavy and fatiguing to use after awhile. Should I have gone with a Fuego instead?  Seems like I see better user reviews for the BG line than the Fuego. But the Fuego is significantly lighter. I got the reel from Tackle Warehouse and they do free returns so not a big deal if I should get something else instead. Thanks. 

[Eric 26]

I own the 1500 size BG and absolutely love it and yes I have way lighter reels to compare it to. My only suggestion for you is to exchange it for a 2000 size which is a bit lighter and has all the line capacity you should need unless I’m missing something. It will be helpful if you share what you’re planning on using on the combo as well.

[casts_by_fly]

The bg is designed as a workhorse type of reel.  That 2500 is a bit over 9 oz which is a little heavy for a modern reel of that size, but not long ago that was a common weight for that sized reel.

 

if you like it and want to keep it, then go for it. It should last you many years. If you feel like the combo is unbalanced, then return it for a different reel. 

[padlin]

Unless I’m mistaken it’s intended to be a saltwater reel, if so I’m not surprised it’s heavy.

[bgaviator]

11 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I own the 1500 size BG and absolutely love it and yes I have way lighter reels to compare it to. My only suggestion for you is to exchange it for a 2000 size which is a bit lighter and has all the line capacity you should need unless I’m missing something. It will be helpful if you share what you’re planning on using on the combo as well.

I got the Tatula XT medium rod to pair it with. 

3 minutes ago, padlin said:

Unless I’m mistaken it’s intended to be a saltwater reel, if so I’m not surprised it’s heavy.

Yeah it’s saltwater rated. I can’t rule out never fishing in saltwater. So with that being said maybe it would be good to have. At least I’d have something in the fleet that could handle it 

[padlin]

Coincidence maybe, I have an older Diawa Capricorn I use as a lighter saltwater reel, mainly cause it’s built like a tank., weight 9.5 oz. The BG is 9.3

[LCG]

I also recently purchased a Tatula XT 7' medium spinning rod. Originally I threw my Tatula LT 2000 on it, but something didn't quite feel right. The LT reel weighs 5.8oz and felt too light, even though the XT rod only weighs 3.9oz. The reel went back on my Daiwa Rebellion 6'8 ML-F rod (3.3oz) where it just feels right. 

 

Went to to the store and grabbed a Daiwa Exceler LT 3000, weighing 7.1oz. Combo feels right in my hand now. 

 

Sometimes I find trying different combinations really gives that feel or balance or whatever you want to call it where everything comes together nicely. 

 

The fuego you mentioned might be the ticket for you as it has sealed bearings and rated for salt water, but still light weight and would probably pair well. I do find the unsealed reels to be more free feeling, but that could just be me.