Quality spinning reel

[Guest avid]

It seems like I'm going to have to "bite the bullet" and invest in a good quality spinning reel.

I want it to be rugged enough to handle lipped cranks and other high torque baits, but light and smooth so it is "pleasant".  

I can spend a couple of hundred dollars so money is not a primary consideration.  In addition to strength, low weight and smoothness I also want durability.

I have heard of reels that no longer use a bail spring?  Are these any good?

Anyway, I know virtually nothing about spinning reels, so please help me out.

thanks

avid.

[.ghoti.]

Avid, the reels without bail springs are the Quantum PT series. I have three of these, and I like them better than my other spinning reels. I have Shimano's; Stradic and Symetre, and Daiwa's; Capricorn and Team Daiwa. The Energy PT's are about 140 bucks. They are pretty hard to beat for the price. The magnetic bail has been flawless. I've had two of these since they came out. My wife uses them every trip, so they've gotten a lot of use. No durability issues yet. They are very smooth, and have remained that way.

For the price range you've indicated, a Stradic Mg would be a good option, if weight is a primary concern.

I'd recommend, in the PT line, a 30 size reel. A little heavier than a 20, but a lot better casting performance with the larger spool. I'd stay awy from the 10 size entirely.

The Capricron is a good reel too. The problem is, they're no longer in production. Cabela's still has some of the 2000 size on sale for 70 bucks. About half price. That's a lot of bang for the buck.

If I remember your earlier posts on this subject, this is a temporary condition for you. At least I'm hoping that's the case. The Capricorn sale will get a a good reel, or two, but not leave you with a lot of money tied up in something you'll no longer use when you're able to sling your beloved tdz"s again.

Good luck, hope you're feeling better.

GK

[Bud]

Can you say Shimano

[Vyron]

Shimano Twinpower

[Alpster]

Avid,

The Straidic (I have two) is around $120 retail and they are solid reliable reels. If you want to spend your whole $200 you can pick up a sustain (I have a twin power Japanese sustain) and it's a big step up. I only paid $285 for my Stella on ebay and I don't think you can get a better spinning reel period. Watch ebay and you find a deal. JMHO

Ronnie

[Guest avid]

That Quantum sounds good.

I have had problems with bail springs my whole life.  It's just one more reason I hate spinning gear.

Yes, my situation is temporary, but it's pretty clear I will be forecasting weather changes and other "oh my aching joints' stuff, probably for the rest of my life.

Thanks,

If anyone else has knowledge or experience about the quantum please share comments.

avid

[dodgeguy]

avid,if you close the bail by hand like most pros do you don't have to worry about a bail spring.taking out the slack by raising the rod tip after a cast and then closing the bail by hand is the proper way to use a spinning reel.this eliminates many of the line loop problems found with spinning.i would wait until spring and buy a pflueger supreme magnesium frame spinning reel.

Supreme Spinning Reel

Lightweight durable magnesium body & rotor

9 stainless steel ball bearings

One-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing

Double anodized machined aluminum spool with holes

Aluminum side plate

Sure-ClickTM bail provides an audible signal when bail is fully opened and ready to cast

Anti-twist titanium line roller

Machined aluminum handle with soft touch knob

Sealed drag system

Spare aluminum spool

Convertible right or left hand retrieve

On/Off anti-reverse

 

      Available March 15, 2007  

       

  8030MG 160yds./6# 6.2:1 7.4 oz. L/FW    

  8035MG 200yds./8# 6.2:1 8.8 oz. ML/FW    

  8040MG 250yds./10# 6.2:1 9.6 oz. M/FW    

   

  LLight | MLMedium Light | MMedium | FWFreshwater    

 

[castaway]

I have always closed the bail by hand to prevent the loose wraps from forming on the spool when you engage the reel by turning the handle.I love the Browning Citori I caught on sale for $49.00.I don't use a spinning reel enough to justify spending alot on one.I own a Shimano Sierra and a Sahara reel and although they are cheap reels, they work alright for what little I have used them. The Citori has an aluminum frame and side plates, liquid smooth, but heavy. I would not own it if I had to pay regular price for it. Ivan

[Grey Wolf]

Shamino Sustain 2500- (IPT 33") (Weight 9.6 oz.) (Drag 12lbs) (Line 10 lbs , 120 yds.)

Shimano Twinpower2500 (Japanese)- (IPT 29 ") (Weight 9.1 OZ.) (Drag 8 lbs.) (Line 8 lbs. 140 yds.)

Quantum Energy PTi-A E20- (IPT 24 ") (Weight 10.5 oz.) ( Drag 17 lbs.) (Line 6 lb. 140 yds.)

Just to give you some idea's.  Hope this helps.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

avid .... I am "anti-spinning" just like you.  I had the Twinpower and it was a joy to fish with ...... for a spinning reel.  If I ever bite the bullet again, that's what I am going to get.

[FishTank]

I have both the Shimano Sustain 2500 and a quantum Energy PTi A 20.  Both are excelent reels.  I use the quantum with 8lb Pline Flouroclear and the Sustain I use the 30lb powerpro.  The Sustain is smoother, casts better and I have zero spool tie ins with braid.  On the other hand the ergonomics of the Energy has a better feel for me.  For most of the fishing I do, the 20 is ideal.  The 30 did not seem as smooth and little too heavy.  The 20 is also ideal for me closing the bail with one finger on my casting hand.  As far as durability goes, I have had zero problems with either one.  With your physical issues you might try one out and if it does not work for you take it back and try the other.

Just in case what rod are you planning to pair up with this?

[nightbasser]

I own a Quantum Catalyst. It has performed perfectly for me, and the lifetime bail spring warranty is definitely a plus.  If the bail spring is your primary concern, then you should go Quantum.  Shimano and Daiwa also make some very good spinning reels. As a matter of fact, there are a ton of Shimano baitcast guys that prefer Daiwa spinning reels.  I myself prefer higher end Daiwa baitcasters, and hardly ever use a spinning reel. What can a spinning reel do that my Alphas Ito can't do :-/?  Daiwa, Shimano, Quantum, those are your three choices.  I'm sure you will be happy with any one of those three.

[roadwarrior]

"What can a spinning reel do that my Alpha Ito can't do?"

Allow an 8lb smallmouth to run 100 yards of line against drag...

Oops! I must be late...I was thinking...maybe...Shimano? The best value in the Shimano line-up is the Stradic (2500FH), but if money is no object the Stella 2500FB will make you want to throw all your other reels away.

[lubina]

May be I'm very ignorant but is there any way that one can beat the Quantum PTi-A?. There is no one in the marquet that offer better features or better warranty....life time on the bail!!!!! no jappy can match that. I have 6 of them and a Catalyst and they are impecable.

Can you say Shinmalo ? ;D

[justfishin]

All my spinning reels are Shimano Stradics ( the older 2000's ) as well as a couple of 4000's. I love them. My fishing buddy has been buying the Shimano Sedonas and they are great as well, only cheaper. Shimano,Shimano,Shimano-thats all you need in a spinning reel. This is only my opinion.

[MALTESE FALCON]

FOR SPINNING REELS I ONLY USE SHIMANO.

[Raul]

[Guest avid]

Thanks for all the input guys.  Mr. Roadwarrior is lending me a stradic till we hook up at Lake fork.

How cool is that?  

[RoLo]

Avid, spinning gear is really all that I use, but even at that, there are many models that I've never owned.

Over the years, I have owned several models of Penn, Daiwa, Garcia, Pflueger, Cardinal and Shimano spinning reels.

Currently I'm using mostly Shimano Stradics and they treat me pretty well, better than I treat them.

Roger

[mike bat]

well avid all i can say is ive had the stella ,, 2 stradics and a few of the lower end shimanos .... i cant say anything bad about any of the reels listed .... now that being said the brother in-law uses quantam pt spinning gear and he loves it .... i fish with him all summer and he seems to have little trouble if any so i just wanna say look befor you spend ... ive been looking at the kandic pt 20 for the ol ladie or the energy pt 20 eighter way the quantam line up wont kill the pocket book... and IMO deserves a look see

[Grey Wolf]

That was very generous of RW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[erice97699]

I have Shimano stradic's and a stella 2500 fa and I love them both... If I could afford to all of my spinning reels would be stella's but until that day comes I am very happy with the three stradic's and one stella that I am using now!!!!!

Eric

[Bud]

    no jappy can match that.    

Unless I miss my guess Quantum PTi-A? are jappy to.

[Grey Wolf]

Bud , you are correct.

[TournyFish001]

actually the quantum pti's are not even jappy they are made in china- I own 4 of them- for the money not too bad a bit heavy and the bail can be a bit of a handful. I really like my Daiwa fuego 2000 for finesse fishing- I want to get a fuego 3000 for larger rods and line capacity anyone have this reel and thought about it?