Another "I Need some help/opinions on reel selection" thread...

[Masshole Mike]

I know this question has been beat to death on here, but I'm looking to get some help from the faithful BR crew for my next reel purchase. As you can see I've got a bunch of reels in mind, and while I can get my hands on most of them at various stores, some I can't. That's where you come in. I'd like to hear opinions/advice/ribbing for making another "what reel should i get" thread/suggestions on what would be the best reel for my new rod.

I just picked up a Fenwick HMG AV 6' MF rod the other day (Merry Christmas to me). I've been using a Fenwick Eagle GT 6'6" paired with a Pflueger President 35x as my primary rod for senkos and other soft plastics. I'm planning on using the HMG in lieu of the GT, and while I love the President, on the HMG it almost feels too heavy and oversized. I'd like to get a nice light reel to pair with the HMG.

I've used a Shimano Sonora ($40 from Wally World) a lot, and I like everything about Shimano, but I'd also like to hear opinions on the other reels listed.

I like the looks of the BPS Johnny Morris reel, with the shorter, wider diameter spool, but I haven't heard much about BPS's products so I'm a little hesitant on that one.

I love my Pflueger and everything I've read on here about the Supreme seems to be pretty positive. I've seen a few "Pflueger vs. Shimano" threads that all pretty much come to the conclusion that the Supreme is equally comparable to the Symetre and other Shimano's in that price range. The Supreme 8030 weighs in at 7.4oz and the 8035 is 8.8oz, while the Symetre weighs in at 9.5oz for the 1500 and 2500 (taken from their respective sites). Weight alone has me leaning more towards another Pflueger, but I'd like to hear some opinions on this one.

I've got zero knowledge on Daiwa, Quantum and Abu stuff other than what I've read on here and heard from other people, so any enlightenment on those products would be appreciated.

Also, if there are any other decent reels in that price range that I should consider feel free to let me know. Except for Mitchell, I will never buy a Mitchell reel again. I had one for all of 4 hours before I returned it and got the President instead.

Sorry again for making another thread like this, but I'm no expert and I know there are a lot of guys on here that can offer some really good opinions and advice. And I know it really just comes down to whatever feels best to me, but I could use some help deciding.

Thanks in advance everyone.

[FishTank]

I picked the Stradic.  Simply put, it just a fantastic reel.

I also like the Quantum Energy Pti-a 20. It is a tank compared to most.  I have two of them and they have worked out great so far but I get the sense that they might not last as long as my Stradic.

[ww2farmer]

I voted for the Pfluger Supreme, I have one and love it, will try the Supreme XT next.

[Micro]

I picked the Abu 800 series.  I don't think there's a better built reel out there.  

[plnoldrick]

stradic or TDA. im a diawa guy so i would get that obviously but you cant go wrong with either.

[grimlin]

I won't pay over $100 for a spinning reel. :-/

[roadwarrior]

If you are trying to save some money, the Stradic 2500FH is being phased out and heavily discounted. You might find one for $80 or so. On the other hand, the new Stradic 2500FI incorporates many of the features previously available only in the Stella. I expect this reel to become the new standard for intermediate priced spinning reels. This is the reel I would recommend.  

[Masshole Mike]

i'm not really looking to "save" money, considering i'm willing to shell out anywhere from $100-$200 for a decent reel, but if i can find a reel for cheaper than retail i wouldn't be upset.

i won't be buying the reel until spring time anyways, after getting the HMG i've got to save up for the reel, and everything's frozen over here in MA anyways so the tip-ups are priority right now.

is the magnesium stradic worth the extra money compared to the regular stradic? actually i guess the question should really be is the 1/2oz difference in weight worth the extra cash? is it that noticeable? i guess i'll have to try to find a store that has one of each in stock to try out on the HMG.

[fathom]

get the stradic...of the reels mentioned, it is the most bulletproof.

and, no, the mg is not better than the non...in my hands, anyway.

[lubina]

I have a very good experience with the Catalysts and Energies PTi but like any Quantums, they are heavy. Of your list the best is the Stradic, specially the FI and FA.

The most cost effective I think would be the Symeter tough.....

[jeremyt]

I have a Stradic 4000MGFa and I love it. I got this model for saltwater, but I imagine the 2500 series are just as well made, I don't think you could go wrong. I will say that I haven't fished any of the other model spinning reels so I can't speak of those.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

With the price range you have outlined, I think you are completely nuts not to include the Tierra.  I'm in RI if you are curious and want to try one.  Best $130 reel I ever purchased.

It combos for saltwater as well.

[Masshole Mike]

LBH, what size tierra do you use?

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I have a 3500.  I bought it primarily for Bluefish (Hence the size) but used it bassin' all season,lol.  A 2500 will be on the shopping list this yr.