Shimano reels..best bang for the bucks!

[4pwr]

Let's talk Stradic,Saros,and Symtre.  Should I get a Stradic and be glad I spent the money or will  one  of the other two make me very happy ?   And yes money is an issue.

[Shadcranker]

Symetre best value for the money by a long shot.

I have some Stradics, but the Symetre is my go-to spinning reel now, b/c it is just as good IMHO.

I will go one step further and say that it the best value in fishing tackle when you consider the quality and how little it costs.

[David P]

The old white stradic for the price, cannot be beat.

I've used both Symetre and Stradic, and there is a difference, but not huge. But the white stradic can be had for $80-$90 new , and it is by far the BEST reel for the price.

[Josey Wales]

The old white stradic for the price, cannot be beat.

I've used both Symetre and Stradic, and there is a difference, but not huge. But the white stradic can be had for $80-$90 new , and it is by far the BEST reel for the price.

X2

[d.hark]

I think you will be happy with any one of those. I have an last years Stradic and its great. I have heard the symetre is just as good for a little less. I had a chance to play with the new Saros and it felt sweet , bettter than my older Stradic. All great reels

[rfrazier]

Symetre. My local tackle shop salesman even recommended it over the stradic. Grip both reels by the reel foot and reel a few times and take your hand off. I think you will be surprised by which one has less wobble/ feels smoother.

[Bassn Blvd]

I have 2 stradics and like both of them.  However, I have heard from a few people that they do not hold up well for frequent saltwater use.

[roadwarrior]

I suggest waiting a while and saving up a little more money. The new

Stradic 2500FI was awarded the 2008 ICAST "Best In Class". The design

incorporates features previously found only on a Stella.This is more

than just a significant improvement, it represents a new generation

in the long history of outstanding Shimano fishing reels called "Stradic".

8-)

[michbass]

For the price the symetre is a great reel and all shimano above that only get better. The saros does look interesting for an in between though.

[Grey Wolf]

Since money is an issue.

spend 80.00 and have a good reel that will last many years if you take care of it or spend 160.00 and have a great reel that will last you many years if properly serviced.

Value is in the eye of the beholder.

[Stasher1]

I looked at both the Symetre and the Saros right after Xmas and found that the Symetre felt a little more balanced on my 6'6" Crucial than the heavier Saros.

I bought the Symetre and have no regrets.

[ww2farmer]

Are you in the markey for a rod as well? If so spend a little less on the reel and more on the rod.

[FishTank]

I have both the old and new Stradic and I have also fished a Symetre for a weekend.  After fishing all three, I would wait and get the new Stradic.  It balances better and it is as smooth, if not smoother, than my Sustain.  It almost feels as good as the old Stellas.  The best part of this reel is how well it casts.  I can't explain why but my guess is that it has something to do with the spool design.

[Ballpark Frank]

I was always an AG Cardinal guy for spinning reels, until I got my first Symetre. I now have two and love them. For $80, I don't think you can buy a better reel. I have fished with a friend's new Sustain, Stradic, and Stella. They are great reels but I still think the Symetre is the best bang for the buck. The others have the new "system" to eliminate tangles and aid in casting, but I can't justify the extra money since I have had zero problems with the Symetres.

[The Next KVD]

Shimano Saros looks very intresting.  But you can't go wrong w/ a symetre

[jjbassjj]

the old white stradic 2500...imo the best budget spinning reel

[red team rn]

I have 7 Symetres, about 3 or 4 different year models, the main reason I started using them was because it was the best reel available with 6.2:1 gear ratio. I prefer a faster retreive and these reels seem to do it best.

[Kodiak Zach]

I am a longtime Shimano guy and have stuck with their spinning reels from the time I bought my first Sahara. Sahara's used to be the best priced reel for what you got in combination with weight. I never upgraded to Stradics because of the weight. That is until the new Stradic FI's came out and finally they were lighter than the Sahara's so I got a 3000 FI and love it. They do have a noted problem though with drag clickers breaking in the bottom of the spool after landing some big fish that tug hard. I have fished with Symetre's that my friends owned and never really got to like them.