Daiwa Tierra Spinning Reel or Alternatives

[LAO162]

I'm considering the Tierra 2500/3000 to match a Fenwick HMG 6'0" MHF rod.  I will probably be using at least #10 line.

My budget is approx. $125 of Cabela's gift certificates.  Priorities are:

- casting distance

- line management

- reliability

I'm very pleased with my Exceler because it consistently outcasts my Stradic FH.  However, the bail occassionally trips on the cast (so does the Stradic).  I'm considering the Tierra with the expectation that it is slightly smoother.  I'm also weighing the Cabela's Tournament ZX and Prodigy as less expensive compromises.

I'd like to try the Stradic FI, but it is out of my price range and does not seem as "bulletproof" as the FH (based upon many reviews/posts).  I'm willing to consider the Pflueger Supreme or Abu Garcia Soron, but I'm not confident that their line management/casting is as good as on the Daiwa line.

Suggestions, especially with personal comparisons, would be appreciated.  Thanks

Leon

[ChiCityBasser]

I was looking at the Tierra myself at one time and its very very close in comparison to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which Daiwa also makes for Cabelas.

Myself I ended up getting a Quantum Catalyst after reading the reviews on another site that recommend it as a Best Buy and the Quantum Energy is/was on clearance at Cabelas for either $114 or $119 and is a pretty good choice as well.

[meanmuskie]

i have both the exceler and the tierra and love them both. as far as smoothnes i don't notice any real difference. the tierra has a thicker bail wire and feels a little nicer but they are both excellent reels. for the money you can't go wrong with the exceler imo.

[fourbizz]

The Tierra is an awesome reel. I dont think that there is anything for less than $200 that functions better. I have the SOL as well. Very nice reel, but I would by another Tierra given the choice.

[LAO162]

Thanks for the insight. I'm leaning towards the Tierra, - just because I can... One of those situations if I go with the Exceler again, I'll still wonder about the Tierra

No comments from the Shimano posse or Flooger Mooks?

Also, any advice on the 2500 vs. 3000 size for Daiwa spinning reels?  

[bilgerat]

No comments from the Shimano posse or Flooger Mooks?

Ok, you asked. Get a Pflueger. President will run you 60-70 bucks. I don't own one, but going by other's opinions and reviews, it's a winner.

I just got the Supreme, just got back from the lake for my first time with it. Super light (magnesium frame), performed great. I spooled it with braid, had no troubles whatsoever. Then again, 4 hours isn't enough time to establish a valid review. I don't think I'll have any trouble though. They run about 100 bucks.

My first Pflueger I've been beating the crap out of for a year now, a little $40 Trion. This thing won't quit. Line lay and management are superb. The thing acts like a $100 reel. Believe me, it has a lot of time on it. I've torn it down once for a clean and lube, other than that - nothing. This is what got me convinced Pfluegers are the real deal.

I have no complaints about casting distance with either, but IMO when it comes to spinning gear, the line and the rod factor into the distance thing more than the reel itself.