thoughts on brands of reels

[glhs]

What is everyone's thoughts on brands of spinning reels or companies in general.

Shimano

Abu Garcia

Pflueger

Daiwa

Zebco

Penn

Mitchell

Ect.

I am looking at initial quality, longevity, customer service. Also are any reels made in the usa anymore?

[KevO]

Stick with Shimano, Abu, or Diawa and you won't have much to worry about.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

You won't find much better than the Pflueger President...hands down

[ww2farmer]

I have not owned a spinning reel NOT made by Daiwa or Pflueger in many many years. I was never impressed by anything Quantum or Abu Garcia offerd in spinning, and I have always been happy with my Daiwas and Pfluegers so never felt the need to buy a Shimano, but I would as I have other Shimano products and they make first rate stuff.

As for what I have, from Pflueger the President is a hard reel to beat for only $60, I have some that I bought when they were first introduced, and have alotof fishing time onthem with ZERO problems. They only reason I don't have more is the newer Pflueger Supreme is an outstanding reel and is very resonable at only $99. I just can't have one brand of anything it seems, so I occasionly buy Daiwa spinning reels, and have multiple Excelers, an Advantage, and a Capricorn. All are outstanding reels.

[glhs]

This is great. Keep them coming. I currently own several of shimano symetre's, the president, a old garcia cardinal 763, mitchell, and a few others. I have looked at the presidents very closely and feel it is as good or better than the symetre in quality especially for the price.

[Bronzefly]

The Shimano Stella is the finest spinning reel I've ever used.  They are expensive, but absolutely amazing quality and performance.  Their Sustain and Stradic are excellent reels as well.  Daiwa has several phenomonal spinning reels as well - the Steez and Certate are top quality as well.  The Fuego is a very nice spinning reel as well.  I have had the pflueger president as well - it's hard to beat at its price point.  

[cart7t]

I'm not big on spinning gear but I picked up 2 Pflueger Presidents off the flea market here last year and MAN!!

What a reel, especially considering the $60 price.  In fact, you can find them brand new on Ebay for only $50.  

[I.rar]

all i own at the moment is a couple presidents. i first bought the 6725 , then i saw that sports authority had a 6740 combo with a 7' M rod for $59. i also had a $10 off coupon so i snagged up a sweet combo for $52 with taxes and everything. no problems and smooth as silk.

i do have a shimano citica on the way though.

[T-Bone]

The only spinning reel I own is a Pflueger President and I have had no problems with it.  Works fine every time I need it.

[glhs]

Those who have a Gander Mountain in there area or have ordered one, what do you think of there spinning reels. I asked the sale guy if Pflueger made them for Gander as they look almost identical and he said yes. I wonder if they skimp on the materials. (They are the Presidents)

[Calcutta]

I have never seen a bad reel from shimano or diawa. The only junk abu garcia has ever made is the new BCX that they make for wal-mart.The rest of their stuff is top notch.

[hawgchaser]

They are all good. It comes down to personal preference.

[Stasher1]

All I've owned are Shimano and Daiwa spinning reels, Daiwa and Pinnacle baitcasters (except for the Abu EXT-Pro I picked up from Micro), and a couple Zebco spincast reels.

With the exception of a Daiwa Megaforce I bought a year ago, they've all functioned well and performed exactly as they should. I'd be willing to try other brands, but haven't really had a need to change equipment in a while. I have been eyeballin' the Patriarch lately, though, and will probably wind up with one before my summer fishing trip.

[Hammer 4]

Likewise, all she mano or Diawa...imho they are tough to beat for the $$$  Shimano is pretty local to me, so it's easy if I need a part or service, which by the way, I have to say they are second to none.  8-)

[djmax22]

I have had Pfluegers, ABU, and Quantum reels, but I keep coming back to Shimano with a few Daiwa's sprinked in.

[The_Natural]

I like Daiwa Spinning reels, but I use Shimano and Daiwa baitcasters. What ever brand you go with; I will emphasize the importance of an aluminum frame.  An aluminum frame won't flex, and will keep your gears aligned for many years.  The Exceler is probably the least expensive reel I know of with an aluminum frame.  There have been a lot of good reviews of it.  It runs between $60 and $70....