How do my old spinning reels compare to those of today?

[new2BC4bass]

Just got back into fishing this year. I decided I wanted to go with baitcasting equipment this time around. However, I've found I can't dispense with my spinning equipment due to lack of casting expertise on my part. Not sure I want to eliminate spinning totally anyway! ;D Some things spinning simply seems to be better at doing than baitcasting.

Was recently fishing a lake mostly surrounded by woods. Was forced to use my spinning gear in order to make a decent cast from most places. Fishing from shore. No boats allowed on lake. Good thing as I don't have a boat.

My 2 best reels are a Shimano AX2000 and Penn 430SS. I do have a Daiwa 1500C on an old 9' Fenwick live bait fiberglass rod.

I was wondering how they compare to reels suggested in this thread?

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1278657356

Besides being heavier and most likely with less bearings. Not planning on dumping these reels, however, I am tempted to purchase one or two more of better quality. Also need new rods. All my old rods are pretty much geared towards ultralight fishing.

The new rods and reels would be for me. I would be letting my grandsons use the older equipment. At least for a few years until they get enough experience to know the difference between good equipment and run-of-the-mill equipment. And how to take care of it!!!

Don't want to go any bigger than the 1500C. Any bigger, and I would prefer to use my baitcasting gear. I like what I read about the President reels. I also liked what I read about the Soron, I think it's called. Prefer not to spend over a hundred. Less is better.

Also any recommendations for all-around rods for the new reels would be greatly appreciated. Reasonably priced, of course. I'm thinking a Compre, or maybe one of those sold by BPS. Doesn't have to be new. I'm not against picking up a good quality used rod. Traveled that road already! ;D ;D

[roadwarrior]

You need a new reel and it should be 2500 series for bass.

Stradic 2500FI will cost $100-$120.

Our Flea Market has some great deals on rods. I suggest

matching your new reel to a St. Croix Avid, AVS68MXF or

AVS70MF. Either of those should come to you +/- $120.

8-)

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

No need to abandon spinning tackle to begin enjoying baitcasting. Each has it's time and place and many over-lap. You will want to upgrade however if you're getting serious abaout bass fishing. As RW suggests, the Stradic is a great choice. If you're budget is a little tighter, the Pfleuger President is a great value. Stick with the 2500 size for drag performance and line management.

[Grinch]

I have a Shimano Syncopate 1000 paired to a BPS extreme spinning rod. I really like this set up, however it is my trout and pan fish rod. If you live near a bass pro shop and can wait to pick it up. I bought my rod for 30 bucks in January on clearance. The Shimano reels are really nice, and I am thinking about getting a med action extreme and a Shimano Sahara 2500 for bass. I don't know much about the president reels, but hear they are nice.

[bigfruits]

id get a shimano reel - 2500 size

sahara-symetre-stradic

the power of the spinning rod would depend on cover and baits you want to use. id go with a fast tip for best "all around" action. 

avid-imx-glx

[new2BC4bass]

LOL Apparently the consensus is my old reels stink! ;D ;D

I like what I read about the Shimanos, but may give the Abu Soron STX a try. Size 20. Was always a big fan of the Mitchel reels in the old days. Unfortunately I no longer have one of them.

I like comments made about the Avid rods. May have to wait for a used one at a decent price.

Thanks for all your comments. I would like to hear from a couple people who have actual experience using the STX.  Maybe a new thread?

[0119]

Soron STX not Revo STX.  Many reel repairmen will tell you that the Soron's rotor and bail is very tough by design. With the new Revo spinning coming out at icast taking over Abu's top rung of the spinning ladder you might find Sorons going on clearance.

[Brian4618]

Just recently bought a new spinning setup that im very happy with. I got a Shimano Saros 3000F matched with a Shimano Clarus (CSS-X66MA). The rod also has a lifetime warranty which is nice. The setup is very light and sensitive, I recommend the rod and reel.

[SirSnookalot]

I own a soron 40 and a cardinal 802 ( same as the soron 20 ) both reels are outstanding.  I own a stradic 4000fi which is a great reel too.  Just about any spinning reel over a $100 is going to serve you well.

Presidents are a good value but the supreme is a better reel, I have 3, that said the supreme falls short of the soron. I purchased a daiwa tierra 3000 about 6 weeks ago and so far it's performing well.

[new2BC4bass]

I can see right now that a trip to Cabela's will be in order before buying a new spinning reel.  My wife and I like to figure on spending several hours there whenever we make the trip.  She isn't into fishing or hunting, but they have clothes and other items she spends plenty of time checking out.

Appreciate all the comments, advice, and personal experiences.

BTW, the Supreme is on sale at Cabela's for $99.99, a $30 savings.  Unfortunately I can't take advantage of it.   

[burleytog]

I got a couple of my old spinning reels out a while back.  Can't imagine fishing with them now. 

Dad's old D.A.M Quick was a great reel 20 years ago, but now it's just big and clunky.  Same for my old Mitchell 300's and Daiwas.

I know some local guys who still fish the old Cardinals due to their spool size (used mainly for Float & Fly). 

There's been so much innovation in spinning reel design over the last 15 years, there's no reason to fish the old stuff anymore.

[HairyBass]

My dad still uses his Mitchell reel he bought 54 years ago when he was 12.  We went to BPS last night and he thought I was insane looking at the $200+ spinning reels:)  He loves his reel and does great with it but I'm a gearhead at heart (just sold a $7000 camera lens to help fund some fishing gear) and I want to buy a nice rod/reel setup.  I'm currently using my Costco Ugly Stik/Daiwa Crossfire combo I picked up LOL.  I hadn't fished in 20+ years and needed a combo on a day's notice.

[Raul]

For comparison.

Your daddy 's 54 year old Mitchell.-

My new modern spinning reel:

[piscicidal]

LOL Apparently the consensus is my old reels stink! ;D ;D

I like what I read about the Shimanos, but may give the Abu Soron STX a try. Size 20. Was always a big fan of the Mitchel reels in the old days. Unfortunately I no longer have one of them.

I like comments made about the Avid rods. May have to wait for a used one at a decent price.

Thanks for all your comments. I would like to hear from a couple people who have actual experience using the STX. Maybe a new thread?

I have both a Soron STX20 and a Shimano Stradic 2500.

If you made me choose one of these, I honestly don't know which one I'd take.  I like the bail action on the soron a little better.  Both are awesome reels with good drag. If it helps your decision any, I have the stradic mounted to the better (Avid) rod. 

You really can't go wrong with either.