Thinking of getting a Daiwa Regal reel

[Fishwhittler]

I'm looking for a new reel (my old one's just about had it), and I'm considering getting a Daiwa Regal 3500XiA or 4000XiA.  Is this a good reel for the price?  I'm on a low budget, and this reel looks like it would fit my style of fishing pretty well.  I noticed the reviews are pretty good on the Cabela's website, but I'd like to get some more feedback.

Thanks in advance.

Ben

[Raul]

Excelent reel for the money, my only beef with it is the weight, other than that it 's a solid, well built, very smooth and reliable reel.

[21farms]

i have a regal XiA...it works fine. however, i'd recommend the cabela's prodigy right now as it's on sale for $60. if you didn't already know it, the prodigy is actually a daiwa (very close to the daiwa tierra) and is much smoother and it has the airbail too.

[ChiCityBasser]

I had a 2500XiA and it was a very solid reel and performed well. The weight didn't bother me too much but at the size you are in asking about the weight could be a problem.

[Fishwhittler]

The weight isn't an issue for me; my old reel weighs 14 1/2 ounces, so the Regal will only be another 1/2 ounce.

snoopy2, I've heard that the Cabela's reels are just rebranded Daiwa's.  Are you saying the Prodigy is smoother than the Tierra, or the Regal?  The Regal has more bearings so I'd think it would be smoother than the Prodigy.

[philsoreel]

I have a 2000xi that's a little older. My brother picked up at Dirt Cheap for $13 and gave it to me for Christmas about 4 or 5 years ago. I just got it out this year. All has been well except the bail wire kept popping loose. A little clear epoxy took care of that. Possibly why it was $13 at Dirt Cheap?? It's still been a good reel.

[philsoreel]

That Pflueger Supreme XT on sale for $79.99 is alot better reel if you can spring the money.

[21farms]

don't worry too much about the number of bearings. it's more about the quality of the bearings than the quantity, as well as overall design and quality of materials.

the cabela's prodigy spinning reel looks to be a rebranded daiwa tierra. there's a significant difference in handling and overall feel. the prodigy also has a better line guide, a much better bail, a much nicer handle and a beefier drag system and, with the current sale, there's only $5 difference.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Prodigy174-Spinning-Reel/703415.uts

[Fishwhittler]

I'll definitely consider going with the prodigy instead.  If it's a better reel, it would be worth the extra money.

Thanks!

Ben

[trevor]

I'll definitely consider going with the prodigy instead. If it's a better reel, it would be worth the extra money.

Thanks!

Ben

Have both, and its a no brainer. Prodigy WAAYYYY better.

[tracker01]

Good reel but a real "tank" weight wise.

[J Francho]

Why do you need such a large reel?

[Marty]

Why do you need such a large reel?

John beat me to the question. I've used Regals exclusively for 10+ years, using the 2500 size for bass fishing. I've had mono up to 12# on them. With much bigger line you might be better off with baitcasting.

[SirSnookalot]

I have a tierra 3000, imo one can do much better for the money.  About the only real positive is that in 3 months of using 15# braid I have never had a wind knot and the real holds a fair amount of line, I don't think I would buy another.

[JDK.]

look for a slightly used shimano sahara for symetere probably can be had for 40-50 dollars.. If new id suggest a Pfluger President

[Fishwhittler]

Why do you need such a large reel?

I don't need a reel that large, but since I'd be getting it to replace my current reel, I want it to be the same size as my old one.  I've fished with the same Shakespeare Tiger spinning combo for years; it's big and bulky, but it held up and I caught a lot of fish on it.  I've thrown lures that weighed from 1/16 oz. to 4 oz. with it (although both of those are pushing the limit on what it can do).  One of the main reasons I bought it was it was large and strong, and I need my gear to last for a long time, and be able to handle any size fish I'm likely to hook.  But, it finally broke so I can't use the reel's left-side retrieve, which is the side I normally use.  I'm looking for a replacement reel that's the same size so as to keep the rod balanced when I use it.

Like I said before, the weight isn't an issue for me; I've been using a 14.5 ounce reel for a long time, and I don't mind the weight.  You use what you have, and I have a big, heavy reel.

Ben