Bigbarge50 Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 So here is the question.....a spinning reel showdown The new stradic is out so the last model is now on dail for about $120 bucks. I have been eyeing this reel for a long while and was ready to jump on it. Then I noticed the BPS Pro qualifier is now $50 bucks. No need to speak on the quality of shimano spinning reels..... have been told over and over they are the best out there. I am rather sure of that fact too. Yet I have heard really good things about the Pro Qualifier and it has really good reviews. So how far off is the quality of the Pro Qualifer compared to the Older stradic? Is it that great a difference? I really want the shimano but if I could nearly get 3 Pro qualifiers for the price of one Stradic, and the quality is near the same, then I would be kinda of silly to get the Stradic just because it is a shimano. I don't want to be the guy who buys more expensive stuff just to buy the name and basically waste money to say I got a shimano. Thoughts? Thanks in advance and really looking forward to hearing from those who have one of these reels or maybe both. Also hopefully helps someone save some money to this holiday season if they did not know about the prices Pro qualifier http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shopsreg;-Pro-Qualifierreg;-Spinning-Reels/product/10205014/83951?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT Shimano 2011 Stradic http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shimano-Stradic174-FI-Spinning-Reel/728293.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dstradic%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=stradic&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products
Super User SirSnookalot Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 Probably for freshwater the BPS rel would be fine, I'd still buy the stradic if it were a decision between those 2. Looking at the drags on the smaller BPS reels, looks like a misprint, 1000 or 2000 reels will not have a max drag of 19.5lb, 22 for the 40 could be accurate.
Super User Jig Man Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 I'd want to know who has the current Pro Qualifier contract. Some of them used to come from places like Korea and they weren't quality.
Super User Hooligan Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 Looking at the drags on the smaller BPS reels, looks like a misprint, 1000 or 2000 reels will not have a max drag of 19.5lb, 22 for the 40 could be accurate. The larger surface area of the Mag Spool also equates to a larger surface area for the drag. They generate substantially higher drag because of this. 19.5 lbs isn't out of the question at all for the reels.
0119 Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 Those factories are all basically the same, owned by a huge conglomerate similar to Pure Fishing. Usually Bantax, Ohero, Fox or Omoto. They are all one season wonders and you cant expect more than that. There really is no way to compare them to the quality control of Shimano.
Super User Grey Wolf Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 No comparsion on these two . Stradic by a mile but it should be since its really a higher priced model than the other one is.
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 The Pflueger President that is one of the best bang for your buck spinning reels at $60 day in and day out. The Stradic is a good reel but not twice the reel. I have a Stradic but held out for the Ci4. The BPS line has some good reels and some throw aways. I can't say which category this particular one would fall into. If you have $50 to gamble with, try one out and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Super User K_Mac Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 I am a big fan of the PQ baitcast reels. I have not used the PQ spinning though. Like many others I use the Pflueger President spinning reels and think they are a very good value.
Super User Goose52 Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 .......Yet I have heard really good things about the Pro Qualifier and it has really good reviews. I'm a fan of the PQ baitcasting reel, and it has good reviews from many sources, however, I've heard very little about the PQ spinning reel. Were you thinking of the BC reel or were you looking at reviews for the spinning reel? While I appreciate the value that the PQ BC reel provides, I never considered purchasing any of the PQ spinning reels. As DVT mentioned, IMO opinion the value vs. performance champs in the under $100 market are the Pfluegers. If you want to stay in that $60 range - look for a President - it will give years of service. Anyway, there's no comparison between the reels you mentioned. It comes back to the question that you posed yourself - do you want, or need, several value-priced reels that will provide adquate service, or do you appreciate using more expensive tackle and get one higher-end reel and just get enjoyment from that. I asked and answered that question myself - which is why I have a fleet of Pflueger Supremes, instead of just 1 or 2 say, Shimano CI4s. EDIT - while I was typing, K_Mac done said the same thing except shorter!
Super User J Francho Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 I don't need a fleet of spinners, three to go along with the the 23 baitcasters, 2 centrepins, 3 conventional reels, and three fly reels is plenty.
3dees Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 I have been using Shimano for 40 years and can't remember having any problems. I upgrade for new and improved. the Stradic is a great reel. I have one and love it, but to be honest, I can't tell the difference between that and my symetre's. a bit cheaper and imo just as good.
Super User Goose52 Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 I don't need a fleet of spinners, three to go along with the the 23 baitcasters, 2 centrepins, 3 conventional reels, and three fly reels is plenty. I mentioned the "fleet" of Pflueger Supremes reels since the OP posed the question of owning several moderately priced spinning reels as opposed to only one higher-priced spinning reel. I didn't see the OP ask for a tackle inventory... Back to the OP's query. You haven't stated whether you are trying to set up several combos to be used for multiple techniques...or whether you are only trying to make a value judgment about whether you need to pay a higher price for a single reel, or whether a more modestly priced single reel would provide adequate service. As has been mentioned on this board before, you should get equipment high enough in quality that it doesn't appreciably limit your angling success. Higher quality equipment may be necessary to handle severe service. Any higher quality mostly just provides enjoyment to the tackle junkies out there and doesn't deliver increased angling success commensurate with the higher cost. Look at your degree of use. Terms like "season" have no standard meaning. If you fish the same rod/reel combo for 4 hours a day, every day for a year, that's one "season". If you fish that rod/reel combo for an hour, every Saturday, for the 7 months you have soft water, that's another "season." Something like a Pflueger President will last most anglers for many years of use. Perhaps if you use it every day for 4 hours it will wear out in a couple of years. Only you know how much you fish and how high of quality of tackle will meet your needs... 1
Fat-G Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 Those factories are all basically the same, owned by a huge conglomerate similar to Pure Fishing. Usually Bantax, Ohero, Fox or Omoto. They are all one season wonders and you cant expect more than that. There really is no way to compare them to the quality control of Shimano. Especially since the NRX had so many foregrip/reel seat problems...
Super User J Francho Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 I mentioned the "fleet" of Pflueger Supremes reels since the OP posed the question of owning several moderately priced spinning reels as opposed to only one higher-priced spinning reel. I didn't see the OP ask for a tackle inventory... And just like you offered your point of view, I offered mine. Just because mine differs from yours doesn't make either opinion righter. At some point, you are going to have to accept that your point of view isn't the only one the OP is seeking. In fact, limiting the advice to your narrow set of criteria is a little prejudicial, don't you think? There's a message in my post. Three spinners is plenty for a guy that obviously over does things. 1
onion man Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 I mentioned the "fleet" of Pflueger Supremes reels since the OP posed the question of owning several moderately priced spinning reels as opposed to only one higher-priced spinning reel. I didn't see the OP ask for a tackle inventory... I wouldn't say "several" mid-range spinning reels vs. one high end reel. It is more like two, MAYBE three mid-range reels vs. one higher priced reel... IMHO But everyone's needs are different for the type of fishing they do, and the type of budget they have... Opinions will always differ and if they didn't, than life wouldn't be interesting . As for Stradic FI and the PQ, you will get what you pay for... Shimano spinning reels are notorious for lasting lifetimes, and they are very dependable. The PQ will get you by in the short-term, but if you want long-term "bang for your buck", I would actually say that the Stradic will get you more of that. My .02.
Super User J Francho Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 But everyone's needs are different for the type of fishing they do That's a good point. I know guys, that if it weren't for tournament fishing, would have zero use for casting gear altogether, outside of the spawn. They'd be using spinning gear for deep smallies the rest of the time....myself included, LOL.
0119 Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 That alledged nrx problem seems to only afflict the Daiwa fans on tackletour.
Super User J Francho Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 So, another case of, "If I post it enough times, it will become the truth!"
shootermcbob Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 to the original poster... don't know if makes any difference, but Cabelas had the stradic on sale "in-store" for 99.00 bucks (2500 size only). I have a couple stradics and love them. Can't comment on the pro qualifier spinner since I have never fished it.
Super User K_Mac Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 And just like you offered your point of view, I offered mine. Just because mine differs from yours doesn't make either opinion righter. At some point, you are going to have to accept that your point of view isn't the only one the OP is seeking. In fact, limiting the advice to your narrow set of criteria is a little prejudicial, don't you think? There's a message in my post. Three spinners is plenty for a guy that obviously over does things. With all due respect John, you are as guilty as anyone in offering your opinions as gospel IMHO. A classic case of pot calling kettle black, if you ask me.
Super User NorcalBassin Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 Fortnately my NRX's have not had any problems... As far as these spinning reels go, I have a couple Stradics that have performed flawlessly over the past couple years. I have been really impressed with the PQ BC but have not used the spinning version. My dad uses it with a light spinning rod (trout) and seems pleased. These guys are nowhere near each other quality wise, but that doesn't mean the PQ wouldn't be a nice performing reel for you.
Super User Goose52 Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 And just like you offered your point of view, I offered mine. Just because mine differs from yours doesn't make either opinion righter. At some point, you are going to have to accept that your point of view isn't the only one the OP is seeking. In fact, limiting the advice to your narrow set of criteria is a little prejudicial, don't you think? There's a message in my post. Three spinners is plenty for a guy that obviously over does things. Sorry to the OP for drifting a bit on your thread. Sure, everyone has opinions. I'm not sure mine are "narrow" but they are different than many on this board. My opinions are based on several premises: That the automatic answer isn't Shimano, or Daiwa, or whatever. That you don't need to spend a lot of money to catch fish. That tackle has to not appreciably limit angling success (within limits established by the angler), be reliable enough to provide a cost-effective lifespan given the intended usage levels, and meet the angler's budget. And that there are reels that offer adequate service for most anglers at medium-price points. Those premises often put me at odds with some on this board. And that's OK. If you are a tackle enthusiast, great, have fun and enjoy your equipment. However, if you are just looking for equipment that will provide you with the means to catch fish, there are reliable alternatives out there that will service that need.
Super User J Francho Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 I'd rather have one nice reel than three budget reels. I have an old wood handle Stradic that my kid uses now. What a great reel. That thing has caught some serious fish, and feels great still.
Super User Goose52 Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 I'd rather have one nice reel than three budget reels. I have an old wood handle Stradic that my kid uses now. What a great reel. That thing has caught some serious fish, and feels great still. I understand - that's cool! I enjoy reading about higher-end tackle and have some myself (if Loomis GLX is still considered sorta high-end). I've even visited Japantackle a number of times and someday could consider getting an uber-expensive JDM reel just for grins. BUT, I also appreciate value for money. Hence my efforts to present other cost-conscious shoppers with what I think are viable options. I'm guess I'm just wired different with an appreciation for value (and not having to keep up with the Jones's). That could be why I'm retired and fishing everyday and my former co-workers are still slaving away at work, making their Beemer or Mercedes payments....
Super User SirSnookalot Posted December 21, 2011 Super User Posted December 21, 2011 As long as opinions are being thrown around this is mine. As most know I'm strictly a spinning guy and own medium priced and budget reels that have caught great fish on, each reel works great. I wouldn't spend more than $100 for a freshwater reel, the overwhelming majority of fish barely tax your equipment. Saltwater I feel more comfortable with a better quality reel, saltwater, salt air and sand will take it's toll, a pound for pound that fish are tougher.
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