Recommend a Shimano spinning reel.

Ok, I want to purchase a Shimano spinning reel but not sure which one; will use primarily for bass fishing to scale down.

My buddy has had some problems with his Sahara so I was thinking about a Symetre (little more money) but not sure if I want to go all the way to a Stradic (a lot more money).


Your thoughts?

Thanks,
KB

ironically, i have a Sahara 2500 that i like. it's been getting soaked in the surf lately and still works great. it's small and good for a light tackle rig for my lighter jigs and spoons. i close the bail by hand most of the time and rinse my reel after every trip before i even get off the beach and after when i get home. every once in a while, i'll lube it. no complaints and i love when the drag goes 'plink plink plink' hehe.

bought an Abu Cardinal 103 a while back as backup/loner and i have a feeling it won't fare as well as the Sahara. would prolly do fine in freshwater. the Abu has yet to be fished.

I have fished with a Stradic 4000 for several years for bass and have been very satisfied. I have several 2000 series for crappie and trout and love them. They will give you years of service with very little trouble. I think they are worth the initial investment. I like them and I would buy them again.

Seems like Shimano spinning reels get mixed reviews on this board. The number who like them is about equal to the number that dislike the various models.
My experience is with a Spirex 2000. I have had mine about 7 years and it has performed with no problems.
It does have the self centering bail feature which means it does not have instant anti-reverse.
Although,I close the bail by hand, if the spool is filled too full, it will have problems with line looping off and knotting etc., until you remove some of the excess line.
If instant anti reverse is not an issue then I would recommend the Spirex.

Pick up a Stradic 2500, perfect all around spinning reel for most fresh to light saltwater action. If you are patient enough to search ebay you can pick up a current model for around $125.00.

have fished symetre's for several years..hard use and i cannot wear them down. best reel for the $'s that i have found....have not fished with okuma's. they seem to be alot of reel for the money.

I will put a vote in favor of the Sahara. I have 4 (2 2500 and 2 4000) and like them very much.

I also recommended this reel to a buddy of mine who was looking for a new spinning reel and he has been happy with the purchase.

airfob's reply made me go back and look at the Stradic's once more - turns out I was looking at the MgFA (Magnesium Stradics at $189) and not the Aluminum body version ($119-139). With 20% discount coupon, it makes the decision a little tougher.

It doesn’t sound like I can go wrong with any of the reels so it just boils down to what I am willing to pay. That is the kind of info and feedback I was looking for….

Thanks everyone…

KB

too bad you missed the Oshmans clearance when Stradics were going for $59 with rod. i smack myself for not picking one up.

Just bought a Stradic 4000FH. It's pretty smooth, but you can overspool it if you aren't careful. I have a 1000FH that I have had for several years. It's an ultralight, and I absolutley love it for white bass and big bluegill.

The Sedona or Sidestab is a bad reel.


barndoor

academy has the sonoras on sale right now for 38.83 and I found it to be a good finesse set up and for the price I couldnt pass it up,p.s I need a decent rod for my 4000 stradic if anyone has one let me know.

I have 2 stradics that are on their 2nd season of tournament fishing without an issue. I have a 1000 on a 6'M avid for skipping docks, etc., and a 2500 on a 6'9" ML XF avid for drop shotting. I absolutely love them!

If you are still looking for a Stradic 4000, I have 3 new ones fs. $115 each. Saves about $35 over the stores. keithfussell@satx.rr.com or 210-834-5909.