I have been a big fan of spinning reels all my life, I think light application gives me much more versatility, they are cheap and easy to master and use.

This is pretty much what I look in my spinning reel:

Got to be light, aluminium frame is my favorite when I primarily use it for freshwater. I love reels which have simple build or other words - as few moving parts as possible. That can greatly reduce problems in future. For bass 8-pound line is average so sizes anywhere from 1000- 2500 depending on brand of course is my pick. For gear ratios, I love bit more high-speed retrieval so around 6.0 is my choice. Drag should be as smooth as possible, so line should come out steady no matter the drag level. Always front drag models. Now for ball bearings I haven`t noticed much of a different from abu garcia (12 bearings) compared to 5-6 in other spinning reels. There are times when bearing count seems just to inflate the price, so I don�t look them that much.

I like to have wide spool too, seems to help with line twists.

So guys what do you guys look or value most in your spinning reel?

Great advice from pros too: 42 Pro Anglers Expose 3 Aspects They Look In Spinning Reel

I don't like a lot of bearings they are supposed to make them reel smoother which increases the cost and increases the amount of bearings you may need to replace. Bearings don't affect casting on a spinning reel. In fact there isn't much that changes how a spinning reel casts so I don't get dropping tons of money on them. I'm not that picky on how smooth a spinning reel feels. Drag yes but for a spinning reel I want something simple, reliable and inexpensive. I'll won't spend over $100 on one and I'm more likely to spend $30-40. And I hate those trigger things on the bail because it's constantly back-spinning when you set the hook or even tug on the rod.

I like a reel with a consistently smooth feeling "reel" and smooth drag. I tend to go with a reel that has a few more bearings because I use the reel to impart action in my plastics more than most bass and inshore guys do. Consistency is the name of the game with any reel and the President is still hard to beat for the money.

I only use ultra-light and light spinning reels. I look for a spare spool and a line clip built into the spool. When fishing 4 lb line for Sandbass or Crappie, it is pretty easy to get spooled by a Striper or Gar. Having the spare spool with me makes it easy to swap out the line while fishing from the shoreline.

I agree with this wholeheartedly! The line clip is a must. It helps so much to keep your combos clear and organized and to keep your spare spools from getting tangled also. I always try to buy spinning reels that come with spare spools, but they are becoming more rare, especially over the past 2-3 years.

I have a Penn Spinfisher V, and a Quantum Cabo, The SSV, has the higher speed retrieve you want, and is a solid reel with great drag since it is a saltwater reel. The Quantum is the same weight give or take .1, and has even better drag.

Front drag.
Infinite anti-reverse.
Well balanced rotor.
Larger knob/grip.
Wider Spool
Smooth drag is a must.
Stout handle design
Minimal vertical and lateral slop on the spool. Seems very few have no slop at all throughout their range of movement.
No lateral slop on the rotor.
5.5:1 Ratio or better.

I don't get hung up on number of bearings.

I run 12-15lb braid pretty much exclusively and gravitate to 4000 size reels. I have a few for catfishing, on those I like a baitfeeder/secondary-drag feature and run 20-25lb mono so I like 5000 size.

I look for a shimano stradic ci4+. That's all you need. Don't waste time or money on anything cheaper. The difference will be obvious the moment you start fishing with it

I have a Shimano Stradic Ci4+, too, the 2500 series and I have it matched to a St Croix 7' medium power, fast tip, and I normally have it spooled with 8 lbs. Suffix Elite and fish finesse worm techniques.

The only time I have ever had an issue was when I tried to sneak the last bit of line off a spool and I over loaded it. All I had to do was pull off the excess and the reel was back to its normal perfect self. With small test, it casts a mile into the wind, cross winds, two miles if I have a tail wind.

I have a very nice Lews BB2 baitcaster on a Med Hvy, fast tip, St Croix and while I like it a lot, certainly as I learn to use it better, and see some applications for it, gosh, I'd rather fish a spinning reel any day.

I am really surprised the baitcaster to spinning reel ratio is as high as it is.

Brad

I like the Pflueger President, extra spool, high bearing count 10BB, light and very dependable and affordable...

My President is the 6735, which I received for Christmas around 2012, so I think it is now the same reel but labeled the 6935. The 6735, 5:2:1, came with an extra spool back then.

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