I purchased a 4wt 8.ft Allen Alluvion rod, I have not received it yet but I now need a reel. The rod weighs 3.2 oz. I plan on getting the SA Mastery MPX line but I am lost which reel to get, there are too many choices and the price ranges are all over the place but I would like to keep it under $250 for reel and line.
I know most people say the reel is just a line holder but I would like to catch something that is big enough to make me have to reel it in

I'd hop on down to Cabela's or Bass Pro, pick up something cheap and start fishing. Then work on what high dollar reel you want.
Truth is, there are a lot more decent and high quality reels out there than there are bad ones. So literally, it will be hard to go wrong.

Cabelas has some of their reels under $100.00 but doesn't come with line . Cabelas RLS+ reel is an excellent reel but no line . Orvis has a nice BattenKill a little higher but no line . As most will mention you can get a cheaper reel and use it until you decide if you want a better reel or you can just avoid that wait and see era and buy a nice reel now and not worry about it later . The BattenKill is one of those type reels , The Cabelas RLS+ is one and for a little higher price Orvis has their Hydros SL for $198.99 but again no line but a very nice reel . Basically there is a lot of choices , but your better ones are going to be Bar-Stock aluminum and not the cast type even tho some cast ones are nice . Main question is do you want a large arbor or mid-arbor reel . Large arbor helps when using a lot of line for casting , quicker retrieve . I have one of both and I like them both . What would be more convient would be buy a Large Arbor reel and buy a mid-arbor spool with different line and just switch spools when you want to .

look at Sage

3-Tand TF Series Fly Reel, lightest reel on the market. Awesome reel IMO!

Ron,

I think the large arbor would be great. I use a very cheap white river reel now, I don't like it at all.

There are Sage reels in my price range but I did not understand the different models so I just moved on from them.

Allen has some great reels at excellent prices. You might still be able to get a package deal if you hurry.

Hydros SL. Orvis will probably load it with backing for you while you wait.

I would also suggest looking at Piscifun reels. Great reel and a great price.

I suggest you buy the inexpensive Cahill reel ($13) just to have something to use right now. Keep an eye on ebay for somme sweet reel closeouts or Orvis sales, and then get a really trick reel which you can enjoy for the rest of your life.

The Cabelas RLS+ is a great reel for the money. I've got one on my 3 WT and 5 WT setups and love them. Get them when they go on sale for around $80.

There are also some options on Amazon for significantly cheaper. I've heard good things, but have not tried them.

Spend your money on the rod and the line. Then find a large arbor reel with a disc drag that makes everything fit in your budget. Orvis will spool it for you with free backing, but at least buy some flies or something from them for the trouble!

Agreed. I have both the Kraken (on an 8 weight) and a Trout II (on a 6 weight). Both of them have solid drags and are very well made.

What do you not like about your current setup?

IMO, don't spend a bunch of money on the reel for a light line rod. There's plenty of perfectly good reels for not a lot out there. Take the savings and get a good fly line and you'll be much happier.

On my rods 6wt down I do not own a reel that cost more than the line. My most expensive rod, a Sage ESN, has a Cabellas Prestige reel that I bought for 29.99 on sale. Different strokes for different folks but most all fish I catch are not taking any line and the few that do don't take much.

I bought the Orvis Access reel when it was discontinued and I bought their Orvis Trout line all in 5 wt . Believe me , they are very happy to give you free backing when you buy a reel and line . Don't need to feel guilty and needing to buy extras unless you just want to . But $200.00 for reel and line verses less than $5.00 for their backing is really no big deal . Besides most all vendors will give free backing with purchase of reel and line .