Shimano Sahara is what is spend my hard working money on

Basically, the number of bearings and the accuracy of the winding system. Interestingly, I have a lot of Shimano Stradic reels, always loved them, still do. So that answers your $200dollar reel question. A really good lower end rod is a Pflueger Trion...a 40 dollar reel...step up a notch with the Pflueger President, basically an 80 dollar reel. The president is smooth as the Stradic, gears aren�t as well matched, but still a really good reel for the money...all I use are spinners, so I have worn out my fair share of both the above higher end options...the Stradic will last a very long time, with little care...the President will last a moderate amount of time, and perform well until it gives up. The Trions are relatively new options for me, but I like them...for the money...don�t know how long they will last, but I will eventually find out.

Yes, weight, smoothness, better drag, line pick up, etc., are greater on a $200 versus < $100 spinning reel . . . but with diminishing returns for your dollar as with most tackle.

I use Stradic Ci4+ reels a lot but I have a couple of the new Shimano Nasci reels, 1000 series, that were intended for my ultralight rods. I like them there, for sure, but one sort of got swapped out and ended up on a bass rod where I'd normally use a larger 2500 or 3000 series reel and it has really performed well. I'm impressed.

I have not seen a bad review of the Nasci on videos or boards yet.


I looked at the Nasci...don�t like it, as it there is no way to free spool it. Also, thought the roller/ winding function was rough relative to a President, and well below the level I expect from a Shimano costing $100...so I bought a couple Trions instead.


I think $99 range but you can likely catch one on sale.

Brad