I used Shimano Sienna 1000s for years till Covid and now they're [censored] reels. Pflueger Presidents are nice. I've got some Diawa Legalis and I like the Pflueger's more. Drag isn't as important for me and I don't want anything too expensive in case it gets kicked in the lake!

I have 4 Revo X20's(black ones) that have been excellent for me.

I have not tried a lot of the really expensive spinning reels but I have been using them for a long time. For the longest I was stuck on the Pflueger President or the Supreme but for the last couple years or so I have been using the Dobyns Spinning reel. They have been very smooth and held up to a lot of use with no signs of wear yet. They were $100.00 each and as far as I am concerned worth every penny.

Dobyns Reels

Jody Kea

I used to guide with Shimano Sedona reels. I now use Vanfords but the Nasci is a good pick, also. I like Shimano because their customer service is really good if need be.

There are a ton of reels that function exceptionally well for the price, but the shimano have been good to me for a long time. If you use a spinning reel (Allot), step up a little bit (cry once buy once). I have a spinning rod on deck every trip, so I don't mind spending a little more. If it is something that you are going to use not as frequent, they are all going to do the same thing. I have to feel a reel in the hand personally, I have never bought a rod or a reel blind. I have to feel it, and if I am buying a reel I take the rod I am going to put it on with me. If it doesn't balance out well, it's a nope. The Nasci is a damn fine reel, and I have been abusing mine for 3 years with absolutely no issues. Now, if it's on sale, or free I could care less. I have several brands of reels, and when serviced are solid. I would say, go in and give them a handling and you will know when you grab the right one. I used to have nothing but the quick-fire reels, but I transitioned to the non-trigger shimano spinning reels about 10 years ago and have not looked back.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

PENN Fierce IV -- Fresh and inshore Saltwater.

Good Fishing

I've had no issues with the KastKing Sharky 3--4000 series. I don't use spinning reels but about 20% of the time.
Ended up with 4 of them 55-60$ each.
Don't think you get a spare spool though?

Shimano NASCI SC 2500 is a good reel for $100. My wife only wants to use a spinning reel. She only wants to fish saltwater.

It’s good with 20# braid on it. Casts good, fairly smooth, decent drag. I will use it for techniques like free shrimping.

Shimano NASCI is pretty dang good for the money. I have a couple of them and have no complaints.

Shimano and Daiwa make the best spinning rods in their own independently operated plants from what I understand. All the rest of the reels imo are not on the same page as far as quality.

I’ve got Shimano spinning reels that work great with very little maintenance and are 10+ years old and I use a fairy wand a lot.

Shimano is great to work with if ever you need replacement parts. Never dealt with Daiwa.

Do yourself a favor and swap the felt drag washers out for carbon. You can get these cheap through smoooth drag.

If you want to try something new and cheap. I know a lot of guys that swear by Piscifun, they pronounce it pea see fun they have something like a “carbon” reel that sells for like 50 or 60 bucks.

Honestly I would splurge on a sale priced Shimano or Daiwa. I bought a few Daiwa Procyon ai that were normally 200 for 89. I’ve see some last model Stradics for $125. Those are bought higher end reels with better drags, and stronger internal components.

I have two of them. Great spinning reels!

I have a Shimano Nasci. Been using it for about a year. I like it. Thinkin about buying a couple more.

Got 2 Revros and they are excellent. Not a better bang for the buck IMO.