Hello all, I need some help with this one. I was at Bass Pro Shop the other day speaking to a couple of the guys back in the fishing department about preferred fishing reels. I was wanting to get some feedback as to the better quality reel: quantum or shimano....to be more specific-the quantum energy/ catalyst spinning reel vs the new shimano saros/sahara spinning reel. I have always fished with quantum products and hadn't branched outside of em much but those guys at the store were insistent that the shimano reels were the better quality reels and were more reliable..Considerring that I've never used shimano products, I find that one hard to believe.. I just wanted to get some info from my fellow tff'ers. Is this fact or fiction? Were they just trying push a new product? Any feedback is much appreciated.

As far as Shimano, sure is hard to beat a sidestab for about 20 bucks. I havnt wore one out yet.

IMHO Shimano can't be beat. Another reel that has gotten my attention is the Pflueger President on my dock shooter. Nice reel for $60.

I have seen the bale wear out on many of my Shimanos but if there used correctly they last a long time. All bales should be closed with you hand and not by forcing it closed by turning the handle. Thats the fastest way to ruin your reel.
All that being said I still like shimano reels.

Im with TxBuddha. The Pflueger President is one of the best spinning reels I have ever used. Shimano reels are good and for the money the ABU cardnal 101 is also a good reel.

oh yea I didnt mention the Pfueger president but I agree it is a nice reel.

I agree with you on that. I actually have a pfleuger presidential reel that I bought a couple years ago and it is a smooth dude. The only problem that I have with it is that my gears will start clicking after I catch several fish consecutively (almost like a grind). If I let it rest for a while it spins like a champ again.

I haven't found one that lasts more than about 6 months when I'm home fishing alot, but I forget to close the bail by hand most the time. Just buy the $30 shimanos when there on sale and toss em in a pile in the garage when they act up...

Another vote for the pfleuger president. Ive had mine for 6 months, and I dont exactly treat it like I should. I finally put it in a reel case after riding in the bed of my truck for so long. After all of that mistreatment its just as smooth as the day I bought it.

Over the years...I have purchased many reels. All the different brands...and I will not buy any other reel than Shimano. I own several Sahara spinning reels 750's/1500's/2500's I started with their cheaper reels and gradually replaced with Sahara's. I just bought my first Symetre(ON SALE) and love it as well. I fish 8lb line on spinning tackle except for the 750's(4lb test). I also love the Curado 200...get the higher end reels and you will be pleased. There are Sahara's going for 39.00(old model)GET IT...you will see what I mean. There are also reels in the 100.00 plus for spinning and 200.00+ for bait casting...I can't see spending the money. Sahara comes with spare spool and antirust bearings.

You get what you pay for.

Spinning reels Shimano is all I've really had any luck with thru the years, working and lasting.

Bait casting, that would be Shimano (shimano calcutta's for me, just for my personal fishing) and the old stand by Abu Garcia� Ambassadeur� C3, but for Garcia reels, which one exactly has changed thru the years.

And for Spin Cast it's the Rhino� RSC3 Spincast Reels.

But what do I use day in and day out? It's the bait casters from Abu Garcia C3 either the 5500c3 or 6500C3, for all fishing - Crappie (vertical fishing), White Bass, Hybrids, Stirpers, Bass, Cat Fish, whatever.

It' Hard to Beat,

Shimano. Hands down!

I prefer the Shimanos personally.