Shimano Saros F is my favorite spinning reel. I can't imagine one being better unless it is a much more expensive reel. I love mine. It was well worth the money.

New Stradic CI4 is hard to beat @ $199. Carbon frame no saltwater worries. Superlight!

I agree about PENN 650ssm reels they are not the product they once were. Penn did away with the anti-reverse feature on their reels and the frame design interferes with the bail opening so it makes casting a neusance. These reels were certainly not designed by fishermen.

Rapala spinning reels are very nice at a low price

i have a Saraha on an 6'6 ugly stick and have caught a ton of fish with the set up over the last 2 or 3 years. I use 15 lb or 20 lb Floro and have not had any issues. for round $100 bucks you can't beat it. I use it for fishing wacky, t-rig and c-rigs.