I have used Shimano, cheapo for a while, and broke down and purchased an Abu Garcia Cardinal 304i. Took a bit to get used to but, I now wouldn't trade it for anything. Its six bearings make kayak casting a breeze, and for under 60 bucks, I am very satisfied. My first spinning rig was a Shimano combo I recieved for free as a gift from work. It is rather low end but still works very well. I always take both of them on each fishing trip as they make very good back up rigs when the birds nest gets to frustrating to dealwith. Haven't caught a 10 pounder yet but I bet I could land that sucker with a tin can and a spool of 6 lb monofillament line if I had to!

M.s

Stradic wins hands down. Love this reel!

You get what you pay for in everything. Save up and get the reel you want. If you take care of you equipment then it will last forever.

Okuma!

I just got a Johnny Morris Gold series that I paired with a carbonlite rod. I'm loving it so far. I used it for dropshotting and I could literly feel every rock my weight bounced off of all they way up to my elbow.

And see, that's something else, I need to get a good rod after the reel too.

Mr - How much did you have to give for that rod?

I agree with what most have said. You don't need to spend over a $100 to get a quality spinning reel. Granted, mine did cost $120, but I have a problem.

I used to fish with the cheapy Quantum Optix spinning reels at the coast. It'd last about a year, I'd trash it, then buy a new one. Held up just fine to reds.

I always get the smallest spinning reel I can usually a 10/1000 series reel. I don't like the bulk of larger spinning reels and don't want the large line capacities. Spinning reels in $70-$100 range will have a smooth drag system which is important when fighting a fish.

Neumie, it was about 80 bucks. I think with shipping the whole rig ran me 190.

You mean Shaun?

How the heck could he get us confused? I'm much better looking.

Well after reading the reviews on the Bass Pro website. A lot of the reels that I was looking at had just ok, or out right bad reviews.
There was one reel that I was looking at a couple years ago that had great reviews though. I went ahead and grabbed it while I was there. It was the Doug Hannon Wave Spin reel. It was a lot lower in price at $79. It wasn't as much as the $199 Shimano that I was looking at. So I'm sure it won't be the quality as the Stradic. But she still felt good in my hands, and was extremely smooth. I guess because of the 8 ball bearings.

I haven't had a chance to get out to the water with her yet. But that will change tomorrow morning about 5am

Shimano and Diawa are far better reels in the salt than abu, fin nor needs mention for salt too.

I just got in from the lake were I got a chance to try out the Wave spin reel.
As the immortal Jed Clampett would have said Well, doggie!

What a nice reel!!! It's the smoothest spinning reel I've had the pleasure to fish with.
The handle took a little bit to warm up to. But after you cast it a few times it really starts to feel natural. Of course it advertises to eliminate tangles, snatchback and birdnests. Which it does, But this thing can cast far.
I flicked my wrist a little with a weightless fluke tied on and it flew 70 yrds. It kinda surprised me.
This is the first time out with the reel. I know not to get to excited. I've had quite a few "great" reels on the first trip that turned out to be better boat anchors.
Time will tell about this reel. But it does cast better then any I've used before.

I splurged and got a $36 Abu Garcia reel and cherry wood rod. It works pretty good