Light Spinning Reels from Daiwa and Shimano

I am ready to buy a light spinning reel for crappie and bluegill and having trouble deciding which one to choose. I'd like to spend $60-$100 on a reel that is durable for frequent use. I've been looking at the Daiwa Regal, Exceler, Legalis, Fuego and BG and Shimano Sahara and Sedona. Customer reviews on all the reels are mixed and confusing. Anyone purchase one recently and have good service out of it? Is there another brand I should consider?

For my "Panfish" spinning setups I use the Lew's Wally Marshall models.

Now on my bigger bass setups I use Shimano Stradic C4i models.

I’d go with the Daiwa BG 2000 Can’t be beat at that price point.

At the $100 price point, either the Daiwa Fuego or the Shimano Nasci are favorites of mine... I have both. That said, I also have a Piscifun Carbon X that I like a lot also. Around $70 Amazon price. Worth it IMHO.

I am leaning toward the Daiwa BG and Fuego. I ordered a Daiwa Revros 2000 to try on my crappie rod. I'll send it back if it isn't what I need and get one of the others. It's hard to put eyes and hands on any locally since popular models are all sold out. Many are hard to find to order online right now. I have very little experience with spinning reels.

I fish a couple of times a week and need something that is reliable and can stand some use. I like to buy good equipment that will last.

I'm definitely looking at the BG and Fuego for another light rod and reel setup for bass fishing.

I use a Shimano Stella 2500 hg with a Palo Compadre Med-light rod good for all types of fishing. It might be above your price point but good quality products.

Definitely out of my price range but looks really nice!

I’ve been using Sahara reels for tbe Ultralight niche for years. Very good service from them. But I’ve been tinkering with some Daiwa LT series reels recently. Really like them. Started with a Fuego. Just got a Tatula. They are both awesome. I do not fish saltwater and probably really should have bought the Exceler first. It’s basically the same as a Fuego but also has the MagSeal tech. I only bought the Tatula. cause I found it very cheap. Wow. What a reel. And so light at 5.8 oz. Paired perfectly the the new St Croix Legend Elite Panfish rod I have.

I appreciate the advice and experiences. I bought the Daiwa Revros 2000 size to try and like it so far. In my very limited use it seems to be smooth and well made for the price. It is small. I haven't used it enough to give it a review or recommend it. I am going to the Frio River on July 19th and will give it a good workout to report back.

I'm looking for another spinning setup for using 8lb line for white and black bass fishing. I will probably look again to the Daiwa LT series.

I used the Daiwa Revros LT 2000 all week at the Frio River and it worked well. Only problems were typical of a spinning reel with very light line. It cast the light lures a long way. Seems well made for the price.

I am purchasing a Daiwa Exceler LT at the moment, I will report back once I get to use it.

I bought a second Daiwa Revros LT, this time a 2500 size, and a Daiwa rod off of Facebook Marketplace for $50 this morning. Both the rod and reel are in new condition. Quite a great deal! I spooled it up with 8lb Trilene Big Game mono and tried it out this evening. Works perfect. I didn't hesitate to buy another Revros LT for panfish, white bass and smaller black bass.

Daiwa made some awesome reels.

Just picked up a couple Fuego's, sweet reels, look forward to testing them on the water

If you want to keep it for a long time go with Shimano.

Diawa parts can be hard to come by.

Those Revros are hard to beat at a $50 price point. If anyone can't find any in stock nowhere right now and are in the market I can give you the name of a dealer in Bristol Virginia that has plenty in stock and ships for free.

My take on spinning reels, no matter the manufacturer. The drag on cheap ones is junk. Spend as much as you can!

My take on spinning reels, no matter the manufacturer. The drag on cheap ones is junk. Spend as much as you can!

I love my Daiwa bait casting reel! I still have a few other reels that I use but when I buy I buy Daiwa! Now spinning reels I’m a 100% Shimano guy. I tried others but I think Shimano has them down! IMO. The quick fire feature is huge to me! One handed casting is too cool

I did not go the high, high end for my panfish rods like doctorxring and his bluegill sidekick Vogey did with their St. Croix Legend Elite rods. But I did buy 2 Daiwa KAGE ultralite rods with the KAGE 1000 series spinning reels. The KAGE series and a couple of other upper end Daiwa series are sold at independent tackle dealers. You can't get them at Bass Pro or Tackle Warehouse etc. Rod and Reel is around the $350 range. I buy most of my stuff from The Tackle Trap. They are located in Boaz, Alabama. Good people to deal with and usually offer the best price on rod/reels and ship anywhere. I get my stuff usually within 3 days when I order from them. If you want high, high end they sale that stuff too. When I was there last year in the store, they sold a crappie fisherman a high end spool for his reel that cost $900.