best spinning reel for < $100

[fishbonz412]

I'm using a Shimano Sahara now. Smooth and feels great. I have a couple Epixors, which are also smooth, but smaller line capacity. Used a Daiwa REgal, but something happened during regular use and it is not smooth any more. someone told me it was a bad bearing. I don't want to pay $25 or more to repair a $50 reel!!

what do you use, how did you choose it, and how has it worked for you? Any you've tried and did not like?

Thanks.

[acm95301]

Well, I also use Shimano Sahara reels. I have not found a resonably priced reel that exceeds any of the Shimano offering. The 79 dollar price point and its 59 dollar brother the sedona make for very affordable general purpose reels.
I don't invest in the more expensive versions, becasue I don't want to tie up alot of money into features that haven't become necessary yet..weight, better drag, more bearings are all great things, but nothing I'm ready to drop more money into. I find that rods are much more diverse and put more money there.

[GKramer]

Hey, I feel your pain. All the big guys have reels for under a hundred, but it's clear, the cut back where it matters most when they do.

But, with hard use, everything but the super expensive reels catch some grit, and so you have the same problem. With those, however, you're pot committed. I pulled a Sahara off the bottom at Lake Elsinore, wiped it off and it's serviceable...but I wouldn't tell anyone that.



Pflueger seems to have the smoothest of the lower end reels, and pretty durable, and I have a couple still chugging. The only thing I can add is, I don't take good care of my stuff, so the fact they're still working is a plus.



gk

www.kramergonefishing.com

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

I like the Shimano Saros..I haven't noticed any problems yet, only been using them for a year..

mac

[rich mendoza]

dont have any but ive been looking at the pflueger supreme spinning reel. it has a magnesium frame and rotor and it weights under 8 oz and it retails for $99.99.

[jazzwannabe]

dont have any but ive been looking at the pflueger supreme spinning reel. it has a magnesium frame and rotor and it weights under 8 oz and it retails for $99.99.

I have two of these, the 8030 models, and am happy with them.

[GregD]

I also have a Pflueger Supreme and a President. They both are very smooth (retrieve and drag) and durable reels. I'm a non-boater and these reels get banged up a lot as I fish in a lot of different boats and they seem to handle the abuse fine.

[Tony Lain]

Daiwa Exceler!! The 2500 Series will do just about everything a bass'in spinning should.

[Delta is beast]

shimano symetre very nice reel for cheap. $100

[Paul W]

I too use the Sahara. I don't think you can do better for that price...they are just awesome reels. I am of course talking about the redesigned ones that came out a year or 2 ago. They feel much like a Stradic to me, and fish GREAT. I have caught Bass, small Tarpon, and Snook on mine NO PROBLEM.

Paul W

[Deejay quick]

pfluegers are great spinning reels thats all i use now there baitcasters im not so fond of.

[obsessed fisherman]

Shimano Sahara gets my vote.

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

shimano is going to be the winner... Every time i pick up a another brand i look for the gaps and play in the reels.. i don't just look for smoothness but i also look for precession production.

I like no play in the handles, i like everything to be tight. shimano wins..and like mentioned you can fish for whatever swims and they will perform!

Steven

[dtacker]

I picked up a new shimano sedona FD about 8 months ago and it has been an awesome reel. I truly believe it's the best reel out there for the money. To be one hundred percent honest, I don't see reason to spend more than the 100 dollars on any spinning reel, the new shimanos are that good for me.

[Scott E.]

I've got 2 pfluegers and have had them for several years with no problems whatsoever. The drags are consistent and smooth and no problems with the bails flippin over on casts or anything. God i hate having to fish spinning reels, sometimes it's just necessary...

[Phil]

BPS EXTREME $ 49.99
LARGE DIA SPOOL LESS LINE TANGLES, SMOOTH
[albumimg]944[/albumimg]

[WishinIwerFishin]

Shimano, they last forever.

[NoCAL]

I really like the Pflueger President. I have 2 and my wife has 2. I recently got a Shimano Symetre FJ which is really nice but costs $99. For the price you can't beat the Pflueger spinning reels. I have a Sahara and the Pflueger is much smoother.

NoCAL

[cLanderman]

I am aware it has been said a bunch already, but the best cost effective spinning real on the market is no comparison.

Pfleuger President which you can get for 50-60 bucks and is a great performer.

[ash]

The Daiwa Theory and Excellor are a great value priced reel under 100.00 I have all Shimano baitcasters, but Dawias drag system earns my business for spinning reels.

[Mitch]

Before I went Shimano exclusive, ( Curado and Sustain )I had Okuma Metaloids. They're a great spinning reel for the $ 79 price tag. I buy reels not for the number of bearings but for the smoothness of the drag, and Okuma more than exceeded that requirment, plus had 11 bearings to boot !!!!