Need a new spinning reel

[QUOTE=offdtop;442881]The Sahara is a good reel I had one and was so impressed i thought I would step up to the Symetre and was/am very happy.

The thing is that you need to know how much fishing you do in a years time, how much you are going to use the reel. See for 2 years fishing at least 100 days a year and having a shakey head in my hand, the Sahara then my Symetre has been in my hand 60-70% of the time trying to master the technique - so I thoroughly put these reels through the ringer. The Sahara held up good and 2 years on the Symetre it's still like new.... seriously, a little oil and woohoo!!

So determine how much you are actually gonna use the reel and make your decision as to the $50-$60 range or $60-$80 and up. My son has the pflueger and loves it, my brother loves the Cardinal so you have a tough choice here.[/QUOTE]

Good analysis. If you fish alot you're going to want a Shimano, if you're just a casual every now and then fisherman I would go with a cheaper reel.

I agree with Road Runner on the Okuma brand...decent reel for the money, takes a lickin' keeps on tickin'...not as smooth and over all not as nice as the Shimano models, but not as expensive either.

Check out this months issue of Outdoor Life, they have an article on best new rod/reel that's out there now.