Decent, cheap spinning reel recommendations?

[sweetwater]

Shimano Spirex. They come in three sizes with front or rear drag.

I have one and I love it. It has the Quickfire ll bail, a smooth rear drag, duel handles and it's as tough as a nail.

Cabela's and BP has them for the regular price of $59.99, but I see them on sale quite a bit for $49.99

[crappiepappy]

I'd stop in at Backwaters & see what they had on the consignment shelf. I bought a Shimano Spirex 2000 & a Shimano Aero 1000 from there, & paid way less than $50 for either of them. You could even take your rods along & test them against any reel you might consider ... and make sure they balance out. You definitely don't want a great reel that's too heavy or too light to balance whatever rod you're putting them on !!

... pappy