Need info on Spinnig Reels

[wolfewiz]

Got $150 in Bass Pro gift cards for a good spinnig reel. I have always bought the cheap 30 buck ones that last a couple years and break after a good fight. I am curious how the Quantum Energy reels are or the Abu Garcia reels. Baitcast wise I have three Quantums and a Revo. I think the Revo is the best one I have by far but I am in love with the Quantum Energy. Any input would be great. Needing it for shaky heads and small jerkbaits. Looking to spend $200 or less.

Shawn

You should either get the Shimano Stradic FI (close to 150) Stradic CI4 (200, much lighter and worth it) or the Pfleuger Supereme is great too.

You can't beat the Stradics for the money. There are major differences in feel and performance over sub-150 dollar reels. Anybody that tells you different is just cheap and wont give a more expensive spinning reel a chance. I have the Stradic CI4 and it is the same as the FI in terms of performance, but much lighter.

The Pflueger SUpreme is the lowest price point Mg reel on the market. Super light and smooth as hell.

Diawa makes some great spinning reels too, but for over 200. Not to take anything away from Diawa, their stuff is tough, you just have to get into the higher end to get the enhanced performance. I think you have to get into the $300 plus range to get a Quantum spinning reel that compares to the Pflueger or Shimanos I mentioned above. All Abu stuff is tough and will last and is great for the money. Just heavy and not as smooth unless you want to get the Revo. The new Revo spinning reel is smooth, but still heavy compared to the STradiic Ci4 or Pfleuger Supreme.

The spool design of the newest Shimano spinnig reels are awesome. The line just humms off the spool. I have a Ci4 2500 on a B and R Outlaw 6'6" Medium rod with 8lb fluoro on it and I can cast a mile with just the flick of a wrist. Can pitch it quite far too with light weight lures, better than I can heavier lures on my baitcast pitching setup.

[JustinM]

Stradic CI4 hands down.

[JUSTINHALL]

I agree with the others on the Shimano Stadic, if you can squeeze a bit more and get the sustain it is a very good reel as well. I have the Sustain 2500 and the Stella and the Sustain is almost as good as the Stella for far less money. For under $200 though I think the Stadic 2500 is the way to go, compaired to other brands. Shimano is a very good reel for the $150-$250 range the Stadic is very good and the Sustain is great!

[RICHYD4U]

There are major differences in feel and performance over sub-150 dollar reels. Anybody that tells you different is just cheap and wont give a more expensive spinning reel a chance.

hhhmmmmmmmmm....really. Maybe that person would rather get more reel for his money than blow it on an over-priced reel with similar specs? The whole idea in fishing that the more money you spend on an item, the better it is, and the more fish you will catch with it...is something I've never understood? If the reel has a high number of ball bearings, anti-reverse, and a smooth bail....and it feels good in your hand...that's all it takes. And I guarantee you, when you kick one of your $50 reels over the edge of your boat...you won't cry nearly as hard as if it was a $300 reel!

-Rich