Spinning reel

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Footman1824

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Nov 22, 2011
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I bought a new spinning rod recently. This is the 1st new rod I've bought in over 10 yrs. I'm in the market for a new reel for it. I've set a $100 limit. I've been looking at the Ardent reels but don't know much about them. Does anyone else own these? I've also looked at Abu Garcia and Lew's reels. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
I've used all sorts of name brand reels and nowadays you pretty much get what you spend most of the time. If you spend $100 dollars on a reel you will get a $100 reel quality. If I were you I would just see what is the best reel you can get for the best price. For example, Maybe there is a $150 reel on sale for $100.
 
I will agree that for the most part you get what you pay for but only up to a point. I think the reel manufacturers are no different than any other producer of a consumer good. They all have their entry level (cheap) line that is really for someone who needs a reel for a special trip or very occasional light use or is new to fishing. Then there are the middle priced products that generally have most of the key features and are proven in design and construction. Finally there will always be the real high priced "premium" products that in my opinion appeal to the consumer who doesn't worry about the price and just wants the best. There will always be those people and to be honest I wish I could hang out there but I can't. In a spinning reel I think around $100.00 will get you a very good quality reel that will be a big magnitude better than say a $25.00 reel. You can also spend $400 - $500 on a reel and will it be better than the $100 reel? I'm sure but I'm not convinced that the difference between a $400 reel and a $100 reel is as much as between the $100 reel and the $25 reel if you understand what I'm trying to get across. I used to always be a Shimano spinning reel guy and for the money I liked the Sahara line. The last couple of Saharas I've got didn't seem to be up to the same quality level and to be honest I couldn't tell much difference compared to the next reel down the Sedona. So my last spinning reel I decided to try something different. I went with an Abu Orra S and I'm pleased. Now I admit that I don't have hardly any time on it and it may prove to be unreliable or not robust but I think I'm going to like it. At least I hope I catch my share finesse fishing this years CFF events from the back of Jmax's bass yacht!
 
Sportsmans had the Pflueger president on sale. Hard to beat with 10 bearings and choice of sizes to match the line and rod you want to use.
 
ChooChooSnakeMan, I understand what you're saying with your comparisons. I've always been a Abu Garcia and Lew's guy. I own a Pfeluger that's on an ultra light rod. I've also got a Quantum energy reel that I bought over 20 yrs ago that I would put up against anything. But it's heavy. The reel that I'm using now is too heavy for the rod. The reason I started this thread is because I know there's people on here that fish alot more than me and really use put their gear. I want to make sure that I'm not overlooking something. Ardent reels have a 3 yr warranty. That's impressive. I've found another reel that's on sale that I'm gonna check out.
 
SethColeman---2x on that, both are good reels, I have them and have got 20--30 lb stripers on them---Good Reels

Steve
 
Shimano hands down the best. Used them for over 35yrs have not had a problem yet own the cheapest to the highest priced there the best
 
I know everyone has their personal preferences, I myself only own Daiwa spinning reels. I own 5, two are over 30 years old, I mostly use them for crappie fishing now, but a few years ago I was using one for float and fly fishing and it handled everything from a 4 lb largie to multiple big hybrids with no issues. I have a Regal it is the cheapest and it is also the heaviest, I also own the Teirra and the Ballistic. I really like the Ballistic, it is the first gen, not the one they are selling now and it is a great reel except it does not like the slicker braids, it will get knots in it pretty bad sometimes on casts. The Tierra is a bulldog of a reel, very smooth drag, strong enough to drag good fish out from under docks with braid.
I know the Lews Tournament Pro's are really good too, I borrowed one one day and I liked it just fine, but I would look at the Daiwa's and find one that fits your price point.
 
My favorite spinning reel I have at the moment is a Browning Midas. its super slick. best bang for the buck is the pflueger for $59 I had one for about 4 years with no problems. Abu orra is a nice one as well.
 
Thanks again for everyone's input and advice. I've looked at several reels online and in person. I think I'm starting to lean towards a Cabela's Arachnid 2500 spinning reel. From what I've been told there made by Diawa. It's a $180 reel on sale for $110 online. It's lightweight, has 15# max drag, and has a lifetime warranty.
 
Call Johnny at DJ's marinelectronics he will set you up with a Lew's for possibly less than 100 and less are awesome
 
How do I get in touch with DJ's Marine? I want to see what he's got? I sent him a pm but haven't heard from him.
 

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