What is a good dependable spinning reel

[moguy1973]

I've been using a Abu Cardinal 102i for the last 8 years or so that came on a Dick's sporting goods combo that has never failed me. I just bought a Carbonlite that has seemed to be a really nice reel too. If the Abu ever gives up I'll probably go with a President.

[Gavin]

Pflueger our Abu for me. Lews has been good but only 3 trips with it so far. Do not buy Shimano or Diawa if you float fish. They don't hold up to the mud & grit that is always present when you float fish. Might be fine on the deck of a bass boat but they don't work in a canoe our kayak.

[fishinwrench]

Garcia 503ALB if you can find one. Best river reels I've ever had. They were about 80.00 ea. I think.

I bought one new and fell in love with it after it remained smooth and flawless for 3 years. Went to look for a few more and had to resort to eBay.

[Smallieguy87]

I've used lots of different spinning reels and some of the best for the money has been the pfleuger president and lews speed spin. I have a stradic FJ and haven't had any troubles with it what so ever. I actually really like my stradic. I've also used the diawa Lexa A LOT and love the 2000 size. Lately I've been trying some quantums and picked up a smoke PT and an energy and so far I much prefer the cheaper energy.

[joeD]

Presidents perform like a $60 reel. Your expectations should match. You get what you pay for. You don't get Mercedes Benz performance by buying a Chevy Cobalt.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Presidents perform like a $60 reel. Your expectations should match. You get what you pay for. You don't get Mercedes Benz performance by buying a Chevy Cobalt.

True.

Mercedes can't hold a candle to a chevy.

Pete

[mjk86]

Presidents work great for 60$. Id spend more money on a rod and less on the reel for spinning gear. Spinning reels dont really do much, save the money and get a nice rod.

[fishinwrench]

All you really need a spinning reel to do is to NOT start acting stupid.

I like for them to operate smoothly and not have any slop in the handle or head. A precision drag system is not needed IMO but that is where alot of attention goes with the more expensive models.

[Alex Heitman]

I would have to say the Stradic from shimano is the best spinning reel there is that isn't over $450. Super smooth and lightweight and one hell of a drag system. I have two of them and they are worth every penny. The president reel is good for $60 but will usually only last a little over a year. I thought they were great when I had a couple but after a few years o see why they are only $60.

[Al Agnew]

I would have to say the Stradic from shimano is the best spinning reel there is that isn't over $450. Super smooth and lightweight and one hell of a drag system. I have two of them and they are worth every penny. The president reel is good for $60 but will usually only last a little over a year. I thought they were great when I had a couple but after a few years o see why they are only $60.

The Stradic is great unless you lose the gamble. Guys have fished Stradics trouble-free for years, but others, like me, have run into the binding problem. I suppose if you don't fish in the rain at all, it's not as big a gamble. But if that reel gets wet, there's probably a 50% chance it's going to start binding. So if you're one of the lucky 50% you're golden, if you're not, you'll end up with the thing collecting dust on a shelf like mine is. I don't need another $100+ paperweight.