What is a good dependable spinning reel

[Quillback]

I own a Stradic, it's not a bad reel, but I think they just aren't a good value. Picked up some old model Pflueger Supremes this year from Cabelas Bargain Cave, half the price of a Stradic, and just as good a reel, if not better.

Hate to keep pimping the Bargain Cave, but every once in a while they have some good reels at really deep discounts.

[MOsmallies]

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Quantum_Energy_Spinning_Reel/descpage-QSRB.html

[evilcatfish]

I've had various spinning reels over the years and have found the best bang for your buck is the Shimano Sienna. Works well, is dependable, and its inexpensive enough that if you lose or break it then its not a huge deal.

Also, I just got this one this Spring from Okuma. So far I'm really digging it. Performs extremely well for its price class:

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Ceymar_Spinning_Reels/descpage-CAY.html

Just my 2 cents, and truth be told I'm more of a casting guy when possible

[Smallieguy87]

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Quantum_Energy_Spinning_Reel/descpage-QSRB.html

Been using this reel a lot this season and really enjoy it. A lot of people hate on quantum but I love that reel

[Gavin]

Think the answer is none. They all suck, it's just a matter of anticipating the line twist our inevitable mechanical failure. The reels built to tight specs usually fail first. Those built like old farm tractors last. Just a thing to wind string! Would not waste my change looking for the perfect one. Not gonna last

[MOsmallies]

Think the answer is none. They all suck, it's just a matter of anticipating the line twist our inevitable mechanical failure. The reels built to tight specs usually fail first. Those built like old farm tractors last. Just a thing to wind string! Would not waste my change looking for the perfect one. Not gonna last

I don't necessarily agree... If you take good care of your equipment it will last. I have two older versions of the Quantum Energy spinning reels that have lasted me about 8-10 years. They are still as smooth as can be and I just upgraded to the newer models this year because there was a 2 week window that I could get them for $95 a piece. I've been impressed with them so far.

Now don't get me wrong, gear is going to get beat up a little bit while stream fishing... It's the nature of the beast. But if you care about your equipment and do proper maintenance on it, they will last. Dunking the reel is inevitable and probably the worst thing for a spinning reel. But if your mindful of that it won't happen too often. Just make sure to regularly clean and oil your gear. Also store it inside away from the elements.

I look at all of my gear as somewhat of an investment. I want to be able to sell my gear for as much as possible when I decide to upgrade. That's why I take such good care of it. Plus it keeps me busy when I'm not fishing and my gear is in top shape when I do hit the water.

[Terrierman]

I don't necessarily agree... If you take good care of your equipment it will last. I have two older versions of the Quantum Energy spinning reels that have lasted me about 8-10 years. They are still as smooth as can be and I just upgraded to the newer models this year because there was a 2 week window that I could get them for $95 a piece. I've been impressed with them so far.

Now don't get me wrong, gear is going to get beat up a little bit while stream fishing... It's the nature of the beast. But if you care about your equipment and do proper maintenance on it, they will last. Dunking the reel is inevitable and probably the worst thing for a spinning reel. But if your mindful of that it won't happen too often. Just make sure to regularly clean and oil your gear. Also store it inside away from the elements.

I look at all of my gear as somewhat of an investment. I want to be able to sell my gear for as much as possible when I decide to upgrade. That's why I take such good care of it. Plus it keeps me busy when I'm not fishing and my gear is in top shape when I do hit the water.

Plus I just plain old like fishing with good gear. And light gear too these days.

[Al Agnew]

Line twist is inevitable, as Gavin said...just the nature of the beast. Ever pull a hose sideways off the hose reel? One loop of twist for every loop that comes off. Eventually it builds up. Reeling against a slipping drag puts a LOT of twist in. And then there's the occasional lure that twists it.

Failing bail springs are also inevitable. At least every reel I ever owned, if I used it more than a couple years, had the bail spring fail. Anymore I just leave them as is and close the bail by hand, which, if you think about it, is a ridiculous thing to have to do.

And you're using the things around water. It's inevitable that they'll get dunked now and then.

Yes, you can keep them cleaned and lubed. But to tell the truth, I'd rather be doing a lot of other things than tearing into my reels after every trip or two. I don't want to have to baby my equipment. If I have to tear into a reel and clean it more than once a year, I don't want it. My Shimano casting reels are mostly indestructable.

Which is why I have gotten more and more away from spinning tackle, to the point where I don't use it more than 5% of the time anymore. In fact, 5% is generous. Probably more like 2-3%.

[podum]

Use braid with a leader. Line twist becomes less a problem. Lots of good spinning options from Pflueger and Shimano. I have President and Asaro models that are 6 years old that Ive done no maintenance on that are as good today as they were out of the box (less the finish and paint chips). Im careful and not that hard on gear though.

[Gavin]

I'm harder on stuff than most but I maintain and clean. Would not take a High end Shimano spinner as a gift though. Would end up garage saled for a $10 spot like the last 3 Stradics. Not reliable at all IMO. They really suck and bind bad after a year or so, horribly when it's below freezing in the winter time. Reels with looser tolerances do just fine. Might have to try that quantum you like.