New reel recommendations? Besides Shimano!

[chi0082]

So hate to revive a dead horse, but recommend me a good reliable bulletproof spinning reel for under $100. I'd prefer to stay away from Shimano as I've just recently had my second one crap out on me after dropping it in the lake last weekend. I took it apart and cleaned it and dried it out and lubed it good, but it still isn't anywhere near as smooth anymore and it'll bind up or just kinda hesitates like there's no oil in it or something. Read online that it's a classic problem for Shimano. So in the trash it went. I'm just so surprised a fishing reel made by a reputable company can't be used near water while fishing. It might just get wet and fail. Just unbelievable.

I've only ever used Shimano and have little experience with any other brands. Anyways, what do you guys use and have had good luck with? Thanks!

[jpb2187]

I like Daiwa Reels, personally use a Ballistic, but the Exceler looks nice for under $100. 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Exceler_Spinning_Reels/descpage-EXE.html

[snagged in outlet 3]

Pflueger's

[dtrs5kprs]

25 minutes ago, jpb2187 said:

I like Daiwa Reels, personally use a Ballistic, but the Exceler looks nice for under $100. 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Exceler_Spinning_Reels/descpage-EXE.html

Not even sure how many Daiwa's I have running currently. Mostly Excelers (only one of the new model) in the 3000 size. Over 12+, some have ten years and heavy use on them. 

The Daiwa Revros and Legalis are both very nice reels. Not a thing wrong with the new Exceler, but they changed the sizes on the 2500 and 3000. Those two don't match the old sizes. The Revros and Legalis are standard with the rest of the Daiwa sizing. Those are in the $50-70 range. The new Exceler is a touch higher. 

Good drags, at least according to a few thousand brown fish that tried their best. Smooth enough. Pretty much bulletproof. I changed a bail spring in one of them during a cleaning a year or two back. Otherwise no issues. 

[Fish24/7]

the Pflueger Limited Edition President

get them while you can

http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/pflueger-reels-spinning-reels/pflueger-president-limited-edition/1371884.html

[snagged in outlet 3]

Pflueger backordered my last request for the President Limited Edition.

I have an old Daiwa that I broke the return spring on 20 years ago.  Still works fine if you close the bail manually which I do out of habit anyway. 

[Smalls21]

I have had pretty good results so far with Okuma Trio reels

[Champ188]

Not Lew's.

[mixermarkb]

Wonder when the Lew's gang will get their head out and make a good eggbeater? They are leaving money on the table...

[chi0082]

2 hours ago, dtrs5kprs said:

Not even sure how many Daiwa's I have running currently. Mostly Excelers (only one of the new model) in the 3000 size. Over 12+, some have ten years and heavy use on them. 

The Daiwa Revros and Legalis are both very nice reels. Not a thing wrong with the new Exceler, but they changed the sizes on the 2500 and 3000. Those two don't match the old sizes. The Revros and Legalis are standard with the rest of the Daiwa sizing. Those are in the $50-70 range. The new Exceler is a touch higher. 

Good drags, at least according to a few thousand brown fish that tried their best. Smooth enough. Pretty much bulletproof. I changed a bail spring in one of them during a cleaning a year or two back. Otherwise no issues. 

I've heard nothing but great things about Daiwa and I think I might end up trying out the Revros since it appears to have more ball bearings. And what is an Air Rotor?