Favorite Reel

Well now I need a reel for my 7″ XML Titanium and it is definetly going to be a 1500 Symetre

It is pretty hard to beat shimano. Basically you pick your price point and go.

Stradic and Symetre here also. I’ve tried lots of other reels and always end up coming back to Shimano. I guess they just feel “right” for me.

I picked a Quantum Catalyst PTi at the Sports show & I have only used it a couple of times. But so far it has been the best reel I’ve ever used.

Don’t forget about the Shimano Sedona . For $30 less than a Symetre you get a very nice reel. I have one of both and kick myself for spending that extra $30 on the Symetre (a VERY nice reel but…). It really is hard to tell the difference in the two reels. They perform virtually the same! RR

Quote:

---

Don’t forget about the Shimano Sedona . For $30 less than a Symetre you get a very nice reel. I have one of both and kick myself for spending that extra $30 on the Symetre (a VERY nice reel but…). It really is hard to tell the difference in the two reels. They perform virtually the same! RR

---

I fish the sedonas as well. The differences between the two reels are so small I can’t justify the added expense.

Particularly when I buy them 6 at a time.

There’s a lot of good reels out there but the only real consistency seems to be Shimano. Even the “disposable” models are completely predictable! They all fish out of the package and will last the average recreational fisherman a minimum of 2-3 seasons. For the hardcore guys, the Sedonas and up seem as solid and dependable as an old tractor! I have been finding, however, that the rear drag Shimanos seem to have taken a step backward in their performance. I’m keeping to the front drag models until the design changes again.

The brand that is getting sought after more and more (in my experience) is Pflueger. People are trying them, sharing them with their friends, and these friends are showing up to get one for themselves……… and of course, repeating the process. The President model of the spinning reels and baitcasters are in hot demand! I have the oportunity to watch consumer trends (at a small but noticeable level) and typically high sales and high demand only equate one thing: it’s working for a lot of people!

I don’t even have a personal favorite anymore. I’ve fished with so many at a recreational level and I have honestly, seldom been disappointed with my choices. Knowing what you want and why you want it rarely leaves you disappointed in the experience. Having some good friends in the hardcore fishing catagory helps alot too. They TRULY know how to test equipment and often offer little “insider” discoveries to help you out.

On the “feel” issue, I don’t know why it is that Daiwa can make some real solid offerings and yet, I just don’t care for them. It’s weird. It’s like hating Sheepshead without ever trying it! Guess I’ll just have to stay on the Shimano wagon!

A side note on Shimano reels. I thought this year I would look to buy a new Sedona or Symetre on Ebay. It amazes me what they sell for on Ebay! People are buying them and after your delivery charge, a person is saving $2-$5 bucks from what they can buy them for at a store such as Cabela’s . They are in demand and hold their value! RR

Years ago you could not get a Stradic out of my hands but now days I seem to be pretty glued to the Symetre models. I have fished with the Sedona’s before and they seem like almost the best reel for the money IMO. I have no experience for the long term for the sedona but they feel pretty nice.

FinNor Ahab Lite 100…as smooth as a Symetre and should last longer…great quality gears/bearings.

But I would probably look at a Shimano as the “good” FinNors (Denmark made) are no longer available…

Don’t over look the St.Croix Avid or new Pflueger reels either.

My first Sedona is going on 8 years without a problem, and it gets used a lot. After a few years, I bought a few more. Haven’t had a problem with those either. I have a few Symetres as well, and like them too. For the $$$$$, I think the sedona may be the best value around.

My oldest Sedona is on its 13th season and has never had a problem. I think I own 7 Sedonas now all are great reels.

I agree with Tom about the Fin Nors. I fed one to the river and had to go out and get another as I felt lost without it. I also use Sedonas and Saharas and have nothing bad at all to say about either of them. Something I figured out over the weekend. Putting a reel on a St. Croix rod makes the reel feel better than it does on a cheaper rod. It must be the weight and balance of the rod or something but my Fin Nor just felt smoother and lighter when I put it on my new St. Croix rod.

I use alot of Diawa Regals and really like them but also have a Sedona and think I might just have to change over to more of them.

Pflueger President has been a great reel for me for the price…I own three Pflueger’s one being a Solara..I’m about to buy another President…I am spoiled on the smoothness and the infinite anit-reverse and the drag is very smooth also…I like the top drag way better then the rear drag..I haven’t found a rear drag that was very smooth..

I did once buy a Diawa Tournament Series Reel…it was a great reel in it’s time…but it also had a shinny price tag on it too

I was and still have many Shimano, but lately my purchases have been the Pfleuger Presidents and have no complaints.

I just ordered 6 of the new Pfluger Supreme’s. They feel like an awsome reel for around $100.00.

Quote:

---

I use alot of Diawa Regals and really like them but also have a Sedona and think I might just have to change over to more of them.

---

I, too, used to use nothing but Regals, and still have a few left. They are real smooth reels that operate well and seem to last pretty well.

But I have pretty much made the switch to mostly Shimano reels. I stepped on my Symetre a few years back, bent the bait. I think a lot of other reels would be done. I bent it back, and am still using it today, stronger than ever. I’ve got a couple Symetres, some Sedonas, and a few Saharas and Sonoras. Gotta love Shimanos.

Give the new Abu Garcia reels a chance. The 800 series are awsome.

Picked up 2 more Symetre 2500’s on saturday @ Cabelas. Almost made it out the door, and Tony Roach stopped me, and sold me a 7′ Mr. Walleye rod… I already have 7 Berkeley Lightenin’ Rods, Gary Roach edition, but he explained to me why I needed this one…

big g

Id have to say my favorite reel is my Quantum Accurist 500PT, I must say that I do have a Symetre 2500 and it is an AMAZING reel.