63 replies to this topic

[Long Mike]

Pfleuger President.  You will NOT be disappointed.  Shimano makes some very good reels, but in the price range you are speaking of, the President blows everything away.

[MCS]

Pflueger President or President XT

[jerzeeD]

Pflueger Supreme MG can be had on sale or on some sites for under 100 bucks...Great reel. Check out the New Pflueger Purist as well. I just picked one up. It may very well turn out to be the best 80 dollar reel on the market.

[J Francho]

Daiwa Exceler.

[ww2farmer]

I have been very pleased with my $50 Shimano Sonora 2500's (the orange ones) I bought them to replace, slightly higher priced reels from other brands that just did not hold up. Not only were the Sonora's cheaper, but they have outlasted the "others" as far as usage time goes. In fact they have gotten smoother and better with age, and with ZERO maint.

[DarrenM]

I have been very pleased with my $50 Shimano Sonora 2500's (the orange ones) I bought them to replace, slightly higher priced reels from other brands that just did not hold up. Not only were the Sonora's cheaper, but they have outlasted the "others" as far as usage time goes. In fact they have gotten smoother and better with age, and with ZERO maint.

On that thought, I also have two Shimano Spirex reels. I like the double handles and quick cast features. Great reel for $50, if not having instant anti-reverse is an issue...

Daiwa Exceler.

While the Exceler didn't tickle my fancy, the new Lexa spinning reel definitely is. The experience I've had with my Lexa 100 bait caster has wowed me to Daiwa's quality.

[J Francho]

I haven't gotten my hands on a Lexa spinner. It was a little out of the price range, and since it's brand new, well, didn't want to recommend something I know nothing about. They do look pretty sweet.

[endless]

I can't make up my mind. It's a toss up between my Pflueger President XT or the GM Tournament series(combo) I bought 5 years ago and is still working great. It's before the GSX series came out.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Shimany Symetre on sale.

 

It was a fluke, but I got a Abu Revo spinning reel for $80 two years ago. They realized the mistake and would only honor one of the 6 in my cart. LMAO

[HeavyDluxe]

I've gotten to use two of the reels people are advising - the Sahara and the President.  I would think either of these would be fine choices.

 

For my own setups, I am now a dedicated Pflueger fan.  They consistently seem to 'feel' like a reel above their price point.  And, since I'm on a tight budget, that matters to me.

[B@ssCrzy]

I know this is not a big name brand, but I just buy the Gander Mountain GSX Tournament and GSX Titanium spinning reels.  Every November I go in there on Black Friday and they mark them down to $29 (normally $59) for the tournament and $35 (normally $79) for the titanium. (at least the past couple of years they have)  I buy at least one and I have been really happy with them.  I know they may not be top of the line, but knowing that if I break one I am only out $30-$35 is worth it to me.  That being said if I were to buy either the sahara or president it would be the president. 

[upnorthbassin]

Right now you can get the Sahara from the cabelas website for $49.99. That's probably the best deal going but I am more of a plflueger fan overall so if I had to spend $100, it would be the Supreme. If I wanted the best value I'd get the Sahara...or maybe 2 of them.

[chromedog]

2500 Sahara, I own like 3 of them and love them to death.  going on 4 seasons now!

[mod479]

You should also take a look at the Okuma trio, I wouldnt reccomend it if I didnt have one. Its not the prettiest, or the smoothest spinning reel I have, but it is the oldest and has proven itself to be very reliable compared to some other brands in that price range.

[SudburyBasser]

Count another vote for the President.