RushFan2112

I hit the Classic every year and was told a few years ago by a manager there that Shimano reels are not part of the Classic sale, and that Shimano opted out of the reel trade-in program. His exact words were "Shimano is too exclusive for our sale, and knowing that they can fetch full price for their gear, they don't participate in the reel trade-in. I guess Shimano doesn't care about helping out the less fortunate kids who can't afford to buy a reel." I was shocked to hear that statement at the time. I was there yesterday afternoon (I live in walking distance from the Gurnee store) and was told that the flyer is going out in the next couple of days. Also, to answer your question, the Abu's always seem to go on sale during the Classic. Not everything in the store is on sale, only select items and manufacturers. They will generally pimp one or two casting reels and one or two spinning reels for the entire two weeks. Also, they run daily specials that aren't part of the two week long sale. Last year, the biggie reel item was the Daiwa Megaforce with Twitchin' bar for either $49 or $59. I don't recall the exact price. I ended up trading in an old Shimano and getting a Daiwa Bradia 2500, my favorite spinning reel by far. I've never seen a rod trade-in program at BPS. Complete and utter BS. This happens every year, and the same BS is repeated over and over. Shimano has addressed this issue in the past. The reason they don't take part in the reel trade-in has nothing to do with being "too exclusive" and everything to do with the charities they already support and the BRAND NEW reels they donate every year. They don't feel that it's necessary to get involved in a program that donates used (mostly junk) reels to "less fortunate" kids. Send them an email and ask them yourself, if you really want to know the truth. And, FWIW, my Spring Classic flyer showed up this afternoon. Don't shoot the messenger. Just passing along what was told to me. Like I said, I was quite surprised to hear what was coming out of his mouth.

I hit the Classic every year and was told a few years ago by a manager there that Shimano reels are not part of the Classic sale, and that Shimano opted out of the reel trade-in program. His exact words were "Shimano is too exclusive for our sale, and knowing that they can fetch full price for their gear, they don't participate in the reel trade-in. I guess Shimano doesn't care about helping out the less fortunate kids who can't afford to buy a reel." I was shocked to hear that statement at the time. I was there yesterday afternoon (I live in walking distance from the Gurnee store) and was told that the flyer is going out in the next couple of days. Also, to answer your question, the Abu's always seem to go on sale during the Classic. Not everything in the store is on sale, only select items and manufacturers. They will generally pimp one or two casting reels and one or two spinning reels for the entire two weeks. Also, they run daily specials that aren't part of the two week long sale. Last year, the biggie reel item was the Daiwa Megaforce with Twitchin' bar for either $49 or $59. I don't recall the exact price. I ended up trading in an old Shimano and getting a Daiwa Bradia 2500, my favorite spinning reel by far. I've never seen a rod trade-in program at BPS.

I'm very surprised to hear of your Daiwa woes. My favorite spinning reel that I own is a Daiwa Bradia 2500. It's the smoothest, most durable spinning reel that I've ever used. Going on it's third season of being heavily used and it's still silky smooth. Ive been umimpressed with the lower end Daiwa's, but for the $140 that I paid for my Bradia, it's the best money I've spent on a spinning reel.

Went last night to the Vernon Hills, IL. location and they had nothing decent left at all. Sold out of all the goodies.

Wow! I did not expect 26 replies when checking in tonight, but dang, you guys rock. In reading the responses, I should've clarified that dual braking was NOT mandatory. I just figured the all of the reels I was looking at all had dual. Sorry bout that. ROOSTER - You were right on. Many mixed responses to my question. I'm just going to hit BPS and check out the reels in my hands. GLoomis711 - Yep, MONSTER RUSH fan here. Long live the kings! Thanks again all for your responses. Honestly, all of the responses just further complicate my decision. I'm just going to see which feels best in my hands for the price range that I'm in and take things from there. Love the site!

Hey All, Been using spinning gear my whole life for bass fishing. I use heavy Abu casting reels for the pike and musky up north, but have never used casting reels for bass fishing. Simply put - I'm tired of line twist that comes with spinning gear, and I want the control of the spool that I get with my heavy setups. I'm always jealous of the casting distances and control that my fishing buddy has when we're out with his casting setup. So, I want to buy my first casting reel, but I want to do it right and get a nice one with dual braking, etc. I'm a huge Daiwa fan - always have been. My Bradia 2500 and Shimano Compre spinning setup is my "go to " rig for almost all bass fishing situations. Considering that i'll spend between $100 and $200(max), I'm aware that I should also be looking at other brands besides Daiwa. I've never used a low-profile casting reel, so I may also consider a round caster if you have a good one to suggest. So, for general bass fishing situations in northern Illinois/Wisconsin lakes and ponds, which reel would you choose and why? I've been looking at the Revo's, Ambassadeur's, Tierra, Sol, Millionaire, Curado, etc. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Shimano has explained this numerous times in the past. IIRC, they donate NEW reels to charity so they don't feel the need to be involved in a program that collects and donates used reels. Very few people drop off decent reels for the reel trade-in. The majority of them are well worn reels with little to no resale value. Which would you rather see go to needy kids, refurbished cheapo reels, or brand new Shimano reels? I'd obviously have the kids receive new reels, but I find it hard to believe that Shimano wouldn't participate in other programs also. On another note, it's funny to see the different responses to the post. I'm going to go to BPS later and get my hands on both reels again to make my decision. At this point, I'm leaning towards the Pflueger, but my mind may change once I'm holding both reels.

Hey all, Just curious about your personal experiences with these reels, and your likes/dislikes between the two. Both are $99 at BPS right now. Again, Shimano has decided not to support the reel trade-in program (very lame), so the Pflueger would actually be $15 less. I'm very torn on which one to get, and angry that Shimano feels that their gear doesn't need to be discounted.

Very interesting indeed. The poll is at an exact 50% split. I went to BPS after work today and really handled the two rods side by side. I'm leaning towards the Compre for a couple of reasons. First, the warranty. Second, the overall feel and balance of the rod......the Fuji guides are also nice. I appreciate the feedback from all.

Just curious about your thoughts on the two rods. Please explain your reason for choosing one or the other. I have it narrowed down to these two at this point. I like them both for different reasons, but am curious as to what YOU think based on personal experience. I live in walking distance from BPS, so I'll be purchasing there. Both rods in stock now and I'm ready to buy. Thanks in advance!

Just curious about what a wide spool provides in terms of performance over a thinner spool. What are the pros and cons of each? For example, the BPS Johnny Morris Signature has a super-wide spool in comparison to most spinning reels. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Thanks for all of the replies guys. I appreciate your time.

Hey All, Long time lurker, first time poster. Besides the obvious ability to travel easily with a two piece rod, what are the pros and cons of a two piece (spinning rods)? I've always used one piece rods. As I begin to travel more for my fishing outings, I'm considering a two piece rod for ease of travel. I'll be going with a St. Croix when I make the purchase (been using their rods for 20 years and love em). Does the two piece setup cause less sensitivity? Thanks in advance for your replies.