What would be the lowest grade Shimano spinning reel you would consider? I'm not much of spinning guy, but this can become my spare or my daughter's main set up. I'm looking 2500, if that matters.

Solstace

Sedona

Match reel's specs with her rod's specs.

I have been a loyal and heavy user of the 2500 Sienna for the last 9 years. For $21.99 in a sealed pack from Bass Pro, the price is hard to beat. I use mine in both fresh and salt water and have no issues at all. Now, if you are looking for a little better, then the Sahara would be my recommendation. You can get a 2500 for right at $70. As with any reel, proper care willhelp preserve it for the long haul. I use a gentle warm water rinse on mine after every use.

Sonoras are fine reels. Haven't tried any cheaper Shimanos.

I grew up fishing the Shimano TX I believe? Not the highest quality thing out there but I caught a ton of fish on them. Now I have a Sienna and Sedona that I use for panfish and trout and on float trips for smallies so if the canoe dumps I don't have to worry about losing nice gear or them getting water inside them.

Sedona but you can still get last years Sahara for 50 at cabelas. Great reel for the money

I have a Sienna, no complaints.

I grew up fishing the Shimano TX I believe? Not the highest quality thing out there but I caught a ton of fish on them.

Same here. Well, not grew up with, but the first bunch of years bass fishing was with the TX's. Caught my first several hundred (or thousand maybe?) smallmouth on Lake Erie with one. Since then I have "upgraded" to Synopates, Solstaces, and a couple Saharas I got at the right price. If I pay more than $50 for a spinning reel, I get all nervous and jerky. lol

From what i've seen and heard, most spinning reels around $50 will work just fine. I've had a couple cheaper shimanos, and a pfluger president (current favorite of mine), and they all would work for what you want to do with them.

I know they're not as popular, but I grew up with and still use the Spirex model. I've just always liked the dual handle feature and the rear drag setup to keep from getting my hand in the way of the line while fighting a fish. Usually they can be had at a store for >$65, although I'm sure you might be able to find one cheaper on the bay or any other site.

for me the stratic would be as low as I would go.

Sahara would be the lowest I go and is the one I buy the most. Mainly because I like the fact it has an aluminum frame but in a spinning reel, I'm not sure that matters much. Plus I like the 4000 size reels b/c they help reduce line twist fluorocarbon and mono.

Sahara...cabelas has it on sale for $44.99 today.

Sahara...cabelas has it on sale for $44.99 today.

It's sold out and would have been a very nice buy. The new Sahara FE has a graphite frame and would be ok for me for freshwater use. Shimano products, Sahara and above are excellent, I'm less impressed with their lower priced reels. For the sub $60 reel I'd be looking at Pflueger or an Abu cardinal.

One of my supremes is just starting to wear down after about 3 years of year round fishing, bass and snook, that's a lot of use and I have gotten my money's worth. For me it doesn't pay to service it, I'll be replacing it very soon with a new symetre.

The Symetre is a very nice reel.

I have some Sedonas that have served me well.

I own a old Sienna prob 8 years old and still works, current models the Sonora is hard to beat for the price.

It's sold out and would have been a very nice buy. The new Sahara FE has a graphite frame and would be ok for me for freshwater use. Shimano products, Sahara and above are excellent, I'm less impressed with their lower priced reels. For the sub $60 reel I'd be looking at Pflueger or an Abu cardinal.

One of my supremes is just starting to wear down after about 3 years of year round fishing, bass and snook, that's a lot of use and I have gotten my money's worth. For me it doesn't pay to service it, I'll be replacing it very soon with a new symetre.

Sold out...Hmmm.. That's strange, I just add one to my shopping cart to try if it's sold out and it added to my cart...I think you should try again,

http://www.cabelas.c...514&WTz_l=Chart

This is the page I saw, but now I see it's available in a clam pack.

http://www.cabelas.c...ng-reel-1.shtml

I have a few of the Shimano Spirex reels - in different sizes. I like the Quickfire feature and I've gotten used to the dual handles. They are pretty smooth and they don't eat line, as I recall they are around $60. I'm happy with them.

I also have a few of the US Reels Supercasters in the 180 and 240 sizes - and I think those are OK reels too. Rogers Lures in LIberty, MO always has them in stock for around $40. I've fished them for several seasons now and they still work like new.

If I had unlimited funds, of course, as a Shimano guy, I'd go with all Stellas, but I don't. My 2 cents.

One turn off for me on the lower end Shimanos has always been a weird feel they seem to have, hard to describe but it feels like it just takes more inertia to get the handle turning. It has nothing to do with the reel overall, but everyone of the $100ish or less Ive handled have felt this way.

Ive got the symetre and it is a really nice reel. It has x- ship also which is a feature found on the higher need reels. I got it for 84 shipped normally 100. Pm me and I can give you the website.