Hey guys, I bought a new drop shot rod, just before Christmas and now it's time to sit down and order a reel. I've been using the same two spinning reels for over ten years on my other two spinning rods. Abu Cardinals. I am satisfied with them although they are not exactly works of art, and they aren't as smooth as newer stuff or much more expensive reels. I am not tied to any one brand on spinning reel. I do use Lews baitcasters and I have a revoS and a couple old shimano curados. So I am open to anything for the spinning reel and it doesn't have to be the products at the top of my price range.

Price range 150 max.

Intended use - drop shots

Line wanted to use - 10 -20 lb braid

Any other input would be helpful. Thanks guys.

Almost forgot, reel will be going a Powell Endurance 7'1" Med Light XF

I use the Okuma trio 30 for my spinning reels. Price is very good at around $60. Here is a review on it. There is also a high speed model and a trio 20 that's smaller/lighter. Only holds 90yds #8

http://www.fishwithjd.com/2011/02/22/okuma-trio-spinning-reel-review/

A 2500 series Shimano Symmetre or Saros should be in the running in my opinion. Lightweight and pretty solid. If you are looking to save some cash, you can search the web for the Daiwa Regal iXa 2500 - almost bulletproof and very durable. The last model I would recommend is the Daiwa Lexa - no personal experience but have heard decent feedback so far. Not sure about the Airds or Legalis models.

Both JFrancho and 00 Mod own these reels:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-DHC5-performa-review.html

 

 

For about the sme price another option is the Symetre 2500FJ

Pflueger are the best for the price points, I love my two Pfluegers. Being the President is best for the money. The purist and supreme being well thought of also. But given your success with Abu, I have two older cardinal 653 that get ocasional use, I would try the Revo spinning reels.

Another vote for the 2500 Symetre. 

As you can see you're going to hear all kinds of suggestions.

As you can see you're going to hear all kinds of suggestions. I'm not in the market for one but if I was I like the Daiwa Lexa a lot for the price.

 

I wasn't going to recommend something off what I like but rather used, but I like this one too. But I have never owned or used a Daiwa reel before. If it was me today it would be between this and the pflueger purist, but that is personally I want to be $100 or under, thus I wouldn't consider a Revo myself however I would love to own the inshore model.

I just found a Shimano Stradic FJ 2500 on eBay for 137.50 plus 7.50 shipping. Needless to say I went ahead and purchased it.

Thanks guys.

Nice catch!

Yeah it was. Thanks. EBay can be the ticket sometimes.

For deep drop shot, I strongly recommend you look at the gear ratio/IPT in the spec sheets.  You want to be able to keep up with a fish rushing to the surface, as they often do.  All reels at that price point have good drags.  A 2500 or 3000 series reel should be fine. 

Thanks J Francho, already ordered a Stradic FJ 2500 about 45 mins ago. I think it will be more than enough. I like Lew bait bast cast reels, but it hard to argue with Shimano spinning reels. They just have that kind of reputation.

That's a good choice.  34 IPT will serve you well.  That's why I went with the CI4 2500.  Liked it so much, I have three now.

Pflueger supreme or supreme xt. I actually scored a Pflueger Patriarch last spring for 160 and it has been one hell of a reel for finesse fishing so far.

Can't go wrong with the CI4's!!

Wow...Good price! That is exactly how I saved 40 bucks on my Patriarch.

Patriarch is on sale right now at bps for 140.

Good deal, thats what i payed for my fj 1000.  I love that reel, very solid...

Patriarch is on sale right now at bps for 140.

Figures.