I am trying to decide between a 2000 and 3000 series spinning reel to be paired with a 7' MF *** Black spinning rod. Thanks!

I use 2500's on all of mine.

The difference between a 2000 and a 3000 size is the spool, 3000 is larger with better capacity for heavier line. 2000/2500 are normally for 8-10 lb test while 3000 are for 10-12 lb test.

I use a 2500 on a 7ft rod it works great. I have 20lb braid on it and I have had zero issues since I made that transition several years ago. 

I've got a Smoke 25 on a ml/f 7' rod and I have no complaints at all.  Handles drop-shots, shakey heads, and my favorite, the 4" Dead Ringer (watermelon seed w/ 1/16 oz. bullet weight and 2/0 g-lock hook) w/o any problems.  The reel is smooth as silk and the drag is unbelievable.  It's spooled w/20 lb. power pro w/electrical tape around the spool and no backing.

I use the 30 size Pfluegers.

The 2500 is the same size spoolas the 3000, the 3000 is just cut deeper for the line capacity in the Shimano lineup anyway, my concern would be balancing the outfit, and weight wise there is no difference. On most 7' M rods it will require at least this size reel to balance it, my MHXF 7'  with the 4000 size reel balanced great. If this different and there is an oz or more difference, see what balances best would be advice.

 

If one of those two are your preference and balance isn't an issue, you just need to decide how much line capacity you want. I use the 3000 on Lake Erie and big reservoirs because I like to pay out 100 yards or so to drift riggs on the bottom for Walleye, sometimes you get big cats, drum, or other large fish and the capacity gives you enough to play the fish instead of pulling all lines in to chase them before you get spooled. Usually you can tire the fish enough to start gaining on him before this happens. But for most Bass fishing and cast and retrieve applications the 3000 is a waste of line. Just the way I use em,,,,,,,

The 2500 is the same size spoolas the 3000, the 3000 is just cut deeper for the line capacity in the Shimano lineup anyway, my concern would be balancing the outfit, and weight wise there is no difference. On most 7' M rods it will require at least this size reel to balance it, my MHXF 7'  with the 4000 size reel balanced great. If this different and there is an oz or more difference, see what balances best would be advice.

 

If one of those two are your preference and balance isn't an issue, you just need to decide how much line capacity you want. I use the 3000 on Lake Erie and big reservoirs because I like to pay out 100 yards or so to drift riggs on the bottom for Walleye, sometimes you get big cats, drum, or other large fish and the capacity gives you enough to play the fish instead of pulling all lines in to chase them before you get spooled. Usually you can tire the fish enough to start gaining on him before this happens. But for most Bass fishing and cast and retrieve applications the 3000 is a waste of line. Just the way I use em,,,,,,,

Totally agree w/Capt. Bob.  Maybe I'm odd or something, but I do not understand the need for 150 yards or more on a spinning reel (for bass fishing applications).  There is no predicament I can imaginarily put myself in where I would need that much line.

2500 

The weight difference between a 2500 and 3000 is nil so balance is not an issue for one reel over the other. Unless line capacity is needed there is no point to a 3000 size.  Contrary to what I just said my 7' bass spinning rod has size 35 reel weighing 8.8 oz with a capacity way more than I need, it just feels great.