I narrowed it down to these 2 reels.  The Daiwa imo feels smoother but I also want something that will be good quality as well and last a long time with proper care.

 

So which one should I buy?

 

Both are about $100

 

Also I like the 2500 size Shimano reels.  What size Daiwa should I get?

 

Thanks

 

I narrowed it down to these 2 reels.  The Daiwa imo feels smoother but I also want something that will be good quality as well and last a long time with proper care.

 

So which one should I buy?

 

Both are about $100

 

Also I like the 2500 size Shimano reels.  What size Daiwa should I get?

 

Thanks

 

If you haven't yet made a decision on this, I'd pick the Lexa.

 

I've got Stradics, and a Lexa 2000SH. They are all excellent reels.

And in all honesty, I really like both, but I might pick another Lexa

if I was in the market.

 

Or if I had more money, it would be between another Stradic and

Daiwa Procyon EX or Ballistic EX.

 

As for size, I'd say you wouldn't be wrong with either a LEXA 2000

or 2500. They're close in size, but the 2000 has a paddle handle 

while the 2500 has a T handle.

 

I prefer paddles over Ts.

I've always been big on Shimano's spinning reels. Although I did buy a Ballistic this year and I must say it is very nice, but it is also twice the price as the Lexa.

I can't say anything about the Lexa, but I will say that the Symetre is a great reel. Especially at $99.

Both reels are very close when comparing the technical data, at MSRP the Lexa is more a bit more expensive but not much.  It may come down to what you can get the best deal on.

I own stradics (4000) and a Daiwa tierra 3000, both reels are good.  My own take is I wouldn't buy a Shimano less than a stradic, but I also wouldn't pay more than 100 bucks for freshwater spinning reel.  Of the 2 I'd be leaning towards the Lexa and I would consider the 2500 not the 2000.  A bit more line capacity, a little lighter and by your own admission smoother.

I will always have a soft spot for the Shimano Symetre in the 3000 size, black bass over 15 lbs and multiple spots over 6 lbs on my reel and still trucking along happily, that's enough for me to love it.