I'm looking to get a new spinning reel in the 2500 to 4000 size range, I was interested in the battle because how durable the reviews say they are. I'd use it for snook, reds, and largemouth and peacock bass. Would you agree, or recommend something else? I'm also looking for a rod, any advice on that? I'd like to spend around $150 on a reel and $75 on a rod.

I have a big one I use in the surf for stripers and bluefish.  I think it's a good real for the money and I'm pleased with mine.  I bought it sight-unseen and wished I had the chance to have seen them in person... I would have picked the next size (or two) smaller.

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

The Battle is a very decent reel, a new model the Battle 2 is being introduced.  For a one dimensional reel it will serve the purpose quite well, but for bass and peacocks too I might look at some other options.  Not condemning the Battle but for both fresh and inshore I'd want a lighter 3000-4000 series reel.  I would mount that reel on a med 7'-7'6 8/17 3/4 oz max rod or a mh 10/20 1 oz max rod.

 

I could mention what I use or what I'd buy if I were in the market, those would be my favorites but they may not be yours.  I pretty much focus on the inshore aspect where a sensitive rod is not the main concern, it's backbone, $100 buys a really good rod, that's all I use for my snook, jacks and juvie tarpon..  A lot of good reel options at $150.

I'm open to recommendations, the battle is just one that caught my eye due to price a reviews. I have a stradic FJ now and love it I'm just trying to save a little money

Another cheaper reel that seems to offer good bang-for-the-buck is the Daiwa Opus Plus Bite-n-Run, particularly if you're going to be doing any live bait fishing or trolling.  Like the Battle, it's a heavy reel.  I have the smallest one and it still weighs a little over a pound.

 

I like the feel of it better than the Battle, but I haven't fished it enough to really know if I prefer it.  I have it mounted on a Cabela's Salt Striker travel rod; a 3-pc 7' MHMF.  That's a decent $100 rod.  I whipped a small striped marlin on it a few years ago in Loretto, Mexico while fishing for Mahi mahi, and it got the job done.  (That was the jumpingest fish I've ever caught!)

 

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

If you like your stradic maybe you can find a deal on another one.  I know the objective is both light inshore as well freshwater fishing, not that it is that tough a task but I'm of the ilk of using separate set ups for each venue.  Yesterday I was using a set up that would work well IMO, a 4000 reel @ 10 oz. on a 7' mh rod, but for me everything has to do with weather and water conditions.

I don't like being too specif, if you buy something on my recommendation and don't like I have to live with that guilt.  But this is what I would consider, med or mh Star stellar lite or Hurricane redbone (I have 10 of them), both are very popular here in Florida.  My top pick for a reel would be a Quantum smoke inshore 40, which may be a little pricey, I'm very impressed with a Daiwa lexa 3000 for about $100.

Quantum has a new edition, the iron, which I have not seen yet but want to, it's about $130.

If you like your stradic maybe you can find a deal on another one.  I know the objective is both light inshore as well freshwater fishing, not that it is that tough a task but I'm of the ilk of using separate set ups for each venue.  Yesterday I was using a set up that would work well IMO, a 4000 reel @ 10 oz. on a 7' mh rod, but for me everything has to do with weather and water conditions.

I don't like being too specif, if you buy something on my recommendation and don't like I have to live with that guilt.  But this is what I would consider, med or mh Star stellar lite or Hurricane redbone (I have 10 of them), both are very popular here in Florida.  My top pick for a reel would be a Quantum smoke inshore 40, which may be a little pricey, I'm very impressed with a Daiwa lexa 3000 for about $100.

Quantum has a new edition, the iron, which I have not seen yet but want to, it's about $130.

I was looking at the stellar lite and I know the warranty on them is very good and is worth the extra money, The quantum iron does look like a good option, Id like to know how it compares with the Shimano saros(my first option right now) or if anyone has an opinion on the saros would be very helpful!

Saros are good reels, I used a 4000 in Florida a couple years ago.. One thing I hate, there's a fair amount of flex in the stem of the reel, great casting, smooth power under load, but that flex drives me nuts. Always felt like it could snap, not the deal for me... I don't like to be distracted by such issues.