I want a new spinning rod and was wondering if it's worth the extra 80 bucks for the FJ. I've heard bad things about binding in newer shimano spinning reels, although I haven't had the problem yet. Any opinions?

I am a huge fan of the FJ and the Stradic line as a whole. On the used market the FJ can be found for $120 to $140 and the auction sites have similar prices on new and used alike. To myself I would say the difference in price over the Symetre is worth it. If you are using the reel a good amount the investment would be well spent but to someone that occasionally uses the reel you could probably get by with Symetre. My spinning reels get a good workout on average but I have a handful of them. I probably wouldn't buy a reel below the Saros personally.

I'd get the saros I have 2 and both are solid preformers

Get the Stradic

Spend the extra money and get the stradic. The Symetre is a nice reel but the FJ is much more refined in comparison.

Stradic fj for sure over the symetre or saros.

If you can get one for 120-140, I say go for it!

I bought a Stradic for myself in September. Best reel I've ever owned, period. It's smooth and very refined. It's the kind of reel you can use and not have to worry about. I'd spend the money and get the Stradic any day

It's like This symmetre<saros<stradic

Stradic easily wins this shoot out, Saros is a fine reel too at less coin..

Base your purchase on your budget and your needs. I have quickly found myself sucked into the world of enthusiast gear. Do I need it? Heck no, but heck if I don't enjoy it. For me the only spinning reel I'd likely buy would be the current Stradic CI4+ version. I have one and love the crazy lightweight power and refinement. I've fished with a Sustain and I'd take the Stradic over the Sustain any day, and I always want the 'better' thing.

The Symmetre is a good reel and well reviewed if it fits your budget buy with confidence. If budget is no factor then as much as I also like my FJs cause they are great, I'd tell you skip it and get the Stradic CI4+.

Now if you're really on a budget and want a quality smooth real at a killer price go get the Pflueger Supreme on clearance from Cabelas for $60. I prefer Shimanos generally and find their line management to be the best I've used but this deal on the Supremes is hard to beat.

I've tried lots of Different spinning reels and for me nothing beats the CI4+.

Good luck!

Edit: looks like the Supremes are back to $80 at Cabelas again.

I'll vote for the Stradic, but the Symetre

is also a fine reel.

 

I own two Stradic FI models, and they

are great. I passed on the Symetre when

comparing them in-store. The Stradic is 

just much more refined in feel.

That's a difficult question to quantify (shimano doesn't produce junk).

I personally prefer the Stradic, it's a splendid reel, but I wouldn't encourage a fellow angler to live outside his means.

My best suggestion would be to stave off the purchase until you can afford a Stradic, that might be the wisest approach.

 

Roger