And Shimano Daiwa have products made in China as well so when you buy a Shimano Daiwa product be it Japan Malaysian Thailand you keep their businesses going as a whole, thus supporting China.

The Japanese have a very long memory and avoid doing any business directly with China.

The problem I have with China is their lawless attitude towards patents, trade names and the Chinese government ethics that promote counterfeiting. Nearly everything today is made in China and no way to know if the product is counterfeit.

That is why I will not buy anything from China, if an know it's made there!

I've never understood spending a lot on a spinning reel. I get it with baitcasters because of the brakes and bearings playing a role in casting. But, with a spinning reel, what do you get when you spend more, a little smoother drag and lighter weight?

Alot less wind knots with braid. Dont think i ever got one with stradic, but symetre gets them

I have Quantum Energy and Quantum Smokes on my spinning rods. Hold up great. Never had a problem so I like them a lot. They come with a spare braid spool or at least the Energy does. All of the PT reels can be used in salt water as well. Titanium bail. Light enough weight.  11 Bearrings etc etc.  I am sponsored by them so that's what I use reel wise. If I wasn't I still would just because they have been dependable for me.  

That being said Pflueger does have a cult like following and for a good reason. 

Any reel in the 150 range is going to perform great so just get whatever feels best. 

I would go to your local tackle shop if you can and test out reels on a rod and see how they feel.

Tackle warehouse also has a reel testing program where they send you a couple reels to try out before you commit to buying.

 

Tackle warehouse also has a reel testing program where they send you a couple reels to try out before you commit to buying.

 

Wait....what?

just click on demo program on their site.

Well I been using the Fin-Nor and Okuma spinning reels for decades. Never one problem.

The other spinning reels that I use are quality reels too.

Globe

Viva

I do not use a baitcaster. Being in stealth mode within feet of a trophy bass that click when the spool engages I feel sends up fireworks to the bass I'm there.

I love shimano reels. A saros or stradic would work fine. Congrats on your phenix! I know you will love it.

Tell me where this reel is manufactured and by whom?

Tom

Well, it is a Pflueger, made in China. If that turns you off and causes you to spend more for the same performance, that is your decision. They are awesome reels, especially for $60.

I've been inshore fishing with Shimano reel for several years, mostly Saharas 4000 one Stradic FI 4000. Pflueger just would not stand up to the salt very well. After I started bass fishing a few years ago I purchased another Sahara FE 2500 and snapped the handle with in the first month. Shimano made good and the warrenty but I have been in search of a new spinning reel ever since. I've been through the Symetre 2500 but it hits my knuckles and I wish they still included the spare spool. Now I'm waiting for my Revo SX 30 to come in, the reel seem very smooth in the store and I like the line capasity. Hope this helps.

Reels used in salt water need more attention given to them, none of them are perfect and most will require some kind of service at some point.  My Pflueger arbor is used in saltwater, gets a lot of use.  I did recently replace the line roller bearing and the reel is back to performing beautifully.  I was using a supreme in saltwater for about 18 months, moved it to fresh, wasn't worth gambling as it's not salt reel.

I have 3 supremes, they work just fine, next time around I'd probably get a president for freshwater fishing.

Reels used in salt water need more attention given to them, none of them are perfect and most will require some kind of service at some point.  My Pflueger arbor is used in saltwater, gets a lot of use.  I did recently replace the line roller bearing and the reel is back to performing beautifully.  I was using a supreme in saltwater for about 18 months, moved it to fresh, wasn't worth gambling as it's not salt reel.

I have 3 supremes, they work just fine, next time around I'd probably get a president for freshwater fishing.

Do you mainly use pflueger reels now?  I don't think anyone can deny that saltwater fishing puts WAY more stress on a reel than freshwater, both with the conditions and the way that those fish are fought.