I am considering buying another spinning reel 2500 size or equivalent.  I have two Shimano Stradic CI4+ models, but I don't want to spend that much money on this one. Will be used mainly for light crank baits. I would like to keep the price at around $150 max.

 

I really like my Shimanos, but would consider another brand as I am sure there are other quality brands as well. Never hurts to try something new. Have looked at Shimano Saros, but am open to all suggestions.

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

There are some nice JDM options at that price point ..

Pflueger makes excellent spinning reels. Look at the Supreme MGX for around $100, and the Supreme XT for around $150.

find a first generation Daiwa Ballistic, should be able to get one in the $125 area and it's very close to your CI4+'s

Go with a Pfluegar President and use all the money you saved to stock up on baits

 

I love my higher end Shimano and Pfluegars, but since I started buying Presidents I can't hardly justify buying a more expensive spinning reel.

Go with a Pfluegar President and use all the money you saved to stock up on baits

I love my higher end Shimano and Pfluegars, but since I started buying Presidents I can't hardly justify buying a more expensive spinning reel.

The presidents have a nice low ipt especially in the 30 size and smaller that would be great for throwing cranks.

Go with a Pfluegar President and use all the money you saved to stock up on baits

THIS

Go with a Pfluegar President and use all the money you saved to stock up on baits

 

I love my higher end Shimano and Pfluegars, but since I started buying Presidents I can't hardly justify buying a more expensive spinning reel.

Ditto this.

Abu Garcia has some very nice reels in that price range, as do Daiwa and Shimano.  One advantage of the major brands is that more people service them and parts are more readily available.  I'm not disparaging the quality of the other reels, just presenting another point to consider.

 

When you exceed about $150 the return on the additional money spent becomes less and less the more you spend.  IMHO

I just bought two Daiwa Procyons (2000 and 2500) last week.  No complaints at all.

 

 I already lost a small washer on the reel handle, and after emailing Daiwa, they're sending me a replacement free of charge.  Their email response was within 5 minutes of the original message.

 

So far they're batting 1000 with their customer service.

You can't go wrong with a president.  I recently bought a stradic ci4+, but haven't used it yet.  I've been debating whether to keep it or just stick with my president.  I wonder if it it's going to blow it away at almost quadruple the price. 

If you like your Shimano,,, as I do,,,, I'd go with a FJ Stradic, not as light but with the aluminum frame and and same sizes just as smooth, I have both and other than the weight of the reel, and faster drag adjustment on my CI4+ I see no difference in performance,,,,,