I'm in the market for a new spinning reel but I'm a little stuck on the reel size.

 

I think I've narrowed it down to a Light power, 6' or 6'6" (most likley a Carbonlite 6'6") rod and I'll be using 6lb mono. I'm going to stick with a Shimano reel (either a Symetre or Sahara). I have an ultra-light for small panfish and trout and when I use a bobber and crickets or minnows or small rooster tails, etc with 4lb mono.

 

This set up will be for lighter lures as well but also for bass. Based on my plans for the setup, should I go with a 1000 or 2500 series? I think I'm leaning towards the 2500 incase I hook into a decent size bass. What do you think?

For the price I like the Sahara.  If you trying to decide on which size, I would get the rod you want and put both reels on the rod and see which one balances better.  Both will catch fish.

Go for the 1000 size. It's plenty capable of handling a bass. 

I'll have to go today after work and see how the balance. Unfortunately after doing more looking online I found a few more rods that are in the range I want to spend. Since every manufacturer's power ratings are a little different I'll have to go get a feel for each one. Like the Berkley rods. It seems that their Medium power rods feel more like a BPS's Light power. Right now the Johnny Morris Carbonlite is the early winner due to the large range or lenghts and power (6' L, 6.5' M, 6'6" ML, 6'9" ML) and they are on sale. Also going to look at Abu Garcia's Vendetta and Veritas, St. Croix Mojo (ML 6'9"), Berkley Cherrywood and Lightning and a few other BPS rods. All are $99 or less which is the most I'm wanting to spend on the rod.

 

Most of them are in the 6'6" range and Light to Medium. I'll be using 6lb mono no matter which one I go with. I would think on the longer 6'6" to 6'9", a 2500 series would be better but anything under a 6' then a 1000 series would be better.

 

I'm liking the Symetre the best so far and the way it feels in my hand. I already have a Stradic so wanting something different and the Saros just didn't feel right.

Spend the $20 extra and get the Symetre. 

In my experience 1000 sized reels are perfect for ultralight use but to me they are uncomfortably small. I think the 2500 size is about perfect for a rod that length. I've got a 2000 size Daiwa ProcyonEX on a 7' rod and I couldn't ask for a better size. I've also got a Pflueger President combo with what they call a 6930 size, which I believe is comparable to a 2500, on a 6' rod and that is a joy to fish as well.

the new saharas and symetres have the M compact bodies and they're pretty small. in fact, some people complain about the rotors hitting their knuckles because the stem is shorter as well. i personally will never buy another 1000-size spinning reel to be used with mono...the spool diameter is just too small and causes tight coils of line memory. i had the 2500-size symetre FL which is the lowest i go simply because i dislike cast handles like the one on the sahara.

I have a Symetre 1000 that I love, but I wouldn't use mono on it. Too many coils. It is perfect for 3-5lb braids though,

I'll just toss it out there...

Phenix M1 7'2" MXS72L

Quantum Smoke 30 size

 

Or my other fav

Phenix M1 MXS74M 

Quantum EnergyPT 30 size

 

Definitely go for the larger 2500 size or even one up from that.

A 2500 Symetre is what I use exclusively for bass. I've been using Symetre's for years. Quality reel, smooth drag and will take a beating! IMHO it's the perfect spinning reel for bass. I have several setup on different rods. 2 - 7' med, a 6 1/2' med, and a 6 1/2' medium light.

I like the 1000 for a light power rod 6'6 rod.  I personally use a supreme 25 on a light set up, very happy with it.

2500 for line management alone. Anything shimano from the sahara up. Look for a used stradic or saros and you'll be even happier

I decided to go with the Symetre 2500 with a BPS Carbonlite 6' L. I tried the 1000 on it and it didn't balance very well. The 2500 is almost perfectly balance. Topped it off with 6lb mono.

 

I'm hoping to test it fully either today after work or tomorrow morning so I can't wait. I have a Stradic 2500 (w/ 8lb P-line) that is probably 10 years old and going strong so I could always throw that on the new rod if I wanted to.