Marked down at my local F&S, added my employee discount and a scorecard coupon and grabbed one for $44. Didn't really need another spinning reel but I'll toss it on my new crappie rod. Any of y'all own one? How do you like it, compared to a Fuego or Purist? 

It's a great reel.  I'm assuming your'e talking about the FE. What size did you get?  I think the handle is a bit small on the 2500 size.  I had a symetre that I ordered a 3000 handle for.  Made a big difference.

I use to be a big Shimano fan. I own quite a few. And even today, with their price increases (across the board), I'm sure they are great reels. However, since trying out the Pflueger President, hands down this is the reel for me. Price, quality and dependability. I now own 3 of them and will never go back.

I have the fd,before they went from aluminum to plastic frames.My wife uses it, no problems,smooth. 

It's a 2500FE. I've got a Pflueger Supreme XT and an older model Lew's, I'll have to see how it compares next season. 

I have been a long time  shimano  user.

Shimano  has gone cheaper quality  with their spinning reels.

They are still decent  reels but the components  have gotten  cheaper.

A buddy bought one and it was nice at first but tightened up after a few outings to the point of binding during the retrieve.  He was disappointed in it, he isn't the type to tear into it to see whats wrong, so I'm sure it just needs cleaned/greased/adjusted, but to need that in a few outings was surprising.

 

He may have gotten a dud as well, who knows.

TheRodFather  Have your friend contact Shimano about that reel. There has been trouble with binding in many of the Shimano spinning reels. So far Shimano has had no solution, but needs to be hammered with complaints so they take this seriously. I have my fingers crossed because I purchased a Symetre before I became aware of it. That reel is on her frog rod.

21 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

TheRodFather  Have your friend contact Shimano about that reel. There has been trouble with binding in many of the Shimano spinning reels. So far Shimano has had no solution, but needs to be hammered with complaints so they take this seriously. I have my fingers crossed because I purchased a Symetre before I became aware of it. That reel is on her frog rod.

 

I will pass it along, thanks!

I still have my sahara 750 FB. It is still nice and smooth little reel. This reel also came with aluminum spare spool in a box. I recently bought sysmetre FL, now it come in plastic wrap with no spare spool. 

I dont fish with spinning alot these day but last time I check my sysmetre is still good.