After a long layoff to raise kids, I'm ready to get back into tournament fishing again. For lightweight lures, floating worms, 4 inch worms, etc. I currently have a Shimano Scorpion that is still in like new condition but is 10-12 years old. Just had it cleaned and tuned but I'm wondering if any of the newer reels would do a better job of casting and pitching lighter lures or if there a big enough difference to warrant buying one the newer Daiwas or Shimano that are marketed as being for lightweight/finesse applications.

I assume your reel is the one TackleTour is talking about here.  " Six years ago, in 2004, we looked at a fishing reel largely responsible for many a tackle enthusiasts' journey to the “dark side”: The Shimano Japan Scorpion 1000/1001. That reel was not the most refined and it wasn't even the best performing reel to be made for the Japanese market, but for many years it was the most accessible reel both in terms of availability and affordability for US anglers."

 

If so, then I have to assume new reels are going to be an improvement.  How much I couldn't say.  I do think you deserve a few new reels.  A Curado 70 and Diawa SV105 would be a couple good reels to start with.  You could also watch the classifieds for a used Pixy.  I am assuming you don't plan on spending more than $300 per reel.  A couple hours spent perusing the casting reels on TW might point you towards a few more possibilities.

 

I have to say that the Okuma Helios Air and Pinnacle Primmus have been impressing me.  Don't know how light a lure they will cast, but they are excellent casting reels.

2 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I assume your reel is the one TackleTour is talking about here.  " Six years ago, in 2004, we looked at a fishing reel largely responsible for many a tackle enthusiasts' journey to the “dark side”: The Shimano Japan Scorpion 1000/1001. That reel was not the most refined and it wasn't even the best performing reel to be made for the Japanese market, but for many years it was the most accessible reel both in terms of availability and affordability for US anglers."

 

If so, then I have to assume new reels are going to be an improvement.  How much I couldn't say.  I do think you deserve a few new reels.  A Curado 70 and Diawa SV105 would be a couple good reels to start with.  You could also watch the classifieds for a used Pixy.  I am assuming you don't plan on spending more than $300 per reel.  A couple hours spent perusing the casting reels on TW might point you towards a few more possibilities.

 

I have to say that the Okuma Helios Air and Pinnacle Primmus have been impressing me.  Don't know how light a lure they will cast, but they are excellent casting reels.

Thanks and I do believe you nailed it in the reel.  Obviously I have been looking and did buy a 70 but sold it after using one time because I found a good deal on a chronarch mgl which I wanted for pitching.  Now I'm thinking I should have but the bullet and kept the 70.  Seeing all the new "finesse" reels on the market has me in reel envy.  Although partial to Shimano, I started out in Daiwa Procasters....the SV and Tatulas look interesting!

The MGL and SV103 are two reels I want to eventually get.  I have a like new Procaster 100HN I bought for my oldest grandson.  He wasn't the least interested in trying a baitcast reel.  So now it is in my arsenal.  I am thinking about buying him another baitcast reel.