Wow thanks for all the great replies everyone! So as a college kid and budget shopper (for now) if I can't afford the upper level shimanos should I stick with another brand or do they outperform and outlast at all levels?

On paper, all reels seem the same which the exception of the differences in spec between some.  The difference becomes apparent when you have them in your possession and hold one in your hand.  As soon as I received my Metanium MGL in the mail I instantly knew it was going to be my favorite reel.  I let my brother cast out with it once when I was trying to debug his setup on the water.  The first thing that came out of his mouth was a comment about how much smoother it was than his setup.  I have nothing but good things to say about Shimano. 

Lots of folks saying quality. For me it starts with engineering. Tight tolerances are key,along with the quality of components. Holding these tolerances during manufacturing is known as workmanship. That is what separates you from the pack.jmho

Like another post mentioned, I stuck to them from the drivetrain I use in cycling. I used Shimano XTR on mountain bikes and currently use Shimano Dura-Ace on my road bikes. I've used other brands, just like reels, but I always come back to Shimano. They just do it right.

Sounds like the Honda - Toyota discussion to me. 

1 hour ago, beginningfisherman said:

Wow thanks for all the great replies everyone! So as a college kid and budget shopper (for now) if I can't afford the upper level shimanos should I stick with another brand or do they outperform and outlast at all levels?

 

Your in luck, the Shimano Caenan is on sale for $79.99 at Dick's and Cabelas down from $99.99

 

 

1 hour ago, beginningfisherman said:

Wow thanks for all the great replies everyone! So as a college kid and budget shopper (for now) if I can't afford the upper level shimanos should I stick with another brand or do they outperform and outlast at all levels?

There are still some C14's kicking around at bargain prices

3 hours ago, Preytorien said:

Like another post mentioned, I stuck to them from the drivetrain I use in cycling. I used Shimano XTR on mountain bikes and currently use Shimano Dura-Ace on my road bikes. I've used other brands, just like reels, but I always come back to Shimano. They just do it right.

BAM! 'nuff said. 

they make the best bicycle drivetrains too.

9 hours ago, beginningfisherman said:

Wow thanks for all the great replies everyone! So as a college kid and budget shopper (for now) if I can't afford the upper level shimanos should I stick with another brand or do they outperform and outlast at all levels?

 

My personal opinion from Citica & upwards

The Tatula sv tw is a very nice reel. You can get them for under $135 shipped on the big auction sites. I do not think their is another reel that comes close at this price, and some that cost double do not offer as much. 

I just picked up a Shimano Curado  200K and really like what this reel offers. Very smooth, feels great. But I have not fished it yet.

9 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

Sounds like the Honda - Toyota discussion to me. 

I didn't know there was a Honda-toyota discussion lol

Not here, I'm sure, but having worked on cars most of my life, the Honda/Toyota debate is very much like this Shimano/Diawa thread.

12 hours ago, beginningfisherman said:

Wow thanks for all the great replies everyone! So as a college kid and budget shopper (for now) if I can't afford the upper level shimanos should I stick with another brand or do they outperform and outlast at all levels?

Get a citica or a curado from the big auction site.  In a blind cast test i dont think anyone would be able to tell the difference between the two.

1 hour ago, DogBone_384 said:

Not here, I'm sure, but having worked on cars most of my life, the Honda/Toyota debate is very much like this Shimano/Diawa thread.

Around here it's all toyota, but considering I'm sitting in one of the most profitable toyota plants in North america as we speak, it makes sense. 

On 10/8/2017 at 8:23 PM, beginningfisherman said:

Looking at the specs it seems like they are more expensive for what you get. 

 

You have never owned a Shimano so you have no idea what you are talking about. Come back in 25 years and tell me how those Lews are doing.

 

I was once a kid on a budget and invested the whopping amount of 120 bux ( + tax ) in my first Curado back in 1994 .... I bet I can squeeze another 15 years of use and abuse out of that sucker easily.

On 8/10/2017 at 9:23 PM, beginningfisherman said:

Looking at the specs it seems like they are more expensive for what you get.

 

Are you counting ball bearings?

 

59 minutes ago, Raul said:

 

You have never owned a Shimano so you have no idea what you are talking about.

 

Yep!

2 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

Not here, I'm sure, but having worked on cars most of my life, the Honda/Toyota debate is very much like this Shimano/Diawa thread.

I do not see this as an anti-Daiwa or Shimano vs Diawa thread, where do you get that?

 

I have two Diawa reels. The OP asked why people like Shimano reels and he has been answered. I do not think he asked why people might prefer Shimano to Diawa?

 

 

 

It's not an anti-anything thread. Some folks like Shimano and some Diawa. I own both and have excellent experiences with them.

 

The same loyalties exist between Honda and Toyota owners.

 

All four manufacturers produce high quality goods in their respective industries.

I think it comes with trends. When I first started on the forum majority of the replies about reels were in favor of the Gen 2 Revos by Abu. Then the opinion shifted to the Green Curados. Now as I read through posts it seems that the general opinion is moving towards Daiwa. I'm not saying there are not brand loyalists on here because clearly there are but I also think a lot of opinion comes with who has the latest and greatest product.

Simplicity of engineering and reliability.  Ie., Shimano accomplishes with six bearings what other manufacturers accomplish with eleven bearings.

While I do love me some Stradics, I prefer Abu Revos and Daiwas for my casting reels.

 

With that said..."specs" <> execution.  Just because another reel has the same number of ball bearings and the same gear ratio does not mean you can expect the same fishing experience with both.

15 hours ago, MBB Nate said:

Get a citica or a curado from the big auction site.  In a blind cast test i dont think anyone would be able to tell the difference between the two.

 

 

Perhaps with the current models, but the difference between the e-series Curado and Citica was night and day to me. It was so noticeable, that I sold the Citica after a few lawn casts.

 

I have a little Cardiff 100a that's a great reel, but it's definitely not as smooth as the more expensive Shimano reels I've owned and used and the stock drag definitely needs upgrading.

You are correct in reference to the I series.  Unfortunately I have never had the chance to get my hands on the legendary E series to try.

On 8/10/2017 at 9:49 PM, Master Bait'r said:

Can you point to another company with digital cast control?  Yeah, nope.

 

Look, Shimano is basically NASA.  Everybody else is just waiting for patents to expire.  #fightinwords

You spelled Daiwa wrong again.