Hey guys. I've had this Okuma FINA for quite a while and it's served me very well, but it's a horse. After a day fishing my hand, wrist and arm get really worn out. Stopped by the local tackle store yesterday and inquired about upgrading my reel and the guy shows me this Okuma Avenger. He had the 25b, 30b and 35b models. These seemed to be amazing reels and were definitely a lot lighter than my Fina, but I wanted to do some research first so I went home and looked around online.

 

There are actually two types of the Avenger - the regular spinning model (AV) and the baitfeeder (ABF). I wasn't exactly sure which one I would need, but I went ahead and checked reviews and most seem positive. However there were enough negative ones to make me question the build and longevity of the reel. My Fina is no longer made by Okuma (at least not that I could find), but it is a solid reel and has never had any issues (it's just a big horse).

 

So I'm looking for some suggestions/advice from all you guys on what spinning reel I should consider next. While I certainly drool over something like the Stradic CI4+ I just don't have that kind of money to spend on a reel. So something reasonable (say under a hundred bucks), but still dependable and functionally reliable.

The baitfeeder feature wouldn't really benefit you unless you plan on using live bait. I'd recommend looking into the Daiwa BG at the sub-$100 price point. I personally haven't used them, decided to go with Stradic FKs, which I found on sale, for my inshore kayak fishing. I was close to trying the BGs before I "settled" on the FKs. I also have a couple Ci4s, which are lighter than the FK's. I use them for my freshwater and lighter saltwater spinning rigs.

 

A lot of guys on here also recommend the Pfleuger President reels, and if you keep your eyes open for sale, you should be able to score these reels way below your budget.

 

A quick search using the search function on the site should bring up tons of threads with a lot of recommendations. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. I checked out the Diawa BG 2000 model on Amazon. I think that would be a good size for the fishing I do (inshore, bass and such). However sometimes I encounter bigger fish, like the other day when I hooked a 26lb shovelhead. 

 

6 minutes ago, hawgwash said:

Thanks for the reply. I checked out the Diawa BG 2000 model on Amazon. I think that would be a good size for the fishing I do (inshore, bass and such). However sometimes I encounter bigger fish, like the other day when I hooked a 26lb shovelhead. 

No problem! Step it up to the 2500 if you think you'll encounter larger fish. It's only .8 oz heavier but also has almost 9 more lbs of drag per Daiwa's specs.

Do you know if these reels have 7 bearings, or less? The thing I like about the Okuma is it has 7 bearings.

 

Nevermind, I just did a little Googling; 7 bearings

Been seriously considering the Okuma Avenger ABF 40:

 

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000LGEYMI/ezvid02-20?th=1&psc=1

 

Another nice reel....

 

Abu Garcia Orra SX 30

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00LDYJCJW/ezvid02-20?th=1&psc=1

 

 

The following reels are slightly above what I planned to spend but they all seem like really decent choices....

 

Okuma Helios HSX-30

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA3664U/ref=twister_B071ZNJYQ4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

Pflueger Supreme XT SP30X

https://www.amazon.com/Pflueger-Supreme-XT-Spinning-Reel/dp/B00LDYK7CS?tag=topreels-20&th=1&psc=1

 

Abu Garcia Revo SX 30

https://www.amazon.com/Abu-Garcia-Revo-SX-Spinning/dp/B011LUZVF6?tag=topreels-20&th=1&psc=1

 

So what do you guys think?

If you're budget is now over $100, FKs are still on sale. I can't speak for any of those other reels. I love my FK's. 

 

https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Stradic+fk

Get the best reel of your choice from Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Pfleuger or whichever at the price point you're most comfortable with. 

 

Unlike baitcast reels $100 buys you a whole lot of bang for the buck for spinning reels. 

 

If have to also consider the weight of the reels at this price point be sure to  keep that in mind. 

 

For reel size, if it has to be dual purpose for bass and inshore, I would not consider a 2000 sized reel. Maybe a 3000 sized one. Sometimes 3000 reels have the same body as their 2500 counterparts but have the extra line capacity to go with it. 

 

The daiwa bg has recently piqued my curiosity but that thing of beauty has a beastly weight in the size I was looking at. 

 

Other than bling, and coolness or "status" factor I can't see myself buying a spinning reel over $130. Reels at that price point meet my needs. 

 

Don't get me wrong. I like looking at them as much as any of us here, but the difference between need and want are crystal clear to me.

 

Down, boy! Get back in your cage, you mangy monkey! Okay, put the wallet down... Put the wallet down. ? 

 

 

My first reel was an Okuma Avenger 3000 and, other than weight, I have had no real complaints with it.  It does not feel as smooth as a Stradic FJ or Ci4+, but it is like 1/5th of the price of those reels.  I also had an Avenger 500 and that little thing was a tank.  I used and abused it for about two years and jsut gave it to my nephew who is dragging in 3-5lb catfish with it.  

Meet my new reel...the Pflueger President XT

 

I don't know if there are any US Reel X180's still on eBay at $35, excellent large diameter spool light weight reel that retailed over $100 before the company went out of business.

Tom

41 minutes ago, WRB said:

I don't know if there are any US Reel X180's still on eBay at $35, excellent large diameter spool light weight reel that retailed over $100 before the company went out of business.

Tom

 

Thanks, but I already bought the Pflueger President XT. See post above yours

Every one will have a favorite and mine is the Shimano Sahara.  I have two 2500's and one 3000 and the 3000 is a couple ounces lighter than the 2500, go figure.  They have been really reliable reels for me and are used a lot by my daughter and grandson.  The oldest is 14 years old and the newest is 10 years old and still perking along.  I do keep them cleaned and properly lubed.  I don't know what they sell for now, but I paid around $70 for them at the time.  My daughter just bagged a 6lb8oz last week on the Potomac on one of the 2500 reels.  Talk about excited.

Now to get some U-40 Cork Seal for that handle...