First question is, does anyone use a 2000 size reel? I bought a Daiwa ballistic EX 2000 and I absolutely love that reel. Its plenty bigger enough for me and its very light and balances on some light rods very well. I think that specific reel was discontinued now. Any other brands/models to look for in a 2000 size? When Im testing out balance and feel I find myself thinking the 1000 is far too small and 2500/3000 slightly too big.

 

I also bought a Stradic FK 3000 for my LTB 610 MLXF drop shot rod. I bought it online, and it has some odd shape T handle for your fingers. I dont like it at all, and have never used anything different from the standard handles. Can I switch this out? Where can you get the parts to do so? So far I dont like using this reel, but it may be all due to the handle shape.

 

Are there some good quality reels around $100 I should be looking at? 

I have a Lew's Mach II speed spin that I like a lot, but it's rated as a 2500 though.

There is no standard for reel sizes, so really there is no substitute to handling them in person.

2000 size reels are my main fishing reels. They hold plenty of the 8-10lb braid I use and the drag on the reels easily handle the biggest hard fighting river smallmouth. My reels of choice are Quantum's but I use the Energy and Smoke models which are considerably more than $100.

1000 Stradics are my spinning reels of choice for bass fishing.

 

As for changing out the T knob, yes, you can. I was going to 

put a link up to the spare parts page at fish.shimano.com, but

their site has changed and I can't find it for the life of me.

It's easiest just call Shimano directly.

All I use is 2000 daiwa's.  The old fuego is my favorite and my old sol a close second.  My advantage 2000 are my work horse reels and the ones I have had the longest and abused the most.  After 6 years I broke 1 and it's going in for service.  That one has seen everything including multiple falls in rivers and hiking trips.  I have a certate but it's still bnib.  If your not fishing fluorocarbon over 6lbs I see no reason to go bigger.

5 hours ago, Darren. said:

1000 Stradics are my spinning reels of choice for bass fishing.

 

As for changing out the T knob, yes, you can. I was going to 

put a link up to the spare parts page at fish.shimano.com, but

their site has changed and I can't find it for the life of me.

It's fishshop.shimano.com.  They finally updated their parts for newer models. One thing that's irritating is that the parts lists on the schematics are in no particular numeric order.  You have to go looking for the #.

I'm actually not sure if there's much of an actual difference in reel sizes based on the numbers since there's no industry standard, it's just what the manufacturers slap on them.  The Daiwa Fuego 2500 felt and looked heavier/larger than comparable Shimano 2500 reels in my hands. Definitely try to get a feel for them in person instead of going by online specs.

Take a look at the Diawa BG , it a mighty fine reel 

3 hours ago, The Bassman said:

It's fishshop.shimano.com.  They finally updated their parts for newer models. One thing that's irritating is that the parts lists on the schematics are in no particular numeric order.  You have to go looking for the #.

Thanks so much for that!

Daiwa has a new Tatula LT 2000 for $189.99, Cabelas is offering a trade in sale if you live near one you can save $30.00 off the list price and seen on Amazon for $167.00 with free shipping. Very nice light reel.

On 3/8/2018 at 6:17 PM, blckshirt98 said:

I'm actually not sure if there's much of an actual difference in reel sizes based on the numbers since there's no industry standard, it's just what the manufacturers slap on them.  The Daiwa Fuego 2500 felt and looked heavier/larger than comparable Shimano 2500 reels in my hands. Definitely try to get a feel for them in person instead of going by online specs.

It's the same as rods.  Daiwa will have a standard size for its product  just like power in its rod lineup.  Shimano is not required to build to Daiwa standards, but you could let them know that you would appreciate if they did.