I had some award points to cash in through a work program, and fishing tackle choices were limited. The only fishing reel was a Sienna 2500. I figured if it was free, why not? Pairing it with a Daiwa Aird X 701MFS rod (free also). Plan on spooling it with 8 lb YZH. 

 

I realize it’s a bottom-tier spinning reel, whether it says Shimano on the side or not. But I was pleasantly surprised with a less than $50.00 Daiwa Revros 2500, so maybe this will surprise me as well. Anyone have any experience with this reel?

 

The Daiwa is my finesse rig usually set up with a 1/0 octopus hook for weightless wacky rigs. What would you recommend as a good set-up for this combo for fishing small to medium ponds that average 5’-10’ in depth? 

I have two Sienna spin reels I bought 7 yrs ago. I mainly use them for crappie fishing in early spring. I think I paid around 30 dollars each for them. These don't have some of the high end features like other Shimanos, but have been really good reels for the money. All I've done is keep them clean, and put a drop of oil on any moving parts each season. Hard to beat for 30 dollars. They've caught scores of spring crappie, and a few bass also.

I was surprised it had an AR switch. Took a minute to find it lol, but it has one. Reading on here, it seems many Shimano spinning reels don’t have them. 
 

Like I said...free. If it lasts a year I’m out squat lol. Seems relatively decent though. 

own the Shimano Sienna 1000 and Solstace 2500 bought yrs. ago at academy for 25.00 & 30.00 dollars respectively right off the rack ... use 'em for ultra light and light to medium light bass fishing ...

 

4 stars out of 4 ... both ...

 

good fishing ...

 

 

I have a 1000 for trout fishing and it’s been oddly flawless. Maybe because it’s so simple? I don’t know. But the thing is still chugging along at full speed several years later. 

I too have a Sienna 1000 size reel. Its treated me quite well so far and landed some respectable fish, including a 4lb grinnel/bowfin/whatever folks in your region call them. I've only had it for going on a year and feel the $30 I paid for it was well spent!

Thanks for the responses. Free is great, unless it's more trouble than it's worth. Sounds like it will likely do a good job for tossing weightless TR and dropshotting. Now all I need is the rod lol.