I have used spinning reels in the $60-120 range (mostly Pfluegers, and a Daiwa BG) for the past 6 years.

They have served me well and will continue to use them.

 

I got back into fishing with an inexpensive Shimano (Shimano Spirex) that I was surprised performed poorly and did not last long, but I know that despite my one bad experience Shimano has a reputation for good quality reels.  (I stuck with Daiwa and Abu for most of my BC reels after this experience).

 

I am looking to upgrade a bit to one of the following reels in the 2500 or 3000 size:

Daiwa Tatula LT 

Shimano Stradic FL (or maybe Vanford?)

 

Might also get a smaller one (2000 size) for smaller baits and ML rods

 

Background:

Several years of heavy bank beating are behind us, but my kids fish with me and are now are getting big enough to take in kayaks

Now I have kayaks for everyone and a trailer, and actual fishing buddies that also have kayaks

I've proven that we will use them after trying them out last fall.

 

Fish every few days in the spring-fall period

Avid spinning fisherman, particularly for the waters we fish where BC reels are more common

Can justify spending a bit more for lighter/smoother gear at this point

Fish primarily GA ponds and some highland reservoirs 

Using these on 7-ft +/- M power spinning rods

Use spinning a lot for flukes and senkos, and unweighted trick worms

Sometimes also throw poppers, inline spinners, and rapala minnow baits on spinning gear

 

Also fish ned rigs, small swimbaits on jigs, and dropshot (probably need a smaller reel for these?) on ML rods

 

Trying not to care too much about brand, but think I've narrowed it down to these.

Thinking about 3000 size especially for the larger baits - I've read about benefits of deeper spools

Fast retrieve to pick up slack after tossing a senko or fluke is key 

 

Any pros/cons for these two reels, and maybe the Vanford?  

 

Thanks guys.

 

 

 

   I notice you haven't said anything about which line you'll be using.

   In my opinion (which is worth exactly what you paid for it) I would use only metal reels for braid. The Vanford, on the other hand, is fine for stretchier nylon lines.

 

    Good luck! I hope you and your kids slay'em!       jj

@jimmyjoe thank you! I fish exclusively braid on spinning.  

On the larger reel I see using 15 lb PP maybe 20, on the smaller reel I will use 10 lb maybe 15.

8 minutes ago, snake95 said:

@jimmyjoe thank you! I fish exclusively braid on spinning.  

On the larger reel I see using 15 lb PP maybe 20, on the smaller reel I will use 10 lb maybe 15.

 

   I have 15 lb. Power Pro on a Shimano Stradic 2500 FK. Rod is a M/F St. Croix Avid. I love that combination, although I don't use it all that often. I also have two Stradic 2500 Ci4+ reels. I formerly used braid on one of them for snapping and twitching routines. I MUCH prefer the metal reel for that, although the plastic reels are great for nylon line.

 

   jj

Any of the reels you listed will be more than adequate.  I use 15-20# braid on much cheap reels such as the  Daiwa Revros 2500, Shimano Spirex 2500 and Quantum Five-0 20 all time.  Those reels have not fallen apart on me, blew up, went on strike or have rioted on me. 

 

I also use those reels hard and I'm not always paranoid of them getting nicks and knocks.  My Tatula and Stradic spinners on the other hand gets way more attention....most times too much attention and worry.   In some ways I enjoy my Revros more than my Tatula even though the Tatula is a much better reel in every aspect.  Having said that I'm realistic too.  None of my reels are used to catch 400 lb Marlins or 400 lb Sharks.  I'm 12 hours away from an ocean.

 

Any of the 3 reels you mentioned are going to serve you well.  It is down to personal preference and feel.  For me I would get the Vanford.  Why?  Because I already have a Stradic and Tatula.  I would get a Vanford tomorrow but none of my local tackle shops have it in stock yet.  Therefore I will wait because I want to support local and I want to have it in hand and mounted on one of my rods before buying.

Howdy fellow East Cobber!
 

I find that the normal Stradic is typically preferable to me as the added weight tends to balance better with a variety of rods.  The light weight of the Vanford looks great, but unless you’re matching it with an equally light rod I think you’ll find your rig likely to be tip heavy.

 

PS - where do you typically fish around here?

3 hours ago, Chris at Tech said:

PS - where do you typically fish around here?

Thanks Chris I fish a lot in local ponds, Lake Chereful, Acworth etc.  I fish north end of Lanier and Hartwell when I can.  Have tried Alatoona aka the Dead Sea with little to show for the effort.  Will connect via message.

Tatula hand down best bang for bucks for all the three you listed. I have used all my spinning reel (all plastic) with braid with no problem whatsoever. 
You can find Tatula 3000 size at around 160-170. Disadvantage on Tatula (for some) is not offer any protection, while Stradic/Vanford come with x protect. The Stradic FL in 2500-3000 size is almost 2oz heavier, but it might suit you since you are coming from BG. 
If Tatula ever offer low speed gear, I would buy a couple more.