Looking for recommendations on a spinning reel. I'm going to be using it for mostly drop shot and ned rig. Looking to spend under 250 on it.

Looking for recommendations on a spinning reel. I'm going to be using it for mostly drop shot and ned rig. Looking to spend under 250 on it.

The new Ultegra looks to be quite the reel for less than $200, no need for anything more from the Shimano line unless you plan to use it in the salt. 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SHIMNOREEL.html?from=basres

 

I bought the 1000 series.

 

yeah, if you're going to give yourself room for $250, Shimano Stradic FL is the way to go -

- it's the '18 Stella rebuilt with cost-effective materials, and the workhorse of this reel series excepting the much pricier Twin Power.  

14 minutes ago, Trevor2017 said:

Looking for recommendations on a spinning reel. I'm going to be using it for mostly drop shot and ned rig. Looking to spend under 250 on it.

Do you prefer a reel with an anti reverse switch?

Your price point is full of quality reels. It’s really a matter of features you prefer and any current deals. Do you have any under consideration?

1 minute ago, bulldog1935 said:

yeah, if you're going to give yourself room for $250, Shimano Stradic FL is the way to go -

- it's the '18 Stella rebuilt with cost-effective materials, and the workhorse of this reel series excepting the much pricier Twin Power.  

 I bought the new Stella 1000 at the same time. If I closed my eyes I don't think I could

tell the difference!

the parts interchange

 

The JDM Vanquish is the one I can tell the difference, because it's so low inertia.  

But unless you have the Vanquish and Stradic side-by-side, you won't notice that difference.  The Stella, Vanquish and Twin Power are all bench-finished in Japan, with parts matching for extra smoothness - the other reels in the series come from the Malaysia line.  

 

all reels in the series are based on the Stella over-designed roller-bearing clutch, large, fine-toothed gearing, and long-stroke worm drive.  

• The Stella is magnesium body and rotor, with stainless steel drive and many titanium parts.  
• The Vanquish is magnesium body, CI4+ rotor, alloy drive, many titanium parts.  
• The Twin Power is aluminum body and rotor with alloy drive.  
• The Vanford is CI4+ body and rotor. 
• The Stradic is aluminum body and CI4+ rotor.  

When it was introduced, Tackle Advisors dubbed the Stradic FL, "The Best $400 Reel You Can Buy" - and it's a $200 reel.  

 

Between Stradic and Vanford, it's a choice between aluminum body and lighter composite plastic body, silver finish and black finish.  

 

Shimano spinning reels not in this series have fans - I'm not among them.  

For less money and tough durability, I would go for Tica or Daiwa, though Shimano out-smooths all others into the price basement.  

6 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Your price point is full of quality reels. It’s really a matter of features you prefer and any current deals. Do you have any under consideration?

 

For real. With a $250 budget you've got your pick of the litter.

 

I think that you reach a point of diminishing returns much more quickly with spinning reels than you do with casting reels.  They're just not as complex mechanically (which is a good thing for a lot of reasons).

 

Look first at a Shimano Vanford or maybe a Daiwa Ballistic LT?

 

Shimano Nasci 3000.  Same size as a 2500 just higher ratio. 

3 minutes ago, Spankey said:

Shimano Nasci 3000.  Same size as a 2500 just higher ratio. 

 

I have a NASCI and it's a very, very good reel. I just have so much fun spending other people's money that I went straight up the price list.

 

6 minutes ago, galyonj said:

 

I have a NASCI and it's a very, very good reel. I just have so much fun spending other people's money that I went straight up the price list.

 

Well if someone else is paying for it, go for it. 
 

I fish a Stradic (both new and older versions) I just don’t think it is necessary. Yes I use them a lot. But I use my old Symetres and Nascis a lot also. 
 

But I’m all about that Nasci. I felt the same about the Symetre. 
 

Good luck. Should be any problem if it’s someone else’s $$$$$ ?

Right? I'll spend anybody's money if they want a hand. ?

 

i would go for a normal stradic 3000

 

I have the FK version and its amazing

If you're freash water fishing, for around $150 to $175, the Daiwa Tatula LT. They're super light and fast.

2 hours ago, Spankey said:

Shimano Nasci 3000.  Same size as a 2500 just higher ratio. 

 

I know I sound like a broken record but for about $15 more the Shimano Spheros is a much better reel in every way except weight.

If you've got $250 then I'd go the stradic route as mentioned.  If you want to spend less look at the Daiwa BG or Tatula

Vanford is Shimano current state of the art in your price range.

Tom

2 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

 

I know I sound like a broken record but for about $15 more the Shimano Spheros is a much better reel in every way except weight.

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one. 

Metal body, worm gear, carbon drag, I don't own a Stradic FK but from what I've heard this is essentially a rebranded one. 

The Stradic FK is the '15 model with shorter stroke spool.  

Vanford is simply the new name for the former Stradic CI4+ in the series.  

However, the reel series introduced since '18 Stella is different inside, with larger, fine-toothed gears, and the '18 Stella roller-bearing clutch.  Something I left out above, the spindle was made stiffer for the longer stroke, and the new gears are better able to handle higher contact loads by increasing the total contact area in the gear teeth.  

Shimano and Penn make great spinning reels.

Nobody has asked but what rod is this new reel going on?

That would make a difference in what to choose.

Also, with these being finesse techniques, a lighter reel will definitely feel better in hand.

I like Daiwa and Shimano as both offer great reels at various price points ... For under $125 I like Daiwa better and feel they provide more value for your money . Over $125 Shimano has some nice spinning reel options and Daiwa is right there with them as well .