I want to get a cheap (under $50) lightweight (under 8oz) spinning reel that can survive saltwater/surf fishing with basic maintenance, but most cheap reels I've been interested in in the 2500/3000 size seem to weigh over 9oz.

 

The target species for this combo doesn't really require much line. I don't mind a 1000 size reel to keep the weight down, but I don't like the short shaft of the handles on them.

 

Can I put a 2500 sized reel handle on a 1000 sized spinning reel? Anyone done this and experienced any issues? I am particularly looking at a Shimano Sienna 1000 or Diawa Laguna LT 2000.

Another issue with 1000 size reels is the retrieve rate vs a 2500/3000 - the gear ratio and spool size determines that

1000 size are usually 5:1 - which means 22-26 inches of line retrieved per turn of the handle

2500-3000 size are 6:1 - which means 33+ inches of line per handle turn

 

If you go with a 1000, to get any decent line retrieve, you're gonna have to crank faster.

before you go down the cheap freshwater reel route, consider a cheap saltwater reel instead.  I killed a sahara with sand and salt.  I'm sure it would have been fine for salt spray and water, but dunking it in the surf and getting sand inside the gears was killer.  I wouldn't do that again.  At least cheaper saltwater reels have mechanisms and designs to account for that.  

I used to have a Penn Fierce Gen 1 2000 size that was perfect. It had a long handle like the 2500/3000,  was easy to clean, and balanced perfect with the Shimano Clarus bass rod it was mounted to. I stupidly sold it to upgrade and havent been happy with its replacements since.

 

I'd go with a new Penn Fierce, but they weigh over 9 oz. 

Shimano small frame and med+large frame handles do not interchange.  

This is page from Shimano Yumeya catalog showing models against spool numbers, and handle numbers.  

Small frame handles are H-10 or H-1.  

Medium and large frame handles are H-11 or H-2.  

Youre better off with a 3k, especially if youre fishing bucktails or JBs anything where you have to take up slack before you set a hook.  I use a fuego 2500 on a light suzuki rod for schoolie bass/blues and fluke.  When I throw metal and get hit at the end of a 70 yard cast it feels like  ihave to turn that handle a hundred times to get that blue in, which is fun at first but after 50 or so cocktail blues it gets old.  Spool size on a 3k vs a 2500 is virtually the same, but compared to a 1000 spool the 3k offers a lot more then just a higher line cap.  Casting distance is much better with a 3k and once you get a 3k size you can get a carbon drag stack instead of a felt in the 2500.  You also get a longer handle and a T knob instead of the smaller I knob.  

I have a buddy at the inlet I fish with who uses a Laguna 3k on a older (purple) 7'6 mojo inshore and it works fine.  IMO weight is second to balance.  You could have a light reel, but if the rod is tip heavy its not going to as enjoyable as a balanced outfit.  Most of the time with lighter surf set ups a heavier reel doesnt really hurt you, because the rods are often 7'6 or longer so they tend to be a little tip heavy.  I have a 9' Dialuna thats tip heavy with any reel under 12oz.  I put a rubber fuji gimbal cap on the end and then a Fuego 2500 balances well. 

As far as the reel holding up, youre just going to have to accept that any sub IPX5 reel especially under 60$ is living on borrowed time if it sees heavy use in the surf.  Ive beat my fuego up bad in the wash and I'm really amazed its still running.  All I did add a little extra grease in key areas and block the AR toggle gap with reel butter.