I just got a new 6'6" MH spinning rod....problem is I dont currently have a reel to pair it with. Just to try the rod this weekend, I borrowed my buddy's Gander Mountain Guide series reel and I was not all that impressed.

I will be doing general plastic work....jigheads, senko types, etc....with this rod using no more than 12lb mono/fluoro. This weekend I was at GM and saw a Pflueger President reel that looked really great. I also saw a St Croix Avid reel, which I didnt know Croix made reels.

I am open to suggestions on either of these two reels or any other companies you may recommend. HAHA, also, keep in mind that I am not rich...$100 and under please.

Wayne

Shimano Sahara

Best Bang for the buck: Shimano Symetre.

I have the Pflueger President and Pflueger Medalist spinning reels

and they are both excellent. Both are smooth and fairly lightweight.

JT Bagwell

SHIMANO SYMETRE 2500 FI SY2500FI - $80

Max Drag Wgt Line Cap Bearings Inches/Turn Price

15 lbs       9.5 oz       120yds/10 lb       4-BB/1-RB       31 $80

The Symetre is the best value in the Shimano house

> The Symetre 2500 provides 25% greater drag tension than the Stradic 2500: (15-lb vs. 12-lb)

> The Symetre 2500 weighs 2/10 ounce less than the Stradic 2500:       (9.5oz vs. 9.7oz)

> The Symetre has the same number of bearings as the Stradic:       (4-BB/1-RB)

> The Symetre costs 33% less than the Stradic (-$40)       ($80 vs. $120)

> You can buy 6 Symetres to 1 Stella and still have money leftover for a steak dinner 8-)

Roger

Thank you, gentlemen.

Wayne

Shimano Symetre

I've got a rear drag Shimano Sedona.  Good reel but I don't care for the rear drag to much.

another vote for shimano symetre!!!!!   i got mine on ebay for $65 brand new

Best Bang for the buck: Shimano Symetre.

I agree with Raul.

you wont be disappointed with the symetre.

You will be disappointed with the president (the reel or of the country)

mktrout

i just bought the 2500 mg stradic , it is very light .

casts very well, fishing it on a loomis 8400 poping rod. works nice for the light baits and drop shotting.

tight lines

I am with the majority, go with the Shimano Symtre. I have a 4000 series that has been used in saltwater for five years, never had a problem. Still works as good today as when I bought it. It would probably work better if I had it serviced. I have Sahara as well, great reel for $59 but for $20 more you can buy a Symtre which in my opinion is the better reel.

Awesome, thanks fellas. Seems like the Symetre may be the way to go.

You will love it!!

Roger

symetre my bro has one its a kick @ss reel

See if Cabelas is still on sale with their version of the Daiwa for about $70.  

Cabelas name for it is Prodigy.  I have three of them and really love them. Silky smooth, great drags, all metal bodies, and normally sell for about $120.