Looking for recommendations of a Daiwa/Shimano spinning reel under $190. Already own a Vanford. Was considering either a Shimano Ultegra, Shimano Miravel, Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT, or a Daiwa Tatula MQ LT. Any input on how these reels stack up, or recommendations for a different reel? This would be for finesse fishing with a ML spinning rod

I've been using a Tatula 200 LT with either 6 lb mono or braid with a leader for about a year and love it.

I like the Shimano Miravel

All of them are great.

Try each one on the rod and one of them will probably speak to you

I’m still waiting for my Shimano Miravel 2000 shallow spool which is supposed to be here Monday from Japan Lure Shop which cost me just under $85.00 with standard shipping and they throw in a free lure to boot.

Look at Pflueger Supremes and Daiwa Fuego LT's.  I have both and they are nice, smooth, serviceable reels.  And very light.

I have the Miravel 1000 and Ultegra 1000 on my two finesse rods - personally, I like the Miravel more.

 

Current price on the Miravel 1000 from Digitaka is $96.52 TYD

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/1/4969363045119

I recently picked up a Ballistic MQ and a new Tatula MQ. The Ballistic is significantly over your $190 price point, but so far I like it a lot. Haven't had a LOT of chance to use it, but fished it around a friend's pond for a while and I like it. I have it on a Falcon Expert 6'10" ML dropshot rod.

 

The Tatula MQ is more in your price range if you could find a sale as it normally retails at $199 I believe. I bought the 3000 size and I really like it too. It isn't as light as the older Tatula LT, but it still feels good and is very smooth!! I think I put that one on my wife's Daiwa RG Walleye 7' M rod initially and now have it on a Fenwick HMG.

1 hour ago, FrnkNsteen said:

I recently picked up a Ballistic MQ and a new Tatula MQ. The Ballistic is significantly over your $190 price point, but so far I like it a lot. Haven't had a LOT of chance to use it, but fished it around a friend's pond for a while and I like it. I have it on a Falcon Expert 6'10" ML dropshot rod.

 

The Tatula MQ is more in your price range if you could find a sale as it normally retails at $199 I believe. I bought the 3000 size and I really like it too. It isn't as light as the older Tatula LT, but it still feels good and is very smooth!! I think I put that one on my wife's Daiwa RG Walleye 7' M rod initially and now have it on a Fenwick HMG.

Ballistic worth the extra cost in your opinion? How do the two compare?

I have a ML 7’ spinning rod as one of my Ned setups.  I have Shimano spinning reels in 1000, 2000, 2500 and 3000.  I have found that the 2500 is the best one for this application for me.

Just curious as to why you did not mention the Stradic or the Nasci (I have both and they are great). I hear that the newly (2023) released Nasci is a good as the Miravel - That is second-hand info though. Regardless, Daiwa and Shimano both make great reels. Even some of the less expensive ones would serve you well and likely last you a long time (years). I do hear/read great things about the Tatulas. I have three Tatula bait casters but none of their spinning reels. The reviews are very positive on them though. 

14 hours ago, Speedy Turtle said:

Ballistic worth the extra cost in your opinion? How do the two compare?

I don't have much time on either to really say for sure, but at least initially,.. I would say I don't see enough difference to justify the extra cost of the Ballistic. 

 

Both are very smooth and the Tatula is actually listed as being lighter (Ballistic = 6.9oz, Tatula = 6.7oz.)

 

I'm not sure what the actual difference is between the two. A couple more bearings maybe?? I honestly don't know.

I have been thoroughly impressed with Shimano spinning reels. I'd suggest the Ultegra or anything above it and if you are interested the guy in this video:

 

did a great job (IMHO) of explaining what you get with the Ultegra vs. lower priced reels like the Miravel and also how Shimano does things in general when it comes to spinning reels...

Don't sleep on the diawa bg 2500 that puppy is dynamite!