The vast majority of fish I catch are 1 to 4 pounds. I never felt my reels were tested very hard. If I pick up a reel and like it, why should I dismiss it because it is graphite ? How about spools ?

You shouldn't.

Let 's see if this gives you a better idea what can a graphite reel can suffer.

The reel slips from your hands and lands on the floor, the reel foot breaks ----> yup I 've done that, got another graphite reel, screwed the reel seat nut very tight , the reel foot cracks -----> done that too, ok got another graphite reel, spooled in the line with tension, the spool cracked -----> did I mention I also did that ? conclusion, no more graphite reels for me, after 3 reels I should have purchased an aluminum reel worth 3 times what I paid for the graphite reels.

Graphite spools are bad news IMHO. They scrach so much easier than the metal ones and that is exactly the last thing you want. Graphite frames are OK as long as you dont mind that your reel bites the bullet after a couple seasons.

I always look for reels with aluminum (or better) frames, crank arms, and most inportantly, spools. But if you are a casual fisherman that isn't catching 5lb+ fish reguarly, then you can use a graphite reel without to many problems. After a year or two, though, a well used all graphite reel will sound like Bill Dance snoring into a microwave.

Matt

One of my favorite line of spinning reels is a graphite frame reel....the Pflueger Presidant. I have one that has been used hard for 3 seasons now.  Dropped, kicked, stepped on, sat on.......you name it, finish is getting worn, but the reel has not failed me yet. I am still a metal frame only guy on baitcasters, but for spinning reels I don't much care anymore, as long as it has an aluminum spool, and machined handle. I catch my share of 5lb bass on them too, never been a problem.

Graphite works fine if you :

#1 Rarely use the reel.

#2 Take extraordinarily good care of it.

#3 Never catch big fish or get hung up.

#4 Consider it a back up or a disposable.

i strictly buy aluminum or better reels NOW,but i must say i have 2 older quantum ex501cx model baitcasters that i love!!! ive used them hard for at least 7 years without any problems....i dont catch 10lb bass but i do get my fair share of 3, 4 & 5 pounders.i definately wouldnt reccomend a graphite spool on anything though

i've had graphite framed spinning reels crack at the neck on big fish in weeds.i've seen graphite framed baitcasters crack at the reel foot.graphite also flexs causing bearing misalignment.stay with aluminum frames.

You definitely want to stick with aluminum framed reels.  I've never had any issues with reels that had graphite cover plates.

Time will tell if the Pflueger Presidant will hold up in the long haul. But for what I paid for them, I buy them teamed up with BPS Extreme rods as combos when the are on sale for $99. The reel retails for $60, and the rod for $99........so the reels were basicly free. I don't think that was a bad decision on my part. The main uses for my spinning gear are light line, light cover, finesse situations. A 7lber, a few 6's, and countless 5's have been handled just fine on those reel's. Any fishing around heavy cover would be done with baitcasting gear any ways, and like I said I use all metal frames there.