What size spinning reel would you recommend for general purpose use.  Casting and less line twist are fairly high priorities.

Most likely the rod will be a St. Croix Premier 6'6" MF.

Currently looking at Daiwa Exceler, or possibly Tierra.  (If I go Shimano it would be the Symetre 2500).

Thanks!  Leon

 

EDIT:  See new comment at the bottom

All my Daiwa spinning reels are the 2500 size. IMHO that is about the perfect size for me and bass fishing. My Pflueger reels are xx35 size which is about the same size as the Daiwa 2500, maybe just touch bigger but  not much, and xx30 size which seems to fall right between the Daiwa 2000 and 2500 size. I have been told for less line twist the bigger the spool on a spinning reel the better, but I have no problems with twist (other than what would be normal), and the bigger 3000 and up size reels just don't feel comfortable to me, no tto mention they get quite heavier they bigger they get.

The Exceler is a great reel. The spool is designed to eliminate line twists. The 2500 & 3000 are the same reel except the 3000's spool will hold more line. IMHO I would go with the 3000.

Thanks, sounds like either size is a winner.  Hopefully the tackle shop will have both sizes next time I go in.  I'll see which feels best.

Oh, would using 6# or sometime 4# make a difference?  Eventually I will be trying Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft.

6# Yo Zuri Ultrasoft and a 2500 size reel are a perfect match.

6# Yo Zuri Ultrasoft and a 2500 size reel are a perfect match.

8-)

I would go with a 2500. It's a bit lighter and that helps on a long session.

Personally, the 2500 Daiwa Tierra felt too heavy on my St Croix Avid AS68MLXF, so I went with the 2000.  Different rod, different reel, but you may want to try it in person if possible.

Different sizes will balance out differently, but if you want better casting and less line twist, go with the 3000.

Thanks for all your input.  The Baitmonkey & I are getting anxious to go to the tackle shop  ;D

Speaking of Shimano reels, the only differences between a 2000-2500 model and a 3000 model is the spool, the reel is the same..... and one tenth of an ounce heavier due to larger spool.

Go with the 2500.

I'd go with a 3000 if the size is similar.  Usually they weigh the same but the 3000 has more line capacity.

For the Daiwa Exceler or Tierra's that I've been considering, the difference between the sizes is about an ounce.  The other difference is the amount of line retrieved per crank.  I believe it's 28" vs 31"