Looking to upgrade my creek reel as it is an old Gander Mountain that’s kinda broken. I’ve had two Shimanos that started to lock up after I got them even the slightest wet, so I am weary of Shimano. Do Daiwa’s have this same problem, or are there any other good options (looking for <$75).

Welcome to the forum!

Spinning or casting??

Thanks. Spinning preferred.

 

You're not giving much info, getting wet how??

Normal kind of use, dunking in the creek?

Yeah just normal use. I was just wondering if Daiwas have the same issue, or if there are any other reels the forum would recommend. I have seen a lot of people have issues with shimanos after they get wet.

The first level reel that rejects water ingress using labyrinth seals defines the word Upgrade, 

especially if you ever have an interest in fishing fine braid.  

Shimano Stradic.  

  

Mine have been in salt finesse service for 5 years.  

 

I'll edit-in this - if $75 is your price point, you don't want a Shimano - at that price end, Daiwa builds a stronger reel.  

So I’m going to offer some suggestions but I’m not going to lie as I’m a bit confused in your use of the greater/ less than symbol🤔 I’m assuming you’re looking for a reel priced above $75.00? A price point would have been helpful imho.

Weird, my Stradic’s have been rained on, specifically my 3000 FD, not a problem at all. Some of the best bites I’ve been on happen during a misty/light rain. My Saragosa 5000,6000, & 8000 have seen moderate rain in the Gulf of America and they actually felt better than new. 
Stradic, Vanford, & Saragosa are more than solid. The Baitrunner Imo is garbage 🎃🤣 my advise is save for a bit and give one a try. Stradic, or gosa, you could do a lot worse for the money.. 

So as far as my recommendations based on what I own I’m going to echo the above comments for a Stradic  and I’ll admit I purchased my 1000 based on the positive reviews on this site but especially my friend @bulldog1935 and a few others on here who own both Stradics and higher end Shimano reels and have nothing bad to say about the Stradics. As for Daiwa’s I’d offer up the B&G if you’re comfortable with a heavier reel that’s  built for light saltwater applications. I have 2 BPS reels a JM signature series that is a rebadged Fuego I’m told and a Carbonlite which I believe is a rebranded old version Exceler, the reason I like the BPS reels is the spool capacity is more inline with what I want (less line capacity) versus the Daiwa reels they are based on. Lastly if you’re looking to stay under $75.00 and you’re not afraid of a CDM product I have 3 Piscifun Carbon X reels and I absolutely love them all and one of my Piscifun’s has been completely submerged pulled out left to dry and so far zero effects without any kind of maintenance as I’m not mechanically inclined and would ruin my reels if I even tried to service them. PS: If I could only keep 1 of the above it would boil down to the Stradic for it’s absolute smoothness vs the Daiwa B&G for its absolute solid built feeling that feels like it will last forever. 

Some Shimanos like the Sahara had an issue where the bushings would swell when wet and stiffen or even lockup the reel.  I don't believe this issue still exists on any of their current offerings but i could be wrong.

ya so way back in the late 90s and early 2000s anglers who river fished often had stradics and symmetres bind up when wet. So much that people called them Shimbindos. 

 

The problem was water would get to the friction ring gasket that was designed to stop the forward motion of the handle from moving when casting and engaging the bail. 

 

there were many other supposed reasons for this but I believe this was the correct one because I had an old symmetre reel bind up (not when wet though) and the friction ring had fragmented and caused the reel to stick.

 

I don't believe this problem still exists with any of their current spinning line up. 

 

I also echo the choice of stradic above. I picked up a Stradic 1000 FM this year and it has been amazing. Long smooth casting and cranking with a very smooth drag. And perfect line lay. Well worth the money. 

All great recommendations here. To get to your price point, have a look at shimano Nasci. I have the 2000 size and it's a good reel with no issues. If you're constantly getting your reels soaked, save up more $$ and do get an inshore salt reel. They're built for getting wet. Lower priced ones would be Penn Battle 3 or 4, Quantum smoke inshore

I have used stradics almost exclusively for nearly 30 years and not a one of mine have ever bound up or stopped working from water.

 

This is first I have heard this is supposed to be an issue with them. I can see it happening when the old black friction ring begins to turn to goo from chemical breakdown, but not because of water. The new blue friction rings are made of silicone rubber and work great and don't turn to goo if wrong lubricant is used on reel. Petroleum and solvents may behind the old black rubber friction rings turning to sticky goo.

 

Some people just remove the friction rings all together and never even miss them. I have a few reels without them. I don't miss them either.

 

I recently purchased another used stradic 4000FG from 1991-1992 era still with its original friction ring intact- and I left it in there. Still as smooth to use as when new. Great reels. I presently have around 20 of them. And a few symtere stradic wannabes- only certain models in the FH series. Great reels! I've never experienced this locking up situation at all.

Penn Battle III and IV are excellent reels.  The Battle III 2000 is available at Sierra right now for $79.99.

Daiwa Legalis 2000 -$65

Daiwa Exceler 2000-$80

Prices on Amazon, I have an Exceler(1000 series on 6'4" St Croix Panfish rod) and really like it even though I generally dislike spinning reels.

 

On 10/31/2025 at 3:26 PM, usa_fish14 said:

Looking to upgrade my creek reel as it is an old Gander Mountain that’s kinda broken. I’ve had two Shimanos that started to lock up after I got them even the slightest wet, so I am weary of Shimano. Do Daiwa’s have this same problem, or are there any other good options (looking for <$75).

Just a heads up.  I am guessing the Shimano's are a couple generations old.  They had an issue with seals under the rotor swelling when wet, jamming them up.  They sell replacement seals pretty cheap (hey you might get bored this winter and this is something to do.)