I tried to look at previous posts prior to asking about this reel but I didn't see too much. Looking for an all around, relatively inexpensive, multi-species spinning reel for a travel rod. I can get one for $ 63.00. How do they hold up? Good with braid? Any experiences appreciated. Randy

I’ve run a few budget spinning reels on travel rods, and at $63 I’d be tempted too. It probably will not feel buttery like a pricier Shimano or Daiwa, but if the line lay is even and the drag starts smoothly, it should be fine with braid for light multi-species work. The thing I’d watch is handle play and spool wobble after a few trips, because that is usually where cheap reels show themselves first. If it is mostly a backup setup, I think it makes sense.

I bought one for a buddy of mine. It might have been the previous version but it works great. Not sure on braid though.

Good reel and good size. Wouldn’t think twice about it.

@Kow, @FishTank, and @brophog, thanks for the replies. I realize it's not a Stradic but it's not Stradic $$ either. Regards, Randy

In terms of "budget reels" it doesnt get better than Regal LT. Regal has the lighter LT frame, same as Exceler/Fuego, where Revros and Laguna have the heavier composite frames. The handle is 2pc and uses a hex shaft fitting instead of being threaded. While the threaded 1pc handles cut weight and offer a superior connection, Regal runs smoother than most $100 offering son the market. The several regals my friends use have held up well, with 1 exception.

My buddy, who is very hard on gear has a regal with a sketchy bail. Im about 99% certain it comes from whacking the reel against the bridges we fish constantly. Ive seen him drop it on concrete and pavement, both pretty hard. The reel runs ok, you just have to manually close the bail, which he doesn't like, so he stopped using it.

As far as line management, its really goof for the $. Ive only seen them used with braid. I would imagine mono would be ok and maybe even some really light FC.

I’m certainly not going to try to talk you out of it but if you’re planning on using braid just remember the Regal has a deep spool. I believe TW has the capacity at 240 yds of 8 lb monofilament.

2 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

I’m certainly not going to try to talk you out of it but if you’re planning on using braid just remember the Regal has a deep spool. I believe TW has the capacity at 240 yds of 8 lb monofilament.

20# backing is your friend.

3 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

20# backing is your friend.

Although I laughed at your response I’m with you on that and would even take @MN Fisher’s approach using some cheap Cajun Red or Zebco monofilament to boot.

9 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

Although I laughed at your response I’m with you on that and would even take @MN Fisher’s approach using some cheap Cajun Red or Zebco monofilament to boot.

For spinning reels, I get a 1/4# spool of Zebco Cajun in 6# test to use as backing. That gives you 1850yds, plenty for multiple reels. It's only $9.49 at Fleet Farm

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/zebco-cajun-smooth-cast-low-vis-quarter-pound-spool/0000000294339

I looked at the Regal LT pretty hard last year, but landed on the Exceler LT 3000. There were a few upgrades that made it worth it to me, but still what I would consider a quality budget value reel. I have been very impressed with Daiwa spinning reels. I am sure the Regal is also a quality reel.

I've owned the last three generations of the Regal, they are good reels. They certainly aren't the Exceler or Ballistic, but properly cared for will last a long time.

16 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

For spinning reels, I get a 1/4# spool of Zebco Cajun in 6# test to use as backing. That gives you 1850yds, plenty for multiple reels. It's only $9.49 at Fleet Farm

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/zebco-cajun-smooth-cast-low-vis-quarter-pound-spool/0000000294339

16 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

Although I laughed at your response I’m with you on that and would even take @MN Fisher’s approach using some cheap Cajun Red or Zebco monofilament to boot.

I've got two 1150 yard spools of red Cajun Line. Have it as main line on a couple casting reels, but mainly use it for backing. Will have left over when I pass away.

I used to have a couple of older ones and aside from being heavy they weren't bad. Over 8 oz is too heavy.

On 4/10/2026 at 9:36 AM, Alex from GA said:

I used to have a couple of older ones and aside from being heavy they weren't bad. Over 8 oz is too heavy.

The previous gen Regal LTs werent heavy at all. To get a Shimano the same weight as Regal LT you had to spend more than double actually the same weight as Exceler and Fuego, just over 7oz (7.3 I think) for 2500. The 3000 is just over 7.5, 8 and change with line.

I think the new Regal only weighs 7.1 oz in the 2500 size.