Tight budget, mainly used for ned rig senko and keitechs

You might want to consider a used reel. I seldom use a spinning reel. Thus all mine are older reels so I can't be of help other than suggesting used (or a sale). I feel Okuma products are underrated but even then you'd have to find one on sale or used at your budget.

I have zero experience with any KastKing reel but the Royale Legend sells for less than $35. I've read that their products are getting better with a couple of their baitcast reels offering excellent performance for price. No idea about longevity. Wouldn't expect one at that price to last long with regular use but you never know.

The Shimano Sienna FG is right at $35. Also look at store brands. Research like a pro.

So with that tight of a budget you have 3 options imho, you can buy used or go for a budget reel such as the Daiwa Laguna, Shimano Sienna or Abu Garcia Max X. The last option is Amazon sells quite a few Chinese reels and although I haven’t tried a whole lot of them I do have a Kast King reel and 5 Piscifun reels that I really feel are worth what I paid for them. You can also check both of the above mentioned websites and they usually offer at least a 10% off your first order coupon code, I just bought a Piscifun Viper X 2000 spinning reel last season and although I prefer my Carbon X reels it’s right there in your price range at $40.00-$45.00 for sizes 500-3000.

1 hour ago, JustinJ said:

Tight budget, mainly used for ned rig senko and keitechs

You're not happy with the Stratus?

For under $100 budget spinning reels, I'd definitely go with Shimano's offerings. They are incredibly smooth for that price range, and stay that way for a long time. They're usually not metal frame, but for bass fishing they're sturdy enough.

24 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

You're not happy with the Stratus?

Blew up on me

Anyone have experience with kastking zephyr

Just now, JustinJ said:

Blew up on me

Anyone have experience with kastking zephyr

Although I have zero experience with the Zephyr it closely resembles my above mentioned Carbon X reels which I’m thrilled with.

Edited April 26Apr 26 by Eric 26
Grammar

Although I prefer the Daiwa Revros, I have no issues with my Shimano Sienna. The only thing about the Sienna that I wish was different is the AR is small and awkward to locate in a hurry. But the reel performs fine.

X2 on the Revos

4 minutes ago, bowhunter63 said:

X2 on the Revos

Out of his price range unless he finds a big discount sale. No experience with the reel, but gave one to a B-I-L for his birthday a few years ago. Far as I know he's still using it.

I had an older model Okuma Avenger that treated me pretty well for years. It was nothing fancy but did the job just fine. Prettty sure you can find them for around $50.

I like the Handing M1 reels from Amazon. I had picked up a few of the 500, 2000, & 3000 sizes a few years ago and they are great for the price. I gifted most of them but kept 2 of the 500 sizes for ice fishing and panfish rigs and one 2000 (which is similar in size to other brands 3000 size like my older Pflueger President). Hard to beat for the money imho. https://www.amazon.com/HANDING-Spinning-Freshwater-Fishing-Bearings/dp/B0CHVSMS39/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=2OBLDCIBH7CVS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.23XEZ8UEBtcnArJ2rFg-fITbC0Yeygcpy6wWo27U7VdFPHzZZQ4icLEmc8z5mVXKONwQmCxTW5PTxOsoSIl3y2xYc8mIEv6iHL5M6_a6AfrI1NFL1yKJhejeaE4wRh5_j-d4HH0Dkx_-ZR62-4RR_qNUw7IPQFdR8rP4w8FOQvBsXquUvC5r7Zcf8sjya_XmPlpDSMOo56sAGbMhYdQZRJsbTn0KhKxFbFYeNkojNk0.eKJqyHt0kxVscrHas5woDhjEVBWiObEutqIlyP5tbXM&dib_tag=se&keywords=handing%2Bm1&qid=1777170295&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=handing%2Bm1%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1&th=1

Kastking Zephyr arrived today. I ordered the 2000. The reel is smaller than other 2000-2500 reels. Reel was sticky out of the box. Definitely not a good first kastking impression. Returning to Amazon

52 minutes ago, JustinJ said:

Kastking Zephyr arrived today. I ordered the 2000. The reel is smaller than other 2000-2500 reels. Reel was sticky out of the box. Definitely not a good first kastking impression. Returning to Amazon

Ok so the will say I have both the Piscifun Carbon X 2000 and the Viper X 2000 which share the same frame and spool size/capacity and they are both a bit larger body sized than both my 2000 sized BPS Jhonny Morris signature series reel and 1500 Carbonlite 2.0 which share the same frame size along with spool size/capacity. I personally think they are more along the lines of a 2500 sized reel personally and I’ll be happy to share the line capacities if you would like. Also to me they were both super smooth right out of the box with the Carbon X 1000 1st generation being extremely smooth even after being submerged and only dried out. Feel free to reach out to me in a PM if you want any more details.

Catch a Pflueger President on sale at wallyworld or BPS. Best low cost spinner there is. IMHO

15 hours ago, JustinJ said:

Kastking Zephyr arrived today. I ordered the 2000. The reel is smaller than other 2000-2500 reels. Reel was sticky out of the box. Definitely not a good first kastking impression. Returning to Amazon

I want to try them and like one of their products. But I got a spinning reel(megajaws non elite) at 50% off on Amazon for $40. Reel was smooth and felt good except for a click at the bottom of the spool movement and a squeal from the drag when at lower pressures.

DSG has em on sale for $60. 20% over budget for OP, but a good deal. I have one on my DS rig and like it. Really wish it had an AR switch. But it seems like everyone is doing away with those.

3 hours ago, Alpster said:

Catch a Pflueger President on sale at wallyworld or BPS. Best low cost spinner there is. IMHO

Piscifun Carbon X reels are good and light weight..Been using them the last 3-5 years for smallies and walleyes. Had good luck with Daiwa Revros also.

Shimano sienna is a decent reel, does the job, no issues. you can grab one for about 30 dollars.

Under $100 Shimano Sierra.

Around $50 Okuma ceymor.

I know it's a little over your budget but I agree with others that recommended the Daiwa Revros. I have three of them. I have used them hard and no issues.

Another vote for the Revros. I've had 3 of them for a few years now and they're excellent reels for the price.

The Revros in my area have gone up the past few years , but 60$ is still a good deal.

8 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Another vote for the Revros. I've had 3 of them for a few years now and they're excellent reels for the price.

I have an LT2000 and a LT2500. Neither one has ever had one single issue. Line lay is superb. Reels smooth with no geary noise or sensation. No roller on the bail but even after years of using braid, the line has never worn. You’d never guess they were as inexpensive as they are if you weren’t aware of the price they sell for.

Find an old Daiwa 1000C or 1300C. You can find them for $20-$30 easily, they're indestructible. While they're old, they're all metal and made in Japan, super easy to service, and really stand out for what they are. At that price point, there are a lot of trade-offs to be had. You can get something that's smooth and questionable, or something that's a little rough around the edges and will do what you want.