1st post so right off the bat i want to say hello and this forum is great.

I just started bass fishing and im looking to retire my old worn out shimano spinning real. I was at the new sportsmens warehouse looking for a new smooth reel that will last awhile.To me,i think the quantum seems smoother but ive always had shimano and it has become a toss up for me. Im looking to spent 70-85$ on a spinning reel.Can you guys advise on what works best and why.The kid at the desk was begging me almost to change to quantum because of his personal pick i assume.I figured id check w/ the pro's before i purchased.Thanks guys.  Jerod  Wilgreen Lake KY

I'd say shimano. I've never owned a Quantum, but Shimano is leading favorite on this site (See other thread).

Shimano Symetre I've heard good things about for the $75-$80 price range. If you can afford the Stradic that would be my for sure definite pick. I love my Stradic and dont' have a single complaint.

SYMETRE!!!!

Shimano has served you well in the past.  Why take a chance?

Welcome aboard!

Whenever the conversation turns to "What is the best?" the responses are usually about what is our "favorite". With 10,000+ members, we have sponsors of every brand. So, whether it's Quantum, Daiwa, Pflueger, Abu Garcia, Cabela's house brand or BPS, someone here likes them- a lot!

For me it's Shimano. Most reels start out sweet, but the question, I think, is durability or performance over time. The Symetre and Stradic are great reels. If you like the way they work and feel, that's what you get and that's exactly what you'll have five or ten years from now. With proper maintainance, these reels might last a lifetime.  

I saw the $119 Stradics at Bass Pro yesterday for $99.

Welcome to the forum,

I have had a lot of Shimano spinning reels over the years but I am currently using a Quantum Kinetic.  I like both companies and I think they both make good products. After fishing with the Kinetic for awhile I have to say I like the Symetre a little better.  

The bail system is nice on the Kinetic but there is a piece where the bail wire connects to the roller and I have had some issues with the line not making it to the roller and when the line gets hung up there you can't hardly turn the handle on the reel. I always close the bail by hand and try to check to make sure the line is on the roller. I would imagine the problem may be much more annoying for those that crank the bail shut.

By the way I have had a Stradic as well and I like the Symetre better than that.

But like Roadwarrior said it all comes down to personal preferences.

Good luck.

Welcome to the forum.

As said before, you cannot go wrong with any of the major brands.

I like Shimano and all but two of my spinning rigs are Shimano. The two spinning rigs are Bass Pro Shop modles and have served me well.

I have an old Ambassador baitcaster but all other baitcasters are Shimano.

But you can't go wrong by staying with the major brands.

I have both a Quantum Kinetic and two Shimano Symtre's that I use for inshore fishing. I think tht the Symtre's are the better reels. I have had one of mine for five years and really have not had to do anything to it. The only thing that I like about my Quantum better than my Shimano is that the Quantum holds more line, which really is not a problem in Bass fishing but it can be in the saltwater.

Big T

The Symetre and the Stradic are probably the best bang for the buck out there.  I like Quantum reels but for starting out, the Shimanos are proven proven performers.

Thanks alot guys! Yeah i figure i will stay with what works and has givin me years of pleasure on the waters.I guess you can never go wrong with a shimano. I hear their baitcasters are 2nd to none also.Ill start looking for a deal now you guys helped me in the right direction.

no comparison between the two. Shimano is much better built.

Yea im looking hard at the symetre 2500FI. It seems to be the one with the best reviews also over the 2500RI

That's a no-brainer.

"Symetre 2500 front-drag", the best value in the Shimano house.

Roger

id say shimano as well, just so u know shimano is upgrading their reels as far as the stradic sustain and stella i know thats more then u want to spend but had to let u know  

Plain and simple, if you have the money, get the Stradic, if it's a bit too pricey, get the Symetre.

You'll be happy either way!

I like quantum because ive never used any think else