I am looking for a spinning reel that will handle 8# line. Wonderful reels out there in my price range. They vary in weight from 8 to 11 ounces. If a reel catches my attention and weighs 2 or 3 ounces more than another reel I like; how much should I let the weight difference affect my purchase decision?

Remember, the weight of the reel has an impact on how you balance your rod and the pressure exerted on your hand, forearm and biceps.

A light reel can be handled easily but you give up the power and the heavier line test.

For an 8 pound test (or less) I would think any 1500 series reel will fit the bill.

In fact, any major manufacturer's spinning reel that can handle up to 8 pound test (probably more like 10 pounds shown on the reel) should suffice.

Just go take a look at them and see which ones you like and pick out your favorite.

You can also add the ball bearings to your formula or the type of metal used or if you get a second spool free or if you like a gold and silver model or the length and weight of your rod and what techniques you are going to be using and if you fish in grass or cover and need a heavier test to pull the fish out....so you get the picture.

Just go out and buy one.  The economy needs a push.

Weight is as important as you want it to be. For me, it was high on the list of important features, but was not a driving force. Keep in mind, a spinning reels weight effects the balance of a set up much more than a baitcaster. The center of gravity on a baitcaster can be 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches from the center of the rod, whereas a spinning reel's can be upwards of 3-4 inches. The impact is much greater with the spinning reel. Now, factoring in weight can get tricky. You have graphite, Mg, Ti, and various other alloy's that can make reels lighter. It comes with a price though. Either you give up quality to get a light weight graphite reel, or you give up lot's of $$$ for light weight materials and/or weight reducing machining. Some makers, like Pflueger, offset the cost of the materials by building their reels in remote jungles in Asia for pennies a day. It may sound like a jab at Pflueger, but I do own 4 of their reels, and I would buy them again if I had to replace them.

I would pay $30 more if my real were to weigh 3 ounces lighter.

pflueger president X6735

I don't think it is of that high importance- then again I have a fuego 2000 7.5oz on my GLX drop shot rod  ;D the whole setup weighs less than a can of coke.

like everyone else said, it's as important as you want it to be. if you've already got the rod that the reel will be going on, bring it in to the store and try out the different reels you're looking at for that rod. all the numbers can look good on paper but until you've got the setup in your hand and can feel the balance of it you're really not going to know if you like it or not. that advice has been passed along on this site quite a bit and i can't agree more.

if you're looking for a light 8# reel, check out the pflueger supreme 8030 or 8035. they go for around $100 but you can find them cheap on ebay or other online tackle shops.

Most of my spinning reels are Pflueger Presidants 6735's at 11 oz.'s, thats about as heavy as I would go. I do have one Pflueger Supreme 8035 at about 8.8 oz's and I can notice the difference, but I can not notice much if any difference between the 11 oz Presidant and the 9.5oz Daiwa Capricorn 2500 I have.........so I think it's all personal Preferance.

Most of my spinning reels are Pflueger Presidants 6735's at 11 oz.'s, thats about as heavy as I would go. I do have one Pflueger Supreme 8035 at about 8.8 oz's and I can notice the difference, but I can not notice much if any difference between the 11 oz Presidant and the 9.5oz Daiwa Capricorn 2500 I have.........so I think it's all personal Preferance.

I have the same President. I also wouldn't go any heavier than the 6735. Nice reel though and so far it feels good on my AS68mxf Avid.

I have the same President. I also wouldn't go any heavier than the 6735. Nice reel though and so far it feels good on my AS68mxf Avid.

Mine are all mounted now on Avids as well, great combo's that don't break the bank