what you guys think of the spirex reels by shimano?

That was the first reel i bought when i started bass fishing. It never gave me any problems except it was a bit on the heavy side. IMO, the Shimano Sahara is a far better reel than the Spirex for the same price. Go with the  Sahara you will be much happier.

It's a good reel to start a kid out on. The sahara is a better reel for the same money.

Have had one for 10 years now without any problems.  But I upgraded to a stradic FI so I don't use it anymore.  It is a good reel but you could a better reel for the same price.

The Sahara is essentially the same reel as the Spirex, sans Quick-Fire and dual-paddle handle.

Spirex = cinder block. Do what Iwantnuts said - Sahara.

I still have my Shimano Sahara 2500 and use it for my 3rd spinning setup when the need calls for one.  It's not in the class of my Stradics or Capricorns in terms of smoothness. But it's never broken down nor had any binding issues either. Darn reliable reel, and a excellent value for the money. Just wish they would come out with a better handle, as it looks kind of cheaply made.