Contrary to spec's, I don't think the new Symetre is a major upgrade at all, but that's me and the fact I've learned to work on my own stuff. The old Symetre's are nice as well, but there are other brands that offer great quality - it's all a matter of what you like and what feels right.

Get a Daiwa Tierra off ebay for $90. It will blow any cheap Shimano away.

I have three Tierra spinning and one Sol spinning reel, love them all. I used to like Quantums Catylist PTI"s, and still do somewhat, but the Daiwas are much better in terms of smooth drags and especially preventing line twist. I know lots of guys equally happy with the Shimanos in the same price range. I always seem to be satisfied with any Shimano or Daiwa I have purchased. Not true with other manufacturers, although Pflueger does provide a very good bang for the buck in many models.

Daiwa is my first choice in most reels but there are much better bang for the buck out there.

As for spinning reels I chose the Supreme's over daiwa products due to light weight, and higher speed.

Get a Daiwa Tierra off ebay for $90. It will blow any cheap Shimano away.

I had all Shimano Symetres for freshwater until last year. I bought a Daiwa Tierra 4000 for salt water surf fishing. The Tierra is smooth and strong. I won't be pitching my Symetres, they are good reels, but I'd opt for the Tierra over the Symetre now. Sorry Shimano...time to move over

One problem with those Daiwa's IMO is that the bail is like $50 to replace. (2nd hand info here). So if you aren't carefull that's a good chunk of money to spend on a reel that is only $100.

Otherwise nice reels.

The Sahara and Symetre are both great reels & you can find them for under $80/100 respectively if you shop around. Pflueger President is a great reel for the $$$. Best deal I've found lately is a Abu Garcia 702LX at Reeds for 79.99 - normally 109.99. All aluminum body/rotor, extremely overbuilt inside.

The 702lx is the way to go. Its the best of all the reels that have been mentioned IMO. Sahara and Symetre are also good reels. I own 2 Saharas and have no complaints but the Abu is superior in every way.

The Sahara and Symetre are both great reels & you can find them for under $80/100 respectively if you shop around. Pflueger President is a great reel for the $$$. Best deal I've found lately is a Abu Garcia 702LX at Reeds for 79.99 - normally 109.99. All aluminum body/rotor, extremely overbuilt inside.

I'll second that motion. I just received my Abu 702XL from Reed's this past Friday. I haven't spooled any line yet, but first impression out of the box is the amazing abundance of quality materials. This reel truly is over-built for this price bracket, probably in part due to the intended salt / freshwater application. And at $79.99 at Reeds ($89 shipped) it's hard to beat this deal w/ a stick.

I have a cardinal 802 & 804, these reels handle fish.  I use these reels for snook, redfish and tarpon.  I put an 804 handle on my 802, and what a difference it made ($10.) got it on ebay for about $80.00.  I just moved the 802 to freshwater.

Shimano Symetre 2500FJ which lists for $100, but you might be able

to find it a little cheaper.

Picked up this same reel yesterday for 69.99 @ Tackle Warehouse.  

8-)