I am looking for a new spinning reel for around 150.00. I am looking at the Shimano Static 2500 FI or the newer Quantum Energy PT 30. What do you guys all think. Mike

Well, I like the FI, but would suggest putting off the

purchase until you save another $50 and buy the CI4.

8-)

Being a Quantum fan myself I would say go ahead and get the new Quantum Energy PTB 30. I have the Quantum Catalyst PTB20 and Kinetic PTB20 and they are great reels.

Lighter than last years models and great drags and very smooth.

Stradic FI or Soron STX will easily fit into your budget.  Both solid spinning reels that should last years.

It would be Stradic for me as I own 21 Shimanos and no other brand.

Shimano!!! Nuff said! Have 2 symetry's, one about 4 or 5 year's old and one of the "redesigned" one's about two year's old great reel's!! Cant go wrong with one of those. Junebugman

Well, I like the FI, but would suggest putting off the

purchase until you save another $50 and buy the CI4.

8-)

X2 yep!

There's no reason to spend that kind of money on a quality spinning reel.  The  Pflueger President XT is one of the finest reels you can buy; even at twice the price of $90.  Check it out.

I recommend the Daiwa Tierra and the Okuma VS.  Both are among the very best at that price point and both have been reviewed and highly touted by Tackle Tour.

The Stradic is heaven. 

It would be Stradic for me as I own 21 Shimanos and no other brand.

Then you really don't know what other reels offer. I own several spinning reels from quite a few different manufacturers.

The Stradic is a rock solid performer no question about it, but there are others that do a great job as well.  Up to $100 just about anything in the Pflueger lineup performs very well.  My personal favorite is a Soron 40 or cardinal 802 ( no difference in cardinal or soron ) the Soron is as smooth as the Stradic and the drag is every bit as good, both reels have been durable over time.  It's really hard to pick a bad reel these days.

Makes me wonder how people can give a review based on a few minutes handling them in a store or using their buddies to catch a few fish on.  I bought a daiwa tierra about 6 weeks ago, reel has performed well but I can't give it a proper review until more hard fishing is done on it.

I love my Soron STX but would have to say that if I had $150 to burn I'd probably hold out until TW has a 15% off sale for the CI4, which takes that $199 reel to $170. Mow the neighbors yard for $20 and you're there!

For me the Shimano line offers the best in durability and value.  The Saros and Stradic are both nice reels in your price range!  I recommend them!

Every one makes good reels in the 150.00 range .You just have to figure out what you want in a reel and go from there.

Every one makes good reels in the 150.00 range .You just have to figure out what you want in a reel and go from there.

Pretty much correct.

I'm a Daiwa fan when it comes to spinning reels.

It would be Stradic for me as I own 21 Shimanos and no other brand.

Then you really don't know what other reels offer. I own several spinning reels from quite a few different manufacturers.

The Stradic is a rock solid performer no question about it, but there are others that do a great job as well. Up to $100 just about anything in the Pflueger lineup performs very well. My personal favorite is a Soron 40 or cardinal 802 ( no difference in cardinal or soron ) the Soron is as smooth as the Stradic and the drag is every bit as good, both reels have been durable over time. It's really hard to pick a bad reel these days.

Makes me wonder how people can give a review based on a few minutes handling them in a store or using their buddies to catch a few fish on. I bought a daiwa tierra about 6 weeks ago, reel has performed well but I can't give it a proper review until more hard fishing is done on it.

I used to feel that only Shimano was acceptable. Then I got a Daiwa. Then I got a Pflueger. Then an Okuma. Haven't had a chance to evaluate durability on the Pflu or Okuma, but seem great so far. I think reels are kind of like how my dad describes trucks. "Nowdays, they're all good. Dodges have the best motors, Chevys have the best transmissions, Fords have the best fit and finish." Some reels have better drags, some better gears, but all will catch fish. Now Shimano and Daiwa still get MY vote, but.... ;D

Among us folks who often fish for river Smallmouth out of canoes or kayaks we've come to the consensus that Shimano spinners in the mid-to-high price range aren't very good for what we do. (Gasp!)

Why?

Because if you get them wet (like dunking them totally submerged) they start binding up on the retrieve, like they are full of maple syrup on a cold day.

This is so common that several folks call them "Shimbindos". ;D

If you fish from "the big boat", and/or in dry conditions, this will never effect you. But if your gonna wade or canoe or kayak, it's something to keep in mind.

Among us folks who often fish for river Smallmouth out of canoes or kayaks we've come to the consensus that Shimano spinners in the mid-to-high price range aren't very good for what we do. (Gasp!)

Why?

Because if you get them wet (like dunking them totally submerged) they start binding up on the retrieve, like they are full of maple syrup on a cold day.

This is so common that several folks call them "Shimbindos". Grin

If you fish from "the big boat", and/or in dry conditions, this will never effect you. But if your gonna wade or canoe or kayak, it's something to keep in mind.

So what would "you folks" recommend for such conditions?

Not Shimano.

;D