Now, when I say "impress", im speaking in relative terms. I'm looking to get a really cheap combo to use in the salt.

Pflueger Trion series. $40 reels that act like $100 reels. I've got one going on it's fourth season.

Casting or Spinning?

Rainbow BM1000 spinning reel off ebay and its going on its 4th season and just needs a good cleaning. It has never given me any problems while I was out fishing with it and its a cheapo brand out of japan I believe. I paid $24 for it including shipping as I remember and its still around..

Casting or Spinning?

Looking for casting primarily.

Bass Pro Shops Extreme,  A few of my friends really like these.  Catch theme on sale at 59$  I'm not overly impressed but I'm kind of a snob.   My old one does dependable duty.   

As far as casting reels, see sig. I fish almost daily and my PQ's are still like the day I got them. Only thing I've done is regular maintenance on them.

Cheap to you may be different from another person, just remember that. There are people on here that have some ridiculous gear that consider anything less cheap.

I have had really good success with the cabelas prodigy baitcaster. It usually sells for 99.00 but I have picked up a few for as low as 54.00 to 59.00 dollars. They are made by Daiwa. I can't imagine there is a better reel out there for 60 bones.

Citica 200E

I have had really good success with the cabelas prodigy baitcaster. It usually sells for 99.00 but I have picked up a few for as low as 54.00 to 59.00 dollars. They are made by Daiwa. I can't imagine there is a better reel out there for 60 bones.

Or a shimano FX

Abu Garcia Orra SX

The most inexpensive will be the two Revo S's I bought new for $67.97 each. They are not cheap but were very inexpensive.  The other would be the Revo SX for 109.97

Pinnacle Extant HS Metal baitcast.

Pfluger President, spinning.

Several seasons on both of these reels with no decline in feel or performance.

new in box from a retail store...

pinnacle solene. this reel is awesome for the money. ive owned three and to my knowledge the two i gave away are still running strong and the one i have still throws my unweighted plastics with ease.

spinning would be the quantum incyte. its 11bearings or smooth goodness. i have the first one i baught 3 or 4 years ago and it has been in salt water and fresh almost every weekend since... and it still feels like the day i got it.  doesnt look like it... but fishes like it. i use that one solely for salt now and have a new one for fresh.

if youre going to to the ebay type route its really hard to beat the quantum accurist pt. you can find them n.i.b. for like 50 bucks. they were 139 brand new in the day. great reel. if i were you id try to find the accurist salt water... pts. its one of the best reels i own period and you can probably find it pretty cheap. i dont know about that one though.. i havent looked.

good luck!

Quantum Iron IR3 from 1990s.  $40, still lives.

Quantum Iron IR3 from 1990s. $40, still lives.

true. i have one of those and am using it for cranking.. lol.. im like the third owner and it feels like new. lol.

Probably a Quantum Accurist.  I have picked them up used online for $30, and every once in a while they will go on sale at Cabelas for around $60.

Casting: Cabelas Prodigy or Quantum Accurist PT

Bass Pro Shops Extreme Baitcasting Reel... currently on sale for $60.  Very durable, smooth reeling, and great casting.  It honestly keeps up everybit with my shimanos and revos, plus you get two or three for the price of one more expensive reel.  I was skeptical at first but have found them to be the best bargain by far in the world of reels.

Quantum Exceler or Cabelas Prodigy

Quantum Exceler or Cabelas Prodigy

I hate to tell you this, but Daiwa makes the Exceler-- not quantum.

Quantum Accurist PT. 

Quantum Accurist - good reel for the cost.

I would have to agree with kikstand about the solene I have had one for a while and it has given me no problems with heavy use.  I use it primarily in fresh water but it has been in the salt a few times.