Is the extra 25 bucks worth it for the FJ? What's big difference between the reels?

One is front drag, the other rear.  I prefer front drag reels.

Wow, that's it.

http://www.lg-outdoors.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HK_SY2500F

This one looks like a front drag.

Looks like there is 3 types of symetre:  symetre,  symetre RJ(rear), symetre FJ. (front)

I could be wrong.

100 bones on fleabay for me a saros....

New Shimano Symetre are all j-series.  Be it FJ or RJ.

The FJ is a Front drag. The RJ is a Rear drag. The rear drag has the Fighting Drag II feature.

The FJ is considerably lighter in weight than a RJ.

I found a symetre that I think is a 2008 model for 35 bucks or so cheaper then new model. Is there much difference between the two to make it worth buying newer 2011 model?

New Shimano Symetre are all j-series. Be it FJ or RJ.

The FJ is a Front drag. The RJ is a Rear drag. The rear drag has the Fighting Drag II feature.

The FJ is considerably lighter in weight than a RJ.

Thanks

I'm a rookie at this stuff, but I found a 2008 new model that doesn't list RJ or FJ so I it made me think there was three models when it was just an older year. Now I'm wondering if it's worth to buy new model verses older(2008)??

You would need to know the Actual designation.  Could be on the reel or the spool itself with the later models.  Everything past the current model is off Shimano's list of reels they will repair. To send a reel  in its $35 though. The FI retailed about $25 cheaper anyway new.  I just go get a new one and be done.