I have 3 days to decide which reel to get to go with this rod, so that my parents can buy it for me for christmas, they already got me the rod Yesterday from TW.

Any Shimano spinning reel in the 2500 size, depending on your price range.

After fishing a shimano on a powell for close to 2 years, I have to say that they go together very well. A heavier reel would balance out better; Powells are a bit tip-heavy. I won't go for one of those uber-fashionable super-light reels (that would also cost you a ton of money) that seem to be the rage.

No experience with any of the reels you mentioned.

I couldn't recommend any of the reels listed. A Daiwa Exceler in 2000 size, Shimano Sahara 2500, Pinnacle Performa XT, are all good reels at attainable prices that have worked well for me.

I agree with J Francho. I wouldn't recommend any of those reels either.

The cheapest quality reel out there is a pflueger president for 60.00. JMO

I use the same rod with a 30 size quantum. Great setup for drop shots and shaky heads

Of those....maybe the Incyte but I'd recommend a President 30 or the Exceler

Of those....maybe the Incyte but I'd recommend a President 30 or the Exceler

Unless they changed them in the last year or two, the President 30, is actually a smaller size than the Supreme 30 size reel.

Not sure why they were doing that. The President you would want should be a 35.

As others have stated, I'd go with a slightly larger reel on that rod.

Shimano Sahara or Symetre in the 2500 size, Abu Orra S or SX in the 30 size.

The Daiwa Tournament SS would be a good choice as well, but I'd go with the 1300 size over the 700.

On a side note...Could you talk your parents into putting me on their Christmas list?

Tom

Ill chime in with the President 30 as well.

I have the small 20 size and it holds its own with 2- 2 1/2# bass and 3# channel cats. I have a Supreme XT 30 and its boarderline too big for my ML Avid so if the 30 is a bit smaller should be just fine.

Would a California Tackle M-7 Spinning reel be a better choice?

Would a California Tackle M-7 Spinning reel be a better choice?

WHAT ???????????????

http://www.hooksettackle.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=5&Category_ID=32

http://www.hooksettackle.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=5&Category_ID=32

That seems to be a 1000 size reel from the specs?

I'm not sure based on the picture....

I'm not sure based on the picture....

7 ball bearings

Ratio 4:1

Quick set anti-reverse lb/yds 2/220 4/170 6/110

Lifetime warranty

Compare with Shimano Sahara 1000FD

SH1000FD Right/Left 5.6:1 6.9 3A-RB + 1A-RB 4/140, 6/110

So basically, you just add up all of those #s and if the equal 250 its a 2500 sized reel?

Here a few 2500 sized reels I like, but the thing is, I was aiming for THE LIGHTEST combination possible

http://www.sportco.com/store/pc/Tica-Libra-Sa-Spinning-Fishing-Reel-Sa2500-p47309.htm

http://www.ecrater.com/p/11160832/shimano-ultegra-advance-c3000hg-fishing

http://www.histackleboxshop.com/CLEARANCE-Daiwa-Fuego-A-Spinning-Reel-p/clearance-daiwa-fuego.htm

but the thing is, I was aiming for THE LIGHTEST combination possible

That indeed is a very praiseworthy motive. Unfortunately, as I pointed out, the rod itself is tip-heavy, and won't balance well otherwise. It's a bass rod, not an ultralight trout rod. I assume you're going to use 6 lb line or heavier? Quite apart from the balance issue, you'll likely have manageability problems with line that thick on an ultralight size reel.

I don't know why we're making this more difficult than it should be. Select your price range. Then find a Shimano 2500 size reel in that price range. Flea markets and ebay are good bets if you want to keep it around $50.

That indeed is a very praiseworthy motive. Unfortunately, as I pointed out, the rod itself is tip-heavy, and won't balance well otherwise. It's a bass rod, not an ultralight trout rod. I assume you're going to use 6 lb line or heavier? Quite apart from the balance issue, you'll likely have manageability problems with line that thick on an ultralight size reel.

I don't know why we're making this more difficult than it should be. Select your price range. Then find a Shimano 2500 size reel in that price range. Flea markets and ebay are good bets if you want to keep it around $50.

IMO for a truly balanced setup, using a heavier reel never works.

In my experience and opinion anyhow.

For spinning rods they are usually light enough, that going light feels fine to me. With some casting rods/setups I like to put a balancing weight on the handle.

http://www.hooksettackle.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=5&Category_ID=32

Stick with what everybody is telling you not some off the wall reel.

Select your price range. Then find a Shimano 2500 size reel in that price range.

Or a PFLUEGER in 30 size.

oh here check this its like one you linked to Daiwa Fuego

reg $300 can get it for $159 2500 size

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bargain-Cave/Fishing/Reels%7C/pc/105591780/c/105740280/sc/105742980/Cabelas-50th-Anniversary-Daiwa-TD-Fuego174-Spinning-Reel/1159084.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbargain-cave-fishing-reels%2F_%2FN-1102770%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105742980%3FWTz_l%3DSEO%253Bcat105591780%253Bcat105740280&WTz_l=SEO%3Bcat105591780%3Bcat105740280%3Bcat105742980

I'm with the others. I wouldn't suggest any of the reels on the list. If you are looking to be effecient with your expenditure, I am a big fan of the Pfluger President as bang for the buck. Nice reel.