Home Forums Fishing Freshwater Spinning Reel Under $150?

Man I loved Shimano spinners until I just got their new Sahara 3000. Thing is made of plastic and feels like there's sand in the innards so returning it. I have an old Sahara 4000 from maybe 7 years ago, solid metal, same with a slightly newer Sedona. Both feel like greased lightning on the retrieve.

What does everyone prefer for a spinner in the 6-10lb test range these days for say $150 and under? I really hate plastic and things that feel cheap. I went with Shimano this time around based on past experience. I don't mind the weight of metal.

Thanks!

I really like the Pfluger arbor reel 7430X with 6 lb fireline.

https://www.fishusa.com/product/Pflueger-Arbor-Spinning-Reels

Mine are Lews and Okuma. Wonderfully smooth.

I've had good luck with Shimanos but there's lots of other good reels out there. I've got a Shimano Symetre that has been and still is a good reel. I believe they go for around $80. If you want to spend around $160 the Shimano Stradic gets good reviews. If you want to spend a lot less the Shimano Sienna at $30 is hard to beat. I bought one of their 2500 series around four or five years ago thinking if it wore out or broke I wasn't out much. So far it's going strong. The only maintenance has been hosing it off after saltwater use.

Best reel I held in my hands for the money this year is a Shimano Nasci. Just as smooth as my Sustain and found one on Ebay for just under $100. After holding it I bought a C5000XGFB and used it twice so far. This reel is a game changer for the money.

I like the Pflueger and Shimano lineup. You can still get a nice Pflueger for under $150. As for Shimano, I love the Ci4 Stradic, and I think it's a good enough reel to save up the extra money. The 2500 sized reel is what is on most of my spinning rods.

Under $150, Pflueger supreme, Daiwa fuego or lexa, the exceler has anti reverse problems. I'm done with shimano, had problems with 3 their newer models in the last couple of years. For 80 bucks the president limited in nice and very reliable too.

I've been pleased with my Penn Battle II 2500. Likely at or under a $100.

There are NIB Shimano Stradic 2500s on ebay for $149 delivered. I ordered one Sunday and got it this morning.

Pflueger president reels are very smooth and last and cost only 60 bucks. I used to go with Shimano but compare equally side by side and the Pflueger is way more rugged. Bail size, design and springs are much better. I use a lot of spinning reels and they are all Pflueger now.

^^^This^^^

I've replaced all of my old Shimanos with the Pflueger Presdent models now. They are smoother, tougher, and better built at half the price. I've got 7 of them now in different sizes and absolutely love them!

x3, on my way to changing out my shimanos to pflueger presidents through attrition. Very smooth and the bails operate without a hitch.

Just a heads up on the Pfleuger Presidents..... Cabelas has them on sale for $40 right now....

Great price! I'll have to buy a couple of spares!

I am going to give a couple of these a try, one for myself and one for my son who fishes a lot more than me.

The Penn aluminum reels are pretty great and around $100 or so. Penn has a long tradition of quality stuff.