civicdx Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 What do you guys think is the best affordable spinng reel for a 6`6 medium rod? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.J. Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 I like the new Quantums, but they can get a little spendy. For price and quality I would have to recommend the Pro Qualifier from Bass Pro Shops. I have one that is about three years old and it still works like it is brand new Just my two cents worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 For years I've been a huge Shimano fan. I personally don't like the Quantams. But, I am a convert, to Okuma. Once only known for their saltwater gear, they have made a huge impression on the bass fishing community! I own 4 Okuma reels. 2 spinning and 2 baitcast. For spinning, if you want to go low $$$ and still have good quality, go with the Epixor. You can pick up a brand new Epixor (10 bb) for under $45. Sometimes under $40. Next in line is the Metaloid (I have 2) and then the Inspira. Try any of the models in the '20' series. The '20' series is good for dropshot and most finesse fishing. I've got mine spooled with 10 lb fluorocarbon. If you're fishing ultra lite, go with the '15' series. 30 series and up for the larger stuff. Okuma has some new low profile baitcasters that will be hitting the market early next year. The leftys won't be available until late 2005. When they're ready, they'll be replacing all my Curado's. People are amazed at the quality of reels vs. the price. I don't think you can buy a better reel for the money. In some cases, you get a better reel for less ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
civicdx Posted October 26, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 I have one of those pro qualifier reels from bass proshops it is a great reel but i dont like it that much dont no why.Thanks woodsac think im gunna pick up 1 of those okuma reels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IslandBass Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 You might want to consider one of Rapala's spinning reels. I have one that I use with my ML Rod and I think for its price you get a lot of bang for the buck. I have the SX4i model and it retails for about $39.99. I was lucky to get a 25% discount when I bought it. I am very pleased with how it has performed so far or else I would not be recommending it if its performance were sub par. --IslandBass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markell Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 woodsac, How well do the Okuma reels hold up over time? It sounds like we share the same opinion on reels. I have tried the bass pro reels, quantum reels and now fish exclusively with the curado. $120 is my absolute max I will pay for a reel and I have found that the cheaper reels do not hold up as well as the curado. Maybe I am too rough on them but I have purchased a couple curados each year for the past several years and can't tell which is the newer ones and which is the older ones. Like civicdx, I would also like to settle on a good spinning reel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wire bender Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 For the past couple years I've been using a couple Quantum Catalyst PTi. They are smooth and I enjoy them very much. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodsac Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 I've been using Okuma reels for almost 2 years now. I have never had a problem with one. I do break my reels down 3 or 4 times a year and service them. I've read a few forums online with comments about the Metaloid. There were a few people that said not to buy it. They were all comparing it to the Daiwa Capricorn 2000 model @ $120. I would have to believe they were comparing it to that model, because it's the closest real with all the same quality features for under $150. I don't know if I'm suuposed to share this info, but I've testing 2 Okuma reels for about 3 months now. The reels I have are already in production, but they're lefties, so the quantities are limited. Since the reels I have are prototypes, they don't have the same high end bearings or levelwind guide in them as the productions. Regardless, I have not has a problem. One of the reels I am using retails for about $75. The closest comparison in size and features is the Shimano Cardiff @ $110. My Cardiff is not nearly as smooth as the Okuma. I've already mentioned that Okuma has some new reels coming out, baitcasting and spinning. I guarantee they will be worth the wait! Markell, I think the only thing I feel differently about is $$$. I love my Castaic SF. I haven't found a flipping reel to replace it yet (under $250 daiwa). But I am so tired of the massive line twist I get with Fluorocarbon and spinning reels, that I'm considering buying a new baitcasting outfit for dropshotting. I'm going to go with the a Daiwa, either the Fuego or the Alphas. Both are over $200, but it will be one of my primary reels. I know this is long, and my fingers are getting tired I have upgraded all my Curado's to ABEC 7 bearings. Very cheap and a big improvement! I believe that if you take care of your reel, it will take care of you. Break it down and clean/lube it regularly. If you're not sure about how to take down a baitcaster, check out http://www.heartlandtackleservice.com/shimano.htm You can also order the bearing upgrades and Yellow Rocket Fuel from them. I've heard they have great reel service! I'm getting ready to send in 2 of my Shimano's. Hey Markell, just for the record, I own 5 Curado's and 1 Castaic SF. The only way they will be replaced, is with the Curado SF or the new Okuma low profiles when they are available. They are good reels, even better with the newer bearings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celticav Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 I love my Okuma, you get twice the reel for half the money! I usually only have one spinning rig in the boat so it is usually either pulling double-duty or just getting beat to death. I used a Shimano Spirex 2000 for several years and had no complaints about it either...it gave all it could but eventually just wore out. I was going to replace it with one just like it but the shop owner pushed an Okuma Insira on me and I am thankful he did! I have only been using it a couple months and all I can say is that those 12 bearings really hide the baitcaster-like ass this reel has, JIM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
