I fish those cheap Shimanos complained about above. You get what you pay for - they last about two years as little river fishing that I do. When they do completely crap out I go buy a new one. I know this is the true definition of the disposable American society that gets complained about so often, but I have burned too many times by expensive spinning reels that didn't perform any better or last any longer than the cheapies.

My best success with spinning reels has been with the Shimano 5000 I think they are called - usually can be found for $19.95 complete with a fighting drag and spare spool \:\)