I have bought a couple shimano's (sahara's) for about 60 apiece and wanted some input on what others think are good reels in the 40-60 range. I was also looking into pfluger reels but sense the shimano has been so good to me i figured you can never have to much of a good thing.

I had couple of Shiamanos. Last season I finaly killed one of them after 10 plus years of hard use. The bale broke so I had to replace it. I have been in a re-tooling pattern and recenlty purchased two Okumas and a Shakespeer. All of three of theses reals have five bearings and anti-back. They were within the $40-$60 range. I really like these reels and havent had any problems with them yet.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Stick with your Shimanos if you are comfortable with them and they are functional in the situations you put them in. I used to use Mitchell 300 Excellence reels before I began fly fishing. Don't know if they still make them but I loved them. But you know, the "best affordable spinning reel" question you've asked is too hard to answer. There is no answer but opinions will abound!

I guess thats what im lookin for is peaoples opinions thanks for the post.

i have a Pflueger Trion for my crappie gear and a President for my bass. these are both great reels for the money.

To me the drag is very important on a reel. I checked a couple of my cheaper reels out and the drag was metal to metal. Not good. To check this pull the spool off and look inside. Around the shaft is where the drag should be. On better reels there's a little disk (plastic washer) in there. If yours doesn't have the washer go to your local Ace hardware store and look where they have the small nuts and bolts. Look for the smallest washer you can find. It will fit over the shaft of your reel and make for a very smooth drag. I put some reel lube on the washer. Cost .05

I have had a pretty good experience with my Pflueger President. I'm pretty happy with it.

I've never been satisfied with Shimano's Spinners, but thier casters are the mutt's nuts.

Costco has a nice shimano rod/spinning reel for $39.99, it's basic and will do the job for trout and bass. Sienna 2500FB. I have three, for my boys to use when bassin and for trout trolling rods. Good price to quality ratio.

i 2nd that



ima die hard shimano fan

Mike,

Which Costco did you see the combo at?


- Tim

Kirkland. They also have a very nice looking one person pontoon boat, 8 ft?, for $299. Not a brand I've seen but it doesn't look like a piece of junk and the price again is great. I'm tempted but my wife would think I'm nuts. It would be easier to throw on top of my truck than my 11 ft 2 person pontoon. Doesn't a guy need one of each???

Hey if I had the extra cash I would own one of each. Always better now then later. My girl friend ask me why I have 10 fishin poles when i can only use one at a time. Of course we know why. But most women just dont understand. Just compair it to a pair of Shoes tell her it matches your new fishin shirt. LOL. Have a good one.

The Mitchell 300X is on sale at Bass Pro right now for $18. Bought one for a trasher reel. Love my Pflueger president. Use it for everything.

I suppose I can fight that parking lot to check it out.

The common question I get from my wife is "didn't you just buy some of those?" or the ever popular "What are you going to do about all this fish in the freezer?"

life could be worse..

I think your on to something big here Jay S. I have been using the "I got a hell of deal" line for years and that seems to work pretty good. I think I'll try your logic next time and see how it goes.

Diawa Regal X

I have used a shiamano senora 4000 for steelhead for years best reel I own. Only problem is that the power roller wears out a 35 cent fix.

Wife said she didn't care if I got the smaller pontoon boat. Now the "gotta have" factor is starting to eat at my brain...it sure would be easy to pop on top of my truck.