Best spincast reel for the money

[WhiteMeat]

A little off-topic here, but it saddens me that Zebco can't be relied upon anymore for inexpensive, decent quality, easy-to-use rods and reels. They're the original spincast, they used to be made in America (right here in Tulsa, OK!), and most of us probably learned how to fish on the 22 and later the 33...I know I did. My brother and I put our 22's through it and back, and with a little WD-40 now and then they kept right up. On a rare occasion we would get to use dad's 33, seemed like that thing could cast a mile past our 22's. Which is why a 33 was the first combo I ever paid for myself; still have it and still use it from time to time.

Had you asked this question 15 years ago the resounding answer would surely have been the Zebco 33, hands down best unit for the money. But, it appears we've all become disappointed by the quality of Zebco's products. I bought 22's for my nephews a couple summers back and they fell apart in less than a month! The rod tips broke and the reels wouldn't hardly pick up the line...total junk. I know you get what you pay for, and I wasn't expecting touring pro quality, but durable and effective is a requirement for standard fishing equipment and Zebco just doesn't provide that anymore...sad.

Sorry for the rant.

WM

[Bronson]

I know where you're coming from on this. They introduced a lot of people to the sport. Like most things it's about profit margin. Quality will always sell and once you start selling an inferior product, they say it's much harder to ever get them back.

It would probably take a change like Humminbird went thru when they brought in new people and decided they wanted to make the best. It changed the electronic industry for the better. They used to sell price, now they sell quality. I've learned that I can't afford to buy cheap. You don't have much to start with and it doesn't last long.

[kycreek]

A 22 is what I got started on also. Then graduated to a 33. I have one of the Omegas but rarely use it. I like the small spinning reels for every day use.

[Cardsfan55]

i agree about the new 33's nothing like they used to be

[Hookedonslabs]

Pflueger =. Quality...nuff said!

[Lou]

Pflueger =. Quality...nuff said!

In spinning reels...

I think Daiwa and Shimano both have very old style reels around the $15 range. There is potential there, but aside from them, I have found most under $100 reels to be very wanting. Pflueger thus far, seems to be one of 3 exceptions in my experiance.

The better Wavespins are also pretty decent. Not sure I'd say as good, but they have pretty good line management, which most reels under and many over $100 do not. I have had some $60 and up Daiwas which have performed very well too.

Cabelas had the President on sale last spring for less than $40, that was a great bargain. I should have purchased a couple for spares, but I already have more reels than any 3 people need.... Upscale, I still like Pflueger, but have to add Shimano, and Daiwa. A lot of this is short term experience, and there is some speculation as well. My really old reels were Mitchell, and Shimano. The old Mitchells were pretty much bullet proof, and the Shimanos were good, but I brought better reels, not bargain basement... I have only upgraded in the last 3 or 4 years, so longevity does not really figure in. We are talking about short term performance knowledge, I simply cannot speak to long term where newer products are concerned.

[Black Lion]

Let me put my 2 cents in here. I like the quality of the Zebco Omega ZO2 and ZO3 spincast reels; and the Zebco Omega Pro ZO2 and ZO3 spincast reels.

All of them are solid little smooth casting and retrieving reels.

[Bronzbackhunter]

Johnson Century are grate real's i have 2 that are about 15 year's old. I also like under spin real's Zebco & Diawa.