Originally Posted by
T-roy 120
Ok I have been a shimano guy since the 80s but the last two reels I have bough a Stradic and a Sahara both have developed tight spots when you crank them. I took them apart and cleaned them and relubed with reel butter and hot sauce. Didn't go away. Both were of the 1000 size. I'm done with them, no more shimano reels for me.
So, I bought a President 25 Pflueger it works pretty good but it feels loose and the line digs into itself and the casting isn't great. I also bought a Pflueger Supreme 30, very nice and I don't experience the line problems like with the President. The Supreme is pretty sweet and the 30 size works good on a medium light rod very well. Last year I got a Daiwa Fuego and last week I got a Daiwa Exceler on clearance from cabelas for 39 bucks. I like the 2000 and 1500 daiwa way better than the 1000 size and the smoothness and solid feel is surprising. I haven't tried a Quantum reels in years.
As of now I'm sold on the daiwa 2000s, perfect panfish size. The 1500 is good for 2 and 4 lb test and the 2000 is great for 4 and 6 lb test mono. Is there any models and brands that you guys think are a good value and high quality that I haven't tried? Not interested in low end reels or super high end reels, just good middle of the road on price point and top on quality, best bang for you buck is what I guess I'm trying to say. What are you guys using and what's your thoughts?