How to pick shimano spinning reel?

[Moe Szyslak]

Im a bass guy but am looking to get one nice setup for walleyes this summer. Combo will be used for lindy rigs and drifting only. All my other reels are baitcast.

Any help with understanding differences or pros/cons between shimano spinning reels (besides price)? Suggestions.

Rod will be 7 foot med light fast action.

[Esox_Magnum]

Not sure they make a bad reel, I prefer the Sedonas and Symetres in 2000/2500 size unless you can find an old 1500 size.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Symetre 1000 with 6lb line.

Reel is a little small, but you don't need much line anyway.

[Hoffer]

Hey I am not disagreeing with essox or wish I were fishin because I own 2 symetre 2500's.

However I am not overly impressed with them compared to the less expensive models - and in fact am replacing my symetres with either the sedonas or the sonoras...basically around the 50 buck price range.

For me the symetres were very tough to crank the bail over after a cast - they would stick and were just tougher. Maybe for some reason I picked up 2 poor ones. But many times i would go to cast a small jig over the weeds and reel in to close the bail - and it wouldnt close right away or would close tough - and my jig would fall into the weeds and get hung up before I could retrieve.

Also the older symetres had rounded paddles. I prefer the flat paddles they just fit my fingers and feel better reeling all day. However, I do believe the new symetres have flat paddles. Last, just make sure the model you purchase has the "super stop" feature. This keeps the reel placed in the most forward position you had reeled up to. Without that the other reels will go back half way - like to the 6 oclock or 12 oclock position. Again, I am not positive but I dont think the Spirex model has the "super stopper" feature.

I dont want to give the wrong impression that I hate the symetres - and in fact would like to try the new models. However, I just think for the price I have had great luck with the sedonas or saharas or sonoras for the money they have been well made with no funtional or maintenance issues. I am a big shimano guy - so overall I like them all.

Someday I hope to make it up to the Stradic level - but thats another story.

[JohnMickish]

Another vote for the symetre. I have Saharas, Symetres, a sustain and a few Stradics. Of the four I have the Stradics are the smoothest but I believe the Sahara and Symetre are the best bang for the buck. With the increase in cost up the line you get a smoother more powerfull drag along with a smoother operating reel.

As said before, they don't make a bad reel, but some are definitely better than others.

[Esox_Magnum]

2 of my old Sedonas are 12-15 years old ( 1st year they came out)and never failed me yet, great reel for $50. I just wish they will bring back the 1500 series.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Hear ya on the 1500 series. That 1000 is awful small.

[Phred52]

I'd like to see the 'Bait Runners" make a comeback! I have 7 so I doubt I'll wear them all out in my lifetime. Just a great reel for the $$. Phred52

[eurolarva]

I got a sedona last year and totally love this reel. Has an automatic bail spin of like three revolutions after the bail closes to help with back lashes. It was kind of a pain when ice fishing but it is an awesome casting reel. Stay away from the quantums. I got one of them and I am suprised I havent tossed it in the lake yet.

[Deitz Dittrich]

As a Shimano Staffer I can shed a little light into this and will do my best to tell the differences..

All reels at or below the Sedona have a graphite frame and stainless steel bearings. Both are fine but not the quality of the reels at the sahara level or higher which have metal frames and sealed ARB bearings. All reels at or above the Saros have a direct screw in drive train and a water proof drag system, those below the saros do not. All models above the saros except the new Stradic Ci4 have an extra spool i believe. All models above at or above the Stradic have a worm gear which changes the speed in which the spool goes up and down thus cross wrapping the line more thus allowing better management of braid lines..

So, which is best for you? I dont know.. do you use braid? Are you tough on your equipment? I will say this, from working a ton of events.. the Sahara may be one of our best selling reels, Stradic a close second. Just matters what bells and whistles you want.

hope this helps, please do ask more questions if you have them, and I will do my best to find the answer.

[MuskieJunkie]

Great info, thanks Deitz.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Glad to help out MJ.