telling the difference between high and higher dollar reels

[say_der]

I recently had a discussion with a friend of mine reguarding cost of and superior fishing equipment. He claims to be able to tell the difference between a $150 and a $300 reel. Now I can too by sight. But in my hands on a lake, am I going to be able to tell the same difference? I say no, he claims he would.

I know there's no right or wrong answer, but I'd just like to hear a few other's opinions on it.

I know many more things depend on fishing than just the reel, the rod, the line, etc... but reels happened to be the topic of converstation at the time.

[IFallsRon]

I remember when I thought the Mitchell 300 was the top end. Now it is several reels down the line.

I look for at quality of material and workmanship. Does it crank smoothly and feel comfortable in the hand. Is the drag smooth and easy to adjust. Is maintenance an issue; can I easily give it a lube. Will it take some abuse.

And how mad will I be if the kid messes it up?

[delmuts]

say i have gone to the upper line of reels. most of my spinning are shamonos sysemtre. not top end but the stand up well( i've had these for 6+ years). my bait casters are $200 + diawa. i started out with the mid price reels but ended up wearing them out in less than a year. i have had mine for 5 years. all of my reels do get cleaned and greased every winter, but i haven't had to do anything else to them. so over time and if you do alot of fishing you will see a difference . del

[traveler]

Top end tackle, reels, rods, etc...really shine when you fight big, tough, fish. You can catch 3 lb. fish all day long and a medium priced reel will preform just fine, but hook that once in a lifetime wallhanger and all those ballbearings and drag washers earn thier keep. THATS the fish I'm after, and if a top end reel helps me just once a year, it's earned it's keep in my book.

[say_der]

I recently had a discussion with a friend of mine reguarding cost of and superior fishing equipment. He claims to be able to tell the difference between a $150 and a $300 reel. Now I can too by sight. But in my hands on a lake, am I going to be able to tell the same difference? I say no, he claims he would.

I know there's no right or wrong answer, but I'd just like to hear a few other's opinions on it.

I know many more things depend on fishing than just the reel, the rod, the line, etc... but reels happened to be the topic of converstation at the time.

[Northlander]

The line between a $300 and a $125 reel are getting thinner all the time. Lots of new makers in the mix and more competition means lower prices. Check out Tica and Okuma. New names around here but have been down south a while. I like my Okuma Inspira as good if not better than some of my big $ Shimanos.
Longevity is a big issue. How will the med range reels hold up compared to the big $ ones.
Im just afraid Ill drop a $300 reel in the drink or some fool will steal it!

[alwayscatchineyes]

I think that the more expensive reels probably last a year or two longer but you don't need to really spend over $100. All the companies that make reels are under so much pressure to make the best that pretty much all the reels between $40 to $80 are all pretty close to the same. I used to always use Pinnacle but last spring set myself up with a couple of Pfluegers and have kinda fell in love with them, except when it is below freezing they get a little stiff but still are as smooth as silk and are around $40. Besides who actually uses a reel for more than a couple of years before buying the next new model, everyone likes to upgrade whether you need to or not, RIGHT?!!! Rods are another issue though, feel is the difference between catching and fishing!!!

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"the quicker you give up the less you will catch but some days you have no other choice"

[1eye6]

I think all you need is a medium priced reel.I would spend more money on a rod,can detect bites better than low end rods.With a decent reel and a good drag is all you need. IMO
[This message has been edited by 1eye6 (edited 04-10-2004).]

[This message has been edited by 1eye6 (edited 04-10-2004).]

[Chris Haley]

Definately give Okuma a look!! The Inspira has eleven ball bearings and at $84 you can't go wrong.

[Chris Haley]

I have an Epixor and the handle fell apart. I emailed Okuma and the guy emailed me back asking for my address and a week later a new handle!!

[Guest]

I just bought the Inspira for $69.99 from troutlet.com. It is a great reel, I used it last weekend for the first time.