Budget Spinning reel shootout?

[jedimaster]

Ok, so whats your pick for a front drag 2500ish front drag spinning reel? Need another reel and would like to try something new.

 

Dawia EXC2500 9.9oz, 4.7:1 ratio, 170 Yards/8lbs $66.00

Abu Cardinal 500 9.6oz, 5.1:1 ratio, 180 yards/8lbs $75.00

Pflueger PresidentXT 11.4oz, 5.2:1 ratio, 145 yards/8lbs $79.00

Quantum Incyte 10.9oz, 5.2:1 ratio, 160 yards/8lbs $56.45

Shimano Sedona 9.5oz, 6.2:1 ratio, 140 yards/8lbs $71.95

 

In particular I would normally have bought another Sedona as they have never let me down.

[cwpowell]

Hey dude, I picked up the Shimano Sonora at the Sportsman show for $45 bucks and I couldn't be happier, smooth baby smooth!

 

Here are the specs

 

5:2:1 Ratio

8/140

$45

[lookinforwalleye]

Ok, so whats your pick for a front drag 2500ish front drag spinning reel? Need another reel and would like to try something new.

 

Dawia EXC2500 9.9oz, 4.7:1 ratio, 170 Yards/8lbs $66.00

Abu Cardinal 500 9.6oz, 5.1:1 ratio, 180 yards/8lbs $75.00

Pflueger PresidentXT 11.4oz, 5.2:1 ratio, 145 yards/8lbs $79.00

Quantum Incyte 10.9oz, 5.2:1 ratio, 160 yards/8lbs $56.45

Shimano Sedona 9.5oz, 6.2:1 ratio, 140 yards/8lbs $71.95

 

In particular I would normally have bought another Sedona as they have never let me down.

 

I have four Sedona`s so I guess you know how I voted, I belive there is a 20 dollar mail in rebate now.

[Radnine]

I have four Daiwa Excelers. Two of the 2500's and two 1500's. They have performed flawlessly so far and I would buy another in a heart beat.

I have not tried any others so I can't offer a comparison. I got lucky with my first choice and didn't go anywhere else.

Jim

[jedimaster]

I also have a sonora I think its a great reel as well. I have various sonora, stradic, symetre, sahara, curados, abu's etc... just looking for a new reel to match up with an all purpose rod, skipping docks, etc... So I thought I would try something else.

[fishindude]

Sedona 2500FD here, no problems with it, very smooth drag and casts really well. For the extra $20 or so, I would spend the money on the Sahara as it has more metal parts although the Daiwa would be a good choice too.

[Syn]

Didn't we have this exact same thread a week or two ago and then started taking about which comes with a free spare spool or am I high?

Some of those responses look eerily familiar.

Edited April 6, 2010 by Syn

[scugpg]

I've used a Sedona, Exceler and a President and the Pfluger tops them all.

[hawk-eye]

Ive had a Sedona 4000 for a few years and it works great. I mainly use it drifting for steelhead in Niagara

[backbay]

I have a President and a Trion, both good value.

[jedimaster]

I think all but the sedona come with a spare spool, I missed the last thread.

[bigugli]

I've got a President that has survived 4 years of my abuse. It's a great reel for the price.

[Syn]

I think all but the sedona come with a spare spool, I missed the last thread.

 

 

 

I think I found the thread in case you want more opinions

shimano sedona vs daiwa regal XiA

 

 

http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41225&st=20&p=440217&hl=spinning%20reel&fromsearch=1entry440217

[solopaddler]

Pfleuger hands down. In that price range it's by far the best reel out there.

It's actually a better reel than many that are much more expensive.

[PERCHER]

I have to Sedona rear Drags .Great reels.You can pick them up for 59.00.

[Guest ThisPlaceSucks]

i like the abu's best but i have no complaints about pfluegers minus that i had a nice smallie pull it out of the boat.

[uglyfish]

the quantum incyte is a nice reel. very smooth and looks far better then the rest of the reels u mentioned.

[jedimaster]

The quantum looks cool, I was gonna try it out for the looks. I guess I'll have to go down and check em out first hand. I think the spinning reels in the 50 - 70 dollar range have really improved in quality. I can feel the difference between my stradics and the other cheaper ones but its not like it used to be.

[backbay]

BTW, Jedi, I haven't bought one yet, but am going to check out the Pflueger Arbor. Same price range, about $75-$80, and braid-specific. Might be a good alternative for you.

Arbor

[Uncle Buck]

don't own any of the above reels, but i have 4 quantum icon 20 spinning reels, great reels, great drags, great price plus magnetic bail... i've been using them for almost 7 years and no issues, never serviced any of them either... i use them year round, in the winter i put them on all my ice rods... just buy spare spools....

 

if i was looking at a new reel, it would be a quantum hands down!