I am in the market for a new spinning reel to put on a 10' spinning rod (15-30) blank rated for 2-6 oz. Thinking about the Stradic 6000, Baitrunner 8000 and possibly the Daiwa Saltist 5000, but it seems heavy compared to the Shimanos. Anyone have any strong opinions one way or the other, or other suggestions I should look into. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

ab

That's like asking, "what kind of car should I get?"

You should narrow down your criteria considering line capacity, features, intended use (plugs, bait, etc). Your choices are all over the place re capacity and features. It's hard to determine what's important to you.

That's like asking, "what kind of car should I get?"

You should narrow down your criteria considering line capacity, features, intended use (plugs, bait, etc). Your choices are all over the place re capacity and features. It's hard to determine what's important to you.

or how many ounces is heavy

those are all at 28 0z's plus i think

i know my baitrunner is heavier than what i want
for balance

The Shimano Stradic, Spheros, Baitrunner, Quantum Cabo and Daiwa Saltist all come in comparable sizes with respect to line capacity. For this application 200 yds or so of 20lb mono should be fine, although I'll be spooling braid. For the most part I'll be plugging, although slinging live eels will also be necessary.

Weight. Well the Stradic 8000 (190 yds/20lb mono) weighs about 21oz--pretty light. The Daiwa 4500 saltist approx same capacity and wt. The Daiwa 5000 Saltist slightly larger, holds 240 yds of 20 lb mono but weighs a quarter lb more. The Shimano BR 12000 (260yds/20lb mono more like 30oz HEAVY). Is the extra line capacity worth the weight gain?? I don't know. I do know know I've never had my reel spooled by a fish. I guess there's always a first time for everything.

The difference in cost is not consequential enough to go into the hopper. What I was hoping for were insights derived from past experience. ie. I have fished this brand/model for years and love it, just be mindful of this quirk. Or picked up one of those and it fell apart after my first bluefish. Or think about ease of maintenance--this brand is impossible to work on or is expensive to keep going.

Anyway, love to be able to make a more informed choice since I cannot "test drive" all of these brands/models. Thanks again for your input.

ab

Daiwa Saltist :kewl:

diawa emblem........:btu:

they hold up...

they spool braid great......

they come with an xtra spool to feed the seals.......

xtra wide spool gets u more distance......

good smooth drag.......

i have 4 of em

If you are fishing bait on the bottom , I think the Baitrunners are great. Good price point too.

quantum just made a baitrunner version of the CABO... the cabo is a great reel, but the baitrunner is brand new... never tried it

Another vote for Shimano Baitrunner B series. NOT just for bottom fishing. The lever in back is great for letting out some line if you cranked too far - handy in the dark and your hands will love it if you are using any of the super braids/thermofused lines out there.

I use the 4500 B for plugging all the time. My other go to reel is the Shimano Spheros

Not familiar with the newer Baitrunner 'D' series out there now - price went up considerably (33%) and I see no reason for having it cost as much as it did. I refuse to put up with Shimano's fixed price structure and won't be buying any of their newer product lines any more.

Here is a hint that will save you considerably $$$ - any time Shimano changes a model line they pretty much bump ALL the models down a notch so you can buy the next lower level or three lower and still get a good solid reel at an affordable price point. For example the current Sedona FD is plenty adequate for saltwater and if you were to compare it to an older Shimano Stradic FD, the Sedona FD smokes the old Stradic. Hey, don't believe me - if any of you own those reels compare it yourselves!!! I'ved used the gear long enough to understand the BS behind it all.

Current cheap imported reels from China ALL wind line on reels evenly and are smooth. Compare it to the old green Penns for function! POS kicks butt on the basic mechanics. Now from a longevity stand point, the old Penns can be rebuilt and repaired to last another generation or two. Cheap POS you basically toss it and buy a new one. Unfortunately it is a disposable society now - things aren't made to last any more IMHO. How else will companies make $$ from us. We are brain washed to believe we need the newest & best gear out there and blah blah blah - all I can say is it won't help you catch fish any better PERIOD.

Give me simple bucktail jig or metal spoon - affordable lures that are durable and are time proven. Those $$ custom wooden plugs are eye candy and you almost cry when you break one off that costs $25. :(

Sorry I'm off on tangents are usual, but when is this going to end?! Consumers need to draw a line! :mad:

BTW - if you want a solid performer - the Daiwa Exceler is more than adequate and much less $ than the Saltist !! Quantum Cabo is over priced for what you get IMHO - I own/use a few and not with it $ wise. HINT: affordable solid reel: Daiwa BG series and if you are going to use superline on it then go w/ Fireline in 14 lb which is as strong as 20 lb mono (time proven reel that can take abuse of charter captains in FL - easily rebuild and self service!!)

You can test drive a reel - make a post on the one you want to try and there are enough people who are around that you can meet up, try the reel and may be make a new fishing buddy. :)

MD--

Thanks--that was a very helpful and insightful post. I appreciate hearing from you and having the benefit of your experience.

ab

You cant beat the reputation or the price of the Diawa Big Game