Best Surf Spinning Reel...

[maddog2020]

Shimano Spheros 8000 - it is on the outfit I keep in the trunk of my car almost all the time. (5000 & 6000 are same size body with different depth spools).

I also like the Shimano Baitrunners because of their versatility. I plug with my 4500B and find the lever on the back great for letting out a little more line as opposed to grabbing the line with your hands and pulling it out or opening the bail to let out a loop.

Daiwa BG (Black and Gold) series has been around since the 70s - these things are like tanks! I've fished Penn's all my life and wish I hadn't been so pig headed as a youth! Charter captains in FL use them heavily and that has to say something. There is a reason they are still around. The BG30 is plugging size (about the size of Penn 650ss) and retails for $85. 20 lb Fireline works fine on them if you want to go the super line route.

[stcroixman]

Daiwa Bg reels, I use a 30 and a 60. Very durable and <$100

I also use the Daiwa TDA 4000 $150 a stronger drag than the new Tierra.

[basswipe]

Spheros 8000 is the best bang for the buck going.You can find the older FAs in some shops still,they are a real bargain now.

Though I must admit my Stradic FI in the same size is superior.It lays line on the spool so evenly it has insanely good castability.Smooth too.

[Big Dave]

I have to give the nod to the new Stradic's, awesome reels for the money

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I have to give the nod to the new Stradic's, awesome reels for the money

I agree with Dave. The Stradics have the new "Palladin" cold forged aluminum main gears that also have a super-hard black coating (possibly some sort of nitride). I'm also pretty sure that they have a brass pinion gear. One piece handle that screws directly into the main gear, and not through it where it's held in place on the other side by a cheap plastic nut. And it comes with an equal quality spare spool--lot of reel for under $200, with much better gearing than many other reels in the same price range.

The Saragossa is also a good reel with the same type of gearing, and it's almost as simple inside as an old Penn 704, but it doesn't come with a spare spool.

I don't think that the Spheros has the same type of gears--they're probably cast aluminum.

[JohnR]

Anyone try out that new Daiwa Saltist yet?