06-29-2011, 08:46 PM
I've used most all the major brands of reels over the years and each reel had it's strong and weak points. I used the Abu Cardinal spinning reels made in Sweden for years until Zebco bought the company and allowed the quality to decline.
For the last 15 years I've settled on Shimano Stradic FH reels for most of my spinning outfits. I like to use the 1000 and 2500 series FH models for most of my freshwater fishing. The FH series reels where the last ones made in Japan, the newer Stradics are made in Malaysia or Indonesia and just don't seem to have the same quality construction. Quantum and Daiwa both make quality spinning reels in their medium and higher priced models. I've purchased about 6 or 7 Stradic FH models from the various online auction sites. You can find a bargain once in a while, but most savy fishermen are looking for the older FH models because they just seem to last forever and perform better than most other spinning reels.
It all boils down to the old adage, "Ford, Chevy or Dodge" most of them are fine for their intended purpose.
Mike
[signature]
For the last 15 years I've settled on Shimano Stradic FH reels for most of my spinning outfits. I like to use the 1000 and 2500 series FH models for most of my freshwater fishing. The FH series reels where the last ones made in Japan, the newer Stradics are made in Malaysia or Indonesia and just don't seem to have the same quality construction. Quantum and Daiwa both make quality spinning reels in their medium and higher priced models. I've purchased about 6 or 7 Stradic FH models from the various online auction sites. You can find a bargain once in a while, but most savy fishermen are looking for the older FH models because they just seem to last forever and perform better than most other spinning reels.
It all boils down to the old adage, "Ford, Chevy or Dodge" most of them are fine for their intended purpose.
Mike
[signature]