Reel Poll

[Fisherman#1]

Whats your favourite brand of reel?

[Superduperman]

To be perfectly honest, I do think Daiwas have an edge over their comparable Shimanos, but for some reason I prefer Shimano...must be coz of their good track record and saltwaterproof Mg reels (mmmm...Chronarch 50Mg *drools*). Plus, shimano seem to care about their Aus market more.

[Huggy_B]

I was staunchly Penn and Shimano, but I just bought my first Daiwa reel ever yesterday (a Luna 300 baitcaster). Head to head it was the best deal for me.

So in conclusion, couldn't name one....

[Rosie]

Shimano all the way

[Shortlite]

I've gone somewhat full loop, trying out a lot of reels within my measly budget. A tour of several higher end reels would be nice to do, .
Looking to upgrade soon myself. Shimano!!

[Lone Ranger]

Favourites? Daiwa and Shimano, followed by Okumas

[Ranger 175C]

I like Ted have tried alot of reels. Was a Daiwa fan for years!! SS700 and 1300....State of the art way back when, still one of the best drags ever made. Now a die hard Shimano Fan Stella 1000 FA and FB.....Plus my 3 Shimano Japan Twinpowers 1000 and 1000 Mg PGS. 2500 Stella's, Sustains, for bass. However if Daiwa ever came out with Certates or other high end reels with a 1000 type size I might change my mind. Daiwa doesn't seem to interested in making them so Shimano all the way......

Ranger 175C/Brian

[Shortlite]

A 1000 size reel with ABS spool, good line lay and the precise high end gearing to rival Shimano's offerings would be highly interesting.

To tell the truth, over a few years, there have been so many advances among the lesser players that today's range is impressive in terms of value and performance. However, they all just fall short of that little extra that would let them step up with the big boys.

[Fisherman#1]

The Shimano Stella series is top of the line (and I'm a Daiwa fan) and in my opinion, only the TD Steez and TD Exist rival it.

The only problem is that all these reels cost between $700 and $900. You'll have to save for quite a while if you want to afford these!

[Superduperman]

The stellas are cheaper than the Exists, that's be the defining thing, is the exist really worth that extra $100 or so (might be closer to $200 from memory) or is a Stella better valure for money? The FA series stellas (smaller models) are cheaper than the FB series of the same size. Is there much difference between them?

[Fisherman#1]

Either way, $700 is still a lot for a reel, even it is is a Stella.

As for the TD Exist, I've heard some great things about it down at the tackle store. By what I've heard, the TD Exist is the reel to get if your dead set on breaming or light fishing. So i'm guessing that it is worth the extra $170.

But no matter what anybody says or thinks, the Stella, TD Exist and TD Steez are all top of the line reels that most people would love to own.

[riceboy]

Another thing to think about these "finesse" reels with shallow spools. Ie Exist 2004 and 2506 or the Stella 2004 and 2006. Their spools are designed for stiff mono or flourocarbon line, NOT braid hence why the taper of the spool arbour is more so than normal reels. THis is so the stiffer lines dont jump off the spool when it theres slack line.

My suggestion is to stick with reels with "normal" spools.
As for brands...........Shimano and Daiwa are head to head for their finesse tackle. Midsize reels.....daiwa seem to have the edge with the Real Four lineups.

Penn are still behind interms of technology and products. Forget Applause and Affinity as they were Ryobi's and are sharing reels with Penn. Slammers are tough and robust but still lacking in smoothness and rigidity of the daiwas or shimanos.

JMO.......

btw...just acquired a Stella 8000FA for PE5 jigging this season...... BEAUTIFULLY SMOOTH.

[riceboy]

But no matter what anybody says or thinks, the Stella, TD Exist and TD Steez are all top of the line reels that most people would love to own.

Is that all?? What about TD Airity, Certate custom R, TD Emeraldas, TD Gekkabijin and TD Fuego??

Hmm....think we only have one top of the line Shimano......


Oh Daiwa still gets the edge for me

[Fisherman#1]

Is that all?? What about TD Airity, Certate custom R, TD Emeraldas, TD Gekkabijin and TD Fuego??

All those reels are not as expensive as the Stella, Exist and Steez and are probably JUST underneath the Exist and Steez performance wise.

Hmm....think we only have one top of the line Shimano......

Shimano has some good reels such as the Sustain and the Twin Power, but in my opinion the Stella is the only reel that can rival its Daiwa equivalent.

[DaiwaFreak]

Shimanos!!!

Hands Down. They have a good reputation for making good reliable reels. I'm not sure about Daiwa, many people say they are good, but some say they aren't good. Personally, I have never used a Daiwa rod or reel. But even if they are good, I'll stick to the Shimano stuff.

Cheers

DaiwaFreak