Best surf spinning reel for under $300

[FTP]

As the title suggests, I am after a new spinning reel for the surf. It will be on a Daiwa Seabass 10'6" rod and used to spin micro-jigs and other metals. I want a light reel probably 4000 size? Maybe 3000? That will have 15lb braid on it. The surf is not kind to reels so I don't want to spend anymore than $300 as they just don't last.

Any thoughts?

[Green Hornet]

A Stradic or Sustain would be my choice.
Plenty tough enough and simple to fully service yourself.

[GTShoon]

I got a pflueger supreme xt for $80 on special and its fantastic! Light as and nice and smooth, only downside is you need to wash it after each use carefully as its magnesium bodied
Cam

[FTP]

Originally Posted by GTShoon

I got a pflueger supreme xt for $80 on special and its fantastic! Light as and nice and smooth, only downside is you need to wash it after each use carefully as its magnesium bodied
Cam

Do you use that in the surf? Wouldn't it corrode on the walk down the dunes?

[Joely]

A 3 second drop into fresh water killed my supreme Xt. Took about a month to die.

[laddercat]

Daiwa ballistic ex 3000 mag sealed to protect yourself from the surf has the retrieve rate for metals and is super smooth want to even cheaper try its little brother the procyon ex it is once again mag sealed.

Id suggest buying from an online US store with postage still cheaper then any tackle store in aus.

[Slazmo]

Originally Posted by Green Hornet

A Stradic or Sustain would be my choice.

+1

I have a Sustain 5000 FG that I have tied upto a Shimano SSV V2 902 and its magic to use off the beach or the Sea Way wall, using 20lb braid...

Keep them out of the sand alike any reel, and keep them serviced as youll be cranking fast!

Again a Stradic FJ in 3000 to 5000 size could fit the bill but in the larger sizes those power knobs (handles) really start to become a liability!

Comes down to cost vs. quality or whichever stable (brand) you choose from?

[Bronco T]

I use a Sol2 3000 with 12lb braid for exactly the type of fishing your doing.
I use mine with a 9'6" Daiwa Shore Jigger and find the hi speed gearing great for spin work on the beach.
I chose the 3000 to save on weight and it makes a nice balanced outfit that you can cast with for hours. I have had no corrosion issues with mine but I am pretty meticulous with my gear.
I think you can pick them up now around the $280 mark.

[MiSCrEANT]

Got myself a DA Luvias in 3K and it's awesome with my 9'6" rod. Check classifieds every now and then for bargains. Or some of the Aero concepts from Shimano Japan are pretty slick looking reels for surf.

[GTShoon]

Nah I've had mine 3 months fished it 5 times with no issues at all, another mate has used his well over 60 times in the surf and on the rocks and has had no issues except the normal scratches associated with use, comes down to care I think
Cam