Best reel under $100?
 

Let me start off by saying that I am aware that a $300 reel will cast further, reel smoother, etc than a $50 reel. I just can't swallow that kind I'd price tag on a new reel. My question is what's the best reel for under $100? Just looking for something of pretty good quality and performance. I've always been partial to Shimano, but may be open to other brands. Thanks for the help.

http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/new_product/LSP-1.jpg

99.99$ Lews

H2O Mettle Express from Academy, you can buy 2 for $100 sometimes 3

I gots 3 of them, worth the money

This

Is the $100 Lew's SH1 $20 better than the $80 Lew's LS1? How do the Lew's hold up in saltwater?

Idk about the LS1, but both of my SH1 have given absolutely zero problems after a year of use in the saltwater.


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I have both the inshore and tp. Love the less reels! I stay in saltwater, including wade fishing at beach with mine and have zero issues. For some reason they just don't collect the grime like my e series curados did and I have fished them side by side.

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If your fishing Saltwater I would highly recommend you getting a Shimano reel from Curado version up..

You can buy cheep reels at 50 or less but Saltwater will eat em up

I was just curious on the saltwater issue. I have Shimanos I use for freshwater that I could move to salt and put the Lew's to fresh if necessary.

I have a lot of clients who buy the H2o reels and some say they last 4-6 months some get a year out of them, I have some Curado 10years old and fish with a Core that is4 years old

I have about 10 shimano's and are the best so far ive ever used..I do have one H2O mettle that is about 3 years old and still as good as the day I bought it...my buddies h2o's have given him trouble though..I guess its a gamble.


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Ive had good luck with the shimano caenens in the past also.. thats under 100$.


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Serious question, how many rod and reels do you take fishing with you on a "normal" trip and rigged with what (line type and size, types of lures)? Not asking for secrets, just curious of your setups.

X2

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W, this was directed to you.

x100000.... even the 79.99 dollar lews is a good reel

Some spinning reel experience:

We bought 8 Shimano Symmetre 3000's back in 2012 and after 2 years of hard service, they are still doing very well. We chase bulls in the passes and on the beach, so we really put the drag systems to the test. I think we'll buy the 4000 next time for a bit more line capacity as we've been close to getting spooled a few times.

The drag on these reels tops out at 15 lbs, so when a really big fish wants to make an extra run or two after spooking at the boat, it's hard to stop him. Nonetheless, the cost is only $85 at Wal-Mart, so I would rank this as the best reel under $100, because getting a heavier drag in a Shimano reel (Spheros, for example) pushes the price above $100.

We like the Spheros 6000's we're using at the beach. These are designed as saltwater reels and have heavier drags (22 lbs). They break the price point, though at closer to $125.

Sorry, I was referring to bait casters.

Thought you might be, but with the vague title, I thought others might look here for spinning reel advice.

Guiding only two
One for plastics with 10 lb mono
One with braid for hard baits and topwater

If I have a 3rd it's with braid with hard bait

I have one and I think they SUCK! Lol hate mine. Must be a lemon

I personaly own three reels that are about 99$ and I find that they are all great reels, the first one i got was a dawia exceler its great for a crainkbait reel, i also own a shimano canean, it is a great reel but i had to set my pins before i could fish is, it is not like some reels where you can fish i right out the box, i also own a lews speed spool like everyone else on the website suggests, it is a all around great reel, had i for a mounth now and no complaints at all, the oversized paddles makes it feel great in your hands, very comfortable reel i did have a h20, i was a great reel chought more fish on it then other reel, and thing threw like a charm, but they tend to go out real easy.

had to have the bearings replaced after 2 trips in freshwater. guess i got a lemon too. haha
work pretty good now though

IMO spend the extra money and get a shimano curado. The new ones are sick.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-2014-Shi...item5409038f22

i've had good luck with the shimano caenan(sp?) only have one but it's holding up well with normal upkeep.

Just ordered a Lews SS1H. Does anyone have experience with these around salt water?