i totally agree that spending a little more now will save you more dollars and headaches later. shimano makes some of the best spinning reels out there. i usually recommend the shimano sedona for a few reasons. they are well balanced, cast well, have a good instant anti-reverse(which is essential in a spinning reel to me), they're reliable and they don't cost an arm and a leg at a mere $59.99 msrp. you can always go up from there like many of the guys on here mentioned. stradics to stellas.. but to me .. you really dont have to spend much to get a great spinning reel. best bang for the buck, what you get versus what you are paying.. i like the sedona.
