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.
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