new spinning reel

[fishinmidget]

yeah i know, you're all sick of answering the same questions over and over but oh well.

My okuma spinning reel gave up the ghost last week and i need a new reel for mullet and general spinning.

so far its a choice between this one and this one

both are 4000 size, both have fighting drags, both have a similar number of bearings and features and whatnot.

which of these would you buy or if you have one whats it like? also any other shimano recommendations? also, price is an issue so please keep the reels under the €180 mark.

thanks lads.

Alex

[teacher]

Either would be a fine reel. I was under the impression that the Twin Power was a higher spec but that might just be proof of the power of marketing.

One thing to consider. I was a long-time user of rear-drag reels, and shimano rear-drag reels at that. Last spring I changed over to front drag and my impression is of a more solid, robust and smooth drag system. This is on a Daiwa Certate but I also have a Shimano Technium as my standby reel and the drag feels solid on it too. Generally, it's a less complicated design. Saying all that, I'm fishing braid for bass so I rarely need to fiddle with the drag setting.

[Rockhopper]

For me the best spinning reels I have ever had are the Shimano Baitrunners, I have the 6000 and 8000 GTE version...I have never had one problem with either model, the drag is second to none (once its set) and the baitrunner lever position is perfect.

With this type of spinning reel you only get what you pay for.

Tom.

[paddyc]

Stradic FB, pure excellence, worth every penny

[samo]

I have the last one that you have highlighted there and its a great reel only picked it up and the end of the year so havent really tested it but its really smooth and has a great drag system.

[Dave]

I don't think that you will go far wrong with either of those reels. I have the Stradic RB myself and its a great reel and very smooth. That said I would agree with Teacher in relation to front drag reels, I only recently got a front drag Stradic FI but I do slightly prefer it to my rear drag one, so it might be worth having a look at both.

[corbyeire]

the shimano one looks better

[alby]

I have the twinpower, it's the business, get it.

Wrasse from gulleys, mullet with light line, bass on the plug it does it all, great reel

[theshoreking]

At the risk of repeatin meself. The stradic is the best spinning reel available. I use the 4,000. As a back up I have the technium 4,000 which is also an excellent reel. I'm not sure if the front drag is smoother but it certainly has an effect on the balance of the rod as there is more weight at the butt of the rear drag. I use light rods and therefore favour the front drags. I believe the lates model availanble in ireland now is the 4000fc in the front drag.

shoreking

[fishinmidget]

right so, it looks like the stradic has most peoples votes.

how do they stand up to saltwater(i never clean my reels)?

[theshoreking]

err, that a loaded question as you never clean your reels.

1. at least tape the spool before you fill with line/braid or it will corrode and pit. I have a pic up in the lure fishin section of two spools, one untaped and you can clearly see the pitting.
2. I just wash mine under a hose for a few minutes when i get bak and they last fine. I find they wear out from spinning and the smoothness goes from use before anyghing breaks on em. Depending on how much use you give em they can last a good few years.
3. Stradics have a little nut on em for oil so I just open this about every month or so and put in a few drops of oil. When you remove the spool everythin else is encased so i don't go near that anyway.

[fishinmidget]

well, i might take care of it seeing as i always clean and oil my multis, i just never bothered with fixed spools. this one aint cheap though!

[theshoreking]

sent you a pm about where you might get a good price on it. Most places these reels are around 220, especially the new models. Reckon you'l get it for 180. Keep the pm to yourself.
shoreking

[dan]

never ny problems with okuma b4.

[fishinmidget]

never any problems with okuma before.

neither have i, in fact the previous reel was a great one but i fancied something different.

[dan]

every other spinning reel i use in salt water seezes up if i dont strip it right down, with okuma i only need to if theres sand gets into it, which rubs on every thing and destroys it.