Best Inshore Saltwater Reel For You: $100 vs $200 vs $300
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
With all the options and price points out there, choosing the right reel for your needs can be daunting. In this video I’m going to break down the difference between the most popular price points of reels so you will have the information you need to make the right decision
So if you have struggled in the past and could not decide if spending more money on a higher end reel was worth it to you, this video will tell you what you get with each price group
$100 Price Point
- Daiwa Fuego LT
- Shimano Nasci
- Penn Fierce
$200 Price Point
- Daiwa BG MQ 2500
- Otis 2500
- Shimano Stradic
- Penn Spinfisher
$300 Price Point
- Daiwa Saltist 2500
- Penn Clash
Want To Save Big On Your Tackle?
Make sure to check out our popular bundles that help you get max savings on all the equipment you need for getting consistent inshore fish catching fun.
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Due to location, I do a lot of live/cut bait fishing, which means less casting. I do have a few higher-end reels that I use when I travel and use more artificial lures. I was able to get a few older version Diawa Fuegos for dirt cheap when the newer versions came out and I do not regret that purchase. Those $100 price point reels (that I got for about $75) are great and have lasted years already with no sign of quitting anytime soon.
That was a lot of information, but gave the basics of each price point. Thanks Pat.
Thanks Pat for all the support and info
I have a Saltist and that reel is ONE SMOOTH MAMA JAMMA !! It’s mounted to a slot machine. I’ve let a few others fish with it along side of me and they’re in love with it !!
I agree that the rod is where money needs to be spent. I like my higher cost reels but to be honest I have not noticed a lot of difference in reels. As long as they are light. I got rid of my BG 2500 because it was too heavy for casting artificials all day. I do like the peace of mind that mag seal offers.
I have never thought to myself “If only I had purchased the cheaper model.” The purchase of a reel is like that of any product that has a “good, better, best” price range. Speaking from personal experience, I have never regretted buying the premium price version, if that price premium is legitimately based on premium construction. IF you can afford it and there is a quality justification, step up to the pricier model.
The other side to this is based on the persons age and respect for the reel. If purchasing for your young child or someone, who has not yet learned how to properly care for and use a reel, you should have zero guilt in buying the cheapest reel you can find. That reel will be dunked in water, buried in sand, dropped from 2 story buildings and generally abused in any way you can (and cannot) imagine. Youngsters and newby’s need to learn respect for the tool before stepping up to the premium range.
I think it depends on what you’re looking for. I have fished all of the brands a lot of different price points. It depends if you’re gonna be in the surf or on the shore or on a boat or how much wear and tear or abuse. The reels gonna take. Are you throwing lures or chunking bait. Do you keep up with maintenance or rely on resilience of the reels, etc.
For me, anyhow, when it comes to performance, i.e. casting, smoothness, drag, everything there really is no comparison to Shimano’s at any price point. Daiwa makes great reels, but not like Shimano. There’s a reason Shimano never goes on sale. perhaps at the highest price point the saltiga seems to be a choice for extremely hard-core anglers for both performance and toughness. I’m sure Stella performs as well. Don’t know about its resilience comparatively.
Penn traditionally has been solid and will last. I hope that still holds truth for the newer models. If you’re throwing bait in the surf great choice. If you’re throwing artificial all day and need some performance, not as good.
Great information for a beginner fisherman. Thanks
I repair saltwater reels of all sizes in my business. Let me say this, these tests are short term results. Shimano and Daiwa keep me in business. I very rarely see a Penn on my bench for any more than a cleaning. Penns just don’t succumb to the affects of saltwater like the Shimanos and Daiwas.
I like the Penn reels I use. No issues at all.
Thanks for the info!