In your opinion, spinning...............

[ReelClean]

Back in my Army flying days, we had a saying, "50,000 moving parts - all made by the lowest bidder".[/quote]

and....
-if nothing is broken on your helo, just wait, it's about to.
-they don't fly, they beat the air into submission.
-never fly anything where the wings move faster than the fuse.
etc. etc

But on the bright side, you usually can crash at a lower speed, and all the fast moving bits fly away leaving you safe and bewildered in the middle of the carnage  

[FatTuna]

Depends; the SS spinners, battles, and slammers are all really easy. The Shimano spinners can be a pain, especially for the older ones that they no longer make parts for. The baitrunner is, in my opinion, the biggest headache to fully take apart. The Penn conventionals are easy for the most part. I haven't opened my new fathom yet though so I can't comment on that. My Tlds and Diawa Saltist are pretty easy. Abus aren't bad.

In terms of simplicity and longevity, I like the Daiwa Saltist, Penn Senator, Penn SS + slammer.

The ones that give me the biggest headache are really cheap Shimano spinning reels with junk anti-reverse systems, all baitrunners (especially the D), and the tiny high end Shimano spinning reels with tons of little parts.

In general, I find star drag reels easier to maintain. I also, for the most part, prefer single speed reels. I do love my nicer Shimano spinners but I'm of the mindset that simpler is better.

[Reel 224]

Something that hasn't been mentioned here yet. Spinning reels IMO have always been the reel of choice for casting plugs and light lures, and conventionals for casting bait or drop fishing on the bottom. Now that there are mag reels the lighter conventionals are preferred in most cases for there power.

But since the question is which is easier to maintain, I think that was answered earlier. I personally don't mind working on either of the reels I have. 

[Slazmo]

The baitrunner is, in my opinion, the biggest headache to fully take apart. The Penn conventionals are easy for the most part.

There are a few parts to the Baitrunners however I like working on them - bit of a finger twister game however a challenge!

[Rancanfish]

Good point on helis, they are constantly trying to shake themselves apart as soon as they leave the ground.That said. They saved a lot of lives in Nam!!
[/quote]

My Brother in law David flew a Huey in Viet Nam.  Never talks about it at all.

[Reel 224]

Good point on helis, they are constantly trying to shake themselves apart as soon as they leave the ground.That said. They saved a lot of lives in Nam!!

My Brother in law David flew a Huey in Viet Nam.  Never talks about it at all.
[/quote]

My wife and i have a friend that was a chopper pilot in Vietnam also and he had some hairy moments, but not because of the aircraft more so the enemy trying to shoot him down. Not something people like to share with others,rather have it left in the past.

[Reel 224]

Slazmo: That reel does look like a challenge to service, but nothing be a try but a failure.

[Slazmo]

Slazmo: That reel does look like a challenge to service, but nothing be a try but a failure.

They're quiet polular and a lot of people put servicing them off for years on end and when it comes to a problem they blame the Baitrunner name and not the nong (user) behind it. These reels are quiet bomb proof in their design however need regular maintanence and are complicated in their design however work very well once tended to.

I've done a few things with both of mine which makes them so much better than off the shelf pieces and a absolute pleasure to use!

[Bill B]

Most of my spinners are the easiest to take care of.....most cost me about $5....so when they need service.....I dig out a new one ....(not counting the Mitchell 300's Fred).....the Penn conventionals I have to tear apart and service....which gives me hours of entertainment!!!!