used electric reels

[Hankzudd]

interested in looking into one for bottom fishing (as i get older);
two speeds are still good-2-go, but wouldn't mind doing some deep drops

how are the Shimano's? (ForceMaster 9000)

what's a for-sure brand to stay away from.
I understand parts and service may be an issue with some.

budget is $300-450ish minus rod.

thanks

[Donnyboat]

Diawa tanacom 1000, are quite reliable reels, I would not recommend anything less than a 1000, the cost for reel only AU $6 or700 but like all line level reels keep them away from sand, & lube the line level often, good luck cheers Don.

[boon]

Shimano Forcemaster and Beastmaster 9000s are strong, capable reels. The Beastmasters are quieter and have a bit more pulling power but depending how you fish with it the Forcemasters may be totally adequate.

The Daiwa Tanacoms are really tough reels but less refined than the Shimanos. Certainly they are a LOT louder, especially under load. They are popular with charter skippers around here for their durability. I mean the Tanacom 1000 here, the old "flat" reel, the newer ones that look like a big game reel are still an unknown. The Seaborgs look really nice but they are even more expensive than the Shimano Beastmasters; I don't have any direct experience with them either.

In the Shimanos there are old, discontinued Forcemasters and Beastmasters that may prove extremely hard to get parts for.

The "off brand" reels are like the Banax Kaigen, which are apparently reasonably decent reels but parts support may be non-existent.

If you want indestructible and endless power, Miya Epoch. These are commercial-grade reels, enormous and clunky and built like a tractor. While the Shimanos and Daiwas are often fished from a rod holder, these Epochs are exclusively. You can probably find a smaller used Miya in your price bracket, although it might be exclusively in Japanese.

[jzman]

If you or anyone you know plan on taking a trip to Japan, then definitely consider picking up a new electric reel.  It is half the price and usually 0 tax.

Shimano Forcemaster 9000:

Shimano USA MSRP: $1189.99
https://fishshop.shimano.com/products/forcemaster-a

plat.co.jp: 96,120 yen -> $609.42
https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/product_info/language/en/products_id/56110/cPath/4027_4041_6213/reel/shimano-force-master-9000.html

Importing from that seller would probably make it close to Shimano's USA price or more so I don't recommend it

[Swami805]

What about the new fathom electric reels?  Pricey but they look pretty rugged and not so bulky

[Hankzudd]

that's always an option, but again,,price! 
thanks for the replies

[ReelClean]

If you want indestructible and endless power, Miya Epoch. These are commercial-grade reels, enormous and clunky and built like a tractor. While the Shimanos and Daiwas are often fished from a rod holder, these Epochs are exclusively. You can probably find a smaller used Miya in your price bracket, although it might be exclusively in Japanese.

I have just had one of these Miya CX-4 Pros through for a quick repair of 3 of the microswitches that work the logic.  I do SMD PCB work so I just happened to have the microswitch type in stock (it's used in car remote fobs).  Customer took it as is and I will get it back for a full strip when the Wx turns to crap again.  If anyone wants a translation of the Jap manual I can supply a PDF that has the exploded diagram.  Just be aware that according to their website many of these have been discontinued and they won't accept them for repair.  Apparently they have a US agent?

[boon]

What about the new fathom electric reels?  Pricey but they look pretty rugged and not so bulky

I really don't like them. They feel like a make-do attempt to add electric drive to an existing reel, rather than a factory-built product with proper integration. I understand the electric part is built by Hooker, who make the big International electric conversions... which I also think are pretty agricultural given they cost nearly $5000. The decision to hard-mount the battery to the bottom of the reel was a poor one, IMO. Makes the reel pointlessly bulky if you're using a hard-wired power source from the boat. Plus it just looks goofy.