I am on the hunt for used spinning reels..
4lb test and 6-8 lb test.
Are there any reels made in the last 10 plus years that stood out in terms of quality build and serviceable...
I am thinking like a modern day daiwa tournament SS 700 or Ss1300
So many choices out there. I guess "serviceable" is going to be what narrows it down quite a bit. Looks like you've already made some choices, are they missing something that you're looking for?
I LOOOOOOVE my SS700. These were first released in the early 80s and only recently stopped production. The graphite body is the weak point. Eventually the screw holes will get chewed. But the internals are remarkably strong. And if you're fishing lures the very small spool combined with absurdly far casting ability will lead to twisted line and wind knots on small braid, which is less of an issue on the 1300.
I don't even really fish spinners anymore. But if you wanna steal my 700 prepare for a fight to the death.
And then there's the DQ1000/1001. Might as well be made of chiseled granite, you could drive nails with it. Yet it's still shockingly light. But I find the drag to be underpowered for my love of targeting big fish on small tackle. And you cannot close the bail manually it can only close by turning the handle (edit: Fred is right. You can close it manually but it involves using your fingernail in a way I'm not comfortable with doing repeatedly so the effect is the same, to me). I HAAAAATE that part about it but not enough to make me stop holding the reel in very high regard.
If you're into recessed spool spinners, there's a ton of other rock solid options out there but I just can't make myself get into those. Too old fashioned for my taste.
I got a Penn Fierce 3 1000 off Amazon $60,I love it for crappie, parts should be around for awhile. I had to google the Daiwa reels you mentioned & found a post comparing the 2. I just know my Fierce 3 1000 is great ! Looks like they stopped making the SS in 2022.
https://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/813750-daiwa-ss-tournament-700/
https://www.michigan-sportsman.com/threads/farewell-daiwa-ss-tournament-you-were-truly-legendary-1987-2022.742341/
I actually have no idea... I was trying to find a modern day SS.
Parts I understand may not have factory support, but hopefully it's so well made it won't break
About 8 years ago, after 45+ years, I transitioned from working on any reel that came across the benches —- to only what I know to be top quality reels that can be handed down to another generation of anglers.
And these days, I only work on spinners from (4) manufacturers —- DAM Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals.
Folks send me reels from around the globe for full restorations, service, and repair. Over the last 8 years, I have received reels for restorations from all 50 states, most of Canada, the UK, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, New Zealand, and a few others. Even some from Germany due to my contacts with some of the German engineers. Sometimes only one or two reels, many times 7-8-12- or a few times over 20 at a time. This is not because I am the cleverest or smartest reel guy around. It is only because I have chosen to specialize and make a commitment to amassing and part# organizing nearly 500,000 new parts for these quality brands. And maybe a little bit of experience and not gouging folks on prices, plus trying to give a little "extra".
Most ultralight reels since about 1989, are made of graphite, and have soft alloy gears, and a half dozen bearings, or more. The bearings are necessary because the graphite & plastic reels need extra support since the Tupperware materials will not solidly keep all of the moving parts in place.
Another issue is that modern manufacturers, including top brands like Daiwa, Shimano, and a couple of dozen from Asia —- do not support their products with parts inventory for more than a year, or two, if at all. They expect you will buy another reel, and toss the old one away.
Penn might be the exception to the rule —- most of their modern reels are pretty decent, even though made from graphite.
And on the D-A-M Quick 1000/1001, the bail is easily closed manually when fishing. Plus the drags can be easily upgraded when targeting larger fish —- but the factory drags are perfectly matched to the typical target species range that the reel is intended for.
My options to check out for microlite & ultralight would be:
DAM Quick 265, 110, 110N, 1000, 1001.
Penn 716, 714, 716Z, 714Z.
Mitchell 308, 408, 3800, 9000
ABU/Zebco Cardinal 3, C3
Then, another really good choice would be the Daiwa silver and gold metal series from the late 70's to early 80's —- 500C, 700C, 1000C, SS No. 1, Mini-Mites, Mini-Spins, etc. These are tough and solid little reels that will amaze and hold up well.
These are all ultralight reels in the 4 to 6 lb. Line range. All of these manufacturers also offer a step up to a slightly higher reel model such as the DQ 220/221, DQ 1202, Mitchell 300/400 types, Penn 710/712 sizes, Cardinal 4's and C4's. These would be appropriate for 4 to 8 lb. Line.
These are just my opinions, but they are based on decades of experience and thousands of reel jobs —- both on the bench, as well as personal usage.
Best, Fred
I just rotated from my Penn 712 to my DQ 220,I have 3 now, was thinking of selling one, not. They just don't make reels that good anymore. I put a fast Eddie ceramic bearing in all 3 & they are like singer sewing machines used to be. Simple & dependable.
Quote from: foakes on May 15, 2025, 05:14:20 PMDAM Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals
Hey Fred, kinda surprised to see Mitchell on that list, aren't the gears "soft alloy" on them as well?
Quote from: nelz on May 15, 2025, 06:35:08 PMQuote from: foakes on May 15, 2025, 05:14:20 PMDAM Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals
Hey Fred, kinda surprised to see Mitchell on that list, aren't the gears "soft alloy" on them as well?
Pretty much only the egg-shaped 300/400, plus the 308 have alloy gears —- but it is a better alloy mix of stronger materials. The 408, and larger Mitchells have bronze, brass, and steel gearing.
Big thing here to be aware of —-
The DQ's, Penns, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals have a bronze/brass and steel "worm drive"system that is double-supported by an oversized bearing in the front, and a strong oilite bushing towards the rear. The worm drive is steel or SS, and the main gear is machined cut bronze with a steel crank axle. This has been proven to be one of the most durable and dependable drive systems ever produced for spinners.
A DQ, Cardinal, or Penn cost around twice as much as a Mitchell 300 when they were in direct competition with each other.
Another factor, due to the superior materials and engineering in a DQ, Cardinal, or Penn —- even after 50 years, you can break one down for a full service —- and upon cleaning, burnishing, and fine-tuning —- you will find "0" tolerance and no wear in the mating parts. Tight, secure as when new —- and "0" defects.
The fish haven't changed in the last 100 years, or even 2 million years —- so why not try and use the gear that will last a lifetime or more?
If a DQ, Penn, or Cardinal were manufactured today —- identical to the ones of 40-50 years ago —- they would be in the $300 to $400 price range. Instead, one can get a restored reel for about 1/3rd of that today —- that looks & functions as when new.
Mitchells are decent reels —- the others are extraordinary reels and very good values.
Best, Fred
Not what I hoped or expected to hear....
I guess I should reconsider selling my old black and gold series.
Well that sucks....I was hoping to hear that somebody made a bullet proof more modern feeling reel with an A/R bearing balanced rotor, ss bearings and modern drag material.
Okay...I hear you.
Has any decent spinning reels been produced in the 21st century? In that smaller size(s)
Quote from: Steelynorm on May 15, 2025, 07:52:58 PMNot what I hoped or expected to hear....
I guess I should reconsider selling my old black and gold series.
Well that sucks....I was hoping to hear that somebody made a bullet proof more modern feeling reel with an A/R bearing balanced rotor, ss bearings and modern drag material.
Okay...I hear you.
Has any decent spinning reels been produced in the 21st century? In that smaller size(s)
LOL, ya came to a place full of old fogies, myself included ;D Don't dismay, there's still plenty of great reels being produced today, the only question is how long will parts be available. You mentioned having a 1st gen BG Series, well the current generation Daiwa BG's are pretty solid and come in all sizes and are moderately priced.
There's a dizzing array of other choices, you just have to shop for the features you desire and hope to stay within your budget.
Stay with the well known brands (Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, Shimano) and don't even touch those funny-named knock-offs!
I just cleaned my BG last night and what was mentioned about cheap plastic and 10 ball bearings hit home...most of the spinning reels I have purchased recently have been throw away reels with lots of plastic... Trying to avoid that for this next purchase..
Quote from: Steelynorm on May 15, 2025, 07:52:58 PMHas any decent spinning reels been produced in the 21st century? In that smaller size(s)
No, the various Stellas, Saltigas, and Exists are all terrible reels :cf
I've caught some nice snook and bonnethead sharks on my Penn Conflict II 2500. It holds up really well and is easy to service. It should last a long time with proper care. I use braid but it is a 6-8lb mono reel.
I just picked up a Penn Battle III 1000 I'm very happy with. Penn also makes a Conflict and Conquer in small sizes, but too expensive for my needs. Maybe someone on here can speak to them. As Nelz mentioned, the new Daiwa BG is nice too. I use the 3000 size a lot, and no complaints at all.
Has any decent spinning reels been produced in the 21st century? In that smaller size?
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For a quality reel I could recommend, D-A-M Quick came out with a very Limited Edition reel that is a harkening back to the quality of earlier days —- although with modern improvements.
It is the little 1000FD at 11.1 ounces —- all metal, not plastics, infinite ARB bearing, and (4) additional bearings, worm drive steel and bronze gearing, holds 185 yards of 4, 150 yards of 6, 120 yards of 8, and 80 yards of 10 pound test.
"S" curve oscillation arm for even line lay.
Double supported worm gear & double supported main gear for exact centerline balance and operation.
High speed at 1:4.8.
These were not made for very long, and then discontinued since they were made to prove a point, and it cost more to produce them than the wholesale price to dealers.
I picked up (2) of the 1000's and (2) of the 4000's.
They come with a nice presentation box, passport, lifetime guarantee, reel bag, spare spool, etc. Smooth and quiet.
Combines the best of the old, with the best of the new.
Best, Fred
Glad Fred made a shoutout to the old Daiwa. My ultralight aresenal consists of a Penn 4200, DAM 110, and Daiwa 1000C. And while parts may be unobtanium/difficult for the Daiwa, if used within its limits I really can't see anything going wrong with it. Now admittedly none of these reels was made anywhere CLOSE to the 21st Century.... - john
::) Fred and I had a conversation about this not to long ago . Materials and workmanship that went into the Dams is top notch . Try to wear out one out , lots of luck .. That all I am going to say.
The only part I ever had fail on a DQ was a 220 drag knob.It was stored in a tote inside the house.It may have had a crack in it for years,but finally decided to retire...I can't imagine
anything else going bad unless a bail spring wore out.
Pflueger patriarch 35 that's my favorite because it's 7oz and lots of drag,,,,,bail springs go out every year but i fish it alot,,,, ;D