Gear Guide: Spinning Reels - Over $200

By Perry Mack

Hardest working, most value-priced, and overall best new models of the season.

Penn® Slammer® III Spinning

Yes it’s new and yes you recognize the model. Penn is re-launching its Slammer III spinning reel with IPX6 rated sealed Dura-Drag system and gearbox. IPX6 is not an immersion rated waterproofing but a rain and splash rating – which should do the trick since we don’t spin cast underwater. This reel took the Best of Show honours in the saltwater reel category at iCast 2016. It comes in seven models with retrieval rates of 37-43” per turn, drag of 30-60lb and all of them with hefty line capacities.

MSRP: $250-$350 USD - pennfishing.com

Carrot Stix CSX 2000 & 3000-S2

Carrot Stix adds to their line up of rods with a truly innovative feature for spinning reels – on-the-fly shifting of gear ratios from 4.7:1 to 6.7:1. These reels feature smooth, durable corrosion resistant stainless steel ball bearings protected by carbon fibre seals. Two models weigh 11.5 & 12 oz, have a max drag 13.2 lb and retrieval rates of 35 and 38” per turn.

MSRP: $230-$250 USD - carrotstix.com

Shimano Stradic CI4+ Spinning Reels

Shimano strikes again with these light weight reels. They have with a solid feel, and very smooth retrieval. Constructed using HAGANE gear, G Free Body, CI4+, X-SHIP, Core Protect, and the totally new Magnumlite Rotor which allows a super light feel when you turn the handle, the new Stradic CI4+ is built to last.

This series of reel comes in a diverse range of specs from 31-39” retrieval rates, 7 to 24 lb max drag, and 5.6 to 8.1 oz weight

MSRP: $230-$240 USD - fish.shimano.com

Shimano Stradic FK

These smooth and powerful reels are built with Shimano’s rigid Hagane composite body and their X-Ship gear system for long casts and smooth retrieval under heavy loads. The Stradic FK comes in five models with your choice of crank retrievals from 31 to 41 in per handle turn and 7 to 24 lb of drag.

MSRP: From $280 CAD - fish.shimano.com

Daiwa Exist 3012H

For distance casting, fast retrieval, and durability it is top of its class. Ten corrosion resistant ball bearings and two magsealed bearings, with magnetic oil which bridges the gap between the inner and outer bearing races, keep the elements out, making it a great saltwater reel. You may never be able to afford the most expensive car in the world, but you could show up at the lake with the same reel as a Bill Gates. Retrieval rate of 37.4 in per turn, gear ratio 0f 5.6:1 and max drag of 15.4.

MSRP: $720 USD - www.daiwa.com

Penn® Torque® II Spinning

Here’s a reel you can put in your will. It is an updated premium all machined aluminum reel in silver and gold colours. The body and spool design earn it the IPX6 rating and they’ve reduced the weight by drilling out every gram that wasn’t needed, but still hefty at 19.5 to 27.8 oz. Three sizes, two in bail-less, with manual bails on the larger sizes, and on the 5500 you can switch between manual and automatic. Max drags of 40 to 60 lbs and blazing fast with retrieval rates of 38 to 50”.

MSRP: $700-$800 USD - Pennfishing.com