I know there are a million posts on cheap reels but I figured I would get some input before I buy another reel next week.
I have 4 penn fierce 4000 reels and I really like them. I know there are better reels but for the money I pay ($60) they have held up well with a lot of abuse.
My question is, should I buy the shimano sedona 2500 or another penn fierce 4000? I was thinking about branching out to shimano cause I hear good things from so many people. I’m looking to stay in this price range, but if anyone has any other suggestions I would consider them.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Malibu Stealth 12 with Lowrance Mark 4 Fishfinder/GPS
Perception Access Angler
Not sure how they compare, but if it was me I would take the Shimano over the Penn. However, I have not used the Sedona so can’t say for sure. I have not been a fan of the Fierce reels.
I have both reels and I am not really pleased with both. The Fierce reels go to junk after a while of using (even with cleaning). I got the Sedona reels over the summer thinking they would be better than my battles, but the drag is either extremely tight or extremely loose. But to chose, I would go with the Sedona. Just my input.
Aside from the size difference, I own a couple of sedonas, they’ve never given me any trouble but they are quite loaded with graphite, I think the whole shimano line up is now. By loaded I mean graphite frame, sideplate, rotor, basically anything they can make graphite is graphite. The metal parts are diecast too. I would definitely play with one first.
For that price I would take a look at the Okuma Trio. I bought a 30S on the recommendation of Toobusy for around $65 and have really enjoyed it. Well built reel that still looks brand new. It has tons of drag.
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I use a little bit of everything. I have a 3000-size Fierce that I’ve been fishing with for about three years and it is still hanging in there…I have a Shimano Sedona - it is a good reel for a little $$. The few Shimano reels I have are on my artificial jig rods - I have always enjoyed the feel of the reel for repeated casting - lightweight and prone to be less noisy during retrieve than some of my Penn reels. I also fish the Penn Battle 3000’s…they are beefy and have a great drag.
I appreciate all of the ■■■■■■■■. I plan on using this reel specifically for artificials. I’m going to have to look into the okumas. I have 3 cheap okuma stratus 65s that I use for pier/surf fishing and they are decent for the price.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Malibu Stealth 12 with Lowrance Mark 4 Fishfinder/GPS
Perception Access Angler
I don’t know about the Sedona’s, but I have a cheap ($15) shimano that I got a while back that has been dunked several times and for the most part came out unscathed. I also have a Fierce that I got a month or so back and it’s been treating me well
I have an Okuma trio that you are welcome to test out. I loved it at first. After a year it’s starting to get a little stiff. I clean my reels well too. I’ll service it and see how it does before I’d buy another. I also have a few Avengers that are still going strong that you are welcome to try out. FYI, Penn is comming out with a new reel in December (X-mas). It’s called the Conflict and is similar to the Battle but with sealed bearings. It sounds perfect for the type of inshore fishing we do around here. It’s a bit more expensive than the others (I think I read in the 120-130 range) but will probably be cheaper in the long run.
Thanks for the input. I think that conflict will be nice. I decided to spend more money and I bought the battle. I think I will be happy with it. I wasn’t crazy about all of the graphite on the shimanos. I have a big okuma avenger BF that I use for surf fishing and it’s a good reel. Thanks for the offer Jeff, next time we are out I’ll take a look at it.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Malibu Stealth 12 with Lowrance Mark 4 Fishfinder/GPS
Perception Access Angler
I looked at the symetre but It felt just like the sedona and sahara to me. When I handled the battle compared to the shimanos it felt more sturdy and durable. I guess time will tell. I’m always willing to try different reels in the future. The wife might get me a conflict for xmas though.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Malibu Stealth 12 with Lowrance Mark 4 Fishfinder/GPS
Perception Access Angler
With either you will be happy. I use the Shimano Sahara 3000 and it is great value and after a couple years of good use still works like new. Weight is good but almost wish I got the 2500 for those days of lots of casting. Never had too much of an issue with the drag. I wanted to spend a little more for the Battle but all I ever heard was they are fantastic but the paint peels and doesn’t look good after some use. I like my equipment taken care of and looking good so went for Shimano. Still look brand new after almost 3 years and no complaints. Best of luck and let us know what you think of the Battles that you got.
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Went out today and did a lot of casting with the battle 4000 and it handled great. I tried it on a 7ft st croix triumph medium fast action and it felt good. It didn’t wear me out but that’s probably because I’m used to the fierce 4000s. I like the look of the Sahara but I don’t like the reverse switch. To me it’s unnecessary and one more thing to fail. I probably like the penns so much cause they’re easy to break down and oil and so far have been very durable. I’ll probably buy a Shimano in the future though so I can see what all the hype is about lol.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Malibu Stealth 12 with Lowrance Mark 4 Fishfinder/GPS
Perception Access Angler
