Editor's Pick
U.S. Reel 230SX
¿¿ $150 ¿¿ 314-962-9500 ¿¿ usreel.com This company's spinning reels don't get a lot of media play compared with other brands, but I give them huge points for daring to be different. The spool on their new 230SX and on some older models is much shorter and wider than those on comparable spinning reels. This means several things. The larger diameter produces longer casts. Also, more line is retrieved with each turn of the handle, so twist is reduced. -Because the spool is shallower (from top to bottom), the main shaft moves up and down less while you're reeling, which allows for a smaller reel body. As a result, it's easy to feather the spool's upper lip with the index finger of your casting hand, giving you better control over your cast. Finally, the spool has a removable arbor. The unit holds 138 yards of 10-pound mono when it's in place and 221 yards without it. If you're a bass fisherman, you know line ¿¿capacity is seldom an issue. Over time, using the arbor will save you money on line. No one else to my knowledge does this, and it's a great idea. The 8.9-ounce 230SX has a molded carbon-fiber rotor and side plate. More Top Spinning Gear
Daiwa Tierra
Cabela's Tournament ZX
Abu Garcia Cardinal 800
Shimano Tiralejo
Berkley Lightning. Field & Stream Online Editors
U.S. Reel 230SX
¿¿ $150 ¿¿ 314-962-9500 ¿¿ usreel.com This company's spinning reels don't get a lot of media play compared with other brands, but I give them huge points for daring to be different. The spool on their new 230SX and on some older models is much shorter and wider than those on comparable spinning reels. This means several things. The larger diameter produces longer casts. Also, more line is retrieved with each turn of the handle, so twist is reduced. -Because the spool is shallower (from top to bottom), the main shaft moves up and down less while you're reeling, which allows for a smaller reel body. As a result, it's easy to feather the spool's upper lip with the index finger of your casting hand, giving you better control over your cast. Finally, the spool has a removable arbor. The unit holds 138 yards of 10-pound mono when it's in place and 221 yards without it. If you're a bass fisherman, you know line ¿¿capacity is seldom an issue. Over time, using the arbor will save you money on line. No one else to my knowledge does this, and it's a great idea. The 8.9-ounce 230SX has a molded carbon-fiber rotor and side plate. More Top Spinning Gear
Daiwa Tierra
Cabela's Tournament ZX
Abu Garcia Cardinal 800
Shimano Tiralejo
Berkley Lightning. Field & Stream Online Editors
Daiwa Tierra
$115 · 562-802-9589 · daiwa.com The most important of several new spinning reels from Daiwa this year, the six-model Tierra series offers premium features at a midrange price. Eight bearings, a tough tubular stainless-steel bail, and a fully sealed drag combine to give you smoothness and durability. The midsize TDTR3000 version weighs 10.7 ounces and ¿¿carries 200 yards of 10-pound monofilament. An aluminum spare spool is also included.
Cabela’s Tournament ZX
Shimano Tiralejo
BERKLEY