I am looking into getting a 2nd spinning reel, but I have a tight budget $50 or less.

So what is your favorite one and why?

Thanks,
CV

Check out the Shimano Sienna FE Spinning Reel. It has bearings and a front drag. They are great reels.

+1 on Shimano. Look at their entire line and find the highest price point you can afford. It's a fairly steady progression in quality for each price jump.

CanoeViking: "I am looking into getting a 2nd spinning reel, but I have a tight budget $50 or less.

So what is your favorite one and why?

Thanks,
CV"

Pflueger President when they're on sale.

cyclones30: "

CanoeViking: "I am looking into getting a 2nd spinning reel, but I have a tight budget $50 or less.


So what is your favorite one and why?


Thanks,
CV"

Pflueger President when they're on sale. "

+1
You can get them from $25-$40 if you look

AmarilloJim: "

cyclones30: "

CanoeViking: "I am looking into getting a 2nd spinning reel, but I have a tight budget $50 or less.



So what is your favorite one and why?



Thanks,
CV"

Pflueger President when they're on sale. "

+1
You can get them from $25-$40 if you look"

+1 Here also

I love Pflueger reels. The on sale President is a good recommendation.
I've had terrible luck with Shimano spinning reels. Very weak bails that break all too often. BIL has had the same issue. Pflueger bails are much beefier. I sent 2 Shimano reels in to a regional service center and waited and waited and waited. Finally called and they were sitting on a shelf, no replacement parts available even though the reels were only 3-4 years old. Called Shimano national service center and they said "Send them in. If we can't fix them we'll cut you a deal on new reels." Sent them certified mail and waited and waited and waited. Finally called and they denied ever receiving the reels even though I provided them a copy of my receipt saying they received them. Was basically told tough luck. I had well over $1000 of Shimano reels at the time. I've probably spent $1500 on reels since, not a single Shimano. Rant over.

I've got all Shimano and have never had a problem with any of them. Been fishing them for a long time and they have all worked flawlessly. My favorite has been the Sedona which was around $50 when I got it but I've had it for awhile so probably a bit more now.

I've also heard nothing but good things about the Plueger Presidents.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Just look for sales and jump at the first one you find in your price range.

All of my open water setups are Fenwick rods with Pflueger reels....the President is a great reel right at that $50 price point.

+1 on president.
also daiwa has some good options but usually not well rated under 50 unless a good sale pops
for me, shimano is the best.. but only the high end reels. ie: stradic 2500 fk :) nom!
the others.. the friction ring swells and it grinds
had it happen in the BWCA with a sahara even.. i mean those are 80$ usually and if that isnt enough..lol
quantum for me is another one with high end options, but havent heard that good of reports on the cheaper products

+ on the Plueger Presidents. Last yr they had Lady Presidents out there for 30-35 bucks. Excellent reel for the price. So what if its pink fish don't care.

The Pflueger President is a great reel, I have one too. If you want to spend around $50, I would go with that.

That said, you can get decent reel for a lot less if you shop around. I've experimented with several Chinese reels and have been pleasantly surprised by their workmanship and overall value. There is junk out there you have to watch out for, such as the plastic reels you can get at W-Mart in a combo for $30. I would stay away from those.

Here are a few examples of reels I have tried and been please with.

Kastking Mela II- Not a bad reel, looks stylish. Good drag and instant anti-reverse. Only negative is you pay a little more, as Kastking is a trending Chinese brand so the price is a litter higher than less known brands. $25-30

LIEYUWANG HC3000 - As low as I would go. Still a great value with solid workmanship. Good drag and instant anti-reverse. I like the 1000 size for ice fishing. Around $12

Fishmore Tuarus TR3000 - My favorite, just because I like the spring collar on the reel handle for quick folding. Good drag and instant anti-reverse. This one can be a little harder to find at a good price. $12-25

There are obviously many others I haven't tried, but I would rate these very high on value.

Where can you find these reels? Most of the time the best price I have found on Aliexpress. Aliexpress is similar to the third party sellers on Amazon or ebay. Often shipping is free, but slow and can take 3-6 weeks. Occasionally I get items in about two weeks, but you can't count on it. Shop around, often you will find wide price differences from seller to seller. Also, don't overlook Amazon and Ebay, sometimes you can find a better price, though it still may ship from China.

Give one of these inexpensive reels a try, even as a backup, and I think you will find them nearly as good or better than some of the name brands. I don't care what my friends think, the fish don't care about brand names or marketing.

how about what NOT to buy
i had a browning that ended up with the internal gears grinding into the body of the reel after about 3 years of average to light use. paid 60.00 for it too.
on the other hand : pfluger has been flawless thus far.

Any Pflueger reel. I've had great luck with the Trion.

Thanks for the advice folks. I can always count on you folks when I have a question. Conflicting opinions sometimes but the always seem to be a collective agreement and wisdom and experience.