I really never thought there could be much difference between a 30 buck Shimano rear drag XL Quickfire (my all time favorite) and a 300 buck Shimano whatever spinning reel. I still don't as I have used both.
Huge difference if you give your reels a good workout on a regular basis.
We use 2XXX and 3XXX series reels light tackle jigging (LTJ) for Stripers. You don't stand a chance with a "disposable" reel. The drags washers don't have nearly enough surface to dissipate the heat, they expand, lock up and snap...there goes that fish of a lifetime. The structural integrity of these reels are suspect as well. I've seen side covers distort, locking of the gear assembly. I've seen reel stems twist. This is why i recommend staying away from carbon bodied spinning reels. Under heavy use, they last maybe a season, at best.
High dollar reels are not necessarily the solution either. While a $800 Shimano 3000 Stella is a nice reel, a Shimano 3000 Symetre offers similar performance for under $100.
I have an Okuma AV-30 ($40) that has lived thru 7 season now but I have to put new drag washers in it every season. I've had to replaced the pinion baring as well.
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