>>1564298I'm partial to Daiwa spinning reels. I like how their Zion bodies are really strong and are the lightest around (eat your heart out Ci4+) I own 2 Tatula LTs that I love and if I lived near salt water I'm sure I would splurge for a Ballistic. In addition to this Daiwa also hits price points well for spinning reels. For instance, the $100 BG is an amazing saltwater reel that goes toe to toe with $150 Shimanos.
That being said for baitcasters I actually prefer Shimano. Their ergonomics and form factor are more comfortable than Daiwa and in general I like centrifugal/centripetal breaks more than magnetic breaks. The only time I would opt specifically for magnetic is if I'm going to skip baits or pitch baits since it's more consistent smooth breaking. I haven't used a Shimano DC reel so I cannot comment on those.
I don't like Abu. I own a gen 3 STX that is just meh at what it does and I also own a Revo Ike spinning reel that is more uncomfortable to use than a $70 Shimano Sedona.
Avoid Lew's, they don't do anything better than their competitors. They are not more innovative, they are not more comfortable, they don't have better breaks, and they aren't cheaper. Also from my understanding they use chink factories at price points where others manufacturer in Korea so fuck that. If you want an "American" reel buy 13 fishing.
Pic is my Shimano Scorpion MGL. This is easily my new favorite reel.
