SHIMANO vs PENN vs DAIWA [$200 Inshore Spinning Reel Comparison] 

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Great review! Just a few things I would like to add... Out of the box: *Shimano*: If you are an avid inshore angler fishing for snook, reds, trout, smaller tarpon with light live baits (greenies, shrimp, finger mullet, crabs etc.) or smaller artificials then the overall weight, size, and refinement of the Stradic is a clear winner for you IMO. *Penn*: If you like to bounce around the piers/ jetties/ bridges and throw bigger size baits the overall rigidity and weight of this reel shouldn't be too much of a bother. Also, if you toss your gear around and beat the hell out of it then this is certainly the winner for you. *Daiwa*: Is a good mix of both; it is a little bigger in size and doesn't feel AS refined as the Stradic. If you are fishing a little deeper with slightly heavier line and baits and are going to be doing more cranking the fish up then this is a winner for you with the help of that oversized main gear. They are all great reels and provide great value for the money. If Shimano would get the line roller bearing issue cleared up and if the carbon drag came greased evenly in all the reels (not hard to do yourself if you get one that is sticky) it would be the OVERALL clear winner for me. Sorry this is so long I love talking tackle so here is my 2 cents. Tight lines Salt Strong Nation!

Really really informative video! Would watch these kinds of videos all day. Please do more price ranges.

Wonderful comparison, thank you so much for explaining differences between them.

I love this comparison! Thank you for all your hard work!

Awesome overview Justin - nice video and great information

I've bought Penn Spinfisher IV 2500 and a Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500 at the same time. I fished them both equally off a jetski and gave them the same after use rinse. The shimano stradic had to go for repairs (under warrantee) then it died the following season and is now in a landfill somewhere. The Penn Spinfisher is still perfect and hasn't even had a service yet. I was so impressed with Penn Spinfisher that I went out and bought 3 different sizes of the next model up (Penn Slammer). I've been so impressed with them that I've now sold my Daiwa Saltist 4000 LTD and Shimano Saragosa to get a Penn Authority. I fish a lot here in New Zealand and I like Shimano, I have Talica 8ii and I've even just bought a Beastmaster 9000A electric, but when it comes to spinning reels, I now only fish Penn IPX rated reels. I also had a Shimano Stella 2500 FE which cost me over $500 in servicing in 3 years!! WTF. Sold it! I'm told it was an older fresh water reel, but never again. I'd rather have a slammer than a stella

I've been wade fishing with a Stradic for 2 months now after a recent move to Florida and its been great. Very smooth and no problems with the line roller or drag. That said, I'm a huge fan of the Spinfisher series as well - I have 3 in different sizes and absolutely love their durability and how well sealed they are. The additional weight doesn't make a difference for me. In the Northeast we use much heavier rods and reels surfcasting all night for stripers. I'm sure the BG MQ is excellent too, I just don't have any experience with it. Thanks for the great review!

At the end of the day its all about personal preference. As i dive more into fishing i like reels that are very light, very refined and some sealing. For $200, Vanford takes it for me =) i can cast and jig all day and not even get tired at all. Keep doing this comparison vid for $100, $500 and $1000. Great vid!

Thanks for this informative video. I haven’t bought a newer reel in 20 years. My reels are cheaper 1970ish reels I’ve bought with old lures. They don’t last so I just pitch them. I need to bite the bullet & buy a good reel. Thanks for your advice.

Great instruction and advice. This is a fantastic community. Thank you

Awesome vid Justin, really like the reel breakdowns. I must say after a year of heavy use on my 3000 stradic it has become my favorite, the materials across the board are top notch and the reel is as smooth as it was the day I bought it. Only thing I do is some periodic maintenance on the line roller with clenzoil, definitely easier to maintain the roller than the older stradic fks that would blow up on people once it corroded.

I really appreciate the IP ratings. I hope all reel manufacturers go to that system. Great video, you guys are awesome! I just bought a stratic. I can't wait until the spring comes around to use it.

Excelente video,muchas gracias por orientarnos

I have used all 3, and I have to admit none are perfect but the Vanford and Stradic better for me...casting distance and weight are driving facture. All are good and much better than what I was using 10 years ago. Just my 2 cents

Fun review. I have a bunch of Shimano Stradic’s (1000 & 2000 size Ci4 and F models) and a couple of 2000 size Shimano Vanfords too. All used primarily in freshwater but catching 1,000’s of smallmouth and largemouth Bass. A few weeks each year some are used in saltwater. For some reason, I prefer the Stradic over a Vanford but can’t even really say why! I do think a Vanford reel is better in saltwater but not sure. My priorities are Smoothness (I have to “feel” everything the lure is doing), Lightweight (more cast equal more fish so you have to avoid fatigue), Consistency (my 8-year Old Ci4 reels feel brand new still) and Customer Service. I pack my most used Shimano reels and send to Shimano once each year. They are expertly cleaned and any necessary parts are replaced free of charge. I find it interesting when the Shimano repairman will call to report on what parts he recommends replacing. All free which is nice. I was told they use three different lubricants (grease and oils) so they say. I do “surface” lubricant my reels during the year. I do not tear them down. Penn and Diawa make great gear. I just find comparable Penn gear heavier, less refined and not smooth or crisp. Early on I had several Diawa failures but betting they are great nowadays. If I was stuck on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean, I would choose a Penn reel as I just feel they are bulletproof. In the meantime, I’ll stick with Shimano. Be well. Life is Good.

I have the Shimano Vanford that's my go to reel

Great breakdown. I have all these reals and I’ll take my Daiwa BGMQ all day. It’s a tank. It’s smooth like the stradic , and tough like the spinfisher. The bushing in the line roller for the BG is preferable to me. I’ve replaced TOO many line roller bearings from shimano, especially in the ci4. There’s a reason the vanford has a bushing now.

Bg is $85.00 cheaper in Canada and works great!! Hard to find because the people that know have bought them all😮. Stradic is still a great reel. Never used the Penn so can’t comment. Standard BG is a tank and even though not sealed alas well, it has been flawless in salt water for me. Wash down every time out. Good to go

Thank you for the video!! I have a ton of Stradics and fish less salty water, the Chesapeake Bay, and after 5 years of using Stradics I have not had any issues with the line roller. I have heard that component can have corrosion issues and need replacement. Regarding the drag, maintenance and regreasing should eliminate the "stickiness". I am surprised that the main con on the Stradic was not about the line capacity compared to the other two reels and the weight would have been the other pro verses the other two reels. I would have considered the Penn or Daiwa if I fished deeper water. But I don't need the line capacity and since I cast a lot the weight comes into play and the stradic is lighter. FWIW, I use Saragosas or Spheros SW A 5k or 6k when I am live baiting or bottom fishing cobia and or bull reds. I think the Daiwa BG MQ and SP VI in 6k or 5.5k makes a lot of sense in terms of weight and line capacity for those applications. But the Spheros is lighter than the SP VI and comes in at $50 less and is $70 less then the Daiwa at about the same weight.

All I have are spinfisher and saragosas in my collection. I’ve been thinking about getting a Stradic 3000 maybe for sheepshead and sabiki

Nice video guys. I appreciate you all showing the different manufacturers at this price point. This video is a good example of what I'd like to see more of in your product reviews. Unfortunately, the majority of the Salt Strong product reviews being made now seem like they're pushing the gear you guys sell in your store. In my opinion, if you guys don't review and recommend more products that aren't in your store - I feel I can't really trust the advice from you guys on which products to buy. Show us the bad stuff too. If something is junk...tell us, make fun of it, laugh about it, and send feedback to the manufacturer. Also, it would be nice to have another video like this one at the $100-$130 range. A lot of us like to stick to that range for our second or third reels, or as a primary if we're on a budget. I really like most of the videos you guys make, just wanted to provide some feedback.

Late to the party but the "regular"/ long cast spin fisher are sealed higher than ipx 5 but penn didn't want to confuse people having the bait runner version at 5

Great video!

would have like to seen the clash 2 in there for penn off the yak I've dunked it and it still feels super smooth. hands down my certate is my favorite would trade all 3 for one more of those. I have not dunked it yet though. there may be a day we shall see!

I own the stradic and spinfisher. I like spinfisher but I love the Stradic FL.

My experience is that the information NOT stated on the box is what you need to find out before comparing reels. For example, if they don't list the weight of the reel then it's probably much heavier than reels in the same price and class, which could be a turn off for a lot of people. Therefore, if Shimano and daiwa are mum about the ipx rating on the stradic and bg then you can bet they aren't as well sealed as the Penn.

Excellent video thank you.

Just wanted to drop you guys a line, and tell you how impressed I am with your content. I fish in the north east, and I happen to own all 3 of these reels. A couple in different sizes, and I have to say, you are spot on. My favorite out of the three is my BG MQ. I use the Stradic 3000 for fresh water, a Penn IV for chunking, and a 6000 size MQ for a little of everything. The Daiwa is truly special. It has way more power than the other 2. When I canal fish the MQ is the best tool. I always feel like it has very strong, but effortless power. It’s rock solid. It would be nice to crack it open, but you make a great point. If it’s engineered right, frequent service should not be an issue. Thank you for your honesty, and very thorough review. I just subscribed, and looking forward to checking out your library.

As I understand the Daiwa has that plate on the bottom and once you take that off you will notice water can easily get in through there if soaked in water or am I wrong? Also as far as the Spinfisher it gets smoother with time as the excess grease starts to loosen up with use. With other brands, the smoothness goes away with time

Penn Clash II is the better comparison in this price point. A little less sealed than the Spinfisher & a couple more bearings. For my $, that's my choice.

I own the penn spinfisher V 4500, 5500, 8500, 10500, penn battle 3000, and 8000. I've had them 10 yrs and have never had any problems with them Penn all day.

Have 5 stradic have never been disappointed, and not had problems with the line roller bearings, and the new 3000, I think is assume, keep getting better

Tackle advisors did a complete tear down review and he said that the Stradic is the hands down best reel at that category.

Thank you great reviews as always. Is the Bg MQ 4000 and 5000 models the same size body . Thx. Really loving these new MQs

If I’m only going to be casting out bait then I’ll just use Penn. but when it comes to lure fishing where you’re always casting and retrieving all day then Shimano for sure!

I’d like to see a saltwater baitcaster review. This season, I’ve really gotten into throwing swimbaits in saltwater on baitcasters.

I also like a pinion supported with a bearings such as Lews uses and the Lews inshore you should have reviewed

Great video. 👍

Good reveue having all the reels from stradic up to twinpower the only thing that seams to wear prematurely is worm shaft spacer, oscillating slider bushing which loosen up the main shaft,spool which is a cheap fix tho does put every which way

I have a spin Fisher 6500 ll from about 6 or 8 years ago or more. I got it because a neighbor didn't want to replace the pinion gear. I was 90% sure it has a zinc main gear. I remember thinking it would be great if it were stainless like the next line up.

Well to be honest to review each one of this reels you have to engage in to check all this whit the manufacturers to get the proper information to explain to the customer still you very good teacher no body do this review so smooth and impressive some people just frozen when go to explain especially on television is easy congratulations I like to listen to you my English is not very good but you explain so nice I refuse to stop listening to you all the tree are good quality no questions thanks my friend 😅🙏

The clash would be a better choice for comparison IMO

Penn's I own remind me of my wife...a bit overweight but always there for me and for my friends on ocasions, won't let me down no mater how much I negleckt her. Daiwa is my mistress and I like to flirt with Shimana but I love my wife.

i had a battle 3 dx 2500 that just couldn't spool right and kept making knots in the spool. I would have to take the spool off a few times a day and that would fix it temporarily. My tackle shop took it back on warranty and I upgraded to the clash II. But once it was spooled reeling it a lure was not smooth and a little grindy. The drag system and spooling line on the clash II are awesome. They took that back too and now I have the 2500 BG MQ and so far its awesome. I have a battle 3 dx 4000 and its great. Long story longer Ive had many penn's . spin fisher 5's, battle III, and clash II, even the 200 squall bait caster . When they are great out of the box they are awesome, but so far in my experience their inshore reels are like 50% good. Quality control just isn't there. If that clash II was smooth, it would be my favorite reel.

I change the gears in my stradic for the ones of the stella and its good...

+1 is the anti reverse roller bearing

What would you recommend for fishing off the boat in Alaska? Spinning reel Halibut and Lingcod from 20 - 160 lbs. I just purchased a Penn Battle 3 5000 with 40lb. Braided line is that good are bad just asking.

Is Shimano 3000 fl is of same size as Daiwa BG 3000/MQ.not in line capacity but looking at its overall body size?

The +1 in the bearing count is NOT the line roller bearing.. how are we supposed to take what you say seriously when you dont even know that the +1 reffers to the AR clutch or anti reverse bearing, they count it as a +1 because it is still a bearing, but its a different kind of bearing.

For mechanical wise MQ vs none MQ , shimano stradic 5000xg vs certate 5000d chx , the torque almost the same if not abit better with stradic fl although the main gear drive of daiwa is relatively bigger , locomotive mechanism is not adding any support to the overall torque that what i guess n i could be wrong . I have them both amony many reels , stradic fl is just a bit better for castibility n i do cast good enough . MQ body + longer spool along with worm gear osc would make any regular spinning reel shines among any company there is , yet the closest is stella fk 2022.

Bearing over bushing is best

Vanford. No question

Great video and very informative but I do feel like the Shimano is being elevated just so the Daiwa can beat it in this vid. He was suppose to say a con about the Daiwa but he gave a pro first then the con wasn't even a con. He didn't do that for the Shimano. So Im assuming that either this is Daiwa sponsored or you guys just sell Daiwa reels. Correct me if I'm wrong

+1 I believe is the anti reverse bearing

If zinc was equal to AL quality wise then Certate and Exist would use it. Yeah, daiwa makes a good zinc gear and they dont really fail. A well worn AL main just looks polished and still feels smooth. When zinc wears the reel is noticeably less smooth. It would be like comparing a BG to a Saltist inshore LT. The Saltist inshore feels far more refined compared to the BG and overtime the difference between the 2 will become more apparent.

That ip rating is significant on the Texas coast when a lot of surf fisherman use and prefer a Penn reel.

I just managed to destroy my bg reel trying to fight some over torqued screws in order to clean out sand and salt after letting my niece fish with it in OBX surf 🙂. From what I understand there is nothing drastically different in ballistic and saltist mq takedown. So not sure what is difficult in servicing them. What am I missing other than over torqued screws? Although this time around I am checking on them before I start using the reel. Most important screws are bearing retainer screws. Otherwise worst case you can still wash out gears from the side window and apply new grease, although not very clean or convent way (I should have done this instead of breaking a screw and ruining the body trying to drill it out).

a stradic at a sale price of 159 with free shipping imo is the best you can do out of these three. Though I do want a small spinfisher or slammer.

Plus 1 is an anti reverse bearing

Plus one refers to to the anti-reverse bearing.

Thank you very much, is 👍, but I only love shimano reels.

Justin is my hero

Hi great info, how ever Daiwa has to realize that anglers need to service themselves their reels regardless of pricing. Daiwa will loose customers due to their mag seal technology as well as NOT SELLING or making it possible to customers to be able to buy special tools and supply for all their mag sealed reels. I purchased Daiwa Saltiga 20000 size significantly expensive but returned when I learned the Hassel with non self service ability. Went with Shimano Stella instead. Daiwa needs to learn that its us consumers as Angler that support manufactures product with our hard earned money. It is very undemocratic to force consumer to not having choice when it goes to maintenance.

The Penn Spinning reels They have a conversion kit for them to make them a Bayless system And penn reels are straight up salt water reels And they are US made

I always thought the “+1” referred to the anti-reverse bearing.

from what ive understood . the plus 1 stands for the anti reverse bearing. thats why they all pretty much have it

I don't see many Daiwa reels being used down here in the keys. Penns are all over the place, even 20-30year old Penns still being used.

Quite happy with my Stradics!

That stradic didn't last two days on Pyramid Lake throwing 7/8 Oz spoons. It started to have a dragging feeling while reeling. It's not the guide on the bail. Very disappointed.

I always liked brass gears they are strong and last

What gear oil do you use or recommend

I love all 3 brands they are best at their own game.

Curious why did you leave out st croix?

I plan on buying 1 Penn reel and 1 Diawa bg

So basicly If you want king of smooth then shimano, if you want strong then penn, if you want to get finnesed then daiwa

Shimano all day for me

Should have used the penn clash or penn conflict 2

i guess i've become a diawa fanboy , but the MQ feature is a BIG con to me because i can't easily/cheaply get into it .

Love my stradics! Still have one with the wooden handle knob lol

Daiwa failed with that reel when they left a cast zinc main gear instead of putting one of the aluminum ones in it. There really isn't a better built 200 spinning reel than the FL. If you want a Daiwa with a gear worthy of the 200ish dollar price point the Back Bay and the Ballistic both fill that roll.

Is 5000 or 6000 for east coast surf

For 200 i would go with a used Vanford & keep it moving.

does anyone know if I can replace my Penn spinfisher 6 6500 spool with a 6500 longcast spool.

+1 just for antireverse bearing instead of roller.

Shimano stradic and penn clash 2 are my favorite. I’ve never been impressed by Daiwa.

How do I buy this

KastKing Kapstan Elite 3000-size, IPX6 waterproof rated, all-aluminum construction except the rotor, 30# of drag, and only $129.99.

I love the daiwa

Stradic is King!

Shimano is King of reels!

Penn all day everyday

MQ because it rhymes with one of my favorite foods -- Bar-B-Q! But seriously, it is the best reel out of the bunch and Stradic is a close second!

Penn pursuit 2500 and 3000 has been right for me. LoL. Dollar for dollar they are hard to beat. Caught several snook,reds, flounder tons of gator trout, giant ladyfish, jacks, blue's on them since I bought them last year. I just haven't had good luck with higher end reels over 100$! 🤷

Been using penn reels for a very long time they always perform . Just get a penn

You talked highly of the material of this fishing reels! Why don’t you do some stress test like put all tree in to salt water or fresh for weeks and reel in a 50# weights for several yards etc.. and see which one is bulletproof of all 3

I don't think ip ratings are all that great unless you get to ip67. I have a bit if experience with various ip ratings in various applications.

I’ve had 4 Spinfishers vi 2500,4500 and 2 6500s. They gave me so many problems and didn’t last a season

Which one most durable when being dropped or knocked around in a boat on rough seas

Question!! Can I remove my penn level wing casting reel with a penn fierce4 spinning reel..??