Customer Reviews

Symetre 2500 FJ Spinning Reel

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this reel for inshore salt-water fishing, primarily for catching redfish, speckled sea trout, flounder, and snook. The 2500 reel size is very comfortable and extremely smooth, especially after I spooled it with braided line. I have taken this reel out fishing several times now, and have caught a variety of saltwater fish with it. It stays strong and smooth, and I am overall very pleased with the reel, especially for the price. I have used many reels before in the past, and this is one that I would certainly buy again.

I just purchased my 9th Shimano Symetre reel (and my second one this season). The first one I purchased back in 1995 is still going strong. The Symetre is Shimano's flagship spinning reel which put them on the map 17 years ago. Over the years they've made subtle improvements and I'm firmly convinced this is absolutely the best reel on the planet for the price.

And speaking of price, I paid about $25 less for the ones I bought on Amazon.com as compared to online sporting goods stores.

I purchased this reel expecting quality for the price. To say the least I am extremely disappointed in the performance of this reel. After using it a few times it started to stick when reeling, and then it would go back to reeling normal for no apparant reason. I then had it stick again and I played with it reverse reeling and finally it cleared up again and started reeling normal. Now it makes a slight noise when reeling and you can feel it slightly. It acts like the bearing is stacking. I spoke to another friend who used Shimano and he went away from them for the same reason.