SYMETRE Spinning Combo

I have the 6’6” MLF and I love this combo from Shimano! I have a Shimano Stradic FL, Vanford, and Ci4+ as well as plenty of other reels. Bought this for some pan fish/perch fishing, but this thing has held up to a 6.3lb striper, 5.5lb red fish, 3.2lb pickerel, and more. Reel is smooth, clutch works great, rod is sensitive but sturdy, and the overall combo is light weight. The only thing I wish it had a bit different is a better placed hook keeper. It’s on the lower part of the split grip, where I’d rather it be above the reel. Only a minor point of personal preference, because this combo rocks for $99.

I don’t recommend this combo. So… it seems like a great combo for the price. Love the balance of the combo and sensitivity of the rod. Smooth winding reel…HOWEVER, be warned, if the reel gets wet, like a quick milli second dunk when wading in the water, the reel immediately becomes a dysfunctional nuisance. It’s now hard to reel and you will have to manually close the bail by hand after each cast. If this reel gets wet it’s total garbage until it COMPLETELY dries out. I will try to buy a aftermarket washer that’s not made of felt to see if it solves the problem. But as-is the reel isn’t worth the frustration you will encounter using it in real world fishing situations.

I loved the color on this combo and it’s smooth casting and retrieve. I only wish Shimano would add the anti-reverse switch. I prefer having control with this switch. Otherwise this is a great combo especially for price.

i hate how my rod tip insert was chipped and damaged causing it to shave my mono as i peeled line from the reel. this costed me a fish as i fished with it on. afterwards i shaved it all out and was left with just the rod tip ring. this made me feel as if it was cheaply made especially how i relied on a new rod to just work. i am dissatisfied with my experience which made me want to return both combos. i love how lightweight this rod and reel combo is i got the 6’6” medium light one piece rod paired with a 2500hg reel. this combo is an absolute beast in terms of fighting power as i wanted something sensitive to feel the alewives live lining and this combo did not disappoint. today 7/22/22 i caught a 15lb wiper at 2:30am at lake mcconaughy and the fish was a monster. the combo held up nicely with just the right amount of balance with the 10lb big game mono. the cohesiveness of the rod reel line and feel made this combo a blast. i love the feel so i will end up keeping it for now as they are sending me a new rod. and plus i did purchase the warranty for $7.99 so i’m a satisfied if anything were to happen to these rods. good luck and tight lines

The rod is nice. As for the reel, ive had Shakespeare's do better work. The gears cease up when reeling slow at important moments and it has cost me quite a few fish.