Shimano Spirex Fg Spinning Reel

Love this reel because of the Trigger--allows you to cast more. Also smooth. I have about 15 of these and the only spinning reel that own...

Hands-down the most reliable reel I own. I have Plfuger, Daiwa, Penn. But the Spirex action is like a perfectly tuned clock. A little heavy but I won't take away for it because its inherent in the design and expected. Looks, feels and performs like a high quality reel should. I only regret not getting the 2500 yet

I fish in salt water exclusively, spinning lures between 3/8th ounce to 1/2 ounces. This Spirex 4000 FG is nearly identical to the rear drag model; featuring the Quick Fire II trigger. I personally am "hooked", pun intended, on the Quick Fire system. It take a huge step out of the next cast, and most importantly, I don't have to take my eyes off an area where I want to put a follow up cast. It also speeds up and simplifies my fishing experience each outing.The action is very smooth, hardly any wobble when reeling fast and the drag is very smooth. Regarding it's overall weight, I rate it as average. I would have liked if it where a little lighter, but I'm guessing that for a middle of the pack reel in the Shimano line-up, its about par with the competition in this price range. This reel only comes with one spool, would have earned the 5th star if it came with a second/spare.The line fires off the reel nicely, with hardly any resistance for long, really long casts. The line lays very evenly on retrieval, and so far, I've never experience a bird's nests, fouls, or tangles. It's built like a tank, and I expect this reel to last me a very long time. I also have the rear drag model, and though I've heard the arguments of rear drag verses front drag, I personally find the drag performance to be a non issue. Both are very smooth, predictable and strong. I mainly used 10 lb. mono in this set up.There are two concerns on the Spirex 4000's. Servicing and adjusting the drag during a hook up. To service a rear drag model yourself is more delicate than the front drag model. Also in rear drag models, salt build-up happens more than the front drag model. If you service your reels yourself, don't neglect cleaning and protecting the rear drag system. As for the plus on the rear drag system, its much easier to adjust your drag while fighting a fish on the line since you don't have to reach in front of your reel and potentially mess up. Lastly, the center of balance is different between both models, rear and front drag Spirex's. You can definitely feel the difference when mounting this on your rod. Both are solid, dependable reels that you'll be happy to own.

I have been a huge fan of Shimano-built reels (not completely on the lower-scale reels.) But the craftsmanship and smoothness of the Shimano Reels are the best on the market. I now have, on the Spirex series: (3) 1000 (2) 2500 (2) 4000 series.I'm not totally complete with my Shimano fishing gear as I have the set of Shimano Syncopate also.I'm hoping to see a little 500 size Spirex for my panfishing. :)

Love the trigger function. My last one lasted about 15 years. Shimano, nuff said.

Reel hard to crank,brand new

I am hooked (pun intended) on Shimano reels. Previously, I have used three of the plastic variety and am accustomed to the quick fire release. When it came time to upgrade, I decided to get another quick fire model. I am actually pretty pathetic without that button...This one is like silk compared to my old plastic models. Also, I found no spooling or line issues after a week of hard fishing for Northern Pike in Canada using Fireline. I also appreciated the smooth drag compared to the rear drag models I have owned. In fact, the drag worked well on everything from a 38" northern to a 18" Smallmouth without any readjustment. I wasn't sure about the two handles, large spool and weight but found them all to be beneficial for Northern Pike fishing. Did I mention my 29" and 32" Walleye? A trip to remember......This is the second unit I purchased. Wanted to have two in the boat in case one does break in Canada or to quickly change lures.

This is a big step up in quality feel from box store reals.

Arrived with loose Quick Fire Trigger. Looks like it was some sort of display model or so?

Nice little reel works as expected. I always buy the 'trigger' reels - I still prefer them.