Shimano Spirex

crawdad · 01-10-2003, 08:07 AM

I got one of these Shimano Spirex spinning reels for christmass. It is one of the models with two handles instead of one, sort of like a spining reel with a casting handle. Now I'm kind of traditional and am thinking of taking the thing back and swapping it out for a one handled model. But first I thought I'd ask if anyone used one of these things. If so what do you think?? Is the handle thing something you get used to and what are the advantages/disadvantages of having two handles. Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks Scott

outdoor.spec.ops · 01-10-2003, 08:13 AM

well, if you break one side, you still have one good one!

I personally like one for spinning reels, and two for baitcasters, but the two handle jobs tend to be more balanced. I dont think I would count a reel out because of its 2 handles. I do like the instand backstop those reels have.

Smj · 01-10-2003, 08:26 AM

crawdad, I had one o' them fancy two handle reels for many years, built very well. The only reason I didn't junk it and buy a different reel was I'm cheap, I hated the thing! The Spirex only has one stopping point on the anti reverse so it stops where you can use the trigger cast thingy. It used to drive me nuts to have to back reel that little bit to make sure that when you set the hook that the reel wouldn't BANG to the one position anti reverse. Eventually that BANG was what cracked the part of the reel under the spool. I use the Sodona reels for my steelheading and bass fishing.

Smj

SureSet · 01-10-2003, 08:27 AM

I have one and have found the double handles to be easy to deal with. I initially thought, like you, that I wanted a single handle, so I replaced it with one off an older shimano. I found the balance was a little better with the double so I've used the double ever since.

SureSet

TundraIII · 01-10-2003, 08:46 AM

I bought a Shimano Spirex about 8 yrs ago in Redmond after my fishing gear was stolen at my campsite. I was angry and picked the most expensive spinning reel on
the wall to make me feel better. That trout reel is still my favorite to this day and the double handle makes that reel the most balanced spinning reel I've ever owned. When it dies I'll pick up another one. I use it every spring for the shad run and the drag is just about dead, but I'm going to try and get one more season out of it. It's a fantastic reel and you just need to give it a chance and kudos to the gift-giver for picking such a
nice spinning reel for you. There are dozens of cheaper reels to choose from and the Shimano Spirex is not one of those.

tipndwater · 01-10-2003, 02:07 PM

hey crawdad, i have one and it took a little time getting used to it. now i feel that the double handle helps balance it, and you have 50% more chance fumbling to get the other handle!
:whazzup:
we all know that them metalhead don't get you much time to get the slack out and set the hook :shocked:
good luck
tipndwater

Trophy · 01-10-2003, 03:49 PM

The double handle makes it easier to acquire without looking and definitely balances the reel, but the Quick Cast feature takes a little getting used to. It also has the older design smaller line roller which doesn't incorporate the newer anti-line twisting mechanism.

So, if you like the Quick Cast and double handle features, keep it, if you don't like them, then you might consider swapping with a Sahara which costs about the same.

WOODUXS · 01-10-2003, 06:04 PM

I hope I dont sound like I know it all but the spirex spin reels are nothing less than AWSOME!!!!!! I own 4 of them ,including the first one I ever bought 7 years ago and still use it as often as I did then ALOT. I do alot of tournement fishing and I always have my 4 spirex 2000 spin reels with me and ready to get in on the action . I say keep the reel and give it a chance, you will not find any other spinn reel that out performs the spirex for less than $100.00!!!! Good luck with whatever you go with .......

wooduxs

proguide · 01-10-2003, 07:54 PM

I like mine too. Had it for about 3 yrs with no problems

OregonBankie · 01-12-2003, 04:35 PM

I agree with the above comments.

The double handle balances the reel better than any single handle, and the two handles make it easier to find a handle when you're not looking.

The bale does spin back to the point to make the trigger handy. This makes it a great reel for jig/bobber fishing, when you cast, reel, free-spool, reel, repeatedly.

Using TUF line, I did wear a groove in the plastic piece near the bale bearing, but a design change fixed this in the newer reels.

[ 01-12-2003, 05:36 PM: Message edited by: OregonBankie ]