Center pin reel, best bang for the buck?????

[Lunch_Box]

Buddy of mine watched me fish my center pin for steelhead last year and wants to get into it.  He has already purchased a tfo 13'6" center pin rod, he does not know what reel he wants to get.  I gave him my opinion, but I have pretty expensive taste.  I have a raven sst2 and a kingpin imperial.  One on a loomis rod and the other on a st. Croix rod.  Any word on the wright & McGill reel?  What do you guys suggest for someone just starting?  He spends a lot of money on his fly fishing equipment.  Best bang for the buck center pin reel?

[SNAGGER]

  be careful with the wright and magil, they fire saled them last month in my wholesaler, which tells me they are dis-continued. I had really good luck with the okuma/shefield s 1002, not the avdenta, next model up, everyone here runs them..no problems yet.  I run an 10 year old raven myself.

[Lunch_Box]

Snagged,  thanks for the info, I will pass it along to my buddy if I can get him out of his bow stand.  All those sweatshirts I see on Yankee fly website, they named after you??  Thanks again

[Lunch_Box]

Sorry snagger

[bluegillslayer]

 be careful with the wright and magil, they fire saled them last month in my wholesaler, which tells me they are dis-continued. I had really good luck with the okuma/shefield s 1002, not the avdenta, next model up, everyone here runs them..no problems yet.  I run an 10 year old raven myself.

THE AVENTA OKUMA IS A PRETTY GOOD ONE AND IF YOU BUY THE BOCA BEARINGS THATS MAKES THE AVENTA GREAT PIN REEL. JUST MY OPINION

[trapper2000]

larry   can  you  "pin"  bluegills

[bluegillslayer]

larry   can  you  "pin"  bluegills

i caught them with my worm in the water

[BAZOOKAJOE]

I second the Sheffield...great reel for the money.  Except with all that porting...they fill up with snow/freeze up fast in a snowstorm or if they get wet.  Raven's are nice too.

[lakerdave]

Sheffield / okuma s 1002 . Just got mine this yeah . All ready landed browns, kings and Steelhead . I love it .  There like 170$- 189$

[esox v]

 I say okuma Sheffield also and what ever rod you want to pair it with !! Great reel for the money !!

[adam2000]

yup sheffield, but if he is feeling like spending some cash islander steelheader

[timdog]

  if your on a budget the lower end raven rods (matrix i believe)  are very nice for the money. reel wise the islanders cant be beat and have stood the test of time, but the okumas are great for a tighter budget. i would recommend changing the bearings in the bronze Aventa like some one suggested and you'll have a hell of a reel. if i weren't such a gear head that likes higher end float fishing gear,  that raven matrix rod  combined with a tricked out (better bearing replacement) okuma aventa would be my choice. remind him that a good main line is important as well.

Tim

[Lunch_Box]

Thanks for all your suggestions, I will pass them along.  Tim mentioned using a good main line, I personally use p line.  Is there better??

[Dark Cloud]

New bearings will help most any reel...
Also some good deals on used stuff can be found. Guys are constantly upgrading thier pins and looking for cash for thier next reel or rod.
I picked up a well taken care of Spahr with new top end bearings for about half the origional price... 

[Lunch_Box]

Since you bought a new one, you wouldn't have a used one for sale would you??  Is your name jay??