Shimano SYNCOPATE FG Spinning ReelsFishing

I've never really learned how to properly cast a bait caster, so a spinning reel is my go-to reel. They are easy to fix line problems and cast, etc. I've gotten attached though to the quick-fire trigger spinning reels though. I'm really not sure why more companies don't make them. They are far quicker and easier to cast than any standard bail spinning reel.Sure, I've seen people's complaints about these types of reels not having instant anti-reverse, but this type of reel can't work that way because otherwise the trigger won't stop where it needs to (near the rod). This really doesn't matter me though because I keep my hand on the crank, allowing me to lightly tighten or slacken the line as needed to lure the fish to strike and bite. I think everyone should keep their hand on the crank, so the instant anti-reverse only makes sense for me if the fisher is lazy.Another thing I think has kept people away from trigger spinning reels is that in the past they were off-balanced and you would get a wobble as you reeled. Shimano did an incredible job at balancing this reel and it is incredibly smooth. It turns as well as other spinning reels I've bought that were far more expensive.Overall this reel is built well, very light, turns smooth, etc. Until I found this reel, I was searching all over the web for old Diawa reels with the quick-fire trigger, because Diawa doesn't make that type of reel anymore and they used to be pretty good. This reel just beats the pants off of those old used reels. They are smoother, don't wobble like the old Diawa's did and are just far better reels.They also seem to be built pretty well. About the only other company I've seen make them is Zebco. And Zebco's trigger is designed very poorly, it will break or quit functioning properly after a while. This trigger is pretty similar to the trigger from my old Diawa reels that have lasted for more than a decade. Shimano does make some other quick trigger spinning reels, but they are far heavier, reel slower and have a double handled crank that I don't like. I prefer a single handled crank like this reel has. A second handle tends to get in my way while turning the reel crank.

Love this reel. Have had a similar shamano for years and it’s still working great! Great value for the price.

Nice reel, smooth action. Love the Shimano trigger system. Only draw back for me was it comes unstrung. No instructions that show how, or best method to tie on the line. watched numerous Youtube videos to tie on and string the reel. It is also a heavier reel than I thought it would be. I have a similar one that is much lighter than this one.

Just ordered 2 more of the 2500. I use these reels exclusively. Once I got use to the Quick Fire I can't go back to manual bails. At this $30 price point I can have a reel for everyone of my rods which range from med/lite, medium, and med/hvy. One handed fishing, open bail with pointer finger and just cast, becomes very intuitive. With a Quick Fire there is no infinite reverse so the handle will travel some before the anti-reverse engages but this has posed no problem for me whatsoever.I usually spool 8lb mono (Ande lately is my favorite in hi-viz green). Most all reels and brands are standard bails but Shimano, thank goodness, continues to offer them. Don't get hung up on # of bearings this reel is smooth as silk. I select the 2500 model over the 1000 (same frame) but the 2500 has a larger capacity spool. Try one to see if it's for you. Unlikely you will find this in tackle shops though since they are probably not good sellers for them. Would like to see a few more offerings with this feature from Shimano or possibly other brands in the future.

Have used Shimano"trigger" bails for over 30 years. The only reels I use. I have numerous models of these.Have never lost a fish due to lack of instant reverse.Kayak fish fast rivers, small and big lakes and Lake Michigan with these. The one hand operation is essential as the other hand is always busy with paddle management.I've tried other open face reels and its a 2 hand operation to cast. Shakespeare made a no fail bail but it was not well made. Would love to see a multiple bearing high end reel with the trigger feature. I'd pay well for that. \These are the higher end of Shimano's trigger series. Nice and smooth compared to the cheaper ones. I have at least a dozen of these as I often take out a fishing neophyte and very easy to teach them to cast with this. I use one of these for ice fishing also.Try it out, I think you will like this quality, nicely priced reel.

I love the quick fire release. It reels very smoothly. It's not a cheapo. Made well and not a flimsy reel at all.

Works great. Nice to have reel that has a trigger

On the very day that I spooled some 6lb mono on this new reel and headed to the river, I got this 28-inch, 7.37lb walleye. I know I didn't catch this fish because of my new reel, but the drag performed well and the reel worked as expected. So far, so good.