Shimano Sidestab 2500

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fishON4Me
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2008/01/27 08:35:19 (permalink)

Shimano Sidestab 2500

I just bought a Shimano Sidestab 2500 rear drag reel and know I am feeling a little confused. Before I use it to fish, I was wondering if I should have bought something different? Many are telling me the Okuma Stratus and Plugear President I should have bought. SHould I return it or use it? I got it new for $25. Please let me know as I am a total novice when it comes to fishing. Thank you all for replies and sugggestions.
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    ShutUpNFish
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    RE: Shimano Sidestab 2500 2008/01/27 09:26:37 (permalink)
    You should be fine with this reel.  I'm not a big fan of rear drag systems, but the reel should be fine.  If you plan on doing a lot of fishing however, I might have gone with the Solstace, Sedona or Symetre in Shimanos.  These would last you longer, cost about double more, but you would definitely feel the difference. 
     
    My overall opinion is that when it comes to fishing, especially for steelhead, you should save a little and get a little better reel.  I don't mean one for over $100 either.  Some of those prices are really rediculous and for what, better looks, a few extra BBs?  A reel in the mid $50 to $80 range will last you a long time and will perform quite well.  As far as brand goes...they are all pretty good anymore with today's technology.  Shimano, Diawa, Okuma, Pflueger/Shakespeare, Penn, Quantum...whatever, when it comes to the brand, its personal preference at that point.  I would have, however, saved a little more cash and purchased something a little bit better.  For as much fishing as I do, I don't think a $25 dollar reel will last much more than a season.  You get what you pay for as long as its within reason.  Good Luck!

    #2
    Bismuth Boy
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    RE: Shimano Sidestab 2500 2008/01/27 10:07:28 (permalink)
    That sidestab is a fine reel for the money. I personally prefer rear drags for hard-fighting fish. I use the cheaper Shimanos for a LOT of saltwater fishing, the only maintenance they get is hosed off daily with fresh water. Nothing beats up a reel more than saltwater and beach sand. My Shimanos are just like the Energizer Bunny, they keep going and going... I've destroyed numerous other brands of reels, including Penn, Shakespeare, Pflueger, and Daiwa. As I destroy a reel, I replace it with a Shimano. Soon that will be all I own, other than a few indestructible old Mitchell 308/310's.
    #3
    Fishtamer
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    RE: Shimano Sidestab 2500 2008/01/27 18:58:44 (permalink)
    I use Spirex & Solstace reels all the time. I like the rear drag.
    #4
    STEALYS4ME
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    RE: Shimano Sidestab 2500 2008/01/27 19:31:36 (permalink)
    I prefer rear drag system and only use rear drag for bigger fish u have better control of the fish and stand a better chance of landing it.
    #5
    steelehead
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    RE: Shimano Sidestab 2500 2008/01/28 08:14:31 (permalink)
    I used a sidestab 2000 (older version of 2500) this past season. Long story short, a fall walking down to the Conrail tubes put an end to it. I just purchased a 2500 to replace it. I like the rear drag and for $25 if you don't like it, you really haven't lost much.

    Do fish pee?
    #6
    chromeking13
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    RE: Shimano Sidestab 2500 2008/01/28 16:18:26 (permalink)
    You shoulda seen that fall...and he still caught the most steel with the broken reel.

    My wife said I golfed too much...so I started fishing.
    #7
    fishON4Me
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    RE: Shimano Sidestab 2500 2008/01/29 17:25:09 (permalink)
    What type of line would you suggest for this set-up I have. Looking to use a good strong mono line. Any suggestions?
    #8
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