Best steelhead reel for under $40

I need some new spinning reels.  2 boys and their friends we take fishing, plus some saltwater this summer, have taken their toll on what we have.  I want to buy 2 or 3 and I'm cheap.  I've had more expensive reels in the $80 range and they didn't last any longer than the cheaper ones I buy.  
 
What's the best spinning reel that stands up to steelhead for a few years that you've used for $40 or less?  
 
 

I am biased..... I only use Okuma reels now a days since trolling rods are so awesome, and actually looking at their flygear to get started in fly fishing.
 

perch, I do have a big Avenger that I use for carp, cats and salt and it has been a great reel.  Going on close to 6 years now.  Dunno why I didn't think to look for a smaller model of it.  Thanks!
 
Pork, I bought 2 new Mitchell 300's last summer and used 'em in the salt this summer.  Even before that, they weren't as great as I'd hoped they'd be.  We hosed 'em off very well after each outing in the salt this summer.  Got the drag burned out by a big bull red on one (didn't land it) and it's as clunky as a $15 Daiwa now.  That was really the only big test the drag on that reel had in the year I used it.  The other is still in decent shape, but the salt took a toll.  I had a Pfleuger president that only lasted a few years.
 
I WILL buy a few reels next year that are saltwater rated and keep 'em set aside for that purpose.   
 
When you say your "Gander Mt. is a Pflueger . . . Cabela's is Okuma," are you talking about the store brands built by those manufacturers with different labels, or just where you got 'em?  

rsquared
 
When you say your "Gander Mt. is a Pflueger . . . Cabela's is Okuma," are you talking about the store brands built by those manufacturers with different labels, or just where you got 'em?  

Store re-branded.  The Gander Mt. has the same exact handle, spool, spool cap, bearing stamp and other parts as my Plueger "Arbor" reel.  It looks almost identical to the Arbor, without the over sized spool.  I've had it for close to 10 years, and it has been my wiper go to reel for most of that time.  It was a combo, around $80 on sale, normally around $120 (or they claimed).  I bought the Arbor with intent to use for saltwater lure rod, but it got a lot of use at Arthur this year.  It is in the $80 range though.
 
For salt water, I hose off after every use, then when home, I take my reels apart and give them a good cleaning with soapy water, rinse really well, then oil (3 in 1).  I'll do that with my fresh water gear, maybe once every 2-3 years.

Yup, i have 3 presidents and 2 trions, my one president is 12 years old never once have i oiled it or cleaned it my one trion has taken 4 steelhead seasons with out any maintenance also.. best bang for the buck.. I use and abuse my equipment, my catfish trion i fell bringin a 35 lb flatty in and smashed the spool on a big rock as i broke my fall i just bent it back straight and kept bringin the fish in. I love pfleuger swear by em, no im not bad mouthing okuma or any other company just giving my input, i heard good things about okuma, just pfleuger has my business until they start costing me fish/trips their 7 ball bearing is comparablly smooth as many of the 10 bearing rigs ive looked at oh and also the trion has a larger spool size than most if your looking for more line capacity

fishfashfush
Pfleuger trion 39.99 use one for big flat heads and one for steelhead they take a beating

Maybe I'll have to look into those.  I had a President for a few years that was pretty disappointing with its lack of durability.  
 
Most reels on retail websites all have good reviews, so I appreciate the personal feedback from all y'all.  

Presidents for the smaller buck are hard too beat.
My older SS Penns are getting worn out after 30 years of spinning ! 

I use a quantum nitrous. Works great

rsquared
I need some new spinning reels.  2 boys and their friends we take fishing, plus some saltwater this summer, have taken their toll on what we have.  I want to buy 2 or 3 and I'm cheap.  I've had more expensive reels in the $80 range and they didn't last any longer than the cheaper ones I buy.  
 
What's the best spinning reel that stands up to steelhead for a few years that you've used for $40 or less?  
 
 

I discovered the same as you....$80 reels don't last any longer than $30-$40 reels
Not til you spend $150+ does it make a difference
 
I don't know what the best cheap reel is today, (haven't fished regular and like I used to)  but I've burnt up a dozen Shimonos, Quantums, Pleugers, Bass Pro, etc.
Cheap ole Shakespeare have lasted the longest
Followed by cheap Gander Mountain Guide Series 
 
LTA
 
 
 

rsquared
Holy Shnikes, the steelhead must be in the cricks cause Genie is back!

 
i was just checking in to see if the complaining started yet....
 
 
..L.T.A.

Hey Genie nice to see you back. Sound advice my friend. The eastside rocks.
 
PT2

The shimano Sienna's are a good reel, I'm going to try some Daiwa Sweepfires I picked up for $13 and see how long they hold up.

Save the $40 for beer, you don't need a reel.

^x2 proud owner of 4 unmaintained/abused spinners and 1 fly reel soon to be 2.. they never let me down from panfish to 30+lb cats had 5, wore the bail spring out on one after 16 years. Ordered the spring took it apart.. lost the plunger, only to find they don't make replacement plungers. Oh well spare parts.

rsquared
This is a few months old and I got 2 of the Pfleuger Trions.

They will be going back to Pfleuger as soon as I get a stretch of a few weeks here with no fishing. Both have seized up terribly at different times after sitting for a week or two. Not impressed at all. Hope the replacements are better.

stop catching so many fish then...