Shimano Spirex FG Spinning Reel (6.2:1)

Reel is ok but hate that it doesn’t have instant anti-reverse. If your not paying attention it will cause line to get tangled and pretty much impossible to get a good hookset if the bail isn’t returned back to the top of the reel every time. To bad I waited to long to try it and the return window is closed. Definitely expected a lot more from shimano on this one.

I purchased the Spirex 4000 (FD) because it is one of the few reels in Shimano's line that still has the Quickfire feature. When this feature was introduced back in the 80's I bought one reel with it and liked it so much I had soon replaced every one of my freshwater reels with one with the Quickfire mechanism. I love the ease of one handed casting and the fact that I never have to look down at the reel to make sure it is aligned for casting. As some of my earlier purchases start showing their age, the Spirex is my preferred replacement.I've read some complaints about the anti-reverse in Quickfire equipped reals. The complaint is that the anti-reverse isn't instant. Rather the reel will spin up to a full turn before it engages. That's necessary so that the mechanism lines up perfectly for casting. I've never found this to be a problem because my hand is always on the handle during the fall and retrieve and that is all the anti-reverse I ever need. Maybe it's because I began fishing in the day when anti-reverse reels emitted a noisy click when it was engaged, so I usually fished without engaging it.As far as the performance, the drag is smooth and line winds evenly on the spool. That's all I ask of my spinning reels. The reel has a solid feel and I like that it is metal, as I think that makes a reel more durable (even though I have some plastic body reels that are approaching 30 years old).My single complaint (and it's a minor one) is regarding the double handle. I don't get the point. Perhaps it is meant to appeal to anglers who use mostly bait casting reels. I find it slightly awkward feeling as every spinning reel I've owned have (or had) a single handle. The single handle also has the advantage of folding more neatly out of the way for storage or transport. I could probably easily replace the Spirex double handle with a single handle, and the fact that haven't done so means that it's isn't that big an issue with me.Overall this is a solid, well made fishing reel at a reasonable price. Highly recommended.

First of all, I ordered the 2500fg and received the 1000fg. I get it out of the package and turn the crank, and it barely turns and is very hard to get it to turn. Almost like there is something stuck in the gears like shaved metal or something. So I open the reel up (I have done this plenty of times to lubricate gears on older reels). I open it up, don't find anything inside that seems to be clogging the gears. The main gear that spins the cylinder is cut VERY rough. Nothing I can fix. I also noticed while I had it open, that there is actually only 1 bearing. I'm sure there are 5 BALL bearings inside it.Over all with the how hard it is to crank this reel, it is completely unusable. I will be returning.Buyers beware! Quality was obviously not checked on mine.

Very nice reel first time out with it had zero tangles or failed sets. This reel is smooth, balanced and quiet. It is a little stiff reeling I'm thinking new bearings need to wear in or the preload was set a little tight, it seemed to loosen up during the first outing. I haven't taken it apart to see if there's any adjustment just hoping it will set in to be a nice smooth reel. I've used shimano exclusively since the 90's because of the Quick fire trigger cast thing. I haven't taken my hand of the handle to lift the bail since.

I have Spirex spinning reels in all the sizes. I don't know why they don't have more reels with autocast but that is the overriding reason why I like these reels.

Own other Shimano spinning reels ( two Sedona 2500 FE ) and impressed with their quality assembly / operation. The Spirex model is smoother to operate and will be my reel of choice. I like the one handed bail system as well. An outstanding spinning reel! Just ordered / received my second reel identical to the first.

Always liked Shimano reels but this is the first of this model that I have owned. Only thing I didn't like is the reel is not as smooth as some of the more expensive models. Come to think of it I have a much cheaper model that is smoother than this one.

Very nice reel,the description on the item should be clear,there are two different size reels a 1000,and a 2500 I thought I was purchasing the 1000 and received the 2500.both sizes will work for me,but may differ for others.

Nice little reel works as expected. I always buy the 'trigger' reels - I still prefer them.