Another 500 size reel option ...

[uljersey]

Looks like a possible contender, especially for under $30 TYD

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Laguna-Sp ... 2548.l4275

Discontinued model, bit still worth consideration.

[earthworm77]

Bill, have you ever fished a Tica?

They make the Cetus SB 500 and the SS800. these are truly tiny reels but have all the features of larger reels including a decent 5 to 1 ratio. I'd say that they are smaller than 500 series reels. I had a Cetus SB 500 for almost 20yrs....sold it and then bought a brand new one because nothing could replace it. I'll get some photos.

[uljersey]

To be honest my UL scope of reels is somewhat limited, mostly due to my stubbornness ...

When I first got serious about UL I went with Pflueger after a lot of research. I had a bad run of experience with Shimano spinning reels dating back to the late 80's - early 90's, so I (unfairly perhaps) have a bias against them. What can I say - I'm thick headed and hold a grudge. It is what it is.

The Pfluegers were good reels, I really never had any issues with them. Then the SS 700 got my attention and eventually won me over. It seems (in my mind) to best address the major flaws in small reels, namely line management, casting distance and inferior drags.

I tend to find something that works well for me and stick with it for the long haul. I really should broaden my horizons a bit more though, and the Cetus has been on my radar for quite some time now.

While we're at it, here's another little oddity from FFO. It's an Abu Cardinal, but seems to be perhaps a JDM model judging by the shallow spool. I did a bit of digging, it's a UL size reel -

http://www.ffo-tackle.com/ffo-reels-spi ... ia&start=7

[earthworm77]

Wow, if that is a JDM model, it is relatively inexpensive. It is probably more than an ounce heavier than what I'd want in a true UL reel though.

The SB500 is 6.2oz. Not sure about the SS800. And that is a little heavy considering the diminutive size of the reel. I guess it is mostly metal.

**edited, the SS800 is 5.1oz.

[Smead]

IIRC, they were mentioned awhile ago...here;s what they have:

http://www.ticaamerica.com/index.php?op ... Itemid=306

[earthworm77]

Yup, that SS800 is 5.1oz. It is tiny. I have it matched with a Teton 662ul and the SB500 is on a 5ft Presso ul.

[108642]

I e-mailed this question to Tica:The Cetus 800 series reels look like larger reels than the 500 series. Are the 800's actually lighter than the 500's (5.1 oz for 800, 6.3 for 500)?
I am waiting for their reply, possibly some of you might know the answer.
Thanks

[jigmaster5]

that Daiwa Laguna reel is an older US version. i think the price point was around $30 originally. i never picked 1 up because the reviews were mixed to poor.

i've fished the Tica SS500 reels - mostly on ice rods. they were good - nothing too special. i ended up selling mine. the $50 ones were much smoother than the cheaper models. i bought them from thornebros which still sells them if you want to give them a try.

my latest cheap reel is a Daiwa reel made for Cabelas. it's called the Pro Guide 1000 even though it's a 500 size. 5.3 oz. It's probably not worth $50, but I picked it up on sale for $35 or $30 - I think. For $35, it's a very good reel. Reel is smooth, drag is OK not great. I have 3 lb fireline crystal ice on it now and I'm using for icefishing. the more that I use it, the smoother it gets (which is common for Daiwa reels). for the price (on sale), i think it's hard to beat. i would definitely buy another 1.

the older pflueger president reels (6720 series) are pretty good, too. i have a bunch of them. the new ones (6920 series) aren't as smooth - especially in the cold - but they are functional just not as much fun to fish. i much prefer the older series.

my favorite in that <$100 category is the Symetre FJ500. if you can find a used one on ebay or something, then grab it. i use mine for trout with 2 lb Maxima ultragreen.

[gillchaser]

I've thought about the Cabelas/Daiwa offering but every time I make the hour+ drive to check one out , they're out of them .
My favorite right now would have to be my Symetre 500FL . I also like the last model 500 Sahara , I just wish they'd left the previous model's handle on them . The newest looks cheap , but works . Gillchaser

[earthworm77]

I e-mailed this question to Tica:The Cetus 800 series reels look like larger reels than the 500 series. Are the 800's actually lighter than the 500's (5.1 oz for 800, 6.3 for 500)?
I am waiting for their reply, possibly some of you might know the answer.
Thanks

I'll see if I can weigh them on my gram scale.