Light surf spinning reel suggestions?

[Cubano]

I'm looking to buy a spinning reel for a light surf setup, and would like to hear your suggestions on which one of the following four reels you would recommend:

Shimano Saragosa 4000F
Quantum Cabo PTs 40
Okuma VSystem V-40A
Daiwa Team Advantage A 3500A

I have already bought a Shimano Cennan medium-light (6-12 LB) steelhead spinning rod. I will be mainly using 1/2 to 3/4 OZ lures on 10 LB fluorocarbon, for mainly halibut (with the occasional perch and croacker), here in Southern California. If you have any other suggestions other than the four mentioned above, I would appreciate it.

Thanks

[word-doctor]

I am currently using a little Daiwa Emblem with 30# braid--couldn't be happier. Casts great and the line (Suffix) doesn't twist.

I've also used a FinNor Finite for a long time. Came with heavier braid, which I'm still using. It's a helluva reel.

[Cubano]

You mentioned that the Okuma has felt washers. Are those less resistant to saltwater damage or is it that they heat up faster? I've read that the Cabo have ceramic washers.

Thanks

[JerseyBrian]

Originally Posted by Cubano

You mentioned that the Okuma has felt washers. Are those less resistant to saltwater damage or is it that they heat up faster? I've read that the Cabo have ceramic washers.

Thanks

I believe felt washers are inferior in every way compared to ceramic drag washers. They cannot handle saltwater as well, they cannot handle debris as well, etc... Just my opinion though.

[ichibahn]

Saragosa 4000F !

I try my friend Saragosa 4000F, is light and smooth reel for the price.
So far I used Van Staal for couple years and really happy with it.

[canyondiver]

Originally Posted by LEXPRO

How about Saltiga surf?

Glorified, overpriced Emblem Pro and it's loaded with plastic parts. It has about 200 parts inside IIRC I wouldn't touch one unless you gave it to me to play with in a bluefish run and said I was not responsible for any breakages.

[ahistick]

Originally Posted by Cubano

You mentioned that the Okuma has felt washers. Are those less resistant to saltwater damage or is it that they heat up faster? I've read that the Cabo have ceramic washers.

Thanks

The Spheros FA series has stock greased felt washers. In a brand new reel the drags are fine. After lots of use, the washers would need to be replaced due to wear.

A great example of felt washers in a reel is the Daiwa SLX series reels. Great casting reel (lots of those reels on SoCal boats), but after lots of use, the drags get sticky or loose some top-end stopping power. You can clean out the felt washers with solvent and re-grease with Cal's (would have to redo after a season of regular use) or replace with greased carbontex washers.

[Cubano]

I ended up going with the Shimano Saragosa 4000. I guess the washers on it are made of dartainium (not sure how that compares with the ceramic washers in the Quantum Cabo). I like how solid, yet smooth the reel feels, plus the fact that it was designed for saltwater use. Also for a small reel it has a strong drag (22 lb). Thanks for all the suggestions.

[tracker12]

Let us know how itworks out. I am looking at the 8000 waiting to hear some reports on it.