not impressed with the current shimano range........

look at Diawa real four range but bugdet will be the deciding factor........

hey lout just thought about the same thing i have the spheros 1400fa awesome never missed a beat jiggin, bottom bouncin was lookin to upgrade to the gosa 18000 but bit more coin than the fb spheros have been told by a good source that unless u plan on thrashin the gosa up north and stuff the spheros is good ,so i just bought the 18000fb another good option for u might be the new fin nor offshore range very tuff, great drag, huge capacity ,and for around 240 dollars very good

I've got a Saragosa and have caught some good fish on it. So far no problems. The difference between the gosa and spheros is bearing, drag and handle upgrade. You can buy a kit to do the upgrade yourself. Have heard some good reports about the fin nor gear. Supposed to be very strong and not very expensive. Worth a look IMO.

GO BLUES

stella, uh lol

thanks for the advice fellas... have some looking to do.

i've had a spheros14000 fa with pimp up kit for bout 3 years or so and slayed some good fish on it - no dramas with it.

need a new reel and was just interested to hear peoples opinions and experiences.

wouldn't mind a stella but can't really justify $1000+

thanks again fellas

another question for fellow fishers out there

anybody own or used the daiwa calida kix or freams in the 4000 ? and how do they compare to the spheros/saragosas? from what i've seen they seen they have approx 8 kg drag compared to the 20kg drag with the shimanos.

the other daiwas in the real four range seem to start at around $600.

anybody tried the fin nor reels as well??

there's a huge size difference between the 4000 Daiwas and the 18000 Saragosa. Better comparison is the Catalina 6500 but also a step up in price bracket. Another is the Daiwa Sealine Bull and Opus Bull 6000...around $240 and $150 respectively.

I have a Saragosa 18000 (80lb braid) which is a good reel however only got it last Xmas and havn't put it to a full test as yet. 

 Also have the Caldia Kix in the 4000 (as honsu says alot smaller than the sara) I have my Kix spooled with 30lb braid and use it for bottom bashing for snapper when I need more lead than my 20lb outfit (mainly the rod) will allow.  Mainly got it for bluefin tuna and rate it as great for this as well.  I have upgraded the nylon bush on the shaft of the kix with a bearing and also changed the handle.  Haven't had a problem with it in 2 years.

 Cheers Paul

thanks for all the input and advice guys, at leat i know what to look for next time i go down the shop armed with a fistful of cash.

thanks again to all.

hey bluebagger....we up for the flag next year??? bloody hope so... been a long time between drinks.

Definitely Lout, at the risk of hijacking your thread the boys in blue can now mix it with the best.  On their day they will take teh game up to any one but i am not sure about their consistency.  They def not have the week in week out consistency of the Saints or Cats.

consistency definately is the key. Hopefully rats will crack the whip on em over the preseason... defense whilst good isn't great.

but at least we cracked the 8 this year... must be worth a drink..heh  heh.