Good budget spinning reels

[NYHunter10]

Looking to upgrade on my reel, just no more than $50 because I typically fish for just panfish in less than 40’ water. Reel would go on an UL or L action rod.

Any recommendations? Thanks

[perchfanatic]

Look into Clam Predator reels. I purchased 2 last year and was so impressed with their flawless operation in -20F temps, that I purchased 2 more this year to upgrade 1/2 of my combos. They are available from Clam or most major outdoor retailers for $39.99 each.

[DR.SPECKLER]

Shimano sienna in the 500 series,great reels for around 25$.

[rdhammah]

I second the sienna

[Dan in NH]

I tried the inlines this year, going back to the Sienna

[Ravo Himself]

I'm glad I'm not the only Shimano fan boy.  By far the smoothest drag you'll find in a budget reel. No need to buy anything else

[bootstrap]

i think the sienna was replace by a different name/model. i have one on my favorite st croix walleye rod. i like long stem reels for ice. i bought 2 of the piscifun cx5 ice reels, both of the handle ends broke out first time using. they still work fine.

[RStock521]

Group me in the Sienna fan club.  They didn't get rid of the Sienna, just changed the color on it.  They used to be silver/green but now they're red/black.  Still MSRP for $29.99.  Best reel for $30 that I know of.

[jrjach75]

I used to run the Siennas but have been switching to Lews as I wear out or give away the Siennas. Laser lite and the Wally Marshall signature in the 50 size for panfish is what I use.

[QuinnTheEskimo]

I’ve been using the 13 Fishing long stem Wicked Ice reels all season and I’m very happy with them.  If you hold a jigging rod pistol style, I think you’ll like the longer stem.  They’re about $40. 
Edit: actually they’re on sale for $28ish from Fish307 right now. 

[Winds-of-Thor]

The Okuma Ceymar 10 is a nice little ice reel. Mine were around $40.00

[ChrisL]

I am using DAIWA CROSSFIRE LT SPINNING REEL 3000-C which are around $30 at Cabela's.  I have more trouble with the guides freezing up than any issues with the reel.

I also have a 13 Fishing Freefall which I like the operation much more, but it is really susceptible to icing up.  It is really not usable unless you are in a tent. 

[HWeber]

The Okuma Ceymar 10 is a nice little ice reel. Mine were around $40.00

Shhh folks don't seem to like okuma around here. There's plenty of threads about reels in this price range

[Esox fisherman]

Pflueger trion 20

[Joe in T.C.]

I just got two of these. $20

https://www.piscifun.com/collections/spinning-reel-1/products/piscifun-flame-spinning-reel-10-bearings-light-weight-ultra-smooth-powerful-fishing-reels

[jrjach75]

The Okuma Ceymar 10 is a nice little ice reel. Mine were around $40.00

I'd think it is too. I got one in the larger size for open water fishing, it's a nice reel for the price. Can't imagine the 10 size is any less of a reel, I mean it's smaller so I guess literally it is less of a reel, but quality-wise I'm sure it's not.

[bigstorm]

Shimano Sienna and the Okuma Ceymar 10 are great reels

[guthook1]

You might want to take a look at the Diawa QR750 ultra light spinning reels.  I have 3.  They can be found on the net at $23 to about $30.  They are also available in the big box stores. Best/smoothest that I have seen for anywhere near the money.
bestfishes - jim

[Mingo]

Check out Piscifun ICX 5 reel. I have three of them combined with tickle sticks. Great reel at a great price. No complaints.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

X2 for the Pflueger Trion.

[stripernut]

Not to say there aren't other bands that make good reels, but you are very safe to just buy the Shimano that fits your budget and you will be good...

[Subway4X4]

Sienna 500 hands down.

Blain’s Farm and Fleet had the Sienna 500 + rod ice combo on sale for $34.99 a couple months ago.  I bought a bunch. Love the Sienna.

[captain54]

Piscifun 500 Viper....$26 bucks 10 ball bearings.... Very smooth reel been using them all winter.... Very nice drag....I bought 4
Two 500's and two 1000's......

[DowneastPescador]

Shimano Sienna and the Okuma Ceymar 10 are great reels

I like both these and have had good luck with them. Pflueger president is the next benchmark at the 50$ price point. I have a mitchell avocet that has stood the test of time as wel.

[NEWLEE]

Another vote for the Okuma Ceymar C-10 smoothest ice reel I've owned

[mee2gofishing]

You might want to take a look at the Diawa QR750 ultra light spinning reels.  I have 3.  They can be found on the net at $23 to about $30.  They are also available in the big box stores. Best/smoothest that I have seen for anywhere near the money.
bestfishes - jim

Agreed.  I like the slightly bigger diameter spool over the 500 sienna, but the quality control might be lacking a bit.  I have had a few shimano sienna in 500 and 1000 reels for a few years now and they look and work just like new.  My QR750 works great, but after one season of use the paint on the reel handle is bubbling up.  Still works good though.

[grizzlyhackle]

X2 for the Pflueger Trion.

X3

[bigfoot86]

Siennas here, never an issue with them.

[TeacherPreacher]

Have two ultra lite Okumas. like 'em good!
Teach

[Scranton Joe]

Okuma ultralight 10

Great drag for a $20 reel.