Shimano IX Reels with QuickFireII bail levers are so easy to cast, you'll never go back to your closed-face reel again! Thinking about making the move to an open-faced Spinning Reel? For my money, your best choice is Shimano! This new IX Series of Reels is perfect for beginners and budget-conscious anglers. It sports Shimano's exclusive QuickFireII bail lever that makes one-handed casting just as easy as with your old push-button closed-face reel. And look at the price... affordable for anyone! Three models available. Shimano quality and QuickFire convenience at a sweet low price! State Reel Model. Order yours ONLINE today! IX-1000RC: UL Action; 4.1:1 Ratio; Bushing; 270/2, 140/4, 110/6 Line Capacity; 7 ozs... IX-2000RC: M Action; 4.1:1 Ratio; Bushing; 170/6, 120/8, 100/10 Line Capacity; 8 1/2 ozs... IX-4000RC: MH Action; 4.1:1 Ratio; Bushing; 240/8, 200/10, 160/12 Line Capacity; 11 1/2 ozs.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Real Bargain Comment: They work great and last forever.
The best reel under $35 you can find (excluding other Shimano models under $35, which just get better and better for every additional dollar you spend).
Smooth (relatively, it only costs $13), flawless performance, tough.
I have a lot of these (1000s, 2500s and 4000s) that are over 15 years old, and were subject to very heavy saltwater use, and they still work fine.
I have caught literally hundreds of Mangrove snapper, Snook to 25 lbs, Tarpon to 30 lbs on this model, and they always come through.
For kids or beginners, you cannot find a better starting reel.
I use them as "assembly line" rods on an intercoastal dock I fish on. I put 6 or 8 of them in rod holders, baited with live shrimp, and wait for the action. (I'd say the average reel I own has spent over 100 hours in a rod holder, getting hit constantly by stingrays, snappers, snook and other game fish, and tackle busting Sail cats).
My 1000, with 6lb test line, out fought a 15 pound Jack Crevalle (who was getting chased the entire fight by a 6 foot Lemon shark and a 6 foot Hammerhead shark so you know the jack was swimming at full speed :) ) during a 60 minute fight on the flats in the Keys.
Buy one and you will be happy!
BTW, I never use the trigger bail thingy, but it seems to work fine.
Customer Rating: Summary: Get what you pay for Comment: In theory a sub-$15 reel that works is a good deal, even if the gear ratio is a bit low and the retrieve isn't perfect. I used my first one of these guys maybe 6 times before it lost the ability to cast. I picked up another one figuring, hey, it's cheap and the first time was probably a fluke. Wrong. My second one lasted only 3 trips before breaking. I really don't know why Shimano would sully their reputation with this kind of product, but that's certainly what they've done. Stay away from this guy--spend another $15 and pick up something decent. Customer Rating: Summary: Surprisingly Good! Comment: For $13, I didn't expect to get much usage from this reel (the 1000 model). I bought it basically as a backup reel, but I decided to try it out after I bought it. I put it on my Ultra-Light rod, and only loaded it with 4 pound line. I used appropriately sized bait/lures, and I didn't miss a beat bringing in the Bluegills. Especially for a beginner, or as a backup, there's no down-side to this reel. Of course, the line retrieve isn't as smooth on this (I don't believe it even has any ball bearings), but then again, it's only $13. I liked the 1000 model so much, I bought the 2000 model also, as a backup to my rod/reel combo that I use 6 pound line on. Sure enough, the first time I used it, I reeled in a fighting 2 pound bass on it, and it worked great. I've used both the 1000 and 2000 models I own probably 3 times each, so they're not exactly getting a workout, but I can say that, using appropriately sized bait for the smaller fish, this reel should do the job just fine.
