Are high dollar reels worth it?

[Eel nyut]

I guess it depends on how much you fish. The money part sucks no matter what your doing. Everybody likes what they have. Yes some people have high end stuff to say they have it. They also are fair weather fishermen. If a guy drives a vet, the guy in the kia hates him. Do you think the guy in the vet cares? Noooooooooooooo, he's all set because he's good with what he has. You get what you pay for.

[Sudsy]

I dunno, I think it's a matter of finding just the right tool for the job. Some jobs can be done with less expensive tools some can't.

I have a 146 Squidder I bought used for $40 that is probably the best 8 n bait reel I own. It's perfect for the job. On the flip side, it has no casting controls or levelwind so I'd never think of using it for plugging - definately the wrong tool for that job.
I have a Shimano Conquest that I bought new costing 10 times as much as the Squidder. It doesn't throw 8 n bait any better then the Squidder does, so for that use, no it's not worth it. On the flip side it's in a whole 'nuther league when it comes to throwing plugs on the beach. The tight tolerances and high end casting controls that add most of the extra cost make the Shimano the perfect tool for that job. For that job, yes it's worth it.

[Striper Steve]

I picked up a Okumo reel at Dicks (Stratus GT) it took me 24hrs to come to the conclusion that it was junk...looks and feel like a pimp my reel! I returned it and got a Penn Slammer 560.I spent $100 on it but its like a Rolex of spinning reels.I'm sure it will last 20+ yrs.

[baitfish]

I WILL TELL YOU WHAT I DID TO MY REEL,,,IT IS AN INTERESTING CONCECPT,,,,,,IHAVE HAD 6 SPINE SURGERY'S,,I HAVE RODS IN ME FROM THE TOP OF MY NECK TO THE BOTTEM OF MY ASS,,,,AND MY LOVE IS TO SURF FISH,,,,WELL TO KEEP THROWING PLUGS OR BAIT YOU NEED A STRONG,,STURDY,,YET LIGHT REEL,,,,SO LOOKING AT THE VAN STAAAL;S WHICH I WILL NOT BUY,,,I BECAME A LITTLE INGENIOUS. I FINALLY GOT MY HANDS ON A PENN705Z,,,IT WEIGHS 24OZ,,,,,I HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS A MASTER TOOL AND DYE TECHNICHIAN,,I GAVE HIM THE REEL,,RIGHT NOW AS WE SPEAK,,HE WILL DRILL DIFFERENT SIZED HOLES OUT OF THE BODY ANDSPOOL AND WHEN IT IS ALL DONE IT WILL BE ABOUT 4 TO 5 OZ. LIGHTER,,,NOW THE VAN STAAL IS WATER PROOF,,BUT YOU CANNOT HAVE HAVE EVERYTHING AND AT THE COST,,,SHOOT ,,,I AM WAY A HEAD OF THE GAME. NOW HOW DOES THAT SOUND?? INSTEAD OF SPENDING $669.00 I ONLY SPENT THE COST OF THE REEL $119.00 PRETTY COOL,,HEY!!!