Shimano is undeniably one of the best in the world when it comes to rod and reel construction. The new Shimano 7’ FXS-70MB2 (2 pc) spinning rods are Fast Action, Medium Power (Line Wt. = 6-14 lbs.). Highly versatile, they can be used in a wide variety of river, stream, lake, or saltwater applications with mono, flouro, or braid.
Supported by highly favorable ratings, these FXS rods are known for their dependability, reliability, and durability, so they pair up perfectly with their Shimano Sienna 2500FD reel mates.
Shimano is is also makes some of the best in reels in the world, and the Sienna spinning reel is one of the best reels Shimano makes. Ranked #4 @ $36.76 among Shimano spinning reels (below #1 Stella @ $799.99, but above the Baitrunner @ $179.99, Sahara @ $89.99 & Sedona @ $79.99), and it ranks #4 in comparison to all spinning reels according to The Spinning Reel Comparison Guide 2016.
The new Sienna operates on a 4 bb system (3 shielded + 1 roller) that is about as trouble-free as can be. Like its FXS rod mate, the Sienna 2500FD reel is highly versatile. It can be used effectively in a wide variety of river, stream, lake, or saltwater applications with mono, flouro, or braid. The Sienna 2500FD has a Gear Ratio of 5.2:1; Maximum Drag of 7 lbs.; Mono Line Capacity (lbs.-yds.) = 10-120; Power Pro Braided Line Capacity (lbs./yds.) = 30-100; Retrieval = Interchangeable; Recovery = 29" per crank; Weight = 9 oz.
Although low priced, this reel would never be considered low-end because it has so many high-end extras featured by the more expensive reels. Yet, it remains affordable. Experts, reviewers, & users alike report that there is no better spinning reel in this price range. In fact, the Shimano Sienna has been cited as "the absolute best value to technology purchase you can make when it comes to quality spinning tackle!"
The Sienna 2500FDs are brand new, fresh out of the clam. They are spooled with new 10 lb. Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Clear Mono, or 20 lb. KastKing SuperPower Blue Braid, or 30 lb. PowerPro Moss Green Braid.
Buy the components of these combos, and you will pay $18.74 ($12.99 + $0.78 tax + $4.97 VS) for a Shimano 7' FXS-70MB2 (2 pc) spinning rod and $36.76 ($29.99 + $1.80 tax + $4.97 VS) for the Shimano Sienna 2500FD spinning reel, a total of $55.50 for the rod and reel. Add the cost of the line, $10.91 ($7.49 + $0.45 tax + $2.97 tax) for the 10 lb. Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Clear Mono Line, or $16.93 ($13.96 + $2.97 VS) for the 20 lb. KastKing SuperPower Blue Braid, or $23.62 ($17.59+ $1.06 tax + $4.97 VS) for the 30 lb. PowerPro Moss Green Braid, and you come up with the following totals:
1 combo with 10 lb. XL = $66.41 ($55.50 + $10.91),
2 combos = $132.82;
1 combo with 20 lb. KK = $72.43 ($55.50 + $16.93),
2 combos = $144.86;
1 combo with 30 lb. PP = $79.12 ($55.50 + $23.62),
2 combos = $158.24.
Note that the difference in price is a function of the line selected, with mono being the lowest price ($10.91) and PowerPro, state-of-the-art braid (made from the same material as bullet-proof vests) being the highest price ($23.62).
Follow up on this ad, and you can buy:
1 combo with 10 lb. Berkley Trilene XL Clear Mono for $55 or 2 for $100;
1 combo with 20 lb. KastKing SuperPower Blue Braid for $60 or 2 for $110;
1 combo with 30 lb. PowerPro Moss Green Braid for $65 or
2 for $120.