Shimano Spheros FA versus FB - The Hull Truth

Sprockets · 09-03-2009, 06:19 PM

I need a low priced 6000 series spinner for offshore use. Saw a deal on the Spheros FA. The Shimano website shows the FB. Can anyone tell me the main difference between the two models?

Fish'nFool · 09-03-2009, 06:55 PM

Hey Sprockets, I could be wrong but I think the FB is the newer model. Nice reels for sure. Did you check out the prices on the FA at River Marine Supply?

How's that GX treating you?

dlevitt · 09-03-2009, 06:56 PM

Other than the price, I believe that the FB no longer has the antireverse lever. By the way, I saw the 6000FA on sale (internet) for $60 at J&H tackle. I believe that they are a sponsor here.

Sprockets · 09-03-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish'nFool

Hey Sprockets, I could be wrong but I think the FB is the newer model. Nice reels for sure. Did you check out the prices on the FA at River Marine Supply?

How's that GX treating you?

The GX is doing great. No problems and it pulls the boat fine.

I saw the FA reel for $59 at J&H here. I need something to pitch to cobia and phins.

netman9 · 09-03-2009, 07:58 PM

Get the 8000, its lighter and gives you more line capacity.

dlevitt · 09-03-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netman9

Get the 8000, its lighter and gives you more line capacity.

I agree, unless you get the 6000FA for $59. They are great reels and like anything else, if you keep it clean and maintained, it will last and remain smooth.

cjd · 09-03-2009, 08:40 PM

I just saw a Spheros 6000 at west marine (Glenn Burnie MD)with a rod for $69. seemed like a decent price.

I have a spheros 3000, and I have not had an issue

striper97 · 09-04-2009, 03:22 AM

I have had a 5000a which has been excellent. Yesterday I picked up a 6000a for 59.95 at J and H and while I was at it got a 4000a to replace my Penn Slammer 460 which sounds like a coffee grinder compared to these reels.

Prop Blast · 09-04-2009, 10:20 AM

The changes to the Spheros FB are:

New/Improved spool design that supposedly allows the line to be wound more efficiently, resulting in better casting.

New/Updated worm/pinion gear that works with the redesigned spool to lay line better.

There are a couple of other "improvements", I just don't remember what they are.

The Spheros you see at a discounted price are the older Spheros FA's. Just as a reminder, Shimano drops a reel from its service program 5 years after it's dropped from production. So those folks with Spheros FA's -- that less than 4 years from now.

If I were fishing with braid, I'd get the FB. If fishing with mono, the discounted FA would probably get purchased and write it off once it started to fail.

PB