Christmas present question

[Cahill]

Hi everybody. As I am sure you are all aware, Christmas is closing in at vast rate of knots. So, last minute as per usual, it is time for me to start thinking (panicking) about festive presents. I know my brother has said that he would like a new spinning reel, just an inexpensive one to use as a back up. I've been looking at brand new reels for sale online and came across the Penn Battle II 5000 (see photo) that come in for under $100 but still has cracking reviews. But I was also checking out some of the auction and classified ads websites like http://www.used.forsale/ and saw that I can pick up used Shimano reels for extremely reasonable prices. So firstly, has anybody any experience of the Penn Battle II 5000? And secondly, would you personally prefer to be bought a brand new low end reel or a second hand high end reel?

http://purefishing.scene7.com/is/image/purefishing/1347894_5000_IS?$penn-pdp-main$

[SplitShot]

Certainly a personal preference, but I rather have a used high end reel, as long as there's nothing mechanically wrong with it. :D

[MrAC1980]

For the price of the battles, no reason not to just get a brand new one. For around 100 bucks, the Penn Battle 2 or the Daiwa BG would be my first choices.

[SaltLife1980]

I have and been using the Battles for a while now. Good reel for the price. Get a new one

[hammer4reel]

The battles are great reels for the $$, and have held up very well for me.

[Irish Jigger]

Whether bucktailing fluke or battling stripers the reel has proven itself time and time again. Very nice gift!!!!

[Fairfield Fishing Tackle]

Beware of any used reels. Some are great that somebody just upgraded to a better reel, but most are not. It is not a great deal if the parts have been discontinued. The Penn Battle II is a good reel with a decent track record and the Daiwa BG is brand new this year, made well and good feedback so far.