Line Twist: Most manufacturers battle line twist on spinning reels by installing a bearing on the roller guide to help the guide rotate with the line as it comes onto the reel leading to better, frictionless line lay. A bearing supported roller guide is not something you'd expect to find on a sub $100 spinning reel and the Exceler is no exception. As a result, line twist management on this reel is average.

The 2500SH Exceler comes with a riveted T-style knob.

Features: Unfortunately, the Exceler did not fare too well against the features that we score upon for spinning reels. There is no bearing to support the spool; no bearing under the line roller; the knobs are riveted so we can assume no bearings there; the drag is not rated water resistant; there is no spare spool in the packaging; and no reel cover in the box either. These are all features we take for granted on higher end reels, and a scoring category that really separates higher end reels from the budget entries.

Taking this reel apart requires some patience, but none more than other spinning reels.

Design & Ergonomics: From a design and ergonomic perspective, the Exceler is a comfortable reel to fish, save for its overall weight. I find it a bit heavy by today's standards. The reel's handle length, as mentioned previously is very good although it does come equipped with an oversized "T" style knob that I personally do not like on reels of this size. Feathering of the spool is accomplished during a cast with little difficulty and the reel is about average as far as spinning reels go to break down. Spinning reels are never easy to take apart and reassemble.

The Exceler features an "Air Rotor" (made from Zaion Carbon), but no bearing under the spool.

Application: The great thing about spinning reels is they are very versatile reels. As long as you can get over the stigma of being "uncool" while using spinning gear (a stigma attached only to bass fishing by the way), reels like the Exceler are great for a wide range of applications. This is especially true when you take the other size options into consideration. For the Exceler this means everything from the panfish 1500 size on up to a 4000. Combine this with the Exceler's affordability and you can really get a lot done with this suite of reels.