2500 or 3000 size spinning reel?

[6 lb Smallmouth]

I always have gotten 2500 size spinning reels but a knowledgeable fishing buddy says he only gets 3000 due to balancing the rod and something else (I forgot what).  Then I saw a pro talk about his 3000 sized reel.  How say you? 

[32eml24]

3 if nothing else try something different you'll learn something from it.  Longer casts, quicker line intake, more drag surface area, etc. etc.

[Manxfishing]

Mine are 2500 shimano's
The 2500 and the 3000 are the same body, only the 3000 has a deeper spool
(it holds 30 yards more)
the spools are interchangeable, So you could buy 2500 and use a 3000 spare spool
or the 3000 and use a 2500 spool

My thoughts are,
I'm using backing on most of the reels. I don't need 30 yards more.

[Flippin222]

If fishing straight Flouro then the 3000's handle the line better. If fishing with braid, the 2500's are a solid choice.

I lean towards the 3000's just to keep everything common whether I am using braid or flouro....

[spinnerbation]

I have a variety of reel sizes from 1000 - 3500. The difference for me is line Type / Diameter. For my ultra finesse 4-6 lb lines I use the 1000. Most everything else I use the 2500. But if I am moving up to line with a 12-15 lb diameter then I will use the 3500.

One question I often get asked is why don't you just use a bait caster with the heavier line? My answer is always that I am more comfortable certain situations using spinning gear with the heaiver line (ie - skipping weightless senkos around knarly bushes, under docks etc). This is my personal preference based on how I like to fish, but it's one use for the larger sized reels.

[DeanV]

I like 2500 in Daiwa and 3000 in shimano, they are about the same size.  I find the 3000 Diawas feel too big for me, at least in the models I tried.  Might be better with fluoro though.

[Mojo]

flippin222 and ManxFishing hit it on the head.

[djkimmel]

I like to balance the reel weight to the rod for best balance when I can. I've also played with wider spool reels and actually like the couple I have for Fluorocarbon especially. Not as important for braid but I'm still leaning towards wider spool reels overall though anglers don't seem to be buying them as they are becoming less available.