I would personally go with Shimano the Symetre 2500 or 4000 series. They are a great reel for the price.

I want to get the EXC 96 M-C for steelies and some salmon I was going to go with a abu garcia record reel would a shimono reel be a better choice or how do they stack up against each other?

I personally do not know. I contacted a friend who is a store manager of a local sporting goods store. He
spoke very highly of them. He said they have a hard time keeping them in stock. They have had no complaints. I have fished with one of there Revo's they cast well and have a great drag. I do believe they probably put a little dent in there competitors sales with some of there new products.

i think that's all a matter of choice. if you look at my rod rack, you'll find shimanos, daiwas and ambassadeurs. the daiwas and shimanos will require the least amount of maintenance to keep them functioning, but the ABUs are easier to get parts for(my favorite models are all over 30 years old, and i can still get repair parts for all of them).

One of the concerns I have is having the reel fit into the rod mount
Alan

Cheater are you talking about the abu or shimano?

I prefer Shimano but some of the new Abu Garcia's are prety impresive.

the Shimano

Shimano 4000 size - spot on. Anything smaller will restrict your use of it.