Contents
No matter how passionate you are about fishing, you can never get the best satisfaction without the right fishing equipment at your disposal. Having the best spinning reel can help ignite that passion thereby getting you the best fishing experience.
If you really want to take your fishing journey to the next level, then adding a spinning reel to your collection will really be a great idea. One of the challenges some enthusiasts faces is picking the right choice especially if you have no previous experience with one.
Picking the best spinning reel will save you a lot. A good one can last for almost a life time, hence the need to carefully select the best in the market. Luckily, we have done the hard part by carefully selecting the best brand and models from the market. All you need do is go through our unbiased review and select the one that best suits your need.
If you have no previous experience with a spinning reel, then we encourage you to carefully read through some of the criteria of selecting the best spinning reel otherwise you can move to make your selection below.
Best Spinning Reel Comparison Table
| Image | Name | Specs | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pflueger President |
Pflueger President Spinning Reel 4lb/100yd 9 stainless steel bearings Instant anti reverse reel |
$$ | ||
|
Shimano Sienna |
Graphite frame Instant anti reverse reel Suitable for different water environment |
$$ |
|
|
|
Penn Battle II |
HT-100 carbon fibre drag washer 6 ball bearing Instant anti-reverse bearing |
$$ |
|
|
|
Okuma Avenger ABF Bait Feeder |
Hydro block water tight drag seal 6 stainless steel ball bearing Bait feeding system |
$$ |
|
|
|
Diawa Cross Fire |
3 ball bearing including roller bearing Gyro-spin balanced rotor Twist buster reduction |
$$ |
|
|
|
Shimano Spirex RG |
5 ball bearings Gear ratio: 6.2:1 Maximum drag of 6 pounds |
$$ |
|
|
|
Sougayilang Metal Spool |
Adjustable cast control with sound alert 14 ball bearings Gear ratio of 5.5:1 |
$$ |
|
|
|
Lewi Speed Spin G2 |
Anti-reverse one-way clutch bearing Adjustable multi-disc drag system 6.2:1 gear ratio |
$$ |
|
|
|
Okuma Trio High Speed |
10 ball bearing and 1 roller bearing Dual Force Drag System (DFD) Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing |
$$ | ||
Criteria for Choosing the Best Spinning Reel
The material
Basically, there are two types of materials used for the body of a spinning reel; aluminium and graphite, sometimes you can get a combination of both. While aluminium seems to be the best for the reel with a characteristic of strength, graphite has its own pros. essentially, aluminium is great for fresh water fishing, while graphite is best for salt water fishing. So before deciding on the reel to buy, you should consider this first.
The size of the reel
The size is another important factor to consider when shopping for the best spinning reel. If you would be catching bigger fishes, then you certainly need a bigger spinning reel to do the job. The size of the rod should be the major determinant of your reel size. You have different choice to choose from 6, 8 or 10 pounds. The line capacity is easily found written on the spool of the reel or on the purchase page if shopping online.
The gear ratio
By this we mean the number of times the bail revolves around the spool within a single turn. The gear ratio tells how fast you could wind the line round the spool. This is actually the speed of the reel. So a higher gear ratio implies a faster spin. Some expert advises having both a high and low gear ratio reel in your collection if you want to vary your fishing choices.
The drag system
We consider the drag system of a spinning reel as one of the most important factor to consider since it helps keep your fishing line from breaking. The drag is some pair of friction plates that works to ensure a fair and smooth resistance on the line imposed by the fish pull. So you will want a spinning reel that will pull out the line smoothly if there is a drag. So rather than fighting with the fish, the drag systems does its job by ensuring a smooth drag. You could have a spinning reel with a front or a rear drag system option. It’s left to make your choice, however, the rear is easily accessible.
The spinning reel spool
This is another part of spinning reel that you will have to consider. The spool of a reel is the major determinant of the drag system and the distance of cast. Spool are made from either aluminium or graphite with graphite appearing lighter. There are basically three types of spool. The skirted spool (doesn’t get tangled easily), the internal spool (more likely to get tangled) and the long cast spool which cast can go further because of its reduced friction.
Our Picks For The Best Spinning Reel
1. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
This spinning reel combines lightweight materials, amazing features and low cost to give the user the best fishing experience.
For such a price, I think they have done the best by giving it some amazing features.
Features
- Pflueger President Spinning Reel 4lb/100yd
- 9 stainless steel bearings
- Braid ready spool
- Instant anti reverse reel
- One-way clutch bearing
The spool is designed with lightweight anodized aluminium and nine stainless steel bearing to give the best smooth rolling.
Don’t be turned off by its lightweight because you could use it to catch the biggest fish in the water.
2. Shimano Sienna Spinning Reel
The sparkling attractive frame will set anyone in a buying mood. The frame of the shimano sienna spinning reel is made from graphite which accounts for its longevity. The spool is made from aluminium which accounts for its versatility to be used on any type of water. It is one of the best saltwater spinning reels for the money.
Features
- Graphite frame
- Instant anti reverse reel
- Saltwater approved
- Longer cast
- Suitable for different water environment
If you need a reel that gives you opportunity for a longer cast with reduced backlash feature, then you should consider opting in for the shimano sienna spinning reel.
3. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel
The design is unique which makes it stand out. The Versa-Drag washer made from carbon fibre is keyed to the spool. This allows both sides of the washer to be used. This design contributes to its higher max drags and cast range. With its 6 ball bearing, you can be sure of a smoother reel.
Features
- HT-100 carbon fibre drag washer
- 6 ball bearing
- Instant anti-reverse bearing
- Full metal body
- Heavy duty aluminium bail wire
The full body metal makes the reel suitable for any kind of water environment. The Penn battle II features an anti-reverse reel which prevents the line from tangling. It also features a Heavy duty aluminium bail wire.
One of the satisfied customer reported to have caught a 46’’ red fish weighing up to 38lbs and had no challenge reeling.
4. Okuma Avenger ABF BaitFeeder Reel
If you want a spinning wheel that will last long, then you should consider going for the Okuma avenger. It is made from corrosion resistance materials which gives it its durability. It features a bait-feeding system which disengages the spool and free running line without opening the bail. The six bearing system and its Instant anti-reversing features ensures a smooth reeling without tangling your line.
Features
- Hydro block water tight drag seal
- Micro adjustable drag system
- 6 stainless steel ball bearing
- Bait feeding system
- Japanese oiled felt drag washer
A one-year warranty is placed on the reel which means the manufacturer trust their product. You can eventually get a replacement on the reel if any part gets broken. The whole spinning wheel is a combination of both graphite and aluminium.
5. Daiwa Crossfire Spinning Reel
Although the reel features just three roller bearing and ball bearing, but it still gives the best smooth reeling. One amazing features we identify is the twist buster reduction which protects your line from getting twisted as you are reeling. The gyro-spin balanced rotor won’t initiate a wear on the line.
For such a low price, I think the Daiwa crossfire just got it right. The micro click front drag system is smooth so you have nothing to worry about when it comes to trapping the biggest fish in the water.
Features
- 3 ball bearing including roller bearing
- Micro click front drag system
- Gyro-spin balanced rotor
- ABS Aluminium spool
- Twist buster reduction
- Strength and affordability
The spool is made from aluminium which accounts for its strength and durability. Overall, the spin is affordable and it’s one of the best spinning reel under 100.
6. Shimano Spirex RG Spinning Reel
The Shimano Spirex RG Spinning Reel comes with a higher line capacity which means you can cast into any area you want. It works with a 5 ball bearing and high gear ratio of 6.2:1 for the best experience. The drag is smooth, so you wouldn’t have to fight with the fish in cast for a big catch.
Features
- High line capacity
- 5 ball bearings
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1
- Maximum drag of 6 pounds
- Weight of 9.9 Ounces
- Smooth drag system
The reel is basically a rear drag system which paves way for easy access. All parts are made from the best material. The spool and frame are made from aluminium and graphite respectively- all these contributes to its lightweight.
7. Sougayilang Metal Spool Saltwater and Freshwater Spinning Reel
Sougayilang Metal Spool Saltwater spinning reel is one of the best saltwater spinning reels that made our list. The design is stunning and attractive which any angler will love at first sight.
The spool is made from aluminium with a high tensile gear- the winding experience is awesome with a gear ratio of 5.5:1, the spinning reel uses 15 ball bearings, so you shouldn’t expect anything less from such a specialized reel. It has a cast control with a sound alert.
Features
- Adjustable cast control with sound alert
- Versatile for both kind of water environment
- Line lay oscillation system
- 14 ball bearings
- Gear ratio of 5.5:1
It features a line lay oscillation system that prevents the line from tangling while reeling your fish. If you want to explore the feel of sporting in both freshwater and salt water without having to change your spinning reel, then this is a great option to consider.
8. Lewi Speed Spin G2 Fishing Reel
The Lewi speed spin G2 fishing reel combines awesome gear ratio, 10 bearing system, stunning design and color preference to rank as one of the best spinning reel in the market. The spinning reel features a 6.2:1 gear ratio.
With its 10 ball bearing design and Zero-Reverse, anti-reverse one-way clutch bearing you can be sure of the best smooth reeling without experiencing line tangling and smooth resistance.
Features
- 10 ball bearing
- Anti-reverse one-way clutch bearing
- Lightweight double anodized aluminium spool
- Adjustable multi-disc drag system
- Braid-Ready spare aluminium spool
- 2:1 gear ratio
- Color: red and black
The drag system is very smooth, and this is credited to the multiple friction disk which can be adjusted to suit the outcome. The reel is versatile, so you can use it for most kind of fishing.
9. Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel
The okuma Trio fish spinning reel is another awesome spinning reel that has made our best spinning reel list. The reel is affordable yet it still carries some amazing features that will give any angler the best experience.
The Hybrid spool is design with graphite arbor and aluminum lip, also the body frame is designed with graphite making it fit for any water and kind of fishing.
Such versatile reel are hard to come by. Safety was taken into consideration during the design, the drag is smooth because the fishing reel incorporates a Dual Force Drag System (DFD) to maximum high-end drag pressure and smoothness.
Features
- Hybrid spool design with graphite
- 10 ball bearing and 1 roller bearing
- Dual Force Drag System (DFD)
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing
- Aluminium and graphite hybrid body
- Light weight spinning reel
The reel also features a 10 BB and 1 RB stainless steel bearings coupled with its Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing, you should get optimum experience from using the device. All these features is a proof that it will worth the spend.
Final Thought
We understand the challenges some angler face when shopping for a fishing reel, it really can get confusing especially if you haven’t used one before. Finding the best fishing reel isn’t as difficult as it seems if you have the right information. All information and picks listed above are unbiased and we have given you the best and since we love it, we are confident that you will certainly love it.
These are not certainly all the best reel you can get, but they are certainly part of the best and we choose them based on some important criteria. We encourage you to consider the criteria listed above before actually settling for the best spinning reel that will be suit you.
Above all the 10 spinning fishing reel we have listed above, our best overall pick is the Sougayilang Metal Spool Saltwater and fresh water. With its gear ratio of 5.5:1, and 15 ball bearings, best quality materials, it can never go wrong. It is versatile and gives you the opportunity to carry out your sport in both fresh and saltwater environment. However, you still have the choice to make. Now your turn.
