The Top 10 Best Rated Spinning Reels For Serious Anglers – Buyer Guide’s (2018)
Fishing has always been my all-time best recreational activity next to traveling. Spending time wrestling with the fish to secure my catch always thrills me. Due to this much experience, I have had enough time to experiment a couple of spinning reels, and this has enabled me to identify the best with the most appealing features.
I have listed the ten best spinning reels putting into consideration their affordability for the budget-minded anglers. With the knowledge on the best spinning reels, you will always bring your catch home.
TOP 10 BEST SPINNING REELS
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KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful |
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BEST | ||||||||||
Our Rating: | ||||||||||
Amazon's customers rating & reviews: | (262 reviews) | (42 reviews) | (302 reviews) | (146 reviews) | (448 reviews) | (546 reviews) | (60 reviews) | (121 reviews) | (688 reviews) | (165 reviews) |
Price: | $33.99
| from $36.97
| $25.98
| $32.11
| $59.95
| $69.93
| $161.25
| $44.46
| $39.98
| $49.95
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Best For: | Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing | Ice Fishing | Ice Fishing | Surf Fishing | Surf Fishing | Spinning Casting | Spinning Casting | Bait Casting | Bait Casting |
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Last Update: | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details | 2017-09-08 PST - Details |
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Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Spinning Reel
Material
The reel body is made up of two materials, aluminum or graphite and at times they can be used together. You have the freedom to select the one you would opt to have as the reel housing. Aluminum is heavier, while the graphite housing is lighter.
Sougayilang Left/right Interchangeable Collapsible Handle Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear Ratio 12+1 Ball Bearings for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing. Via: Amazon.com
When fishing in freshwater, the best reel body is the aluminum. Fishing in salty water requires the reel body to be made of graphite. The graphite body is suitable since it is resistant to corrosion.
Strongly Fixed Parts
All the parts of the spinning reel should be fixed correctly and strongly. This assists in reducing any probability of making your fishing to get messy.
Weight
Having a spinning reel that is light in weight is an added advantage especially when you will be fishing for a longer time.
KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB. Via: Amazon.com
Reel Size
The size of the reel that you will choose will depend on the style you will use to catch fish and also the place where you intend to go fishing. In smaller water bodies such as lakes and rivers, you need a small spinning reel. A bigger spinning reel is ideal to be used in large water bodies such as the oceans.
The size of the fishing line you intend to use also matters. For instance, if the fishing line is lighter, a smaller reel will be ideal. When you intend to fish in salty water, you will need a bigger reel.
KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Perfect Baitcasting Reel – 11 + 1 Shielded Bearings – 17.5 Lb Carbon Fiber Drag - 7.0:1 Gear Ratio. Via: Amazon.com
Reel Gear Ratio
The gear ratio determines the speed of the spinning reel. It is the number of times the bail rotates around the spool. For instance, for a 4.1 ratio, for each turn of the handle, the bail rotates for four times around the spool. Slow speed reels provide more torque which helps to catch large fish.
Drag System
The drag system lets out the line as the fish struggles to free itself and also helps to insert pressure to the hooked fish. An appropriate drag system assists in avoiding having a broken line at whatever tension you set the drag.
Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel. Via: Amazon.com
For someone who catches big fish, you will need a front drag. Always ensure that you have a drag that is smooth and can be easily adjusted. A rear adjustable drag has an advantage in that you can easily tweak while you tussle with a big fish. The adjustment knob should be easily grasped to make it easy for you to adjust the line even when you are in gloves during the cold weather.
Matching Rods
Finding a rod that matches with your spinning reel is an added advantage for you. The reel sits on a spinning rod, and that is why they are designed to work together within a particular range of light weight.
TOP 10 BEST SPINNING REELS
Fly Fishing
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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| Sougayilang Left/right Interchangeable Collapsible Handle Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear... | 262 Reviews | $33.99 | Get on Amazon |
| Piscifun Destroyer Spinning Reel Ultra Smooth Sealed Carbon Fiber Drag Fishing Reel Freshwater 7+1BB... | 42 Reviews | from $36.97 | Get on Amazon |
Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details
1. Sougayilang Left/right Interchangeable Collapsible Handle Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear Ratio 12+1 Ball Bearings for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing - BEST FOR FLY FISHING
Sougayilang Left/right Interchangeable Collapsible Handle Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear Ratio 12+1 Ball Bearings for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing. Via: Amazon.com
Sougayilang Left/right Interchangeable Collapsible Handle Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear Ratio 12+1 Ball Bearings for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $33.99 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The Sougayilang is a fishing reel that was developed so as to make the life of many anglers stress-free. The development team that came up with the Sougayilang got ideas and inspiration from real life and came up with a product that is easier and smarter to use.
Sougayilang Left/right Interchangeable Collapsible Handle Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear Ratio 12+1 Ball Bearings for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing. Via: Amazon.com
With this fishing reel, you will be able to enjoy the best fishing experience. A lot of invention and creativity has been employed in making the Sougayilang to be one of its kind fishing reels. For those anticipating to catch small and medium sized fish like perch, crappies, trout, bluegills, walleye and salmon, this is the ideal reel for you.
Pros
- Fully adjustable cast control with sound.
- Has an excellent line lay oscillation system which prevents the line from getting tangled.
- Interchangeable handle left and right, which is collapsible.
Cons
- Noise of the control system may scare away the fish.
2. Piscifun Destroyer Sealed Spinning Reel 2000 3000 4000 Series Ultra Smooth 7+1BB Carbon Fiber Drag 16.8LB Max Drag Fishing Reels Spin Reels
Piscifun Destroyer Sealed Spinning Reel 2000 3000 4000 Series Ultra Smooth 7+1BB Carbon Fiber Drag 16.8LB Max Drag Fishing Reels Spin Reels. Via: Amazon.com
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | from $36.97 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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This is an excellent performance fishing reel; this is a must have for serious anglers. Piscifun is a name to reckon with in the fishing industry, and this is why this Destroyer Sealed Spinning real is bound to be loved by most anglers.
Piscifun Destroyer Sealed Spinning Reel 2000 3000 4000 Series Ultra Smooth 7+1BB Carbon Fiber Drag 16.8LB Max Drag Fishing Reels Spin Reels. Via: Amazon.com
This fishing reel has very many features like high durability, anti-corrosion resistance and has a very smooth feeling on the hands. At an affordable price of approximately less than $50, this fishing reel is perfect to be used for fly fishing.
Pros
- Corrosion resistant due to the aluminum body.
- Durable aluminum body.
- Can be used to fish in both freshwater and salty water.
Cons
- None
Ice Fishing
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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| KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB | 302 Reviews | $25.98 | Get on Amazon |
| Penn Pursuit II 4000 Spinning Fishing Reel | 146 Reviews | $32.11 | Get on Amazon |
Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details
3. KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB - BEST FOR ICE FISHING
KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB. Via: Amazon.com
KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $25.98 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The KastKing Spinning Reel comes loaded with so many great features that any angler will find it hard to resist loving. This fishing reel is the perfect combination of your regular fishing tackle collection. Some of the best features that anglers love about this fishing reel include the powerful drag, 9+1 quality ball bearings, and the special components that allow this real to be used for hard duties. To enjoy an even better performance from this fishing reel, spool up this KastKing with KastKing braided line and the results will amaze you.
KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB. Via: Amazon.com
This Spinning Reel Offers You The Ultimate And Affordable Experience. Some Of Its Features Are:
- Smooth efficiency - Thanks to the nine ball bearings of high quality and one-way anti-reverse bearing which make it quite efficient
- Affordability - It is sold at quite a fair price considering that all its features are exquisite.
- Light weight - The KastKing Summer Spinning Reel has a graphite body and a laptop balancing system which makes it quite appealing to every angler due to its portability.
- Attractive look - It has an attractive and unique design, and so it appears appealing. It has two colors anodized spool which make it quite powerful. It is left/right interchangeable.
- Powerful- It has a complicated drag gadget which offers a fascinating stopping strength of as much as 20LBs, strong metal leading shaft and equipment designed to handle fish fighting vigor.
Pros
- Has a one year guarantee for leisure fishing use.
- Powerful in performance.
- Quite affordable.
- Portable.
- Attractive design.
Cons
- None
4. Penn Pursuit II Spinning Reel
Penn Pursuit II Spinning Reel. Via: Amazon.com
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $32.11 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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One of the biggest names in the design and manufacturing of fishing reels is the Penn Fishing Tackle Company. This company has been in existence from the year 1932 and has enough experience in the design and production of modern day reels.
They have manufactured the Penn Pursuit which boasts of a durable construction as well as a smooth gear system among other great features. This fishing reel has a corrosion resistant graphite body, ultra-lightweight as well as oiled felt front drag system making this reel to give you the value for your money. With the instant anti-reverse system, even the slightest rotor back play is eliminated for instant hookups every time.
Great Features :
- Has a dependable oiled drag system.
- It is quite durable.
- Has a comfortable grip due to the ergonomic handle
- Suitable for saltwater anglers.
- Has a smooth gear system.
- Has four shielded stainless steel ball bearings which cannot be corroded
- Has a spinning reel which has a graphite body to keep it from getting corroded
- It is machined and anodized aluminum spool to protect it from harsh saltwater conditions.
Pros
- Smooth functionality.
- Comfortable to work with.
- Corrosion resistant.
Cons
- It is not portable.
- Needs frequent servicing since the oil used to lubricate it runs dry.
Surf Fishing
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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| Pflueger 6925 President Spinning Fishing Reel | 448 Reviews | $59.95 | Get on Amazon |
| Penn Battle II 2500 Spinning Fishing Reel | 546 Reviews | $69.93 | Get on Amazon |
Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details
5. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Pflueger President Spinning Reel. Via: Amazon.com
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $59.95 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The Pflueger President as the name suggests leads in the fishing industry. Most anglers prefer this fishing reel to other fishing reels because of its very many positive and attractive features. I particularly liked it because it has 9 stainless steel bearings which make it very efficient to use.
It also has the instant anti-reverse one-way clutch bearing which makes sure that it never reels in the other direction. It is also very light in weight because it is made using a machined, ported and double anodized aluminum spool which has a distinctive pattern. It is also coated using titanium making it to a very strong fishing reel.
Pros
- Made using the components which are of high quality.
- Comfortable to work with.
- Quite portable due to the light weight.
- Smooth performance.
- Instant anti-reverse is possible.
Cons
- There is a high possibility of the drag clicker breaking.
6. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel - BEST FOR SURF FISHING
Penn Battle II Spinning Reel. Via: Amazon.com
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $69.93 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The Penn fishing Tackle company that was founded in the year 1932 has been dominating in the field of manufacturing modern reels. There are millions of experienced anglers around the globe who rely on Penn and use Penn products daily. The Penn Battle (II) is liked by many anglers because it offers a durable design, silky smooth HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers and attractive cosmetics among other features.
When being used to the maximum, it is capable of maintaining its precision gear alignment due to the full body side-plate together with the rotor construction. This fishing reel has 5 sealed stainless steel bearings, aluminum heavy duty bail wire, instant anti-reverse bearing and line capacity rings. What is even good about it is that it comes in four models.
Pros
- Available at a pocket friendly price.
- Smooth performance due to the 5 ball bearings.
- Instant anti-reverse bearing.
Cons
- Quite heavy. This makes it less portable.
Spinning Casting
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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| Quantum CSP40PTSE Cabo Spin Reel | 60 Reviews | $161.25 | Get on Amazon |
| Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel- C-30 | 121 Reviews | $44.46 | Get on Amazon |
Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details
7. Quantum CSP40PTSE Cabo Spin Reel
Quantum CSP40PTSE Cabo Spin Reel. Via: Amazon.com
Quantum CSP40PTSE Cabo Spin Reel
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $161.25 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The Quantum Cabo is one of the new models designed mainly for saltwater anglers. This fishing reel has been constructed using aluminum and has a maximum drag of 30lbs. Most anglers will prefer such a drag because that will be very helpful while trying to drag some strong struggling fish from the water.
With a line capacity of 230/40(yds/lb), you will have all that you need to succeed in catching fish at your disposal. It is also worth noting that this fishing reel is fitted with a new side plate and rotor. What’s more, it also has a strong PT gear made of stainless steel.
Pros
- Has durable saltwater reels
- Smooth performance due to the 7+1PT ball bearings
- Corrosion resistant due to the aluminum body
Cons
- Has a left handed hand retrieve hence you cannot retrieve it with both hands
- Can only be used while fishing in salty water
8. Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel - BEST FOR SPINNING CASTING
Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel. Via: Amazon.com
Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $44.46 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The Okuma lightweight has a very sleek design and a very smooth performance that creates a very enjoyable fishing experience that every angler will always wish for. This fishing reel offers a full line-up of advanced performance features due to the fact that it features the okuma precision elliptical gearing system.
You’ll never fail to notice the blade body design as an angler. The blade body design of this fishing reel is refined and compact and this helps in reducing the bulk while minimizing the general size of the Okuma spinning reel.
Pros
- Light weight hence quite portable
- Smooth performance due to the ball bearings
- Has a graphite body hence corrosion resistant
- Has an anti-reverse roller bearer
Cons
- Needs additional reel sizes
Bait Casting
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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| KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel | 688 Reviews | $39.98 | Get on Amazon |
| Abu Garcia BMAX3-C Black Max Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel | 165 Reviews | $49.95 | Get on Amazon |
Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details
9. KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Perfect Baitcasting Reel – 11 + 1 Shielded Bearings – 17.5 Lb Carbon Fiber Drag - 7.0:1 Gear Ratio - BEST FOR BAITCASTING
KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Perfect Baitcasting Reel – 11 + 1 Shielded Bearings – 17.5 Lb Carbon Fiber Drag - 7.0:1 Gear Ratio. Via: Amazon.com
KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Perfect Baitcasting Reel – 11 + 1 Shielded Bearings – 17.5 Lb Carbon Fiber Drag - 7.0:1 Gear Ratio
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $39.98 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The KasKing Company has manufactured yet another masterpiece in the fishing industry. The KastKing Royale fishing reel is a very dynamic fishing reel which has an anodized aluminum style spool which comes in two colors. It is also very lightweight but still very strong enough and can withstand the weight a huge struggling fish.
KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Perfect Baitcasting Reel – 11 + 1 Shielded Bearings – 17.5 Lb Carbon Fiber Drag - 7.0:1 Gear Ratio. Via: Amazon.com
It is also performs highly due to its fast and silent speed of 7.0:1 line retrieve. The ball bearings of this fishing reel are corrosion resistant which makes casting very smooth and allows this reel to have a very long life. What’s more, with the state of the art dual brakes having reliable centrifugal and magnetic braking systems, it offers a top notch casting control.
Pros
- Worth a fair price
- Runs at a super silent high speed of7.0:1 line retrieve
Cons
- Requires maintenance to enhance its functionality
10. Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel
Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel. Via: Amazon.com
Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel
Amazon's customer rating & reviews: | |
Price: | $49.95 (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details) |
Description: |
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The Abu Garcia is a top performing fishing reel that comes packed with so many amazing features. With 4 stainless steel ball bearings plus another roller that is dedicated for providing smooth operation, this fishing reel is very easy and fun to use. It features a machined aluminum spool that is tasked with providing more strength while minimizing the addition of excess weight. What’s more, the power drag system avails a smooth drag performance and also has a dura brass that avails a longer gear life.
Pros
- Makes smooth casts
- Very silent while at work
- Attractive appearance
- Powerful drag system
- Durable
- Reliable
Cons
- The rod is usually fragile and breaks in most instances
The Winner
Piscifun Destroyer Sealed Spinning Reel is my all-time best spinning reel. I prefer it to the rest because it has all the qualities that I would look for in a spinning reel.
Quality inner parts
- Sealed bearings and a one-way clutch bearing, gives it the smooth effect
- Brass gears which provide quite a smooth and consistent drag
- Abrasion resistant carbon fiber washers which increase smoothness and drag power
Aluminum body
- High precision oxidation treatment
- A line that is easy to hold due to the presence of a strong metal keeper
- Non-twist stainless steel bail to protect the line from corrosion
- Adjustment to drag when the line gets hooked to a tough fish
Highly sealed design
- With a durable graphite rotor
- Sealed carbon fiber drag to keep it from getting corroded
- A body made up of aluminum alloy which makes it strong enough when handling big fish and durable too
- Durable graphite rotor
Via: Amazon.com
Final Thoughts
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum CSP40PTSE Cabo Spin Reel | 60 Reviews | $161.25 | Get on Amazon |
| Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel- C-30 | 121 Reviews | $44.46 | Get on Amazon |
| KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel | 688 Reviews | $39.98 | Get on Amazon |
| Abu Garcia BMAX3-C Black Max Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel | 165 Reviews | $49.95 | Get on Amazon |
| Penn Battle II 2500 Spinning Fishing Reel | 546 Reviews | $69.93 | Get on Amazon |
| Pflueger 6925 President Spinning Fishing Reel | 448 Reviews | $59.95 | Get on Amazon |
| Piscifun Destroyer Spinning Reel Ultra Smooth Sealed Carbon Fiber Drag Fishing Reel Freshwater 7+1BB... | 42 Reviews | from $64.79 | Get on Amazon |
| KastKing Summer Spinning Reel Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reel 9 +1 BB | 302 Reviews | $25.98 | Get on Amazon |
| Penn Pursuit II 4000 Spinning Fishing Reel | 146 Reviews | $32.11 | Get on Amazon |
| Sougayilang Left/right Interchangeable Collapsible Handle Spinning Fishing Reel with 5.2:1 Gear... | 262 Reviews | $33.99 | Get on Amazon |
Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details
With the remarks on each one of those spinning reels, I am confident that you can select the best. To make the fishing experience better and enjoyable, you can also try out of some of them to find out the one that suits your needs in the best way.
Feel free to make a comment on anything that I could have left out or anything that you find to be of importance.
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