When it comes to spin fishing, there are countless brands and models to choose from. Spin fishing is very popular among freshwater anglers because it allows the angler to quickly and easily spool new line onto the reel.
Also these reels are open and exposed, the line can be inspected at all times. This reduces the occurrence of gnarly bird’s nests as well as helps the fishermen to see the quality of the line currently being used.
Any angler that is worth it will own at least one incredible spinning reel in their collection. One doesn’t need to look a lot when it comes to buying a spinning reel these days, however, if you want that stands out then you have to know a thing or two about them.
Today, we want to be your guide before you choose a spinning reel amidst so many choices.
Editor’s Choice – 5 Best Spinning Reels for the Money
After researching more than 20 hours on different brands of Spinning Reels, we have selected these 5 on the basis of easy setup, good durability, and a reasonable price. Read on the review to find the best one for you!
| Spinning Reels | Gear Ratio | Bearing Count | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Penn Battle II (Editor's Choice) | 6.2:1 | 6 sealed stainless steel | |
| 2. Penn Spinfisher V & VI Reel | 6.2:1 | 5+1 shielded stainless steel | |
| 3. Abu Garcia Revo X Reel (Our Top Pick) | 6.2:1 | 9+1 shielded stainless steel | |
| 4. Okuma Coronado Baitfeeder | 4.5:1 | 5 ball bearings | |
| 5. Pflueger Supreme Reel | 6.2:1 | 8 stainless steel |
1. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel– (Our Pick)
Tired of fighting your reel as considerably as the fish? Flip towards the Penn Battle II reel, which has started a Revolution among significant anglers throughout the nation. Anglers will inform you that the Battle II provides far more benefits than any other reel in the class.
The reel is more comfortable inside the hand, smoother, retains more line and retains up admirably in both new and saltwater. As well as, the majority of the Penn family members consists of a HT-100 drag system that is two to three instances much more potent than other reels, giving you outstanding fish-fighting energy with each and every forged.
The Penn Battle II is made of the aluminum alloy that’s far more durable, lighter and resists corrosion. The reel’s 5 high-performance bearings, meanwhile, provide the easy casting and superior distance that modern day fishing calls for. It falls in the category of medium-high gear that has a beginning ratio of 5:2:1 and an ending one with 6:2:1.
It offers attractive specifications along with a durable design and a silky-smooth drag. If you want a reel that can serve several purposes, then Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel is the one for you.
One can easily agree that this spinning reel is flawless. The warranty will cover you and your reel in case there is an issue with the manufacturing of the part in the reel.
The drag of Penn Battle II is super smooth. The anti-reverse instantly sets it apart and prevents slippage. The versatility of the spinning reel makes it the best choice for kayak and boats.
It also promises anti-corrosion feature to the spinning reel. This reel has the potential to withstand the impact of the sprays and chemicals. Buy this reel and you will bring home an incredible product that will last decades.
Main Features
- Full metal body, rotor, and side plate
- HT-100 carbon fibre drag system
- Instant Anti-Reverse smooth multi-disc drag
- Line capacity rings
- The aluminum bail wire is heavy duty
- The presence of instant bearing, anti-reverse
- 5 Ball bearings that are made of stainless steel
2. Penn Spinfisher V & VI Spinning Fishing Reel
It is designed to handle even the most punishing saltwater. The Penn Spinfisher V & VI Spinning Fishing Reel comes with considerable amount of fish stopping powers, durability, watertight design, and castability for the long run.
This ultimate fishing reel was designed keeping in mind every need of adventurous and thrill seeking saltwater anglers. The full metal construction along with the watertight frame promises years of endurance against the harsh spray and surf. It comes with the slammer drag system.
The spinning reel offers extreme drag range along with the smooth reeling action. This will ensure that you get hold of the fiercest fish with absolutely nothing to hold you back. The superline spool, friction trip ramp, and the smooth assembly bearing speak tons about its durability, versatility, and performance.
Penn Spinfisher V & VI Spinning Fishing Reel comes with the sealed slammer drag system this ensures high performance along with the delivery of robust and smooth drags across the water body. This gives you the power, not to mention the versatility required to bag a variety of fish.
Designed with incredible castability, this reel will give you the permission to cast long ranges without worrying about the precision.
This durable and powerful spinning reel is ideal for every adventurous angler. Bring home the watertight design that can withstand every dreadful condition
Main Features
- Watertight spinning reel that has the ability to perform both in sandy and saltwater environment.
- Full metal body with durable construction along with rotor, sideplate, as well as bail wire of heavy duty aluminum.
- The robust slammer drag system, sealed HT – 100 offers silky smooth drag.
- The friction trip ramp will prevent the premature bail trip while casting.
- 5 ball bearings with stainless steel and fluid cranking.
- Anti-reverse bearing.
3. Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Fishing Reel
The reputation of Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Fishing Reel precedes its name. It is one of the most popular choices of anglers and for good enough reasons. It is loaded with multiple features that promises durability and ease of use.
This spinning reel comes with stainless steel bearings and one extraordinary roller bearing. The construction is flawless and projects the latest design with IM-C6 construction. The PVC knob, sturdy and robust aluminum braided ready spool will last a lifetime.
The gear system and bail system of the Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Fishing Reel is equally impressive. It can not only handle the tough salt waters but make the entire experience fun and memorable.
The extraordinary features of the spinning reel features state of the art drag system that is both reliable, efficient, and incredible when it comes to performance. The design is such it will reduce tangles and twists of the line.
Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Fishing Reel has set the bar for every spinning reels that offers outstanding features without burning a hole in your pocket. It is dependable when it comes to high end performance and durable.
The Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Fishing Reel is as smooth as silk and deserves your attention if you are thinking about buying a spinning reel. When are you planning to bring it home?
Main Features
- It comes with 6 HPCR stainless steel bearings
- One roller that offers corrosion protection
- Super smooth and highly reliable drag performance is promised.
- Insert molded C6 or Im-c6 that offers a spectacular design along with lightweight construction.
- The gears are in perfect alignment
- The graphite rotor is lightweight
- Better control of the fishing lines.
4. Okuma Coronado Baitfeeder Spinning Reel
This fishing reel allows anglers to enjoy the unique and extraordinary features while they are out there dealing with the tough waters. From the dual force with which the drag system works to the carbontex drag washers, the Okuma Coronado Baitfeeder Spinning Reel will only enhance your fishing experience.
Overall smoothness and efficiency are two other things you will experience with this spinning reel here.
You can disengage the Okuma Coronado Baitfeeder Spinning Reel spool and let the bait to wonder around freely. There is another secondary drag system with micro adjustable features.
The Okuma Coronado Baitfeeder Spinning Reel is perfect for saltwater fishing. The brand promises overall smoothness and high-end efficiency. The slow oscillating system will make sure the line is both tight and straight. It also reduces friction when you are casting.
Main Features
- The bait feeding system operates on on and off function.
- The dual force drag system speaks of precision.
- Use of brass on the Dual Force Drag System
- The line lay is improved with the slow oscillation system
- Rotor and the graphite body is corrosion resistant
5. Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel
This spinning reel is truly supreme with its abilities and is the smart choice of anglers. Its lightweight structure makes it easier to fish for longer duration. The braid ready spool of the Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel permits anglers to skip backing and hold on to more line.
The extremely strong aluminum handle, magnesium body, and bail wire are corrosion resistant. It also offers superior quality performance. Over several years anglers have placed their trust on Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel and for good enough reason.
This spinning reel will offer you quality at a fair price. The metallic silver body of the Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel comes with a gold and black aluminum spool. The machined handle is capped with soft rubberized knob.
There are no alignment or unusual issues with the tolerance and the reel’s finish. When it comes to performance the Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel will not let you down.
This spinning reel can be your buddy during all your fishing expenditures.
Main Features
- 8-ball bearings of stainless steel
- Incredible anti-reverse bearing which works instantly
- The drag carbon inlay design along with the multi disc system
- Perfect for saltwater
- Titanium line roller with anti-twist features
Things to Consider When Buying a Spinning Reel
Spinning reels are manufactured with open faced spool that is placed in line to the rod. They are a delight of every casual and serious angler because the offer both flexibility and ease of use. These are the major factors you have to consider while buying one –
Water Factor
It is not the kind of species that you are targeting but the place that you are going to fish. You will require a reel that has the potential to stand the harsh conditions present in a saltwater or brackish one. The superior quality reels will have a better spinning line and ball bearings that are rust resistant.
Size of the Reel
Another consideration when shopping for the spinning reel is the size of the reel. Depending on what type of fishing you will be doing, a certain line size will be employed. Smaller weight lines and lures will be better suited on a smaller framed spinning reel. Larger situations demand a bigger reel. The best spinning reel line for each reel should be specified with the reel when you purchase it.
The Targeted Species
The size and the amount of the species you plan on fishing will dictate the type of reel. When you are considering muskie (a freshwater species) or the aggressive offshore kind species or sailfish, then you require a reel that has enough line capacity. This will handle the heat, permit long runs, and handle the drag system.
Bearings
Things to keep in mind when it comes to fishing reels, and especially spinning reels, is the number of ball bearings that are in the reel itself.
The description of the reel will tell you how many ball bearings it has, and usually the more, the better. The more ball bearing that there are, the less “play” your spinning reel will have in the handle. Fishing reels with 4 or more ball bearings generally have no “play” at all in the handle, which is a great thing.
No matter what is the kind of fish that you are after, you will need a spinning reel that is pleasurable to use. Vibration and noise are a sign of poor quality, moreover they will be frustrating to undertake. The more the number of bearings on the reel the better and smoother it will work.
For using the spinning reel in saltwater, you need one that has superior quality ball bearings.
Construction
Another major aspect that you have to keep in mind while buying a spinning reel is its construction.
First, the reel body construction is an important factor and mostly these days spinning reels are made of either aluminum or graphite. Aluminum is a more durable component, while graphite bodies are lightweight. Both of these are very important, as a lighter weight reel will cause less wrist fatigue, but an aluminum body reel will be stronger and more durable.
Today, you have spinning reels that are lightweight for long days yet equally strong to undertake the torque that the fish produces. The most durable and extremely tough reels use only metal components for their manufacture. High end spinning reels make the most of sophisticated alloys for providing strength to the light weight metals.
Quality Machining
Another factor involved with the quality and price of the reels is its machine work. High quality bearing seats are produced with tighter tolerance. This will prevent wobbling and offer smoother cranking. It also ensures that the bearings will last longer.
These are some of the things that you have to keep in mind when you are looking for an exceptional spinning reel that will last you ages.
Budget
Well, the budget is a huge factor when getting any kind of gears. Getting the best bang for the buck is what every fisherman wants. That means finding a spinning reel with as many as the above qualities for the cheapest price. It is just too difficult to name one reel as the best spinning reel because there are too many categories, and frankly, too many price points. The best reels are generally going to cost more.
If you need somewhere to start, the best spinning reel for the money, in my opinion, would be the Penn Battle II Spinning Reel.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, of course all fishing reels aren’t created equally, but by following the few simple rules laid out in this article, you’ll be able to get your hands on a fishing reel that will last your for years. I personally never spend more than $200 on a fishing reel, and mine last me for a long time.
All you have to do is take care of them, and not buy something that’s too “cheap”. If you have a brand that you like, just stick with that manufacturer and buy a different model or size reel for the type of fishing you plan on doing, and you’ll be fine.
Take a look at the choices we have laid in front of you and you shall enjoy the beauty of fishing yourself.
Remember: There’s nothing better than a fishing reel that you love, and there’s nothing worse than a fishing reel that you hate. I want you to stay away from getting your hands on a fishing reel that you hate.