Do you want to catch fish as a source of income or as a hobby, you need to have the best spinning reels in your tackle box. Spinning reels work incredibly fine in helping you catch both small and large fish. Long gone are the days when we used a hook, line, and bait to catch fish.
Just as the world is advancing technologically, there have been improvements to make fishing more fun and unforgettable. Spinning reels are slowly becoming popular among anglers because of their simplicity and ease of use. So if you consider yourself an expert angler, a spinning reel is a must-have. Not only are they efficient but also affordable.
Comparison of 10 Best Spinning Reels in 2022
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
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KastKing Summer and Centron |
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Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel |
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Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel |
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Check Price |
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Pflueger President |
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Check Price |
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Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reel |
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Check Price |
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Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel |
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Check Price |
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Plusinno Spinning Fishing Reel |
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Check Price |
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Lew’s Team Custom Pro Spinning Reels |
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Check Price |
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Shimano Spirex FG Spinning Reel |
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Check Price |
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Abu Garcia Zata Spinning Fishing Reel |
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Check Price |
Top 10 Best Spinning Reel Reviews in 2022
If you are looking for the best fishing spinning reels, you can find it tough to know which one suits your fishing requirement. As an expert, I made the reviews and guide to help anglers get only the most suitable spinning reel that will make fishing easier and fun.
1. KastKing Summer Spinning Reels
If you’re looking for the best spinning reels to add to your tackle collection, look no further. This KastKing Summer and Centron Reel have exceptional features. If you have an excellent spinning rod, together with this reel, you’ll have the best spinning rod and reel combo.
It’s made using a narrow graphite frame design with a computer balancing system. This ensures a lightweight and high-performance fishing experience. This spinning reel’s superior drag system offers incredible stopping power up to 20 lbs.
The hardened metal shaft, mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear give it more power. The reel comes complete with nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing.
This ensures ultra-smooth performance. Other than its high performance, the reel looks good. It has an attractive brilliant finish and high strength. This is from the two colors anodized Aluminum spool with a power launch lip for further casting. This makes it the best freshwater spinning reel.
- Its lightweight offering exceptional fishing experiences
- Has superior drag system with internal gears that gives the reel more power
- Anti-reverse bearing gives an ultra-smooth performance
- Has an attractive and brilliant finish
- Made from durable Aluminum
- It uses a different handle compared to other reels
2. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
If you’re looking for the best saltwater spinning reel, you’re in the right place. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel is an incredible reel that will help you battle with big game fish in saltwater without compromising durability and performance.
This reel is a durable full metal body, side plate, rotor, and heavy-duty aluminum bail wire. All these offer durability making it the best saltwater spinning reel for the money. With the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, you can achieve smooth casting all the time.
It provides a powerful drag while maintaining its effortlessness. It has fluid cranking with 5 sealed Stainless Steel ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing. The best spinning reels have a super line spool that requires no backing. It’s also braided ready and has line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity.
- Made from heavy-duty Aluminum making it durable
- Provides for a powerful drag maintaining the smoothness
- Sufficient ball bearings to make reeling easy
- Spool doesn’t require backing
- The line capacity allows you to see how much line is remaining
- The drag system isn’t too responsive as you adjust
3. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Available in 5000 and 8000 versions, the Daiwa Bg Spinning reel is practical. It can be seen as the best budget spinning reel with an infinite anti-reverse system. Made with anodized aluminum housing, it is designed to last. Of course, it is also smaller than many of its alternatives.
Those who need something lightweight can also consider it as well. But fathers looking for a gift for the sons may also consider it due to its affordability and lightweight construction as well. Made with a waterproof drag system, the spinning reel offers a durable choice in its affordable class.
Fisherman note it works well with intense use with weekly fishing sessions. Inside, the spinning reel is made with reliable oversized gears. They’re known for adding a bit more durability due to their larger contact area. With extra power and more torque, the large gear is inspired by a few of the more expensive alternatives.
With an ABS spool with an extra diameter size, the line is also truly available in its entire length. It even enjoys less casting friction which improves its durability but which also works to improve smoother cast. This is why the spinning reel is also recommended on shallow rivers in mountainous areas where the smoothness and precision of the cast need to be better.
- The oversized gear offers better torque
- Made with an ABS spool core
- Designed with a screw-in handle
- Not as lightweight as similar spinning reels
4. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
If you want the best spinning reels that will last you for years, you should go for this Pflueger President Spinning Reel. You can use it for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
While other spinning reels have at least 6 ball bearing, this Pflueger stands out. It comes with a total of 9 Stainless Steel ball bearings. This allows for an even smoother retrieval. With the on/off instant anti-reverse bearing, you can choose depending on your need the best application.
These spinning reels have been made with a lightweight graphite body and rotor. This allows for an easy time dragging, spooling, or retrieving. It also has a machine ported and double anodized braid ready Aluminum spool making it the spinning reel for use with the best fishing line for a spinning reel.
It also makes the spinning reel corrosion-resistant and therefore durable. The reel has been made with a smooth multi-disc drag system. It has been made from Stainless Steel and an oiled felt washer. This allows for an easy time dragging since there won’t be any friction.
- Gives an even smoother retrieval
- Has both on and off anti-reverse bearing for versatility
- Lightweight to allow for an easy time reeling
- Made from corrosion-resistant, durable materials
- Allows for an easy time dragging and spooling
- Complaints of the reel tangling lines
Also Read: Best Catfish Reel – Guide From Experts!
5. Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reel
The Sougayilang XY1000 spinning reel features 13 ball bearings along with a one-way anti-reverse bearing, allowing it to deliver exceptionally smooth performance when used. It’s solidly built with premium quality parts, starting with its CNC aluminum spool that offers a higher line capacity.
Aside from this, this spinning reel is also equipped with a hardened metal shaft, precision brass gears, and triple-disc carbon drag washers that give it incredible strength and durability. With this, you’ll have no problems with bigger catches.
It’s designed with both beginners and veterans in mind, using a hollow frame design that allows it to become incredibly lightweight while still delivering superb performance out in the water.
Besides this, it features Sougayilang’s Superior Drag System that gives it an impressive stopping power, allowing you to reel in catches with ease. It has an interchangeable design, allowing users to switch it to the left from the right and vice-versa, making it a versatile option. It’s the ideal spinning reel for fishing in various areas, like the ocean, ponds, lakes, etc.
- 13+1 corrosion-resistant ball bearings
- Equipped with powerful hardware
- Powerful drag system
- Lightweight design
- Not very long-lasting
6. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
On rare occasions, I just sit and look at a product mesmerized by what it can offer. Don’t get me wrong, the Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel is not revolutionizing fishing as we know it, but it offers much more than anyone could expect for its low price.
Some have already categorized it as one of the best ultralight spinning reel options to choose for any skill level. I’d also include it in a category of affordable durability if such a category would even exist. Nobody is going to take extra care of something which is very affordable such as the Okuma spinning reel.
But I’m glad to see fishermen don’t even need to be extra careful with it. Durability is enhanced by the Cyclonic Flow Rotor. This design allows air to circulate around the rotor better. In case there’s humidity inside, the flow of air reduces corrosion risks inside the reel. Other elements inside the reel are also a bit better than expected for such an affordable rate.
For example, the machine-cut gear is also made from brass, as seen on the best spinning reel alternatives. Furthermore, there are 8 bearings that offer a smooth experience. But its body also looks more expensive than it really is. This can be due to graphite construction. With a rigid forged zinc handle design, this spinning reel is a great step up from the classic entry-level alternatives.
- Made with a graphite body
- Allows better air circulation next to the rotor
- Machine-cut brass pinion gear
- Slow 5-to-1 gear ration
7. Plusinno Spinning Fishing Reel
The Plusinno GE4000 features nine premium quality ball bearings along with an anti-reverse bearing that gives it incredible dragging and braking power. Because of this, you get an exceptionally smooth and balanced operation, even with large catches.
This powerful spinning reel has an incredible drag system with a stopping power of up to 19.8 lbs. Despite its powerful performance, the Plusinno GE4000 is incredibly lightweight, so you won’t feel exhausted even after using it for extended periods.
Aside from this, it’s also compact and portable, allowing you to store and take it wherever you go with ease. It’s crafted with high-quality materials such as durable CNC aluminum for the spool and high-quality graphite for the frame.
Besides being lightweight and easy to handle, this spinning reel is corrosion-resistant with a sealed drag system, so exposing it to harsh outdoor conditions won’t affect its durability and longevity. The Plusinno GE4000 is the perfect partner for anglers who value both style and function in their reels.
- Up to 19.8lbs drag power
- Ultra-light CNC aluminum spool
- The spool can work even without a monofilament backing
- Anti-twist line roller
- The reel is quite heavy
8. Lew’s Team Custom Pro Spinning Reels
The Custom Pro spinning reel from Lew’s is a testament to what a fishing reel could do. It features 12 stainless steel ball bearings with a zero-reverse clutch bearing that allows it to deliver an ultra-smooth operation when used.
It comes with an aluminum side plate and body that gives it exceptional durability, even when exposed to harsh elements. The C60 Carbon rotor gives it incredible strength while remaining lightweight enough for more comfortable use over long periods.
The Custom Pro reel also features a sealed carbon fiber multi-disc drag system that gives you enough stopping power when catching large catches. Its aluminum handle comes with a Winn Dri-Trac knob that allows for enhanced comfort and better maneuverability.
Aside from this, its internal parts are also lubricated to allow for a smoother and tangle-free performance, regardless of the current weather conditions. With Lew’s Team Custom Pro spinning reel, you can enjoy the uninterruptedly smooth performance when fishing.
- 20 lbs max drag
- Zero reverse one-way clutch bearing
- High strength speed gears
- Carbon fiber multi-disc drag system
- Drag tends to bind up
9. Shimano Spirex FG Spinning Reel
Shimano is well-known in the industry for its extensive range of high-quality parts, including fishing reels. The Spirex FG spinning reel is no exception. This Shimano spinning reel features a highly durable yet incredibly lightweight graphite frame, rotor, and side plate that allows you to use it with ease and precision.
The spool itself is made from cold-forged aluminum, giving it long-lasting durability and delivers excellent performance while out on the water. It comes with 5 A-RB ball bearings that allow it to have an incredibly smooth operation and powerful performance.
Aside from this, its propulsion line management system allows for an almost frictionless passage of the line, enhancing your casting performance to cast your line over long distances. It also features Shimano’s Quickfire II one-handed casting that allows you to open the bail to cast your line even with one hand easily.
Overall, the Shimano Spirex 1000 FG is a spinning reel designed to deliver powerful performance and long-lasting durability, making it one of the best spinning reels on the market these days.
- Easy to cast one-handed
- Very smooth retrieval
- Aero Wrap II oscillation system
- It doesn’t come with the instant anti-reverse option
10. Abu Garcia Zata Spinning Fishing Reel
The Zata spinning reel from Abu Garcia delivers an exceptionally smooth and powerful operation with its ten stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing.
Aside from this, it also features its Rocket Line Management System that allows for a smoother line casting, enhancing your casting performance even over long distances while retaining your balance and control throughout.
It has a machined aluminum braid-ready spool that allows braid lines to be tied directly into the spool. The Zata spinning reel also uses a Rocket Spool Lip design that gives you better control over your line as it comes out of the spool.
It’s solidly built with an aluminum frame that makes it incredibly lightweight but still durable enough to deliver a long-lasting performance. Overall, the Zata spinning reel is the perfect partner for fishing enthusiasts, offering a fast yet smooth casting performance that makes it one of the best spinning reels available.
- Rocket line management system
- Lightweight aluminum body
- You can tie the braided line directly to the spool
- Not very smooth
How to Choose the Best Spinning Reels in 2022
Best Spinning reels are a must-have in every tackle box. The efficiency of one is that thin line between success and failure. This is the reason you need to know a few of the issues below before you settle on the best fishing spinning reels.
Where Will You Be Fishing?
It’s common knowledge to all fishing enthusiasts that you can fish in either saltwater or freshwater. When it comes to choosing the best fishing spinning reels, the water body is the number one consideration. If you plan on going fishing in saltwater bodies, you may need to choose the best saltwater spinning reel.
They have been designed to withstand that environment compared to freshwater spinning reels. They have rust-resistant bodies, ball bearings, and lines. The best freshwater spinning reels, on the other hand, are gentler since freshwater bodies aren’t too harsh.
The Bearings
Although the species of fish will determine the size of the spinning reels you get, you can’t overlook the ball bearings. Even if you plan on catching the smallest species of fish, you’ll still need ball bearings, You need to get the best spinning reels that is smooth to use. This means no noise or vibrations when you reel. The ball bearings determine the quality of the spinning reels, in terms of number and the material used to make them.
The more the ball bearings the smoother your retrieves and reels are going to be. Take note that a spinning reel with 5 high-quality ball bearings will perform exceptionally well compared to one with 12 poor-quality ball bearings. When you go saltwater fishing, you may need to consider getting ball bearings made from Stainless Steel or other high-quality corrosion-resistant materials.
The Drag
The best spinning reels come with either front or rear adjustments. The size and species of fish you fish will determine the adjustment you choose. Big heavy fish will require the front drag because the reel will be bigger for a larger drag area.
They are however very difficult to adjust when you’re trying to drag a big fish. Rear drags are easier to operate. You can make changes to them as you drag. They’re mostly lightweight so you can use one hand to cast and your other hand to tweak as you drag your catch. All in all, look for a drag that’s easy to adjust as you drag.
How Comfortable are You?
If you spend a lot of time fishing, you may need to consider how comfortable the reel will feel in your hand. There are reels that can be interchanged from the left-hand to the right-hand. You need to consider getting these kinds of reels to relieve pressure, especially during prolonged expeditions.
You also need to consider the grip of the reel. Spinning reels with rubber handle grips are more firm and comfortable compared to those with metal handles. Your comfort should be important. If you’re not comfortable while dragging, you may end up hurting your hands or losing your catch.
Cost
Spinning reels are fairly cheap. You can get a very functional one if you have less than $50 and there are those that go up to $100 or more. So depending on your needs, preferences and how much money you want to spend on one, you can choose the expensive or cheapest spinning reels.
You should, however, know that the cheaper the spinning reel, the cheaper the materials and it will, therefore, serve you for a short time. Also different sized spinning reels cost differently. You may decide to have different ones for more convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do You Put a Backing on a Spinning Reel?
A: Yes, you should put mono backing on a spinning reel before you spool a braided line on it. Braided lines are great for spinning reels, but there are good reasons why backing it up with a monofilament line pays off. Mono is cheaper than braided, and backing braided with mono will save you a lot of money. Second, the monofilament line grips the spool better than braided, so it can help as a backing when you’re fighting with a big fish.
Q: What Is the Switch on the Bottom of a Spinning Reel?
A: The switch on the bottom of a spinning reel is the anti-reverse switch. You can reel your line back with this switch, which is sometimes an easier choice than using the drag system. However, when it’s a large fish you’re fighting, it’s better not to use this switch.
Also Read: Best Baitcasting Reel Under 100 – Buying Guide & Reviews
Final Verdict
So there you have it, complete reviews and a buying guide for the best spinning reels. If you’re planning on going fishing soon, I’d recommend any of the above spinning reels. The Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel stood out for me because of the rubber handle grips.
With it, your hand will feel comfortable and you will have a firm grip. Alternatively, if you want a spinning reel that you can use in both freshwater and saltwater, get the Pflueger President Spinning Reel which also comes at an affordable price.
