This review will take you through some of the best spinning reels to buy in 2020. You’ll also get to see the upsides and downsides of each product and I'm sure this will help you decide what's best for you.
Spending your money on a fishing reel needs to be done with care so that you get value.
Of course, you know the importance of in-depth research when looking to buy any product or equipment. The only way you can succeed in the water is to go out there with the right kit.
Many people look at the spinning reel like it’s one of the most basic things to use but the truth remains that getting the correct equipment that suits your fishing style and fishing type can impact your performance positively.
That's why I've come up with an additional guide later on in this piece to teach you the important factors to consider when buying spinning reels for fishing. Besides, keep in mind that the 5 products reviewed in this buyer’s guide come from credible brands.
These 5 products are some of the most superior you can find right now.
Whether you are low on budget, a professional, a beginner, or someone who does this as a hobby, check out my top 5 picks of the best spinning reels.
Top 5 Best Spinning Reels
OUR TOP PICK
Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
EDITORS CHOICE
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
BEST VALUE
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ FB
OUR TOP PICK
Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
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Summary
My first pick is the Revo SX spinning reel which happens to be the brainchild of Abu Garcia, a credible manufacturer known for its premium products.
This fishing reel comes with 9 ball bearings and is reliably strong, as well as lightweight. It is equipped with a magnetic brake system that you can adjust. The spinning reel can drag as high as 20 pounds of weight and weighs around 6.6 ounces.
Apart from being very user-friendly, any fish that fights back won’t get away as this reel is designed to prevent backlash.
The equipment is quiet and you will barely hear a sound while using it. If you need lots of fishing pressure, you've got it with the ABU Garcia Revo SX that allows you to haul in a midsize fish with just a small lure.
The next aspect to consider is its alloy frame that ensures it has resistance to corrosion. It comes in a black and red design that looks sleek in addition to a carbon handle side plate. What you have here is a reel that is both strong and durable, thanks to its body and housing materials.
You’ll also find that it comes with the carbon matrix technology to provide non-stop drag pressure no matter what kind of fish you’re dealing with.
This spinning reel comes with 9 stainless steel ball bearings to create a freer and smoother experience during operations. This equipment is very ideal for freshwater baitcasting on a budget because it is sturdy and can help you haul in hard-fighting fish.
You can use the equipment in saltwater but you have to apply proper care and maintenance afterward.
Pros
- Very lightweight spinning reel
- Equipped with a magnetic brake system to prevent backlash
- Comes with 9 ball bearings for enhancing free movement
Cons
- Not the smoothest reel on the market
- 8 stainless steel hpcr Bearings + 1 roller bearing provides increased Corrosion Protection
- Amgearing System provides precision Machined gears for unparalleled smoothness and durability
- Computer optimized gear design allows for the most efficient gear System
- Carbon matrix Hybrid drag System for Super smooth reliable drag performance
- Im-c6 (insert molded C6) body design combines an x-crafty gearbox design with a C6 carbon body, which gives a lightweight construction that houses gears in perfect alignment
EDITORS CHOICE
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
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Summary
When it comes to performance, this fishing reel lives up to its name. The Daiwa BG promises you a durable, as well as stable and well-balanced, spinning reel that most people love to use.
One feature that I considered to be among its best is that it comes with an anodized aluminum body which we know is very solid. This body helps the spinning reel to withstand scratches, scrapes, and bumps.
This is something of more superior quality than in normal anodization. With the help of a screw, the handle stays in place and this makes the equipment feel even more solid when compared to other models.
To make it well balanced, the stress is attributed throughout the reel with the help of its air rotor design.
An oversized Digigear system constitutes the engineering of the equipment and what you have here is a braided line-ready reel. These supplies several benefits such as increasing the torque of the real and extending the life of the fishing line due to less pressure.
You will also find that it has resistance against rust and is equipped with 7 ball bearings. From start to finish, the model performs nicely, thanks to its carbon ATD drag system.
I'll advise that you use this model only where you are sure it will not drop into the water because it isn’t fully sealed.
But that doesn't mean it is of lower quality as it can draw as much as 18 pounds of weight if you are someone who likes going for the big stuff.
Pros
- Comes with an oversized girl to make it more balanced and stable
- Can drag approximately 18 pounds of weight
- This spinning reel is surprisingly smooth
Cons
- Its big size means it can feel heavy
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing ("Hard Bodyz" Body & Side Cover), Over-sized Digigear (Digigear System)
- Solid Screw-In Handle, Air Rotor, Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
- Braided Line Ready Spool, Waterproof Drag System, Carbon ATD, Line Per Handle Turn: 47.4"
- Manual Return Bail (4500 and Larger), 6BB+1RB, Gear Ratio: 5.6:1, Drag Max:22
- Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards): 14/470, 17/380, 20/280 J-BRAID: 40/480, 50/360, 65/310
BEST VALUE
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ FB
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Summary
Shimano came through with an outstanding spinning reel that shows it values the interests of demanding anglers. The manufacturer put many factors into consideration, from water protection to durability, to ensure that all of its parts serve certain purposes. Let me take you through them.
When compared to similar products from Shimano, this model weighs about 25% less. Also, it comes with a cold-forged aluminum spool and carbon body to assure you of durability and longevity.
This equipment has the ability to drag as much as 20 pounds and the experience of anglers is refined by its G free body.
The ultra-soft ringing experience that comes from this fishing reel is possible because it is sturdy and doesn't weigh that much. It is also equipped with a front grad and features a lot of unique technologies. One such technology is the Magnumlite Rotor designed to make turning the handle very easy with next to no stress.
The Stradic Ci4+ comes with one roller bearing and 6 ball bearings. You also have the option of buying different models according to your needs.
This fishing reel puts in a nice performance when applied to smaller fishing activities involving perch, zanders, pikes, and trout in freshwater lakes.
With the help of its features, all of its internal components are centered to create superior balance. Its body cavities continue to remain free of water, thanks to the Coreprotect function that it comes with.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Enjoy little flex when reeling and amazing cranking power
- Benefits from a good grip provided by its rubber handle
- You get very smooth reeling
- A sturdy and durable item overall
Cons
- You can’t switch off the anti-reverse switch
- The stradic spinning reel utilizes shimano's latest technology while also drawing on ways of the past and every part has been designed to improve the angler's experience on the water
- X-ship technology provides improved gear durability and eliminates friction between the spool shaft and gear enhancing the casting performance and allowing for longer casts
- Incorporates shimano's flagship hagane gearing and hagane body that provides long-lasting; strong; and durable performance and smoothness giving anglers the strength for both inshore and offshore action
- The built-in dyna-balance rotor and fluidrive ii system accompanied by shimano's propulsion line management system offers exceptional smoothness and casting capabilities while mitigating line management issues
- Max drag: 20 lbs. / gear ratio: 6.0:1. / weight: 6.7 oz. / line retrieve: 35" / bearings: 6bb + 1rb – powerpro line cap: 10/150; 15/145; 30/100 – mono line cap: 6/200; 8/140; 10/120
RUNNER UP
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
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Summary
When compared to many expensive fishing reels you find on the market, the Battle II is an equally reliable product. Some of its outstanding features include durability and anti-corrosion which is what you want in any spinning fishing reel.
Two attributes that I like about this product is its aluminum bail wire and total metal construction that both add more control over your actions while improving durability.
To give the machine a very smooth drug no matter the kind of load, it is equipped with an HT-100 carbon fiber drive system.
Fishing for the big ones shouldn’t be a problem.
The drag washers are used entirely by the reel to make it easier to handle certain fish species known for hard pulling. You'll also notice that it is equipped with an anti-reverse bearing to help you get rid of rotor back play. The cranking is very fluid and that’s because of the 5 ball bearings.
With the help of a rubber gasket, very high amounts of pressure won't disrupt the steadiness of the fishing line. You can also use braided lines if you so wish.
If you're looking for something great for some saltwater adventure, this spinning reel offers the right engineering and design to deliver. Apart from its ability to withstand hard-pulling fish, it’s also anti-corrosive.
Pros
- Amazing power despite its small size
- Comes with an anti-reverse switch
- Puts in a smooth performance
- Very good for saltwater fishing due to its non-corrosive metal
Cons
- The procedure for maintenance can be demanding
- Durable, high range spinning reel ideal for conquering big saltwater game fish
- Full metal body, side plate, and rotor and heavy duty aluminum bail wire offer exceptional durability
- HT 100 carbon fiber drag system provides powerful drag without sacrificing smoothness
- Fluid cranking with 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing
- Superline spool requires no backing, is braid ready, and has line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity
RUNNER UP
Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reel
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Summary
Number 5 on this list of best spinning reels is among the most reliable. The Stradic FK from Shimano may be a bit pricey but you get value for your money when you consider the longevity and unique features it comes with.
The entire fishing reel is well-balanced because of the bearings that help to get rid of friction while giving you a better chance of casting, even in long-distance fishing. With the help of its X-Ship technologies and metal Hagane body, the FK Can withstand impact and also produce reduced flexing and improved cranking power.
After manufacturing the Hagane gear using a 3D design, the cold forging system of the manufacturer is used to bring it to life.
What we have here is a top-quality real that cannot be replaced with ease. The model also comes with a propulsion line management system which helps in the reduction of wind knots and backlashes. I won't forget to mention that it has one roller bearing and six ball bearings all fitted into the Fluidrive II design.
A wrapping process is used to polish all the gear.
The Dyna-Balance tech of this equipment reduces the level of vibration and helps in argument insensitivity to make your fishing a great experience. I also like that you can access instant hook-setting power thanks to its Anti-Reverse Sure Stopper.
This spinning reel is virtually good at anything you put it to. It is a smooth reel that promises superb drive power, making it ideal for medium to heavy fishing.
Pros
- Long-lasting build that comes from a solid construction
- Outstanding line retrieval
- A very well balanced equipment
Cons
- You might notice some parts chipping over time
- The stradic spinning reel utilizes shimano's latest technology while also drawing on ways of the past and every part has been designed to improve the angler's experience on the water
- X-ship technology provides improved gear durability and eliminates friction between the spool shaft and gear enhancing the casting performance and allowing for longer casts
- Incorporates shimano's flagship hagane gearing and hagane body that provides long-lasting; strong; and durable performance and smoothness giving anglers the strength for both inshore and offshore action
- The built-in dyna-balance rotor and fluidrive ii system accompanied by shimano's propulsion line management system offers exceptional smoothness and casting capabilities while mitigating line management issues
- Max drag: 24 lbs. / gear ratio: 6.2:1. / weight: 11.3 oz. / line retrieve: 41" / bearings: 6bb + 1rb – powerpro line cap: 20/220; 30/200; 40/160 – mono line cap: 10/240; 12/195; 14/165
Best Spinning Reels Buying Guide
Here are some of the vital characteristics and properties to keep in mind when looking to purchase a spinning reel –
Gear Ratio
This is the feature that allows you to determine how long it takes to retrieve your fishing line. The gear ratio comes in measurements that look like 6:1, 4:1, etc. In this case, the first number refers to the number of spool revolutions needed to complete a turn of the handle. A higher number indicates that you will retrieve your line faster.
Drag Power
You might encounter fish that pulls back with a lot of vigor and this can cause your line to break. But the drag is what ensures that this does not happen. Among the best spinning reels, most of the models reviewed here come with large washers that power the system and trigger the release of more line when there is too much pressure.
The only way to hold onto your big catch is by ensuring that your spinning reel has a good drag capacity.
You also want something that allows you to make adjustments to the drug because this increases the level of control you have when pulling the fish in. Drag power comes different in various equipment and plays a role in determining your ability to catch certain species.
Spool & Line Capacity
Your fishing line is held in place by the spool which performs very vital functions when you want to cast. You’ll be better off buying aluminum spools regardless of their weight. But there are also spools made of graphite. Such spools will make a perfect choice if you want something that doesn’t weigh too much.
You also want to pay attention to this feature because there are many different models on the market. But this depends on how much you want your line capacity to hold. Keep in mind that spools come braided line-ready.
So, if you plan to use the spinning reel more often, adapting your spool shouldn't be a problem.
Body Construction
You need to ensure that you buy a product that is durable and strong with the capacity to withstand hard-pulling fish and sudden shocks. You will find that the material used to make the body of a spinning reel is usually either graphite or cast aluminum.
To make them more lightweight, manufacturers can decide to put holes in the bodies of some models. This isn't an indication of reduced quality but if your spinning reel appears unstable and extremely light, that means it won't handle strong pressure effectively.
Additionally, based on the purpose of designing them, some reels can have anti-corrosion or waterproof properties. Saltwater fishing activities are best for such reels.
Anti-Reverse Switch
The reason that your fishing line does not slip away is because of the anti-reverse system. Manufacturers design it to be comfortable for use by both left and right-handed individuals.
Sometimes, they look like a handle, and beginner anglers will find them to be very beneficial. You could also look out for spinning reels that allow you to deactivate the anti-reverse.
Ball Bearings
If you want to know the level of smoothness to expect from your fishing reel, consider the number of bearings. Inside the body of your reel, you’ll find the ball bearings that help to prevent slips.
The main features of your spinning reel should reveal to you how many bearings it comes with.
In the case of saltwater reels, you'll be on the better side if you go for a product with up to 6 ball bearings and above. The reason is that saltwater activities tend to be more demanding and your fishing reel will need some assistance to put in a smooth performance.
Best Spinning Reels - FAQ's
Are Shimano reels good?
When you ask the anglers at your local waterway what their most preferred reel is, there’s a very high chance that most of them are using a Shimano reel. That's because the manufacturer is known for its premium products and the ability to create a plethora of solutions for different experience levels.
What size spinning reel should I get?
Go with something that meets your fishing requirements. You don't need a larger real if you plan to do only light tackle fishing of around 5 pounds.
What is the best spinning reel for the money?
- Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
- Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
- Shimano Stradic Ci4+ FB Spinning Reel
- Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
- Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reel
Conclusion
Your method of fishing and preferred location should serve as the determinants of what you consider to be the best spinning reels.
Consider the Shimano Stradic FK if you can handle buying an expensive real period this model is outstanding and gives the value for your money.
Your focus shouldn’t be on the price of the spinning reel but on what it can do for you. With the help of this buying guide and the 5 premium products reviewed, finding an option that suits your needs shouldn’t be a problem.
Still looking for a spinning real, but are budget conscious? Check our our Spinning Reels Under 50 article.