It’s no secret that fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in the world. And with that popularity comes a wide variety of gear and equipment to choose from. When it comes to spinning reels, there are a lot of options on the market. So, how do you know which one is the best? In this blog post, we’ll be reviewing some of the best spinning reels on the market. We’ll go over their features, pros and cons, and what makes them stand out from the rest. By the end, you should have a good idea of which spinning reel is right for you.
Our Favorite Ultralight, Light, and Medium Reels Reviewed
If you’re in the market for a new spinning reel, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed the best spinning reels on the market, so you can make an informed decision before making your purchase.
When it comes to choosing a spinning reel, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider what type of fishing you’ll be doing most often. If you’re an occasional angler, you might not need all the bells and whistles that a more dedicated fisherman would want. Second, think about your budget. There’s no need to break the bank on a reel if you’re just getting started – but if you’re an experienced fisherman, you might want to invest in a higher-quality reel.
Spinning Reel Basics
Before you pull the trigger, it pays to be familiar with spinning reels.
Spinning reels can be used to catch panfish, trout, and bass on monofilament lines less than 10 pounds in diameter.
For the best fishing line to spin reels, check out our buying guide
The mechanism of these lines is simple, with a fixed spool and spinning bail capture and release lines. They are almost foolproof and easy to use. This combination is a great option for beginners.
Casting is as easy as grabbing the line with your index finger. You can retrieve the lure by closing the bail with your hands (the crank will make the mechanism wear) and then you open the bail again with your other hand.
This simplicity has real benefits in bad conditions. Wind gusts don’t really affect the performance of a spinning rod, and wind-blown knots do not pose a problem. They cast well in the wind, with light lures, and don’t need to be adjusted when changing lure weights.
This is a strong reason to use a large spinning reel for inshore fishing where the conditions are often sunny.
However, they do have a disadvantage.
The fixed spool holds the line with a large forward lip. Casting heavy-diameter lines or not having enough lines on your spool will cause friction and make the line slip. Casting distance will suffer in both of these cases.
It is important to follow two rules when spinning a reel.
- Never run a monofilament that is more than 10 pounds in diameter.
- Keep your line at least 1/8 inch from the lip of your spool. Your spool should be full.
9 Best Spinning Reel Reviewed
We’ve considered all of the factors mentioned above, so you can be sure that whichever reel you choose will be the perfect one for your needs.
#1. Cadence CS8
The Cadence CS8 is one of the best spinning reels on the market. It’s incredibly well-made, with a solid build quality that feels great in the hand. The drag system is smooth and impressive, while the overall design is both stylish and functional.
In terms of performance, the CS8 is simply outstanding. It casts smoothly and accurately, while the retrieve is fast and consistent. The reel also has excellent fish-fighting capabilities, thanks to its strong drag system.
Overall, the Cadence CS8 is an excellent choice for any angler looking for a top-quality spinning reel. It’s well-made, reliable, and capable of handling just about anything you throw at it. If you’re in the market for a new reel, this is definitely one to consider.
CS8-1000
Drag: Maximum weight: 11 lb Maximum weight
The ratio of gears: 5.2:1 (25″ per turn)
Line capacity:6/110
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 6.3 oz.
CS8-2000
Drag:16 lbs. Maximum 16 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (32″ per turn)
Line capacity:6/160
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 7.3 oz.
CS8-3000
Drag:19 lbs. Maximum weight
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (35″ per turn)
Line capacity:10/150
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 7.4 oz.
CS8-4000
Drag: Maximum weight: 20 lbs. Maximum weight: 20 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (38″ per turn)
Line capacity:10/220
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 8.5 oz.
Pros
- Great value for the money
- Excellent drag
- Excellent capacity
- Excellent casting
- Silky-smooth operation
#2. Penn Battle II
BTLII1000
Drag: Maximum weight: 9 lbs. Maximum weight
The ratio of gears: 5.2:1 (22″ per turn)
Line capacity:275/2, 135/4 and 105/6
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 8.1 oz.
BTLII2000
Drag: Maximum weight: 10 lbs. Maximum weight: 10 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (30″ per turn)
Line capacity:240/4, 180/6 and 125/8
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 9.8 oz.
BTLII2500
Drag: Maximum weight 12 lbs. Maximum 12 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (33″ per turn)
Line capacity:255/6, 175/8 and 140/10
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 10.3 oz.
BTLII3000
Drag: Maximum 15 lbs. Maximum 15 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (35″ per turn)
Line capacity:200/8, 165/10 and 120/12
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 12.3 oz.
BTLII4000
Drag: Maximum 15 lbs. Maximum 15 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (37″ per turn)
Line capacity:270/8, 220/10 and 165/12
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 12.8 oz.
BTLII5000
Drag:25 lbs. Maximum 25 lbs
The ratio of gears: 5.6.:1 (36″ per turn)
Line capacity:225/12, 200/15, and 135/20
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 19.8 oz.
BTLII6000
Drag:25 lb. Maximum 25 lbs
The ratio of gears: 5.6:1 (41″ per turn)
Line capacity:335/15, 220/20, 210/25
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 22.10 oz.
BTLII8000
Drag: Maximum weight: 30 lbs. Maximum weight: 30 lbs.
The ratio of gears: 5.3:1 (44″ per turn)
Line capacity:340/20, 311/25, 230/30
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 30.2 oz.
The PENN Battle II is one of the best spinning reels on the market. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of different fishing styles. It’s also very durable, making it a great choice for those who fish in saltwater environments. The Battle II features a wide range of sizes, from 2500 to 8000, so you can choose the perfect reel for your needs.
Pros
- Excellent drag
- Excellent capacity
- Casting with the BTLII1000 and 2000 is excellent
- Silky-smooth operation
- Amazing anti-reverse
Cons
- Casting will suffer when the reels are larger (but Penn isn’t to blame: blame physics!)
#3. Pflueger President
PRESSP20X
Drag: Maximum 6 lb. Maximum 6 lbs
The ratio of gears: 5.2:1 (20.2″ per turn)
Line capacity:200/2, 100/4 and 80/6
Bearings 6 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 6.2 oz.
PRESSP25X
Drag: Maximum 8 lb. Maximum 8 lbs
The ratio of gears: 5.2:1 (22.4″ per turn)
Line capacity:220/2. 110/4. 90/6
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 7.5 oz.
PRESSP30X
Drag: Maximum weight: 10 lb Maximum weight: 10 lbs
The ratio of gears: 5.2:1 (25.3″ per turn)
Line capacity:255/4, 130/8, 145/6, 130/8
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 8.8 oz.
PRESSP35X
Drag: Maximum weight 12 lbs. Maximum 12 lbs
The ratio of gears: 5.2:1 (28.1″ per turn)
Line capacity:230/6, 185-8, 155/10
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 10.7 oz.
PRESSP40X
Drag: Maximum weight: 14 lbs. Maximum weight
The ratio of gears: 5.2:1 (31.6″ per turn)
Line capacity:285/8. 230/10. 195/12
Bearings 9 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: 11.5 oz.
The Pflueger President is one of the best spinning reels on the market. It is affordable, reliable, and has a great drag system. This reel is perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. It is a great choice for fishing in freshwater or saltwater. The President has a graphite body and a stainless steel bail wire. It also has seven bearings (6+1), which makes it very smooth to use. This reel comes in two sizes: 2000 and 3000. The 2000 size is great for lighter fish, while the 3000 size can handle larger fish.
Pros
- Excellent value for the money
- Great drag
- Excellent casting
Cons
- Comparing side-to-side, the spool capacity is a little lower
- It’s not as smooth as the more expensive options
- Casting will suffer if you use a line that is more than 10 pounds in mono diameter (blame Pfluger, not physics!)
#4. Shimano Ultegra
ULT1000HGFB
Drag: Maximum weight: 7 lbs. Maximum 7 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.0:1 (31″ per turn)
Line capacity:2/270, 4/140 and 6/110
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: N/A
ULT2500HGFB
Drag: Maximum weight: 20 lbs. Maximum weight: 20 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.0:1 (35″ per turn)
Line capacity:6/200, 8/140 and 10/120
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: N/A
ULT4000XGFB
Drag:24 lbs. Maximum weight
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (39″ per turn)
Line capacity:8/240, 9/200, and 12/160
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: N/A
ULTC3000HGFB
Drag:Maximum weight: 20 lb. Maximum weight: 20 lbs
The ratio of gears: 6.0:1 (35″ per turn)
Line capacity:6/230, 8/170 and 10/140
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: N/A
ULTC5000XGFB
Drag:24 lb. Maximum weight
The ratio of gears: 6.2:1 (41″ per turn)
Line capacity:10/240, 11/195, 14/120
Bearings 5 + 1 roller bearing
Weight: N/A
Shimano Ultegra is one of the best spinning reels on the market. It’s a high-quality reel that’s built to last, and it’s packed with features that make it a great choice for serious anglers.
The Ultegra features Shimano’s patented Hagane body construction, which makes it incredibly durable. The reel also has a large arbor spool design, which allows it to hold more line and makes for smoother retrieves. And finally, the Ultegra is equipped with Shimano’s S-Concept technology, which ensures smooth, reliable operation.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, the Shimano Ultegra is a great choice for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line spinning reel.
Pros
- Excellent drag
- Excellent capacity
- Casting with smaller reels is easy
- Silky-smooth operation
Cons
- Casting will suffer when you use larger reels. But that’s not Shimano’s fault. Blame physics!
- Our most expensive reel
You can also check our guide to the best ultralight spinning wheels if you are just looking for the ultralight tackle!
#5. KastKing Royale Legend/Whitemax
KastKing Royale Legend/Whitemax is one of the best spinning reels on the market. It has a great drag system and a smooth, powerful retrieve. The reel is also very well-made and durable.
#6. Lew’s Speed Spool LFS
Speed is important when you’re trying to land that big fish. The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS baitcasting reel has a max speed of 9.3:1, meaning you can bring in your line at a rate of 9.3 feet per turn of the handle. This reel also boasts a sleek design and weighs in at just under 7 ounces, making it one of the lightest reels on the market.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality spinning reel.
#7. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is one of the best spinning reels on the market. It’s affordable, durable, and has a great drag system. This reel is perfect for anglers of all levels, from beginner to expert.
The GX2 features a seven-bearing system and an ambidextrous handle. The reel is also constructed with a graphite frame and sideplates, making it both lightweight and strong. The stainless steel main shaft and gears provide durability, while the brass pinion gear ensures smooth operation.
This reel also has a smooth, powerful drag system that can handle even the biggest fish. The drag knob is conveniently located on the front of the reel so you can make quick adjustments on the fly. And if you need to change your line, the QuickSet anti-reverse roller bearing makes line changes a breeze.
Whether you’re just getting started in fishing or you’re a seasoned pro, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is a great choice for a spinning reel. It’s durable, affordable, and packed with features that will help you land big fish.
#8. Abu Garcia Revo® SX
The Abu Garcia Revo® SX is one of the best spinning reels on the market. It is constructed with a durable aluminum body and features a smooth drag system that ensures a consistent and powerful fish fight. The reel also boasts a high-speed gear ratio that makes it perfect for anglers who like to fish fast and hard.
#9. Daiwa BG
The Daiwa BG is a workhorse of a spinning reel. It’s been around for years and has earned a reputation for being tough, durable, and dependable. It’s a great choice for anglers who are looking for a reel that can handle a wide variety of fishing conditions and situations.
The Daiwa BG is available in several different models, each with its own unique set of features and specifications. Anglers can choose the model that best suits their needs and preferences. The Daiwa BG has a wide variety of features that make it a great choice for both novice and experienced anglers.
Some of the key features of the Daiwa BG include:
- A robust drag system that can handle big fish
- A smooth retrieves thanks to its 6+1 ball bearings
- A solid construction that can withstand years of use
- An ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use
What to Consider when Buying the Best Spinning Reel?
Drag
The drag is what I first look at when looking at any reel.
First, I evaluate where it is. The best drag systems are situated directly over the area they will be working. Therefore, drag knobs are often located at the end of the spool.
While some spinning reels may have dials located elsewhere, these require a more complex mechanism that doesn’t work as well as does not last as long.
Second, I look closely at the maximum setting to see if it slips at this weight. For spinning reels, I look for a maximum setting that is appropriate to the size and weight of the species I am after. I test the drag by stringing some heavy line and weighing it.
This is about evaluating the drag’s quality, not testing the maximum. I won’t set the drag that high.
Finally, I like spool up some medium-weight lines for the reel. Then, I set the drag to about a third of that and see how easily it allows me to take the line. I like a steady, smooth release, no jerking, catching, or slipping.
Ratio of gears
The reel’s gear ratio is the relationship between the crank, the spool, and the crank. It tells you how many turns the crank makes. A gear ratio of 5.2 to 1 means that one crank turn spins the spool 52.2 times.
This is important for two reasons.
Some lures require a slow, medium, or fast retrieve. A reel’s gear ratio should be matched to the intended purpose of the reel to improve action. A fast reel with a gear ratio greater than 5.2:1 is ideal for topwater lures and shallow crankbaits.
You should also care about the gear ratio because it shows you how fast it picks up lines. A medium to fast ratio is important, regardless of whether you are jigging deep and casting far out to cover the water.
Smooth operation
A reel of high quality should have a tight bail, a crank that spins freely, and a drag knob that adjusts the setting. To encourage solid hooksets, the anti-reverse system should also lock up quickly.
Capacity
It is important to have a line capacity.
A properly filled spool will ensure that you don’t cast your line too far. Over a day of fishing, however, you may need to cut the line to either reduce abrasion or recover from a poor cast.
Your reel should have enough line to last you the entire day without having to re-spool.
I will be reporting line capacity using monofilament weights. You can change to braid to get more line on your reel or increase the weight to a mono equivalent of 4 or 6 pounds.
When I decided to use my ultralight to record big bass, I did exactly that!
Last Thoughts
Performance-wise, the Cadence, Penn, and Shimano reels are all pretty good. It’s also worth noting that the Cadence CS8 series reels are less expensive than their rivals. Cadence would be my choice, but I prefer the Penn and Shimano ranges. They offer more options at the larger end, which means more options if you are looking to spin for pike or walleye reds, or blues.
Pfleuger’s President lineup is an excellent option for anglers with tight budgets. They also offer larger sizes that will give you great care if you are after large fish. These reels do have a smaller line capacity than their competitors, so be aware of that. This is not a problem for me. You can only cast efficiently with 20% of your line, so it’s not much of a difference.
These reels are great for perch and panfish, while the larger end of the range is ideal for larger species. All four brands have excellent options for anglers who don’t want to use bait casters.
Are you a fan of one of our favorites? Do you have a thought, suggestion, or criticism?
Leave a comment below
