Best Spinning Reels (Reviews & Buyers Guide)

One of the most exciting family outdoor activities is fishing and having one of the best spinning reels plays an important role in stepping up your game. More and more people are hooked up (no puns intended) for fishing and this could mean the fishers demands of having a quality and best spinning reel for money in their collection is a must.

There are many options that you could choose from in the current market, some manufacturer claims that they have the best spinning reels while the other claims that they have a higher rate of user satisfaction. As the factors that could affect the quality of the spinning reels such as the price, performance, durability, features, user’s feedback, warranty, and so on are important when purchasing the best one, here is an article about fishing reel reviews.

So in order to help you achieve an outstanding fishing experience, we narrowed down the best spinning reels in the market that you should definitely own for your next fishing trip.

Penn Battle II

First one on the list is the Penn Battle II Spinning Reel. This reel is structured from durable and strong materials such as metal body, rotor, and a side plate which adds more grit and toughness while fishing. Like all the other spinning reel that are available in the market, Penn Battle II offers quality in every aspect such as the features, performance, durability, and price.

The exceptional and unique capability of this spinning reel is that it features a dragging system with carbon-fiber made drag washers which is definitely a plus. The series also comes in different models which can be used on any fishing applications. So if you’re planning to purchase the best spinning reels on your next fishing activities, the Penn Battle II is probably your best choice.

What we like:

  • Durable and high-quality structure made from non-corrosive metal
  • Well-constructed and not complex locomotive gearing and power
  • Supports standard screwdrivers plus it is easy to reassemble and disassemble
  • Can be pricey but it sure is a high-quality reel
  • Super line spool that doesn’t need backing
  • The manufacturers offer excellent customer service and reliability
  • Comes with Extra drag washers made of carbon fiber
  • Carbon fiber dragging system great for extreme fishing

What we don’t like:

  • Some users are not happy about the blue grease
  • When working on an anti-reverse beating, some small parts can get fussy
  • Can be pricey
  • Troubles in spooling line may occur

Shimano Spirex RG

One of the simplest yet powerful spinning reels in the list is the Shimano Spirex RG Spinning Fishing Reel. This one highlights the battling drag rise and drag frameworks with simple, one-gave throws and smooth-as-silk recovers.

The Shimano Spirex RG Spinning reels highlight the snappy fire II, lightweight graphite outline, chilly fashioned aluminum spools, elastic handle grasps, varispeed swaying, protected stainless steel metal balls, impetus line administration framework, one-gave throwing framework, and a control roller III.

What we like:

  • Durable and high-quality structure
  • 5 metal ball bearings
  • Lightweight materials made from graphite frames and only weighs 9.9 ounces
  • Gear ratio of 6.2:1
  • Super line spool that doesn’t need backing
  • Comes with a bullet point 2 and side plate rotor

What we don’t like:

  • No spare spool
  • The dragging system can only drag 6 pounds only

Okuma Avenger ABF

One big advantage of the Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Spinning fishing reels focuses on its bait feeding system. This essential and unique feature comes with a small lever positioned at the back of the spinning reel which allows the line ours without opening the surety. The bait feeding system is necessary for keeping the line out once a fish is holding or feeding your bait and perfect for river fishing as it allows additional line out in the current.

Fast line retrieval is also one of the interesting features of this spinning reel. It works by picking up the line in a very quick way which is necessary for any fishing activities. In addition, the Okuma Avenger ABF is well-structured with high-quality materials such as stainless steel bail wire, graphite-made motor and body with corrosion-resistant capabilities for both saltwater and freshwater usage.

What we like:

  • Durable and high-quality structure with corrosion-resistant body, bail, and rotor
  • 6 Stainless steel metal ball bearings for fast setting
  • Great for catching heavy fishes thanks to its bait feeding system plus multi-circle drag framework
  • Comes with a Japanese oil felt drag washers
  • Fast line retrieval

What we don’t like:

  • Might not be great for current waters
  • Spinning fishing reels might be too short

Pflueger President

The Pflueger President Spinning fishing reel is probably the cheapest reel on this fishing reel review and it’s perfect for casual fishers. This spinning reel can provide you an enjoyable fishing experience that could last for years, mainly because of its quality-made structure and components.

It is also specifically designed for catching small to medium sized fish as it weighs 12 pounds and can be categorized in a medium gear ratio. So if you’re looking for a great contender in your spinning reel collection, this one is the most affordable yet high-quality choice for you.

What we like:

  • Durable and high-quality structure with graphite-made body, bail, and rotor
  • 9Stainless steel metal balls bearings for enhanced lifespan
  • Great for catching small to medium fishes thanks to its multi-circle drag framework
  • Comfortable and delicate touch aluminum handle
  • Comes with a machined-anodized pool made from aluminum
  • Lightweight materials and sure-click bail

What we don’t like:

  • Might not be great for larger or heavier type of fishes
  • some users reported quality issues
  • slightly wobbly on retrieval

Shimano Sienna

And now we’ve come to the last but certainly not the least – another best spinning reel product from Shimano, the Shimano Sienna Spinning Reel. This reel surely is designed to meet up the needs of different fishing applications. It comes with two models, the first one offers font drag and the other one is a real drag. It also comes in different sizes such as 500 for light and casual fishers, 1000, 2500, and 4000 for big freshwater fishing.

What we like:

  • Durable and high-quality structure body, bail, and rotor
  • Offers instant reverse
  • Easy and comfortable to handle
  • Lightweight material
  • Very smooth spinning fishing reel

What we don’t like:

  • Might not be great for larger or heavier type of fishes
  • slightly wobbly on retrieval and the structure may be too small

What are the things to look for when buying the best spinning wheel?

As the long list of mechanical specifications of every spinning reels available in the market goes on and on, it is very vital to have the basic knowledge and information on how to choose the best one. Here are some features or specs that you should take note before deciding to purchase a spinning reel for any of the fishing activities that could definitely help you achieve an effective and enjoyable fishing experience.

Check out the Dragging System

One of the most important features that you should look before investing tons of money in spinning reels is the quality of the drag system. This could be necessary if planning a fishing trip on saltwater and freshwaters, a better dragging system will allow you to catch larger and heavier fishes. Also, opt for the ones with a smooth drags which is necessary for catching small to medium fishes while engaging a smooth set or when the fish dives back into the water.

Keep in mind that some model claims that they can provide you a smooth and powerful drag but in the end, they are actually sticky and wobbly drag. Some spinning reels that are available in the market typically provide drag system that can be controlled with a dial or a knob. The price of the reel may usually depend on the dragging system so make sure it’s quality before buying one.

Take note of the Line Capacity and the size of the spool

Spinning fishing reels in the market typically come with 3 – 4 different spool size and total line capacity as well. Manufacturers provide spool capacities for both braided line and monofilament while others also offer extra spool that will serve as an emergency backup once the spool runs out.

Check out the spinning reel’s total weight and frame materials

The most common materials used for manufacturing spinning reels are plastic, aluminum, magnesium, or carbon. If you’re planning to choose the best spinning reel, you never opt for plastic and aluminum-made ones mainly because many users reported quality issues, instead, go for magnesium and carbon-made as they provide excellent rigidity, lightweight, quality, and in some cases, they’re affordable.

Consider where you will fish

When purchasing the best spinning reel for the money, you need to check the environment where you decide to fish. Are you heading to a small inland river or coastal saltwater? Knowing the location will help you come up with some purchasing decisions in buying one. For example, it might not be totally necessary to spend top dollar on saltwater corrosion-resistant if you’re a casual fisher. In addition, for that fisher who are planning to use the reels on extreme weather conditions or harsh conditions, you might probably want to consider to spend more dollars to get the best and high-quality spinning reels.

Test its line recovery rate

Determine you spinning reel’s line recovery rate by measuring the amount of line that the reel takes up with one full turn of the knob or the handle.

Check the number of Bearings

The main component that could affect the handle to run smoothly is the bearing. Standard spinning reels don’t actually depend on the number of bearings to determine its overall quality. You can usually opt for one with 4 or 5 bearings.

Bearings are needed in the main gear and the main handle shaft and another one for the anti-reverse as well as on the line rollers. Some models provide 8 – 10 or even more bearing to replace all the bushings inside the reel, remember, the number of the bearing is not actually important, anything more is just adding cost to your reel.

Opt for spinning reel with Anti-Reverse

Anti-reverse features are necessary for preventing the reel handle from any unwinding. This feature is usually found and controlled by a switch or a little black level at the bottom of the reel. Spinning reels for freshwater usage commonly come with this feature and most fisher doesn’t even switch it off. The anti-reverse feature eliminates the use of back reeling for catching bigger and heavier fishes as well as controlling the grab through heavy current.

Best Spinning Reel

So, with all the best spinning reels listed we’ve listed above which one truly catches your attention and your best pick? Is it the Penn Battle II Fishing Reel? If yes then well that’s a very good choice.

The Penn Battle II Fishing Reel has been manufactured by one of the most trusted spinning fishing reels in the industry and continuously gains high remark on their users for good reasons. Besides with its excellent durability and well-structured materials, this spinning reel also provides you a larger line capacity, a powerful dragging system with versa-drag washer, an optimal gear alignment, easy assembling and disassembling for better maintenance, and a simple yet convenient locomotive gearings – it simply offers you the best fishing experience that you could get.
Choosing the suited and best spinning reel for any of your fishing activities will not only give you a productive, effective, and most importantly fun and exciting fishing experience but it can also give your fishing game a step up.

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