Best Spinning Reel under $100 – Review in 2021

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Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, you would need a decent spinning reel to catch some fish.

It is quite popular due to its versatility and ease of use. Moreover, this device has a unique design that is perfectly suited for certain situations.

If you’ve decided to buy a spinning reel, but you’re on a tight budget, there are still a lot of choices for you.

Especially when you’re after your first reel, then it wouldn’t be a bad idea to resort to a sweet deal. Here’s some of the best spinning reel under $100.

We’ve already compiled some of the top-notch products that you can find on the market to make things easier for you. Just read on!

Benefits of a Spinning Reel

Benefits of a Spinning Reel

The following are some of the benefits if you’re using a spinning reel:

Lightweight and Durable

A spinning reel is made out of various materials such as aluminum, ABS plastics, or graphite. And this makes this equipment lightweight and at the same time durable.

It also works well with lighter weight flies and baits. Due to the absence of line pull, there is no need for wrist strength to keep it in position and operate.

Ideal for Small and Big Fish

You may be thinking that because it is good at casting lighter lures, it is only great for lighter fishing scenarios.

However, spinning reels could also be used to catch big fishes through big baits. Thus, you could afford a great catch while casting the lightest lure in your tackle box.

Versatility and Simplicity

Much more, its all-around versatility is its biggest benefit. Spinning reels are used to cast different kinds of tackle – such as artificial lures and live bait.

Additionally, its open-faced design makes the casting procedure very much simple, which is also why it became the most popular reel choice over time.

Stationary

Lastly, these reels feature stationary or fixed spool. You won’t have to worry that it may suffer from any form of backlash because it does not have a rotating spool. As the line leaves the spool, it just glides with gravity.

Top Spinning Rod under $100 Review in 2021

In this review, we will look into some of the affordable spinning reels available on sale. Considering their tool capacity, quality, and price, we have selected five among the variety of choices.

Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel

Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel

Featuring an all-around spinning reel with smooth retrieval, this product is undeniably great for multiple fishing styles. Not to mention, it is suited for all ages.

Well, the Penn Battle II is made out of the metal body, rotor, side plate, and aluminum ball wire, which makes it the best saltwater spinning reel under 100.

Other than that, its drag system is manufactured out of strong carbon fiber, which enables smoothness on adjustments.

It has an anti-reverse bearing system that can be used instantaneously. Also, this features five stainless steel fluid cranking that is securely sealed.

Well, it is used for high range fishing. Imagine, this can be used even if the water is deep, up to 100 feet. And it can be used without issues because it can hold enough line.

More so, this device doesn’t require a backing as it contains a superfine spool that can reach full line capacity rings.

Being a durable and strong reel makes it suitable for offshore fishing of small to larger species. Given its price, this is something that is worth investing in, and it is certain to last with proper maintenance.

PROS

  • Good for high range fishing
  • Durable and strong
  • Equipped with the anti-reverse bearing system
  • Ensures smooth adjustments

CONS

  • Heavy
  • May wear down anglers on long usage

Latest Guide: Best Saltwater Spinning Reel under $200

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

This spinning reel guarantees a smoother performance at a great value. It comes with excellent features that will truly amaze you. Let’s know why!

The President is manufactured with a graphite body and a lightweight rotor. Its drag system is water-sealed and lubricated to ensure optimum functionality.

Featuring smooth retrieval, stainless steel ball bearings, and gearings, this can enable the line to oscillate forward and backward while minimizing twists.

Well, it is a great choice, especially for lighter-duty fishing styles. Aside from being lightweight – which is good for ultralight applications – it can be used easily. Its bail wires are designed to be used comfortably on repetitive and longer stays on the water.

Pflueger is also braid-ready, which means that it allows the direct tie of the braid to the spool. When the bail is closed, it gives off an audible sound, which indicates that you have already secured the line.

More so, its bearing system is made of stainless steel, making it resistant to corrosion.
Given all of these great features, this product is worth buying.

PROS

  • Lightweight and comfortable on longer usage
  • Smooth performance
  • Good quality at an affordable price
  • Durable construction

CONS

  • Requires attention in order to avoid line twisting during retrieval

Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

This spinning reel from Abu Garcia is available at a wide variety of spool capacity. Many customers find their quality and craftsmanship impressive.

Well, it comes with a lightweight design even if the frames and side plates are made of graphite.

Being equipped with a power disk system, you’re sure that it is powerful, reliable, and smooth. It also contains four ball bearings that are made of stainless steel. This is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, just perfect for weekend anglers.

You may use it for either of the two techniques: fishing or casting without worrying that your reel will be compromised from water damage. It has a MagTrax brake system that ensures the accuracy of casts and boosts a longer range.

Abu Garcia designed this reel with recessed reel and a compact bent handle that facilitates ease of use and provides anglers ergonomic grip.

You could afford this performance and quality by purchasing the best spinning reel for 100 dollars only.

PROS

  • Lightweight design
  • Smooth performance
  • Designed ergonomically
  • Versatility – can be used for fishing or casting

CONS

  • It takes time to set it up

Related Topic: Spinning Reel Under $150

Daiwa BG Spinning Reel

Daiwa BG Spinning Reel

Daiwa BG is amongst the top-rated spinning reels under $100. Depending on the size of the reel being matched with a proper rod, it is applicable to any fishing techniques.

May it be small or large species, this reel is pretty much adaptable. You can utilize it for inshore saltwater fishing or to freshwater tackle.

It is lightweight and comfortable to use. In addition, this is also designed to last longer and is sure to withstand saltwater.

The drag system and its body as well are waterproof. Much more, its side cover is made of aluminum, making its internal parts stable and strong.

Aside from that, it is also black anodized. This makes it scratch resistant and increases its strength to fight corrosion.

Also, its internal system consists of a 5.6:1 gear ratio, a roller bearing, and 6 ball gearings. The anti-reverse system also comes with a device that allows for smooth performance when casting. Also, it has a spool design that can certainly handle monofilament and braided lines.

PROS

  • Durability
  • Could withstand saltwater conditions
  • Highly ergonomic design
  • Comfortable usage

CONS

  • Without lubrication, the bail wire could get a sticky

Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

If you’re a beginner or a starter, Okuma Ceymar is confident to deliver you optimum performance. It is a great reel available at an affordable price suited for both young and even experienced anglers.

Well, advanced materials are used in manufacturing this spinning reel and is designed dynamically for the longevity of its usefulness.

There will be less hassle operating it because it is lightweight, and the manufacturer made sure that it will be operated simply for the convenience on the part of beginners.

Retrievals are made efficient and simple through its roller line and rotor system. Many buyers love it for its overall size since it is less bulky.

And this can enable them to focus more while catching fish. It is a perfect spinning reel for beginners because it is generally easy to learn from this type of reel.

The bearing system allows a comfortable experience, and its graphite construction makes it well-balanced and lightweight.

This system can be easily adjusted and is highly reliable. Additionally, it is compact and designed ergonomically for ease of use.

Considering these amazing features, you can never go wrong when you opt for this product.

PROS

  • User-friendly to any skill level
  • Perfect reel for beginners
  • Efficient and simple
  • Ensures your optimum comfort

CONS

  • Durability is not a guarantee

Suggested Guide: Top Fish Finders Under $1000

What to Look for before Buying

In choosing a spinning reel, there are certain attributes and features that you have to put into consideration before deciding which to purchase.

Construction Materials and Design

It is essential for the reel to have a strong bail wire and a solid body. Mostly, components of spinning reels are made from graphite or aluminum.

Graphite is significantly lighter and is the best fit for freshwater. At the same time, aluminum makes the reel highly resistant to corrosion and increases its durability.

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio is an important measure of the amount of power you need to exert. Elaborately, it is the number of times that the bail will have to spin around the spool at every reel handle rotation during line retrieval.

For larger species, smaller ratios provide more powerful but careful and slower retrievals.

Drag Systems

If you’re checking out its drag systems, one thing to consider is its ability to adjust smoothly on a system that will be able to hold line tightly and will not lose its setting. Drag systems are significantly designed to hold the line firmly against attacking fishes.

Typically, spinning reels have either rear drag or front drag systems. Rear drag is effective when used with ultralight tackle and line because it can be adjusted easily while battling a fish. Front drags are durable; it uses large washers and provides strength.

Ball Bearings

Ease of use and smooth operation will be possible when you will meticulously choose a ball bearing that is of quality.

This component should not be compromised just to get a cheap reel. Without a decent bearing, the reel would be a frustrating experience.

On evaluating bearings, it is not just about quality. You ought to check the quantity too. Usually, a higher number of bearings indicates good quality.

However, fewer bearings but of higher quality is better than a reel with more but low-quality bearings.

High-quality is more favorable because it is essential, especially during saltwater fishing. The usefulness and durability of the equipment should also be prioritized. More so, it should be corrosion resistant.

Line Capacity

On whatever type of fishing you planned to do, it is important to consider the line capacity. Being matched with the right rod will enable any angler to use the lightest or heavy line depending on what is appropriate to the species.

The line capacity could directly impact the shape and size; hence, before buying, you have to carefully examine the line capacity of a reel.

Always consider the specified line weight or length, failure to do so may lead to spool issues or tangles.

Spool Design

Spinning reels could either have skirted reels or internal. Most of the modern reels have skirted reel designs, but still, some experienced anglers would still prefer reels with internal spools despite the fact that it is prone to performance issues and tangling.

Skirted spools provide essentially the same casting ability and performance as of the previous spool design, making it suitable for all levels of fishing skills.

There are numerous best spinning reels for under $100 dollars out there that are designed with a skirted spool.

Comfort

If you are thinking of a long day fishing on your weekends, then comfort must have to be considered too.

Basic ergonomics must be considered, whether you will acquire a left or right-handed reel. You must seek for the reel that would match your preferences.

Top 3 Spinning Reels Brands

Top 3 Spinning Reels Brands

Given all the brands on the market, it can be daunting to choose the best one. The good news is that we want to let you know the top 3 brands that you can trust. Let’s get into details!

Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company

PENN had been catering to fishing needs for over 75 years. With their enthusiasm, expertise, and ability to create and produce angling equipment, they have climbed to the top and leads modern-day reel manufacturing. Numerous fishermen all over the world put their trust and loyalty to this brand.

The aforementioned Penn Battle II spinning reel is amongst the thousands of angling equipment that they have manufactured. They are renowned in the market for the quality of its components.

They have a division assigned for work repairs. It consists of skilled personnel that can innovate reels.

KastKing

Being new in the market doesn’t stop this brand from conquering the already existing brands out there. Providing fishing reels at significantly lower costs doesn’t mean that their products are of cheaper quality.

Instead, they made their items as a response to what is needed by getting inputs from fishermen themselves.

Pflueger

The Pflueger Enterprise Manufacturing Company is a global brand that started as a fish hook supplier until it became bigger and bigger, now producing all types of angling equipment. As of today, it has become the globe’s leading reel and rod supplier and trendsetter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the best spinning reels under $100:

What are spinning reels good for?

Spinning reels are best for saltwater fishing and, at the same time, excellent when it comes to freshwater fishing.

It is ideal for surfcasting. With its lightweight, it is significantly easier to use, set up, and handle.

What do the numbers mean on fishing reels?

The numbers on the spinning reel, such as 1000, 2000, 3000, and so on and so forth, indicate its spool’s diameter.

Basically, smaller diameter means there are fewer lines you spool a spinning reel with and vice versa.

What does gear ratio mean on a spinning reel?

The gear ratios on the spinning reel are used to determine the speed as to how fast the reel picks up the line.

Large gear ratios are for faster retrieval, while smaller gear ratios are for slow and careful retrieval.

What is better, a baitcasting or a spinning reel?

Given both of these reels at the same size range, a baitcasting can be used for longer casts and could handle heavy lines.

Small spinning reel signifies a smaller spool, which makes it harder to use at large diameter lines, but a small baitcasting could handle it.

What is the best size of a spinning reel for bass fishing?

When fishing for bass, medium-size trout, or walleye, the 1000 size would definitely work best. Moreover, a 4-8 pound line shall be used along with it.

Final Words

There is surely a wide selection when it comes to choosing the best budget spinning reel under 100. Durability and quality should always be considered.

Rest assured that the products in this review, even at a low cost, won’t compromise the two. Now, pick yours and enjoy fishing.

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