As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
If you’re an experienced angler or someone who’s just starting to learn some fishing skills, a spinning reel is always a great choice.
Compared to other types of reels like the spincast and baitcast it is much easier to use, and it usually comes in a light-weight design.
For you to stay within your budget, it is best to choose a spinning reel that’s both affordable and has a great overall performance.
It’s difficult to find one, but with this article, you will be sure to find a good spinning reel under 150 dollars in the market.
Just read on to know more!
Top 5 Spinning Reel Under $150 – Review
Tons of products are in the market for you to choose from, but these 5 spinning reels are sure to impress you with their features and shock you with their affordable price tags. Let’s delve deeper!
Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel
This first spinning reel is from Pflueger, a long-time manufacturer of fish hooks and reels. The company has been in the business since 1881 and their long time expertise shows in their great products.
There are many things that this reel boasts of namely its drag system, light-weight structure, durability, and many more.
Its handle is made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is highly tough and has high corrosion resistance. You can be sure that it will last for a long time.
The structure is light-weight and compact compared to its competitors and this is thanks to the graphite body of its baitcasting.
Now you won’t experience any strain when going on long fishing trips. Aside from lessening its weight, the graphite also has self-lubricating properties.
A multi-disc drag system helps you to have smoother catches even for the extra heavy fishes. Its drag system consists of stainless steel and an oil washer.
Longer and more accurate casts are also easier to do. There is a fixed spool for reeling in light lures and baits a lot easier.
Adding to its long list of features is a set of 9 ball bearings that are made of stainless steel. The bearings allow for a more flawless performance because it significantly lessens the friction of all moving parts in the reel. This is especially helpful when you’re reeling in a big and heavy catch.
There is also a feature for the anti-reverse bearing, which is present in most good performing spinning reels.
But this is unique because it has a one-way clutch bearing with a sure click bail. All in all, it will be a great addition to your fishing gear.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Spinning Reel under $100
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
This next reel stands out among the many other reels in the market because of its top-notch design, outstanding features, and low price.
It is a recent upgrade from its predecessors. If you want to fish like a pro, this would be a great spinning reel to start you off.
The structure is light-weight, although its handle doesn’t come in a compact size. Its entire body is mainly composed of a highly durable aluminum alloy, which explains why it doesn’t weight that much compared to reels that are made of steel and other metals.
You can use this for long periods because it will be able to handle the wear and tear of a long fishing session. Bigger catches will be easier to reel in because of its highly tough aluminum bail wire.
There are 5 ball bearings that have high corrosion resistance, which is very important when you’re fishing in saltwater.
The bearings are also fully sealed for additional protection. With these bearings that reduce friction, you can have a much smoother reeling experience.
Handling it is very easy; you won’t have to be an expert to get used to using it. Its handle has a tight and comfortable grip. Even if it gets wet, it won’t be slippery.
Looking at this reel, you won’t be able to tell that it sells at such an affordable price. The outer design is very sleek, and it has eye-pleasing details.
Gold rings are placed on the spool so you can see the line’s capacity so you can adjust it accordingly if it becomes too short.
With all its great features, this would be a great reel to get you started.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Best Baitcasting Reel under $150
Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Another great addition to this list is this affordable and high-quality reel from Daiwa. It outshines others on the market because of its great design and performance. Many users have given it great feedback.
Compared to others on the market, this has a very affordable price tag, but that doesn’t mean it can’t give you the quality you deserve. All components for this reel is made of high-quality materials.
This has a heavier structure than others on this list. Most of its components are made of aluminum alloy. But even though it has a slightly heavier weight, it can still handle the wear of frequent use.
The aluminum alloy it uses is highly durable, so you’ll be able to use it longer without needing replacements.
Since it undergoes anodizing, it has an additional protective layer. Without a doubt, this product is made to be heavy-duty.
There are 7 ball bearings in total, one bearing from the 7 is for reverse bearing. These are responsible for smoother reeling because they greatly reduce friction for the moving line.
Based on user feedback, the line cast is very strong that it can withstand even big and stubborn catches.
So just because it’s an affordable reel doesn’t mean you can’t use it for big games. And there is also a dual anti-reverse system.
The handle is very comfortable; it has a nice grip to it, so you definitely won’t mind using it even if you go on long fishing trips.
If you look at this reel, you would never have guessed that it comes with such an affordable price tag because it has a sleek design.
PROS
CONS
Related Review: Best Fishing Kayak Under $600
Pflueger President XT Spinning Fishing Reel
Adding to the long line of great fishing reels from Pflueger is this President XT. And like all products from the long-running company, this is sure to be high-quality and have a great performance.
All the features of this reel are designed to be user-friendly and add efficiency so you can be sure to go home with a catch.
When you’re reeling in a big catch, you’ll usually find it difficult with other reels but with this one you can do it smoothly. This is thanks to its 10-bearing system.
Its bearing balls outnumber most of the reel in the market. And these are responsible for a smoother reel because it eliminates friction.
This comes in different spool sizes so you can choose whichever suits your fishing game. The sizes vary from 20 to 40.
Weighing just a few ounces, this has a lower weight compared to its competitors. Aluminum is used for its main shaft, which explains its light-weight property. Its gears are also made of high-quality aluminum alloy.
You can use this for doing a drop-shot technique because it has such a fast retrieve rate. This will allow you to catch fishes faster as soon as they bite the bait.
There is also a drag system that adds to a smoother reel in. The drag system is both sealed and corrosion-resistant for better durability.
With the many features it has it’s surprising that it comes at such an affordable price. It sure is going to give you the best value for your money.
PROS
CONS
Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
In case you’re looking for a spinning reel to level up your fishing game, well, you just found it. This spinning reel from Daiwa is more advanced compared to its competitors; it has tons of great characteristics that are sure to impress you. And even though it has such great quality, it is still pretty affordable.
Durability is one of its many features. Its housing is constructed with an aluminum alloy that has been anodized to increase corrosion resistance.
This aluminum alloy is also pretty rugged to it is sure to handle any strain it may experience during use.
There are 7 balls bearings, and this helps to smoothen its reeling action. The balls help to eliminate the friction that the line cast. This also gives it a decent retrieval rate for faster and an easier catch.
Since it is made of an aluminum alloy, it has a small weight so that you can be comfortable is using it even for long periods.
And for added convenience, it has a braid-ready spool so you can go straight ahead and tie your braid directly on the spool.
And the best thing is that it is affordable. It’s a good bargain considering all the features you’ll be getting.
PROS
CONS
Things to Consider Before Buying
Fishing is a fun thing to do during weekends. It is a great way to relax and break away from the busyness of everyday life.
You can spend some quality time not just on your own but also with your loved ones. However, having the right equipment is essential if you want to really enjoy your fishing session.
With the spinning reels, you’ll surely have good results. It improves your fishing performance and helps you perfectly catch what you need to.
There are many products available in the market, and with that, you have plenty of choices to choose from. The task is indeed difficult, especially when you’re doing it for the first time.
A little research is needed for you to be knowledgeable in choosing the right spinning reel. Some factors need to be considered so you will have the perfect product.
To make it easier for you, here are the features you need to look for in the spinning reels before making the final decision.
Reliability and Performance
These two areas are essential factors when you want to know the best options. A spinning reel with a good performance level will ensure you will have a perfect catch. Look for spinning reels that are equipped with features that will help you lure the baits easily.
Regardless of any brand, these two must remain an important factor to consider.
Versatility
Another factor to consider is its versatility. Making changes and doing some experiments with your spinning reel must be easy for you. To do this, you must have a reel that is equipped with adjustable features to improve its performance capacity.
Compatibility
Choosing a spinning reel without knowing its specifications and of the rod that you have will give you a hard time.
You need to get one that can work along with the rod. This is a significant factor that you need to consider to make sure both will operate accordingly.
Size
The size of the fishing reel is very easy to decide. This just depends on the fishing line. If you have a bigger line and want to catch large baits, then choose a big one. But if you are into smaller fishes, you can use a lighter line and smaller reel.
Ease of Set-Up and Use
Look for a fishing reel that is easy to assemble with the rod and gives you convenience when you use it. With the proper set-up and connection between these two parts, it can be used easily.
Having loose connections might affect your fishing technique and give you poor performance.
Type of Fish and Environment
Spinning reels are versatile. But they are mainly used for catching small fishes and do not have a lot with fish fights.
For freshwater fishing, it is better to use aluminum spinning reels since they are durable and affordable.
But if you prefer fishing in saltwater, you do not need to spend more to buy a graphite reel. It does not have any metal, so it can resist corrosion from saltwater.
Spool Design
You need to select the right spool style for a good fishing technique. Aside from the materials, you need to find a spinning reel that is equipped with elements made to reduce friction. This helps you handle not just minor shortfalls but also the critical ones.
Each reel comes with different spool design to limit the friction. A long cast skirted spool allows the line to travel more distance to reduce friction.
While the internal spool gets rid of the possibility of the line being entangled since you can open and have more access. Adjustments are made easier too.
Some are designed with Mag Spoon Technology which still uses the idea of a skirted spool. The only difference is it can be used for wider and larger targets when fishing.
Spool Material
Consider the material used for the spool to ensure durability. A good one is made from aluminum since it is more durable.
Graphite is also used since it is light-weight and reduces fatigue but is prone to breaking. The only bad side of aluminum is the risk of corrosion when fishing in saltwater.
Grip
The grip should be comfortable in your hands. It comes with a different design on the spinning mechanism that makes reeling simply.
The rubber on the grip is advisable since it will make you secure the reel when handling it.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are more preferred than bushings. They are more durable and easier to deal with.
The spinning reel can perform better when it is equipped with more ball bearings because you will be able to crank it smoothly.
Choose bearings that are made of stainless steel and ceramic. Bearings constructed from chrome-plated steel and other materials may be less expensive but they won’t last long.
And as a rule of thumb, spinning reel with at least four ball bearings seems to be good.
Handles
Nothing is worse than having a spinning reel with a handle that automatically spins backward. An anti-reverse feature will help you secure the reel and keep it from automatically spinning while increasing the power of the hook.
The backward motion is sometimes helpful, but if you are a beginner and just want to go fishing as a recreational activity, it is not recommended.
Gear Ratio
Gear ratio refers to how many times the bail folds around the spool in a turn. This can range from 4:1 to 8:1 where the latter ratio is better since it is one of the faster-retrieving spools. The size of the fish you are targeting also determines this feature.
Drag System
Drag refers to the pressure on the hook that affects the line when you need to let out some of it for fishing.
This is important to consider if you like catching a fish that put up a fight. There are two drag systems you can look at – the front and rear drag system.
Front drag systems have large drag washers and are more durable. They work better when catching larger baits even though they are quite difficult to access.
For smaller fishes, rear drag systems are more suitable. It offers easy access to fish fights.
This needs regular maintenance as it could have an effect on how the spinning reel runs.
The line can sag or worse break, leaving you chasing a fish instead of catching it. It is recommended to follow the maintenance instructions on the manual for more reference.
Overall Design
You must also look into its design and style. It is nice to buy a fishing reel that looks pretty great and aesthetically stands out among others since you will use this either for recreation or fish fights. This factor depends on your preference and will surely test your taste about looks.
Budget
Evaluating your budget is a good idea. If you set the range of how much you are willing to spend on this reel, then you will be able to narrow down your choices and list all the products with their respective prices to come up with the best one.
It is also essential to think of the additional accessories you need and how much would you spend for maintenance and customization, if ever. You need to be aware of these things to break down the expenses.
Affordability
We are all particular with the prices of a product. It is pretty certain that you wouldn’t want to buy something overpriced.
To make sure you are getting the best value for your money, check all of the features and compare it with its price to see if it is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A spinning reel often called the fishing reel, which is a cylindrical device mounted on a spinning rod. It has a stationary spool, and on the side is a revolving metal used in winding and stowing.
All parts of fishing equipment are subjected to regular maintenance. As for the spinning reel, you need to keep it clean and lubricated to ensure it remains working.
This will prevent from building rust on it. It is also advisable to store it in a dry environment.
The spinning reel is originally made to allow the use of artificial flies until such time it became essential when you go fishing.
It is an alternative device to baitcasters since it encounters difficulty in luring light-weight baits.
It is not as hard as it seems. You just need to figure out which direction should you place the fishing line and when to reel in the line. Referring to the manual will also help you do the spooling easily.
All brands on the list above are considered reliable and have a good reputation when it comes to excellent performance.
To know that you are getting the spinning reel, consider their features that reveal their reliability and efficiency.
Final Words
Proven enough, purchasing a new spinning reel is never an easy job, especially when it is your first time, and you have a range of budget for it.
In this article, everything is simplified for you. May it serve as a guide to help you find the spinning reel that would satisfy your fishing session.