Having a fishing rod without a reel is like having a car without an engine. I’m sure some people can still find uses for them but generally speaking, you can’t really have one without the other. There are countless spinning reels on the market today which makes it very difficult to truly know which one is the best spinning reel for you. Often times this comes down to personal preference but sometimes you’ll find one that’s ideal for just about everyone. Below you will find the Top 6 best spinning reels for the money in 2019.
1. Penn Battle II
This reel features a full metal design which has been engineered to withstand those tough fights. The reels HT-100 Versa Drag system ensures that the reel remains cool and supple while under extremely heavy loads allowing the angler to subdue even the hardest pulling fish species. Its fluid cranking and stainless steel ball bearings ensure both reliability and silky smooth cranking. The anti-reverse bearing helps to eliminate any back play so the angler can set the hook and land the fish without any interruption. The Penn Battle II is fitted with a rubber gasket in the spool to help prevent line slipping under pressure. This allows the fisherman to use braided line without a monofilament backing. The spool also contains line capacity gauges at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity allowing the angler to know exactly how much line he has left on the spool at a glance.
Highlights:
- Full metal body, rugged, withstand the toughest of conditions
- HT-100 Versa Drag system
- Anti-reverse bearings to eliminate back play
- Fluid/buttery smooth cranking
- Line capacity rings
2. The Shimano Spirex
The Shimano Spirex features an amazing array of new and improved elements to help the angler. This newly designed reel features the quickfire II one-handed casting system which allows you to cast out to those long distance spots. It’s constructed out of lightweight graphite weighing in at just 1.5 pounds which can withstand the most rugged situations. It’s A-RB shielded stainless steel bearings allow for a silky smooth retrieval. The rubber handle ensures a lockjaw like a grip during the toughest of battles and it’s rear drag system helps to ensure you win those battles every time. The gear ratio is slightly larger than medium-size allowing you to catch larger fish and handle them with ease. You can consistently cast your line at a more rapid rate with this reel in comparison to many others.
Highlights:
- Quickfire II one-handed casting system
- Lightweight graphite (1.5 pounds)
- Cold forged aluminum spool
- Rubber handle and grips
- Stainless steel ball bearings
3. The Okuma Avenger
This reel displays nearly a decade of R&D and you can truly admire the refinement and precision put into this reel. Okuma produces tournament grade reels that feature their patented live line bait feeding system. This bait feeding system allows the user to easily and simply disengage the spool to allow for free running line without the need to open the bail. This reel also features six stainless steel ball bearings which are completely sealed ensuring their longevity and smooth operation. It also offers countless other features such as a beautiful corrosion-resistant graphite body which are accompanied with an extremely tough die-cast aluminum handle and machined aluminum knobs. This reel is extremely dependable and easy enough for even the most beginner of anglers to operate. Simply put, this reel is the real deal.
Highlights:
- Patented live line bait feeding system
- six stainless steel ball bearings
- Graphite body which is corrosion free
- One year warranty
- Precision cut die-cast parts
4. The Pflueger President
This reel delivers amazing durability with one of the smoothest drags, something that every season angler demands. Its graphite construction allows for extreme rigidity while also providing extreme responsiveness. This reel will not flex or give under even the most extreme pressure. Its nine stainless steel ball bearings ensure its smooth operation and its anti-reverse bearing provides the angler with an improved crank control. Its graphite body is complemented by its aircraft grade aluminum handle meaning this reel is designed to last for decades. Seasoned anglers will appreciate the exceptional pulling power largely due to this reels multidisc drag system. We can almost guarantee that all anglers, new and old, will appreciate this high-quality spinning reel.
Highlights:
- Nine stainless steel ball bearings
- Anti-reverse bearing (on/off option)
- Graphite body and rotor
- Aircraft grade aluminum handle
- Multidisc drag system (smooth)
5. The Okuma Trio Reel
Okuma offers the trio spinning reel which is truly a unique crossover construction. The real itself is constructed out of a stamped piece of aluminum making this reel one solid piece. In conjunction with this, its rotor arms are paired with side plates made of lightweight graphite which provide extreme amounts of strength and rigidity making this an extremely lightweight system. Its aluminum drag chamber provides a layer of added rigidity, stability and strength while also providing extreme smoothness. This smoothness makes this reel extremely easy to handle and use, making it perfect for a beginner angler. We highly recommend this reel for everyday use or just the occasional weekend fishing trip. Highlights undue
Highlights:
- Lightweight and dependable
- Nine ball bearings
- Anti-reverse roller bearing
- Solid one-piece aluminum body
6. KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III
KastKing has outdone themselves once again. This reel is approved for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It features stainless steel ball bearings that are shielded to ensure protection and smooth operation throughout the lifetime of this reel. Kast King’s Sharky Baitfeed IIII has a stainless steel main shaft and a 5.5:1 gear ratio made up of precision alloy gears. Its carbon fiber drag washers ensure that even the toughest of fights are won, allowing drag up to 26.5 pounds. Its corrosion free graphite body and computer balanced rotor ensure longevity and strength where it’s needed. In this reel wouldn’t be complete without their custom parade ready spool made from CNC aluminum. This reel has a beautiful red and black finish and also has the ability to change the handle from left to right depending on the user. After using this reel we guarantee you’ll feel like a pro whether you’ve been fishing for years or you’re a first-time angler.
Highlights:
- Shielded stainless steel bearings (10+1)
- Ambidextrous handle (left and right)
- Parade ready spool
- Corrosion free graphite body
- Precision alloy gears (5.5:1 gear ratio)
Conclusion
Most of the reels we’ve reviewed are offered by reputed manufacturers offering large lines of models for any need. Whether you’re looking for cutting edge tech, or budget-minded proven reels, there’s something you can rely on here.
It’s up to you to research what type of fishing you’ll be doing and what reel is the best for your choice. Just read this article to figure out which coil will fit your needs!
Have fun and good luck!