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How to Determine a Great Spinning Reel
A great spinning reel should be user-friendly, smooth, quiet, and ready to properly handle a fishing line. Many anglers love using a spinning reel because it gives them the ability to cast farther. It should also be lightweight and well designed to prevent you from getting fatigued if you’ll be fishing for long periods.
Keep in mind that a spinning reel should be very simple to work with. It should take you little time to set up and is easy to master, especially if you’re new to fishing. A proper spinning reel should have a quality drag system to allow you to perfectly control the line in case there’s a large fish on the line. The best spinning reel should be structured with a waterproof drag system, carbon fiber, aluminum, and graphite materials.
A quality spinning reel should also be perfectly balanced. That’s not all; it should be sturdy and have an ergonomic handle that feels better in your hands.
The Best Spinning Reels for 2020
Let’s go through the best spinning reels for 2020.
1. Penn Clash Spinning Fishing Reel
Whether you’re looking to use the Penn Clash in saltwater or freshwater, you’ll be impressed by its overall performance. This is a medium weight spinning reel that’s made with an all-metal body and extra-thick aluminum bail wire. It is built to last thanks to its stainless steel bearings and durable carbon-fiber drag washers.
Its drag system is designed with a wave spring to give it a very smooth and even action. This is a reel that casts well every time and will surprise you with its out-of-the-box features. The fact that it performs well with heavy lures is just an added advantage.
Features
Bearing count: 9 Stainless Steel bearings
Drag: 10 lbs.
Mono Capacity: 125/8 and more
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Pros
- It comes with a heavy bail
- It is very durable
- Works perfectly in both freshwater and saltwater
- Works nicely with braided lines
- It has a good extension and angle on the handle
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- The Drag handle is extremely small
- Noisier than other models
2. Abu Garcia Revo SX Low-Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel
Designed with a compact frame to bring an exceptional cast and smooth drag to your fishing game, the Revo SX promises delicacy applications in all fishing situations. It comes with a set of aluminum gears and a perfectly molded frame with carbon insert. It also has 9 high-quality bearing system that works with the computerized machining gears.
This is a perfect spinning reel if you’re looking for something that’s lightweight and durable. Its C6 carbon body, carbon matrix drag system, and a graphite rotor guarantee durability even in constant pressure. That’s not all; its K-Clutch system is durable and will always ensure that you don’t have to deal with anti-reverse issues. In essence, the Revo SX is a sleek spinning reel that performs exceptionally well.
Features
Drag: 10-17 lbs.
Bearings: 9+ 1 Shielded Stainless Steel
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Line Capacity: Mono 110/6 and more
Pros
- Its drag system can handle very big fish
- Excellent for freshwater fishing
- Pretty lightweight
- Its handle is perfect for easy spinning
- Bearing made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion
- It is durable
Cons
- It is expensive
- You’ll need some great fishing skills to operate it
3. KastKing Sharky III
The fact that KastKing remains one of the best spinning reel brands should give you a good hint on what to expect with the Sharky III. This model offers you a lot of versatility given that it is available in four sizes to allow you to handle more lines. Better still, it can also handle braided line, which is not a common feature in spinning reels.
The Sharky III is also one of the most durable spinning reels out there as it is built with a graphite and fiber body and rotor. With an enormous drag system that can handle almost 40 lbs. you’ll be guaranteed to perfectly handle even the biggest of fish.
Features
Drag: 39.5 lbs.
Bearing: 10+ 1 Stainless Steel
Line Capacity: Mono 6/200, 6/220, and more
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Pros
- Cast far and retrieves smooth
- Offers great value for money
- It’s perfect even for a braided line
Cons
- The gear becomes noisy under heavy load
- The line tends to tangle
4. Pflueger Supreme XT
Even though the Supreme XT has a very lightweight frame, it will never let you down even when large fish and aggressive fighters bite your line. This is a spinning reel that gives you a super-smooth casting even when using a braided line. You may be annoyed by its tendency to twist the line but that’s just a small dent on an otherwise great reel.
This is essentially a good option if you’ve been looking for a reel that can help you target large fish species without necessarily compromising comfort. And even if you’ll be spending an entire day out on the water, you’ll never have wrist troubles.
Features
Drag: 81 lbs.
Line Capacity: Mono 110/4, 145/6, 185/8, and 230/10
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Pros
- Smooth drag system
- Sealed drag system
- It is lightweight
- It is a braided line-ready reel
- It is very powerful
Cons
- It is very small
- Bail arm is made of plastic (not durable)
5. Piscifun Flame Light Weight Reel
Made both for freshwater and saltwater, the Piscifun Flame is designed with a corrosion-resistant body. This is a braid ready reel that’s made with a CNC aluminum spool, which makes it very light and comfortable on your hand.
With a carbon fiber drag system of up to 26.5 lbs., this reel provides just enough power to fight a large fish. Additionally, it has a smooth 10+1 stainless steel bearing system that works perfectly and is sealed with a rubber ring to prevent moisture from affecting the bearings. This is a good pick for beginners who are looking for a cheaper model that offers great value.
Features
Bearings: 10+ 1 Stainless Steel
Drag: 26.5 lbs.
Line Capacity: Mono 180/10, 140/25, and more
Gear Ratio: 5.5:1 and 5.1:1
Weight: 13.1 ounces
Pros
- Smooth casting
- It has a cool and sleek design
- Great value for money
- Offers good line capacity
Cons
- It is noisy
- May no be very perfect for saltwater
- The bail design is not very perfect
6. Shimano Stradic HG
If you’ve been looking for a spinning reel that offers consistent and reliable performance, the Stradic HG is here for you. It is designed with durable materials that make it great for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It is also lightweight and will remain comfortable on your hand even if you spend the entire day out on the water.
This is a very versatile spinning reel that is perfect for any angler looking for durability, consistency, and reliable performance in all fishing situations.
Features
Bearings: 6+ 1 Stainless Steel
Drag: 7 lbs.
Line Capacity: Mono 6/110, 4/140, and 2/270
Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
Weight: 7.1 ounces
Pros
- It is corrosion-resistant
- It is small, light, and portable
- It is made with super-durable components and materials
- It is perfect both for freshwater and saltwater fishing
Cons
- It doesn’t offer anti-reverse features
- The bail system has no automatic closure
- It requires to be greased to work smoothly
7. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
As the latest addition in the Daiwa brands, the BG spinning reel is gorgeous, powerful, and designed with attention to details. This is a very solid spinning reel that will impress you with its smooth and fast casting and retrieval. The fact that it will set you back below $100 makes it a great option if you want a high-end reel but cannot afford the most expensive reels in the market.
This is also a very versatile reel given that it’s available in a wide selection of capacities and sizes. The aluminum spool and body makes it very lightweight and comfortable on your hand without compromising on power.
Features
Bearings: 6+ 1
Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
Drag: 4.4 – 33 lbs.
Weight: 8.5 ounces
Line Capacity: Mono 8/80, 6/100, 4/155, and more
Pros
- Fast and smooth
- Very durable
- Very sleek and beautiful
- Powerful and perfect for large fish
- Thoughtful construction
Cons
- It’s heavier when compared to other reels
- It requires constant maintenance
- Spooling the line evenly is difficult
8. Shimano Stradic CI4+
Although it’s one of the most expensive spinning reels, the CI4+ is undoubtedly one of the best fishing reels you can buy today. This is a reel that’s celebrated for its precise and refined performance. Designed with carbon fiber, the CI4+ has a very nice handle that offers excellent strength and reduced weight.
The most impressive feature of this spinning reel is the silky, soft resistance drag system that guarantees you a perfect fight when you have a feisty fighter on your line. In other words, it has an incredible power of a 20lb. multilayer drag system, which is a great arsenal for any angler. This is a friction-free spinning reel that will deliver smooth and consistent performance every time you’re out on the water.
Features
Bearings: 6+ 1
Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
Drag: 15 lbs.
Weight: 7.0 ounces
Line Capacity: Mono 6/200, 8/140, 10/120, and more
Pros
- It is very durable
- It is very lightweight
- It has a very high gear ratio
- It is beautiful looking
Cons
- It is very expensive
- It has no anti-reverse lever
9. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
This is essentially one of the ultra-light spinning reels in the market. It is also easy to use, easy to set up and provides an utterly smooth drag with a good combination of power. In essence, this is a spinning reel that is designed to give you a presidential feeling thanks to its silver, gold, and blue hues that are executive in every way.
If you’ve been looking for a spinning reel that can offer you fast retrieval and a good fighting chance, the President is a great option. It is very reliable and will never let you down even if you are new to the angling world. This is a superb spinning reel that can adapt to any fishing condition or any fish target that you want to tackle.
Features
Bearings: 9+ 1 Shielded Stainless Steel
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Drag: 7 – 24 lbs.
Weight: 5.9 ounces
Line Capacity: Mono 2/200, 4/100, 6/80, and more
Pros
- very powerful
- has a nice line capacity
- has a very comfortable handle
- offers an utterly smooth performance
Cons
- It is prone to scratches
- Requires lots of maintenance
- The drag setting may be difficult to adjust
10. Okuma Ceymar
Another small and lightweight spinning reel that will help you catch fish with a lot of precision. This is essentially a very sexy and gorgeous spinning reel thanks to its red and black hues and aluminum body.
Available in 5 different models with varying capacities and gear ratios, this is a nice spinning reel that’s made for quick retrievals but you’ll have to grease its drag system before you hit the waters. In essence, it is light, playful, fun to fish with, very economical and perfect for both beginners and advanced anglers.
Features
Bearings: 7+ 1 Shielded Stainless Steel
Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
Drag: 3 – 11 lbs.
Weight: 6.0 ounces
Line Capacity: Mono 4/100 and more
Pros
- very lightweight
- great for small ice fishing
- very versatile
- pretty cheap
- nicely designed
- supremely comfortable
Cons
- Sits a bit close to the rod
Conclusion
It’s an unquestionable fact that every angler should have at least one of the best spinning reels in their tackle box. With an excellent reel, your angling will be a lot easier, fun, and successful. This list has the best spinning reels for 2020. So whatever spinning reel you choose, you should be good to go and your angling will be a lot better. Get a good spinning reel and go have some good fun out there!
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