For many angling enthusiasts, spinning reels have surpassed bait-casters in many areas, and they consider them as the reel of choice. The best spinning reels are easy to use, maintain and they don’t have the learning curve that casting reels have.
They are a favorite for both casual and serious anglers probably because they don’t pose much stress on the users and they are extremely flexible. Every angler wants value for the money, and as long as the reel can make the fishing worthwhile, then it is a good choice.
You may be wondering which features are the most vital to consider when you are looking for nothing but the best spinning reels, just read on and you’ll find out.
Besides, this guide also contains the top ten best spinning reels you can ever find on the market. Take your time and go through the guide to find what you need.
Why You Need a Spinning Reel
- Provides a more enjoyable fishing experience
- It is easier to use
- Fish once caught doesn’t easily break away
- It is durable
Things to Consider When Buying The Best Spinning Reel
You cannot just walk into a fishing equipment store and pick any spinning reel that appeals to you from the exterior because that is one of the numerous ways to fail in fishing. You must be careful with what you purchase. This guide will help you choose the best spinning reel. Consider these factors in your choosing process, and you will have yourself the best equipment.
Reel Body
A reels body can be made of aluminum, graphite, or a combination of both. Aluminum housing is much stronger than graphite and is known to exhibit less flex. On the other hand, graphite is lighter. Whether you regard strength more than weight is your personal choice.
High-quality freshwater reels are often made of aluminum. However, for saltwater fishing, you need reels with graphite body because graphite is corrosion resistant.
When looking for the best reel body, consider choosing a solidly constructed one. Make sure the best spinning reel you choose doesn’t have loose or flimsy parts, and all the moving parts should perform smoothly.
Reel Size
Choosing the appropriate reel size is as easy as finding the size of fishing line you intend to use often. If you intend to use a lighter line, you should purchase a smaller reel. The weight of the line you intend to use should guide your choice of the reel size.
To make sure the reel you purchase is rated for the pound test line you intend to use, check for the line capacity details found on the spool. Just don’t buy a reel that is either too big or too small for the line that you intend to use. The weight of the line and the size of the reel should be proportionate.
Real Gear Ratio
The Spincast reels have a rotating spool, but in spinning reels, the spool is fixed, and a bail wraps the line into the spool as the user turn the handle. So, in spinning reels, the gear ratio is the number of times the bail revolves around aspool with just one turn of the reel handle.
A spinning reel with a gear ratio of 4:1 has the bail rotates around the spool four times for every single turn of the handle. A reel with 4:1 gear ratio is a slow-speed one. The higher the gear ratio, the better the reel, and the easier the fishing.
Ball Bearings
Spinning reels have ball bearings placed within its body for smoothness, stability, and support. Some spinning reels have roller bearing within the line roller instead.
The greater the number of bearings a reel has, the smoother it will perform. You should always go for the reels with the most ball bearings as long as your wallet can handle it. At the minimum, you should choose a reel with at least four ball bearings.
Top Ten Best Spinning Reels
There are the ten best spinning reels for your unique fishing needs. They are made with your needs in mind, and will therefore not disappoint.
| Image | Spincast Reel | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Zebco ZO2PRO Omega 2 Pro | 6 x 5.8 x 4.2 inches | Check |
 | FyshFlyer Willer | 5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 inches | Check |
 | Penn Battle II | 5 x 4 x 3 inches | Check |
 | KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder | 1 pounds | Check |
 | Okuma Trio High-Speed | 4 x 2 x 4 inches | Check |
 | KastKing Sharky III | 14.1 ounces | Check |
 | Piscifun Steel Feeling | 15.2 ounces | Check |
 | Shimano Spirex RG | 1 pounds | Check |
 | Zebco Omega ZO3PRO | 8.5 x 9 x 5.5 inches | Check |
 | Penn Pursuit II | 1 pounds | Check |
1. Zebco ZO2PRO Fishing Omega 2 Pro Spincast Reel Review
Great anglers know what to look for in a spinning reel, and they don’t like wasting money on a product that won’t deliver to their expectations. The Zebco ZO2PRO is one of the fishing reels that are most loved by anglers because of its special strengths and innovative features that have revolutionized angling to a certain extent.
Its fish catching ability is admirable, and not many of its competitors can rival it. It is designed for light tackle fishing and is pre-spooled with 85 yards of the special Cajun Red.
This Spincast reel is a lightweight and a high performer in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. These reels feature incorporate material that is often found only on high-end spinning reels. Some of these materials include Zebco’s exclusive ultra-smooth multi-cam drag system.
It has a spare spool that is filled with Cajun line plus an extended dual-knob power handle. The handle can be installed on either right or left side for right or left-hand retrieving. One of the reasons I’d recommend this reel to any fishing enthusiast out there is for its perfect design for light tackle fishing and pre-spooled.
Zebco ZO2PRO Features
- Sven ultra-smooth stainless steel bearings
- Continuous anti-reverse clutch
- Double anodized aircraft aluminum caps
- 4:1 gear ratio
- Lightweight design
- T-7075 drive gear
2. FyshFlyer Willer Spinning Reel Review
This reel is made for anglers who desire a live liner reel for catching live bait or drifting cut bait in a current. The FyshFlyerWiller series provide you with the best option for which you can make more successful angling out of it. It is a special spinning reel with classic front and rear drag function for those anglers who want a superior quality of the show and offshore bait spin fishing.
From the way this spinning fishing reel is designed to the way it performs on water, its sky-high quality cannot be missed, even by fishing armatures. That is to say, both experts and armatures will find a lot of things to like in his equipment.
This reel from Willer Series features best carbon fiber drags, advanced, and wonderful drag system. It offers right or left-hand retrieves exchangeable, and it has auto-return features together with better line lay, better castability, less backlash, less friction on the line, wind knots or tangles.
Nothing about this reel is ordinary. It features premium stainless steel nine ball bearings and one instant stop anti-reverse bearing.
Together with the stainless steel main shaft of this reel, it all explains its suitability for fishers who pursuit for a fierce battle with wild game fish for saltwater fishing, inshore fishing, and freshwater fishing.
FyshFlyer Willer Features
- CNC-machined handles
- Soft, non-slip knobs
- High-strength high-modulus corrosion-free graphite body
- Computerized balanced rotor
- Right or left-hand retrieves exchangeable
- Best carbon fiber drags
3. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Review
For a fisher, nothing can rival the feeling that comes with a big catch when you are out fishing. The Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is a big boy that can tackle fish of different sizes from all water types.
It has the same metal body and HT-100 drag system that I’m sure you’ll come to trust. Once you key the PENN’s HT-100 Versa-Drag washers into the spool, this reel can use both sides of each washer to provide top maximum drag, smooth startups, and more range compared to ordinary reels.
For longevity reasons, all the HT-100 washers get PENN’s proprietary grease. This reels are perfectly engineered to provide higher drag pressure, cast further, and is resistant to corrosion better than ever. Some of its most admirable features include five sealed stainless steel bearings that ensure smooth performance, plus one anti-reverse bearing.
All these features, together with a heavy-duty aluminum bail wire, line capacity rings, and a Super line spool, makes the reel a true product of technological advancement. Better technology means better performance and better production.
With this product, you are guaranteed unforgettable experiences with every fishing you use it on. Fish has never been this easier and enjoyable to catch, even to those who don’t know much about fishing or angling.
Penn Battle II Features
- Full metal body, rotor, and sideplate
- HT100 carbon fiber drag washers
- Instant anti-reverse bearing
- Line capacity rings
- Superline spool
- Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
- Five sealed stainless-steel ball bearings
4. KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder Spinning Fishing Reel Review
I always admire spinning fishing reels that are of high quality, and that look elegant from the exterior. This is one of such reels.
It is furnished to be attractive, yet it still meets the standard of a top quality product. Through innovation in technology, this fishing reels is introduced to advance on the previously less innovative features that are still important for a resourceful angling or fishing.
This is a special spinning fishing reel with high classic front and rear drag, and carbon fiber drag. Each KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder live liner reel boasts 10+1 corrosion resistant ball bearings, precision-matched gears, and a powerful 5.2:1 gear ratio. With up to 33 LB maximum drag, this is one of the most powerful spinning reels you can ever find.
It has carbon fiber drag washers that provide the smoothest fishing reel drag. These reels also have a stainless steel main shaft, high-strength high-modulus corrosion resistant graphite body, CNC machined aluminum spool, computer balanced rotor, and a spare graphite spool.
Its versatility is undeniable since it features direct drive machined aluminum interchangeable left or right-hand handle that is matched to its carbon fiber fishing rod. These reels make the perfect open-face rod.
KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder Features
- Corrosion free graphite body
- Computer balanced rotor
- A spare graphite spool
- CNC machined aluminum spool
- Classic front and rear drag
- Corrosion resistant smooth ball bearings
- Powerful gear ratio
- Precision matched gears
5. Okuma Trio High-Speed Spinning Reel Review
Okuma Trio High-Speed Spinning Reel has a Hybrid spool design with aluminum lip and graphite arbor.
The reel is pretty comforting to use, especially since it is made from some of the best materials and is designed to provide nothing but the best performance in saltwater, freshwater, and inshore fishing. The times that I’ve used this spinning reel, I’ve realized that it is the best arsenal for a real angling enthusiast.
It allows for super smooth drags, and it’s very easy to cast and retrieve. The Okuma Trio High-Speed Spinning Reels are ingeniously constructed in such a way that your chances of catching fish is heightened while everything else is made easier for you.
It features precision dual force drag system, which uses both surfaces of the spool to heighten high-end drag pressure.
Its Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing provides solid hook set so that once the fish is caught, no breaking off. You will appreciate every last feature of these reels, thanks to the contemporary qualities that they assume.
It maximizes your chances of enjoying your angling activity. No stress with catching fish and the pressure is reduced for you so that you don’t strain on the hands no matter how long you do your fishing or the size of fish you are battling with at the end of the line.
Okuma Trio Features
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing
- Hybrid body made of Aluminum and Graphite
- Dual force drag system
- High-end drag pressure
- Overall smoothness
- Corrosion resistant coating
6. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel Review
This is the ultimate arsenal for targeting trophy fish. Named after a very powerful saltwater predator, the KastKing Sharky III can deliver and withstand endless fishing punishments. It is high likely that everyone will love this reel from the first time they throw its line into the water. Some will even fall in love with it at first site.
It has unbelievable strength due to its flex-free solid aluminum alloy rotor and body. It is a great deal for those who would want a fishing reel that brings a lot to the hunt in one compact package. Among other amazing qualities that it has to show off of, it features 10+1 shielded stainless-steel ball bearings, precision mesh brass gears, stainless steel main shaft, as well as right or left hand CNC, machined aluminum alloy that can hardly be rivaled in strength by graphite fishing reels.
Its high-quality material has greatly improved line lay spool and an incredible power casting lip for more accurate casts.
The combined functioning of the spinning reel’s smooth functioning triple disc carbon-fiber drag washers with its instant anti-reverse roller bearing conveniently deliver more features and at a greater value that other big brands.
KastKing Sharky III Features
- Saltwater approved
- Nonslip oversized handle
- Attractive ergonomic
- Power launch spool design
- All metal body, spool, and rotor
- Right/Left Interchangeable handle
7. Piscifun Steel Feeling Spinning Fishing Reel Review
These reels are precision constructed so that they have a sleek design and provide cutting-edge performance. The fact that it has full metal body, stainless steel bone, and aluminum alloy cover makes it unique and durable. With such an ingenious engineering, it is easy to note the perfection in every component.
It has a stainless steel handle that makes the power transition even more efficient. To support this power, it is fit with a stainless steel bracket. Stainless steel bearings ensure increased corrosion protection a great deal, while it provides consistently smooth performance.
The hardened alloy drive and oscillation gear together provide adequate strength to battle even the toughest fish.
It also has carbon round drag system which is put into place to provide smooth, consistent drag pressure through the entire drag range. Because of the numerous thoughtful features that this spinning reel has, you will appreciate every moment you spend on the water trying to clinch your dream catch.
It has a strong handle and corrosion-resistant body that will not be destroyed by saltwater. The handle is also comfortable so that it maximizes your comfort for a more calculated fishing from you.
Piscifun Steel Feeling Features
- Aluminum alloy cover
- Stainless steel bone
- Stainless steel handle
- Hardened 415-C alloy drive
- Carbon Round Drag System
- Precision-cut Solid Brass Pinion Gear
8. Shimano Spirex RG Spinning Reel Review
It is exactly where advanced technology meets rock-solid reliability. With it, you can now enjoy smoother and longer casting than ever before.
The Shimano Spirex RG Spinning Reel has six shielded stainless-steel ball bearings for a smoother, and better performance all round. Through the propulsion line management system, there are five key components including roller, spool lip, cam, bail wire, and bail trip; all have been completely redesigned.
The redesigning has reduced friction and promoted uniformity of the line movements which in turn results in more casting distance, fewer backlashes, and wind knots, less friction, and greatly reduced line twists.
This spinning reelis designed with Dyna-Balance which eliminates any traces of wobble on the retrieve through counter-balancing the rotor to increase sensitivity and smoothness.
It is 100 percent computer balanced. Shimano has surely given their best in this product, and that can be noticed by how much it oozes excellence in every area. It has an elegant design that wraps quality in great measures beneath it. The weight is also perfectly distributed to make the product easier to use.
Shimano Spirex RG Features
- Dyna-Balance
- Shimano S-Concept
- Cold-forged aluminum spool
- Graphite frame, rotor, and sideplate
9. Zebco Omega ZO3PRO Spincast Fishing Reel Review
This is Zebco’s most advanced spincast reel, and one of the best spinning reels on the market. There are a million reasons why a young fishing diehard like me love every bit of this spinning fishing reel.
I mean, with all these innovative features, who in their appropriate mind would not want to own a fishing reel that guarantees you the highest chance of success in angling.
This is the first ever seen 7-bearing spincast reel. You can tell how powerful it is from just a little information, even before you lay your eyes on it, leave alone your hands.
Some of the qualities that I’m sure to impress you include ceramic line guide, auto bait alert, all metal gears, and oscillation spool. It comprises of 3x positive pickup system, aircraft-grade aluminum covers, and triple-cam multi-disk drag system.
This spincast reel is an excellent choice for those weekend anglers who want nothing but the best because it offers hassle free fishing. You can simply grab your rod, tie on your favorite lure, and begin your fishing without worrying about abacklash, or perfect technique.
It offers ease of use and functionality. It maintains its strengths while also providing sharp looks and durability.
Zebco Omega ZO3PRO Features
- Continuous anti-reverse
- Ultra-smooth worm gear drive
- Quick-change spool system
- Levelwind oscillating spool
- Medium fishing type
- Ceramic line guide
10. Penn Pursuit II 6000CP Spinning Reels Review
Penn Pursuit II reels are built to last just like all other Penn reels. The body of this sleek reel is made of tough, yet lightweight, and corrosion resistant graphite.
It has durable metal sideplates that together with a machined and anodized braid-ready aluminum spool gives it the strength to withstand the strain that the braided lines put on a reel.
In general, the performance of this spinning reel makes it a good choice for any angler out there who is serious about the quality of the fishing time they spend on the shore.
It is extremely easy to use and achieve your angling needs with, while it can also be figured for left or right hand retrieve. The Penn Pursuit II 6000CP is a durable type of reel, with lots of tough components made from some very durable materials.
You can capture even the hardest fighting fish with this tough baby. It is an elegant piece of technology, designed to meet the standards of a real champion of the waters.
Every time I go out fishing with this spinning reels, I find myself feeling confident with my ability to catch big fish no matter how hard the situations are.
Penn Pursuit Features
- Line capacity rings
- Infinite anti-reverse
- Aluminum sideplate
- Corrosion-resistant graphite body
- 4+1 shielded stainless steel bearing system
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the best spinning reel to help you achieve your most adventurous angling desires, pick any of these ten products and you will never regret your decision.
They are all innovatively designed to turn every angling experience into an enjoyable and successful one. Just look through the guide and pick the one reels that meet your needs the best.