Best Spinning Reels Under 100 Dollars – Expert Review of 2021

Picture	Product Name	Gear	Material	Price
	Pflueger Stainless Steel	6.2:1	Stainless Steel	Check Latest Price
	Okuma Inspira Carbon Frame Lightweight Spinning Reel	5.0:1	Synthetic	Check Latest Price
	Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel	6.2:1	Stainless Steel	Check Latest Price
	SHIMANO Sedona Fi Spinning Reel	5.0:1	Stainless Steel	Check Latest Price
	Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel	4.8:1	Aluminum	Check Latest Price
	KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel	5.2:1	Graphite	Check Latest Price
	Pflueger Lady President Spinning Fishing Reel	5:2:1	Aluminum, Graphite	Check Latest Price
	Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel	3.4:1	Aluminum	Check Latest Price
	KastKing Royale Legend Elite Baitcasting Reels	5.3:1	Enhanced Graphite	Check Latest Price

Why Do You Need Help Choosing?

You can either purchase them from your local retail store or just get them online. There are a variety of options out there in the market. Without having a bit of prior knowledge you can end up with a poor quality spinning reel. Therefore we want to make the process easier for you so you can choose the best one suited for you.

A good spinning reel may include:

Before we look at our list of the best spinning reels available in the market we must learn a little about the features. It might look like a tiny instrument to have but it does have many crucial features that make it so useful. A good quality spinning reel has many features. They are:

• reel foot,
• reel handle,
• reel body,
• anti-reverse switch,
• the bail, line spool, spool release, and
• drag adjustment,
• line roller

So when you’ll choose make sure to look for these features.

Here we have narrowed down the nine best of the spinning reels in the market. These reels are known as the best because of their unique features and great quality. All that too in an affordable price range something for every angler. Without wasting any more of your valuable time let me introduce you to our list.

Best Spinning Reels Under 100 – Review

1. Pflueger Stainless Steel

Manufactured by the brand Pflueger, a brand selling fishing tools since 1881. It is famous for having a wide range of reels for every angler. If you are looking for something to smoothen your fishing game also lightweight then definitely go for this one. All of this comes at an affordable price as well.

One of the major features of this reel is its corrosion-resistant stainless steel making the retrieves silky smooth. The reel is made out of graphite making it more durable. Pflueger has many other varieties but this one is 10% lighter than the rest. The lightness does not take away from its strength. It does ensure much stronger drags.

Its main material is aluminum, much preferable for saltwater. The redlining over the dark black exterior makes it an aesthetic piece of reel. The handler and bearing material are both made of stainless steel. Therefore, you don’t need to worry too much about it getting damaged. It was specially designed to catch light baits.

So if you are looking for an affordable spinning reel for saltwater use you know this is a good choice. This model has a great quality at a fair price.

What we liked:

• Perfectly smooth action
• Ultra light drag
• Great durability
• Can work well in saltwater
• Perfect for backpacking and hiking
• Best performance and value for its price

What we didn’t like:

• Users reported that the handle screw might come lose if not tightly screwed
• Many reported that the lines keep twisting
• Gears and bearing have a shorter life span

2. Okuma Inspira Carbon Frame Lightweight Spinning Reel

Okuma Inspira Spinning Reels are known for their versatility. As they are used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. With its versatility, advanced technology, and usability the manufacturers promise to ensure the best and enjoyable fishing experience.

Let’s look at the features that makes it stand out among its competitors. One of the key features of this is its multi-disc drag system. This multi-disc technology makes it extremely strong. This particular reel is made out of carbon fiber framing making it 50% more lightweight. It also has machine-cut brass pinion gear and a very rigid aluminum handle. It is also supposed to provide ultimate smoothness in your fishing experience.

This reel comes in a few different sizes too. In this case, choosing the right size is crucial. So, before purchasing try to understand which size suits your needs best and then make a decision. As Okuma promises longevity in their products this is something that might serve you well for a longer period.

What we liked:

• Works in both fresh water and saltwater
• Great smoothness for its price
• Lightweight and extremely strong
• Advanced Technology

What we didn’t like:

• Does not come with a spare tool
• Users complained it hangs up after every use
• Only one year warranty

3. Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel

This was will be perfect for your saltwater fishing adventures. It is manufactured with much longer-lasting materials perfect for your “fish fighting” activities. The durability makes this one worth every penny as you can use it for years to come.

There are quite prominent features in this one as well which makes it stand out. The body and the side plates are made out of metal. Also the bail wire is made out of heavy-duty aluminum promised to offer phenomenal durability. It also has an HT-100 drag system, something very difficult to find at these prices. This ensures very smooth drags every time.

Another exciting feature of this is its Superline Spool with ‘Braid Ready’ quality reel. A tailored rubber gasket comes with the packaging as well to keep the superline from falling. The Battle II has five ball bearings and they are also sealed. This minor detail is very important as it prevents salt water from entering. It also has an anti-reverse bearing which is supposed to help you reel without any interruption.

The Penn battle II is considered to on the heavier side. The heavy weight does make the reel more sturdy, however, the casting might get a bit more difficult. So choose according to what you would prefer more.

What we liked:

• Great durability-doesn’t break easily
• Provides smooth drags
• Perfect for occasional fishermen/fisherwomen

What we didn’t like:

• Users reported the dysfunctionality of the anti-reverse feature
• Heavier to work with
• Less suited for regular use

4. SHIMANO Sedona Fi Spinning Reel

This brand is also famous for making an array of fishing reels. The Shimano Sedona Fi Spinning reels are one of their latest inventions. It’s an upgraded version of its predecessors’ series of reels. It is also a great contender for our mentioned price range. It’s not only affordable but also ensures great quality. It is specially designed to take on saltwater species.

The engineering behind this particular reel is top-notch. This new model in the Sedona series comes with a forged HAGANE gearing that maximizes durability. This feature is promised to provide more powerful, durable, and smooth performance for the anglers both inshore and offshore.

It also comes with a Propulsion Line Management System that managed to cover wider distances for your casting adventures. The line management system is an added benefit to this product. It prevents it from having backlash and any kinds of knots that one might face normally.
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The machine cut line capacity helps in achieving longer lines and it goes well with the oscillion gear system. This gear system has provided consistency in your retrieval. It also features a single paddle handle that minimizes the weight and ensures a quality experience. The weight has been reduced as well in this model making the whole experience more flexible.

Significant changes have been made in this model of Sedona spinning reel to make the fishing trips fatigue-free and enjoyable. Like always they ensured top quality innovation and that too at a very affordable price.

What we liked:

• Longer and smoother casts
• Lightweight feature-easier to handle
• Great value for its price
• Powerful gear system

What we didn’t like:

• Doesn’t come with an anti-reverse switch

5. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

Another deserving contender from the Okuma series. As Okuma always develops quality products for its price range this one is perfect. This one can be used in salt-water as well. And the size is well suited to deal with a larger number of fish.

It has a corrosion-resistant graphite body that is specially designed to remain lightweight. Also, the rigid, forged aluminum black handle design helps with the winding power. It has a perfectly refined blade body design that reduces the bulkiness. Hence the anglers can perform more effectively while fishing.

Another significant feature of this reel is its multi-disc oiled felt drag system that makes the whole process much smoother. It comes with an anti-reverse-roller bearing, a feature reported very useful among anglers. The massive eight bearing system also help in delivering smooth casts.

It also comes with a computer balanced Rotor that provides more steady spools and easier to balance. So you can get both smooth and steadiness ensured by this reel.

It also won’t disappoint you in terms of durability and comfort. The bail wire is made out of solid, heavy duty aluminum to make the reel longer lasting. The knobs on the EVA handles are super comfortable making it easier to control.

They also offer a wide range of sizes to choose from. Each of the size are specified for something important. For instance, the C-30 and C-40 are more suited for freshwater use. Useful for those who go for bass, carp, catfish etc. On the other hand, C-55 is more valuable for saltwater fishing.

It works well for more inshore environments in which you can find striped bass, redfish and snook. Lastly, the C-65 is useful for catching much heavier big water fish. Definitely will help you tackle fresh water challenges in big rivers and lakes. So choose wisely.

This particular reel has innovative technology with a wide range of options. Also comes at a much more affordable price among other reels. Making it a go to reel for anglers out there. If you want to save up and still have good results go for the Okuma Ceymar.

What we liked:

• Smooth
• compact design
• Wide range of size options
• Offers something according to your fishing needs

What we didn’t like:

• Only one year warranty
• Too noisy reported by some users

6. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel

This one was launched in 2018 but still one of the best reels out there. This one is an upgraded version of the last two by the Sharky series. Third times the charm can be properly applied in this case! This one is more versatile to tackle any challenge thrown towards it in the water. The third one from the series is promised to be lighter and stronger. Mostly suited for saltwater use but it’s used in freshwater as well.

This one has very interesting features as well. It has a fiber-reinforced graphite body designed to be super lightweight. To give its owner the required fishing muscle it has a manganese brass pinion gear. For much smoother action it has a triple-disc carbon fiber drag and a stainless steel main shaft. This helps in enhancing a more smooth and delightful fishing experience.

Another important feature of this is the K.I.S.S (KastKing Intrusion Shield System). A water-resistant technology that helps keep the water and dirt out of the reel itself. This unique protection system helps saves it from water damage and keeps the longevity of the product.

Another key feature is its Anti-twist line roller that helps in keeping the lines straight and prevents tangling. It also has a customized EVA grip that makes sure one doesn’t slip. You can also choose from the range of 1000-5000 depending on your needs.

So whether you want to catch small or large, in both saltwater and freshwater all at an affordable price this one is ideal. So don’t be afraid to catch those big water monsters out there cause this one has a super strong system. So be bold and have fun with it because the manufacturing company itself prides itself on making your experience more exciting and affordable.

What we liked:

• Strong enough to handle large fish
• Has multiple options
• Affordable
• Versatile as you can do both freshwater and saltwater fishing
• High drag
• Many sizes to choose from

What we didn’t like:

• Some users complained the lines are not as smooth as they were meant to be
• Undersized compared to its contenders

7. Pflueger Lady President Spinning Fishing Reel

This reel has all the features of a classic President reel. It also has a few additional improvements. It is in class with both amazing features and quality performance making it an impressive pick. This one is meant to be used for both saltwater and freshwater.

The engineering went behind in crafting its features sets it apart from the rest. Its graphite body and rotor make it extremely lightweight. It also has ported machined aluminum stools that ensure durability. It also comes with a massive ten ball bearing system which is evident in making every action much smoother.

The ball bearing is crafted with special corrosion-resistant and stainless steel that also ensures durability. It is also very user-friendly as it has rubber knobs making it easy on the hands and give you excellent comfort and grip.

There are other significant features this one provides to make your life much easier. For instance, it comes with a braid-ready stool so that your spool is tied directly to the spool. It also has a sealed drag system and washers which helps prevent any kind of water damage. Therefore making it more durable.

What we liked:

• Ensures Smooth cast and retrieves
• Beautiful color options to choose from
• Ten ball bearings
• Sealed drag

What we didn’t like:

• More suited for smaller hand sizes

8. Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel

Zebco has been known as a trusted manufacturing company since 1954. Therefore one can hope that they bring quality products to the table. The Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel is a great choice for a fishing reel for its comfort care. Perfect for both left and right-hand use. The quality and dynamic design make of this spin cast-reel make it pop out. It is designed to handle standard fishing tackles with ease and comfort.

Strong construction for a spinning reel is very important. This particular one has aluminum covers and strong metal gears making it unbreakable. The last thing you need on a fishing trip is for your tools to be broken. This is why it makes this product so durable and smooth at the same time. It’s not only powerful but also has soft-touch technology. This makes it easy on the hands and provides a better cast.

It is also promises and delivers ultimate smooth performance. It has a special seven ball bearing and a nineteen-inch retrieve rate. These are the features that make the cast so smooth. This one is a great reel for beginner-level anglers. It is quite easy to install and you won’t have much trouble casting either. By just drawing the lure and throwing it into the water you are halfway there. So if you are looking for something to do your fishing 101 with this is a great pick.

It has an excellent seven ball bearing system that ensures smooth retrieval. It has a retrieve rate of 19 inches that is also suited for both right and left hand anglers out there. The gear in this is made out of metal that ensures great strength as well. There are other significant features like a spin–cast system and an anti-reversal technology that makes this product much more smooth and reliable.

As you can see that this reel is very versatile in terms of design. Both right-handed and left-handed anglers can efficiently use this equally. It also features a triple-cam multi-disk drag process that makes the hook smoother than ever. It is versatile in terms of its use too. It can easily cover a wide range of species. Starting from walleye, bass to catfish and stiper, and much more.

What we liked:

• Smooth performance
• Aircraft-grade aluminum covers
• Versatile design
• Has a rubber guard feature
• Lightweight, so makes the drag smooth

What we didn’t like:

• Users complained about the recovery of the line being slow
• Faulty drag adjustment

9. KastKing Royale Legend Elite Baitcasting Reels

KastKing is one of the most popular brands for making fishing types of equipment. And the reason behind such fame is because of the exceptional quality and cost-effective tools. Among other spinning reels, their baitcasting reels have been proven to be very useful among anglers. The KastKing Royale Legend Elite Baitcasting Reel ensures an “elite” performance that can turn you into a pro angler.

One of the key features of this reel is its compact design. It was specially designed to be easier on the palms of your hands. It is known as one of the smallest reels of all time. It comes with a gear ratio that is color-coded for your benefit. Each of them has a specific color that can help you in specifying your needs. It also has ten double shielded bearings. These many bearings help in accruing the smoothest action one can have while fishing.

The use of materials like aluminum and stainless steel makes it very durable and lightweight at the same time. The brake performance is also commendable. The brake system has magnets and a range of setting options which helps you find what you are looking for. The brake knob is also easy to adjust and comfortable to use.

What we liked:

• Smooth action
• Detail to comfort
• Ratio options to choose from
• Brake knob system

What we didn’t like:

• Drag not strong enough
• Tricky spool housing

How To Pick One For Yourself

There is an ocean of reels you can choose from for a better fishing experience. However, it is best to understand what your needs are before you make the purchase.

Size and weight: might matter if one is fishing on the go. Imagine if you are a backpacker you would want something that’s compact in design and also lightweight. However, if you aren’t this might not be your primary concern.

Material might: be important to you depending on your fishing location. For example, if you choose freshwater you might choose aluminum housing because of the quality. However, if you want to fish in saltwater then you might want to switch to something made out of graphite. As it is stronger and more suited to tackle any kind of water damage.

Ball bearing: ensures a smoother performance. So more the merrier! Try to look for one that has at least four that’s under your budget.

Gear ration: is something to think about as well. Your admired gear ratio should depend on the type of fish you are hoping to catch. So you can either get a low, medium or high gear ratio according to your needs.

Drag system: ensures smother lines for your casts. If you don’t buy one with a good quality drag you might end up with broken lines that is never ideal. So look for one that has a non-constrictive drag system.

Now that you have acquired the knowledge about the specifications of the spinning reel it will benefit you greatly. All of this will help you in altering the best one for you. And the list of the spinning reels is considered the best in their game manufactured by the best companies out there in this industry.

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself one today and have fun fishing!