Spinning Reels Under $150 Compared

How Spinning Reels Work

The spinning reel is the most widely recognized of all the fishing reels. It is one of the easiest fishing reels to use and does not require any real maintenance. It is effortless to set up these reels while anyone with any level of skill can choose to use these fishing reels. There are a variety of fishing reels that one can choose from:

The spinning reel comes with many benefits over all the other fishing reels. Aside from being easy to use, it does not require too much time to set up, and adjustments are made on the fly. Beginners can use these reels to get into angling, and they work with most fishing rods. The only downside is that they are not made for catching large fish.

What Makes A Good Spinning Reel For Under $150?

Beginners might choose any spinning reel they can get their hands on. However, it is not always the best choice if you don't have some information about what makes a spinning reel be one of the best on the market. We have done some more in-depth research into the top spinning reels to help understand the important considerations. The following things are essential to consider:

Type of Fish & Environment

Spinning reels will give you a lot of versatility. However, they are mainly used for small fish that do not have a lot of fight. In the deep sea, you might find yourself struggling to reel in the big ones. For freshwater fishing, you might need to look at the aluminum spinning reel with basic durability, and they are affordable.

Those who prefer fishing in saltwater might need to dole out a couple of extra bucks to buy a graphite reel. The graphite does not have any metal that is exposed, which means that it can resist some of the corrosion from saltwater. The graphite reel will also work when you use it in freshwater conditions in terms of durability.

Reel Features

The reel features are probably the most important part of selecting a fishing reel. Not all of these reels have the same features, which makes them more effective in different circumstances. The following features are what you need to look at and keep in mind, but it does not mean that the other considerations can be ignored.

As you might have noticed, the fish and environment also tie into the features. The features you will deem important will come down to which size fish you are targeting and if the environment is right. The more features you have for your fishing reel, the more expensive it will be.

Drag System

If you like to catch fish that put up a fight, the drag is important to consider. It refers to the pressure that is applied to the hook, but also affects the line when you need to let out some line. There are two drag systems to look at, with one of them being the front and the other being the rear drag system.

The drag system is one you need to maintain, as it could have an adverse effect if not running smoothly. You might find that the line can snag, and often it might break, leaving you chasing a fish. We recommend following the maintenance instructions.

Ball Bearings

The ball bearing can go either way. It can make the reel perform smoother, but it also spikes the price of reels. The more ball bearings you have, the smoother your reel will perform. Ball bearings are preferred over the bushings. You can still consider bushings, but stainless steel ball bearings are more durable and easier to control.

You must find a reel that suits your pocket, and the number of ball bearings will be reflected in what you are willing to pay. As a rule of thumb, at least four ball bearings seem to be the norm for a good spinning reel.

Spool Style

You will need to choose the right spool style for your specific fishing technique. Aside from the materials, you will find that skirted or internal spools are what you have to look at. The alternative long cast skirted spool is slightly longer and reduces some of the friction on the line, resulting in more distance.

The internal spool is now a thing of the past due to the increased possibility of your line being entangled. They are harder to take apart, which means you lose time fishing. The skirted spool gets rid of this issue by opening it up and giving you more access. Adjustments are also much easier to make with these skirted spools.

The Mag Spool Technology is for the serious anglers with a wider and flatter approach, but still taking the idea of the skirted spool. These are for heavy line capacities, which means you can go fishing for larger targets.

Anti-Reverse Handles

The worst thing you can deal with is a handle that automatically spins backward when a fish is hooked. The anti-reverse feature will keep the handle from automatically spinning while increasing the power of your hook. The backward motion is helpful in certain circumstances, but we don't recommend it to beginners looking to fish recreationally.

Design & Appearance

Most of the features we discussed so far have affected the design and appearance. However, the materials used for construction are the most important. Graphite is lightweight, giving you more freedom and reducing fatigue, but aluminum is more durable. The downside to aluminum is the risk of corrosion that is posed by fishing in saltwater.

The handle is another aesthetic part that affects the design. A handle with a large knob that you will grab the first time is the best choice. It will give you the few seconds you need to speed up the reeling process.

Price & Warranty

The last one is the price that you need to look at. A professional angler will have an expensive reel and rod. However, you can find good deals on rods with reels already attached. Over time, it is possible to make the upgrades you need to the rod and reel. The warranty will vary from each brand, but it is essential if you buy expensive brands.

1. Penn Clash 2500

The Penn Clash 2500 is the best spinning reel under $150. It comes with a metal body, completely secure with a side plate that can add some sort of durability. It comes with 8 ball bearings, giving the fishing reel a smooth action. With the additional bearings, it will work for a wide variety of fish, and different fishing spots.

An anti-reverse system is straightforward but effective. It stops the reel from automatically moving in the wrong direction when you hook a big one. The handles are interchangeable, making it possible to find a comfortable position, whether it is left or right. The downside is that the reel is not enclosed, exposing the inner components to things like corrosion.

The competitive price of the Penn Clash 2500 makes it an effective tool to use for beginners and intermediates. It is available in a variety of different sizes, depending on the fish species you are targeting. The reel is the best reel when you look at a combination of compelling features and durable components.

2. Pflueger Supreme XT

If you are looking for a lightweight reel, the Pflueger Supreme XT upxtsp30x is one of the top options to consider. It is made with a magnesium body and a carbon handle. The combination of these two materials gives it durability and lighter weight. The carbon drag system also gives you a smooth reeling action when needed.

Once again, stainless steel is chosen for the bearings, but since you have 10 bearings, it is very smooth and easy to reel in. The bearings and the body is corrosion-resistant, which makes it an excellent option for saltwater fishing. We also enjoy the sealed spool system, which keeps the unit lubricated and easy to use.

With all of these features, it is one of the most affordable options on the market today. All of the features are ideal, and they are made for the right purpose. The handle is also ergonomic to make it fit comfortably in your hands. It has an anti-reverse system, but most people will enjoy using the SMART retrieve system as the reel is marketed for easy retrieving.

3. Penn Battle II 8000

4. SHIMANO ULTEGRA 4000

Shimano is one of the most reliable brands when it comes to various aspects of outdoor sports. The SHIMANO ULTEGRA Freshwater 4000 is one of their leading spinning reels with a comfortable 5:0:1 gear ratio. It is constructed to be durable in all conditions and features 9 different models that you choose in various sizes.

X-Ship Technology is one of the newest features that will help to improve the gearing and make it much less sophisticated to reel in fish. The Coreprotect is an additional tech feature, adding to the overall durability of the reel. With the sealing technology, you don't need to worry about the reel being prone to corrosion in normal conditions.

Shimano is an affordable brand, and the features might not be the best, but they bring a new perspective to the equipment. The elegant look is something that many people can also get used to on their rod. We recommend it for the versatility, but while it is durable, it might have issues near saltwater that could cause some corrosion.

5. Daiwa BG8000

The Daiwa BG8000 is a slightly more advanced spinning reel than some of the others. It has the latest technology that one needs for durability. Anodized aluminum is used in the construction of the housing, and the housing will be corrosion resistant. Additionally, it simultaneously protects the 7 ball bearings from the conditions.

The oversized Digi-gear technology will ease the retrieval rate. It allows you to retrieve larger fish without putting in too much effort. The air rotor is not the most common for a spinning reel. However, it is much lighter. The waterproof spool system is useful for reducing the chances that water can cause damage or corrosion.

Surprisingly the Daiwa BG8000 Spinning Reel is not an expensive option, but the main focus is for the reel to give you durability. The ABS spool solidly screws in to ensure that you can comfortably reel in your catch. Due to the overall durability of the fishing reel, it is one of the best options that we could recommend for fishing in saltwater.

6. Okuma Cedros High-Speed

Choosing The Right Gear Ratio For A Spinning Reel

Once you have found the important features and you are sure about the reel you want to buy, you might notice the gear ratio. The gear ratio is just as important as any other part of the fishing reel. It is measured by a number to 1. The numbers might be 6.2:1, which refers to how many times the spool on the inside of the reel will turn with each rotation of the handle. The example above will allow the spool to turn 6.2 times for each turn of the handle.

This means that the higher the number, the more the spool with turn, leading to either a faster or slower reel speed. Depending on the type of fish and location you choose for your adventure, it will have an impact on your decision. Here is a short breakdown of the different gear ratios to give you some more information.

Spinning Reel Sizing Guide

Fishing reels have many numbers that can confuse people when they are looking to buy the right reel. You might notice that one brand sets the reel number at 1000, while the other brand only says 10. Many brands choose four numbers, where others choose only two. However, you will find that the reel size of 1000 is the same as another brand's reel size of 10. E.g.10=1000. (For this section, we will be using only two numbers)

The reel size you choose will depend on the fish you are looking at. For smaller fish, you need to look at any reel size in the range of 10-35. With such a reel, you can catch normal lake fish around 5-pounds. For fish with a medium size, you will be looking at anything in the range of 60, but it is not worth overspending as the price increases with the size.

For anglers that like to explore and target a variety of fish, a reel size of 80 is generally the best option for most people. Deep-sea anglers might consider looking at reels that have a size of up to 300. However, these are extremely strong, and they need a lot of maintenance. We should also mention that they are costly. To sum it all up:

It is also best to consider your budget, as your budget will have a reel impact on the reel you choose. Consulting an expert could be helpful, but most people already know the size of the average size of the fish they are targeting.

How to Spool a Spinning Reel

People Also Ask (FAQs)

While we have tried to be thorough and answer everything you need to know in the article, there are still a few things that people can struggle with. To ensure that you don't need to struggle, we have pinpointed a couple of questions commonly found. These questions can help you in finding the best spinning reel on the market today:

Do pros use spinning reels?

Professional anglers use spinning reels depending on the situation. Since it is a modern option with a lot of versatility, it is a very effective method of fishing.

Can I use a spinning reel for crankbaits?

Crankbaits can be used with any spinning reel. However, there are various crankbait types you need to consider that will depend on the size of your spinning reel.

Are there any special care and maintenance steps for spinning reels?

What are the best spinning reel brands on the market?

All the brands we have on the list are considered reliable and come with a good reputation. However, Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa are some of the very best to consider. A simple internet search can reveal the reliability of spinning reels.

Where can I buy these spinning reels for less than $150?

Amazon is one of the best online spots to find all your fishing equipment. You can get fair prices and always get what you pay for.

Conclusion