Zebco Fishing Reels Compared

Unique Features of Zebco Reels

Wide Range of Reels

Zebco is famous for its spincasting reels, but some others are available, including spinning, conventional, and what they call triggerspin. Individual models also have a wide range of sizes, and their comprehensive product line has many handles, size, and color variations. The innovative spirit of Zebco, which has also put out its own line of fishing rods, is clear from the sheer number of reels in their lineup.

ZeroFriction Pin Design

To reduce friction and create a smoother feel during operation, many Zebco reels are crafted with a ZeroFriction Pin design. The pinion gear is held in place by a ball bearing, reducing contact with the spool shaft. Not only will this make everything feel much smoother, but it will also keep the reel in working order longer.

Quality/Well-Built Gear

Some of the reels from Zebco have all-metal interiors that can survive almost anything. Others, especially the ones intended for saltwater use where all-metal interiors would be likely to rust, are made out of alternate materials like stainless steel that are still tough but also lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

The grips on the handles are very often weatherproof and easy to grip when things get wet. Spools are made from tough metal that can take lots of strain.

Precision Machine-Brass Gears

For a high-functioning reel, the interior gears have to fit together in such a way that they won’t make lots of noise or become dulled from friction. Zebco makes very precise machined gears out of brass that last a long time and won’t jam up on you in the middle of a fishing trip. These gears can whiz along at high speed without any issue and won’t give in when there’s a fish on.

Smooth Retrieval Features

Reeling in on a Zebco reel just feels easy. There’s no loud noise from the interior workings, and the handles crank flawlessly. Because of the brass gears and the high gear ratios that Zebco reels generally have, the line-per-inch retrieval rates are much higher across the board, which is great for getting the line in fast.

Anti-Reverse Tech

It’s getting harder and harder to find fishing reels that don’t have an anti-reverse bearing in them these days. Zebco reels are designed to instantly stop the handle from spinning backward, using a ball bearing between the handle and the reel's main body. This is a huge help to prevent fish from going on a run and turn them back toward the boat.

Pre-Spooled Lines and Spare Spool Included

One of the most convenient aspects of Zebco reels that makes them so appealing for beginners is their pre-spooled line. The majority of these reels come with factory line already on them, so you can get right on the water without having to fiddle around with fishing line. Many also come with spare spools in case the existing one is damaged, saving time otherwise spent calling around for replacements.

Value For Money

Even the most expensive Zebco reels come in at under $100, and the vast majority of them are much less than that. They’re still built to last, though, which makes them ideal for use as back-up reels, trunk reels for last-minute fishing trips, and beginners who want to avoid the backlashing problem so common with baitcasters.

Popularity Among Anglers

While other companies have come out with their own spincasting models since Zebco invented them, Zebco still reigns supreme in performance and quality. For that reason, they’ve retained a high degree of popularity among anglers, even ones who prefer to use baitcasters most of the time. Catfish anglers especially love these Zebco reels.

1. Zebco Omega ZO3

2. Zebco Bullet

The Zebco Bullet reel is far and away one of the fastest spincasting reels on the market. With a very agile 6.1:1 gear ratio, the Zebco bullet reel can rival many spinning reels in line retrieval. It can pull in just a hair under 30 inches of line with every turn of the handle, which is very comfortable and has an all-weather treatment to make sure you can keep a strong grip on the handles even when things get wet.

Like the Zebco Omega, the Zebco Bullet reel has an all-metal interior and exterior construction that makes it durable while also negating its use in saltwater environments. Still, this spincasting reel's weight feels great in-hand and the additional weight from the metal body combines with a tremendously strong drag system to give the angler tons of fish-stopping power. You can catch larger freshwater targets like catfish.

There are a whopping nine ball bearings in the Zebco Bullet reel, giving it an amazingly smooth operation. It’s also built with an anti-reverse bearing stock from the factory. Although you can’t see it as well as you can on an open-faced reel, the line lay on this baitcasting reel is great, thanks in large part to the built-in line guide. All in all, the Zebco Bullet reel is a top of the range spincaster that’s a definite move toward pro-grade gear for the company.

3. Zebco Omega Pro

While some companies would build something like the Zebco Omega and call it a day, Zebco kept working to make the reel even better with this pro version. It’s noticeably lighter than the original, and it cranks faster as well. As far as the design goes, it’s relatively similar to the regular Omega. One noticeable distinction is the single-crank handle, which snags less often and is slightly larger than either of the standard Omega handles. 

While the gear ratio is much lower than some other Zebco models, this reel still pulls in line at a good pace. It might not be the best choice for swimbaits or spoons if you want to rip them through the water fast, but it is perfect for enticing your target by pulling the lure at a more realistic pace. If you’re not one to hang up your gear when winter sets in, the Omega Pro is an ideal spincaster for cold weather angling.

This reel casts great and can really take a beating. Like many of the other Zebcos in this guide, the Omega Pro is all-metal. Since it costs only a small amount more than the original Omega, the Pro model is the best value for money for anglers who want a highly versatile spincaster.

4. Zebco/Quantum 33KA

5. Zebco 888

Not only is the Zebco 888 reel highly effective, but it also has one of the most distinctive looks in the entire Zebco product line. The thumb button and the drag dial are both right within reach, so you can make last-minute adjustments even if you have a fish on already. Although the gear ratio is slower and there are fewer ball bearings inside this reel, it still has the standout Zebco features like automatic anti-reverse and pre-spooled line.

This reel is one of the heavier ones on this list, but it also holds significantly more line, which means you can use it to cast further and fish deeper when you're using a vertical presentation. There are certainly faster spincasters out there in terms of line retrieval, but this one can still give creature lures, crankbaits, rigs, and spoons the right movement that prompts fish to bite. 

One way they’ve made this Zebco 888 reel unique is by constructing a bite alert system inside the reel. If you’re leaving your rod in a rod holder, this feature is especially useful. It can also be turned off if you’re holding the fishing rod in your hand. When the alert is engaged, the line can be pulled out freely, and the handle is in free spin. That way, you can decide when to kick in the drag and turn the catfish back toward the boat without tipping it off too early.

6. Zebco/Quantum 888

This clam-style variant of the Zebco 888 reel is much better prepared for saltwater environments than some of the others on this list, thanks to the stainless steel cover that keeps out the majority of saltwater and other corrosive elements. There are still lots of metal pieces in the construction, notably the gears, so you have to take care to wash this reel with freshwater after every use in a saltwater environment. The reel itself is relatively heavy, but it doesn't cause much fatigue unless you're casting out frequently. Make sure it doesn’t slip off the dock or the boat because it will sink like a stone if it does.

This reel also has a much higher line capacity, which is excellent for fishing in wide-open bodies of saltwater. It casts like a dream, and it has a robust drag system that can stop a fish in its tracks and turn it back toward the boat. The gear ratio is slower, but if you’re going after mid-sized to large targets, you'll want bigger, slower lures anyway, and that slow gear ratio is perfect for that fishing style. With a 25-pound test pre-spooled, anglers will be able to chase after targets in the 15 - 25-pound range, which is ideal for saltwater fishing.

7. Zebco Roam

8. Zebco Rhino 3SZ SC

This Zebco Rhino reel is the least expensive way to get a solid 6-foot rod and reel combo for freshwater fishing of all varieties without having to worry about any backlash at all. There’s stainless steel and other metals in the elements of this reel’s construction. It also has a roller that you can use to adjust the drag level. Weekend warriors who only go fishing occasionally will love having this easy-to-use reel in their kit. It’s also small enough to stow in the trunk of a car for last-minute fishing trips.

Everything about the Zebco Rhino reel operation is smooth, and it has a look that’s very similar to the vintage Zebco reels of old. If you grew up with a Zebco spincaster, this is the one that will most remind you of it. Zebco has also built a catch alert into this reel so you can leave the line slack and put your rod in the holder. Anglers who like to put several lines in the water simultaneously will be happy with the affordability of this reel. You could buy a whole lineup of Zebco Rhino reels and get them all in the water at the same time if you have space and the holders.

9. Zebco 404 Freshwater Spincast Reel

Pros & Cons of Zebco Fishing Reels

About the Zebco Company

Zebco started in 1932 as an oilfield equipment manufacturer called Zero Hour Bomb Company. R.D. Hull came up with the idea that would become Zebco spincasters in 1947 while watching a clerk take the thread out of a dispenser at the supermarket. 

Nowadays, Tulsa-based Zebco still specializes in descendants of the Hull spincaster design that made them famous. Their central goal is to build high-quality fishing gear - especially reels - that are still affordable and hassle-free.

Comparing Zebco Reels to Other Brands

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I use braided line on a Zebco spincast reel?

You can get away with using braided line on a Zebco reel, but be prepared to have to do some extra maintenance. Braided line wears out the pickup pins faster, so you'll likely have to replace them sooner.

How to spool a Zebco fishing reel?

While most Zebcos come with pre-spooled line, you can remove the cover and put the line on the spool the same way you would with any other reel. Just attach the line to the spool and reel backward until the spool is about 2/3rds full.

How do I set up and cast Zebco fish reels?

Once it’s spooled, you need to find the right rod for your setup. Zebco reels aren’t really long-distance casters, so you should try a nice 6- or 7-foot rod and a medium-sized lure, preferably a crankbait or a jig.

What should I do to prevent backlash when throwing a Zebco spincast reel?

Zebcos are pretty much guaranteed not to have any backlash problems, but if you want to prevent bird's nests, you need to get skilled with the thumb release button. Practice a lot more than you think you’ll need before you go out on the water.

Are there any special maintenance steps for Zebco reels?

You have to clean your Zebco reels very well, especially if you're trying to use them in saltwater environments. Take the cover off and the spool out before you thoroughly rinse everything, and take care to attach the hook to something before storing it.

Do Zebco fishing reels have a lifetime warranty?

Zebco does back all its reels up with a one-year limited warranty, but they do not offer a lifetime warranty. The good news is that they’re inexpensive enough to replace if they take too much damage.

How do I contact Zebco for reel warranty repairs?

Where can I buy Zebco fishing reels?

The largest selection of Zebco reels most often in stock are sold through certified retailers on Amazon. It’s easier to compare products there, and the delivery options are second to none. 

Conclusion