Best Closed Face Reels of 2021 – Complete Review

| Last Updated February 10, 2022

Closed face reels do a spectacular job for beginners and entry-level anglers who have just started going fishing.

The convenience that they bring to users, and their ease of learning, use, and maintenance makes them a must-have for a good fishing kit.

The article entails necessary information about the best closed face reels that may help you choose the one that suits your preferences.

Comparison of the Best Closed Face Reels

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Especially suited for heavy fish species
  • Material: Metal, Aluminum
  • Weight: 8.1 oz
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  • Has a comfortable soft-touch thumb button
  • Material: All Metal
  • Weight: 13.28 oz
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  • Best for the Money
  • Material: Metal, Graphite
  • Weight: 5.6 oz
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  • Best Closed Face Spinning Reel
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 12.8 oz
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  • Best Daiwa Closed Face Reel
  • Material: Metal, Aluminum
  • Weight: 9.9 oz
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What is a Closed Face Reel?

A closed face reel, also called a spin-cast reel, is a product that helps solve the resistance issue seen in baitcasting structures, thus reducing line twist and snare problems that are often faced in conventional closed face reels. In this process, a line is tossed from a spool, which is fixed with the rod, and hence, users can experience comparatively light bait. 

The construction of closed face reels involves the use of small spools with a smaller line capacity than both bait caster and spinning reels of comparable size, and cannot be considerably larger without making the reel too big and uncomfortable to use. Such restrictions seriously limit the use of these reels in conditions such as deep-sea fishing, while projecting longer distances, or where long runs can be anticipated by the fish.

How Does a Closed Face Reel Work?

The mechanism for operating closed face reels is quite simple, and they just require a flick of the finger to put your lure out there to catch the fish. These reels use buttons operated by the thumb as a system to release and throw off the line. When the button present on the rear of the reel is pressed, the line pickup loses its connection and gets disengaged.

In order to throw off the line from the spool, the button is released in a forward outcast. The button is once again squeezed to keep the lure at the desired position. The pickup pin automatically reconnects the line after turning over the handle and pulleys it back on the reel.

How to Choose a Closed Face Reel

There are numerous factors that influence the level of quality and suitability of a closed factor reel. Hence, it is important that one considers the following factors to make the right investment.

Rust and Corrosion Resistance

Fishing frequently requires contact with salty, hard water, and hence, the best option is to opt for a kit that is resistant to rust. For usage in salty water, aluminum is one of the best options. Nevertheless, if you are searching for a decent, inexpensive closed face reel, you should opt for a mix of aluminum and graphite.

Solid Construction

Reel bodies are usually constructed of aluminum or graphite (or a mixture of both). For solid housing, aluminum is strongly recommended, however, it is pricier and less versatile than graphite. Graphite is lightweight and easier to manage for extended hours.

Reel Size

The reel size that you are trying to set determines how much fishing line you may use at any given event. You can always opt for a small reel if you plan on using a light line. If you choose to go bulky, your best choice is to buy a big reel. If you are still not sure about the line that you would pick more often, then you should buy a medium-sized reel.

Key Terms to Know

To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.

  • Materials: The materials the reel is made of.

  • Weight: The actual weight of the reel.

  • Hand Orientation: Which dominant hand the reel is made for.

  • Bearing Type and Material: The number or type of bearings inside the reel and also the bearing material.
     
  • Gear Ratio: This tells you the number of times the reel spool turns with each crank of the handle.

  • Maximum Drag: The amount of force the reel can withstand without the line slipping.

  • Line Compatibility: Which line types the reel is meant to be used with.

Review of the Best Closed Face Reels

There are numerous variants of closed face reels on the market offered by different brands, which may confuse you. Hence, in this article, we have reviewed the best closed face reels to help you choose the one that suits your requirements.

Best Overall:
Zebco Omega Pro

Zebco OMEGA PRO 3SZ SC REEL 10#, Size 30, Black

PROS

  • Design offers easy retrieval from left to right hand and vice versa
  • Works quite well even for bulky creatures like bass, catfish, striper, etc.
  • The thumb touch is very soft and easy which allows smooth casting of the line
  • It has a powerful reel covered with aluminum which protects it against corrosion
  • Zebco Omega Pro comes with a warranty of one year for maintenance and customer service

CONS

  • Recovery time is somewhat slow sometimes
  • Ration of gear offered by this product is very low
  • Spool which is mounted on the rod is a bit tight to work with

What Recent Buyers Report

The buyers gave great feedback for this model. According to them, the product had a solid construction, was easy to use, and worked great with light lures. It worked really well for beginners, especially kids. The majority of the buyers commended the smooth casting that this product offered. Hence, it was highly recommended by recent buyers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The product has a durable aluminum construction of aircraft-quality, which delivers it a robust feel and sturdiness. It also offers a seven bearing drive that allows a seamless recovery system. It provides you with a precise casting and contains two adjustable handles for shifting between the left and right hand. Additionally, the reel comes with a rubber shield, prohibiting water from entering the inner portion.

Who Will Use This Most

The Zebco Omega Pro is a versatile product that not only offers great professional level experience, but it also provides convenience and ease of use. Hence, it can be used by both professional-level anglers and beginners whose main focus is to be able to operate the reel smoothly without any hassle.

Bottom Line

Zebco Omega Pro is a great fishing tool for both professional anglers and amateurs. It offers a one-year warranty, corrosion-free reel covered with aluminum, soft thumb press, and easy retrieval at a great price. This versatile product ensures a great experience and can be a good addition to your fishing kit.

Product Specs

Material:

Metal, Aluminum

Weight:

8.1 oz

Hand Orientation:

Ambidextrous

Bearing Type and Material:

6+1 Clutch Stainless steel

Gear Ratio:

3:4:1

Maximum Drag:

22 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Monofilament

Retrieve Ratio:

19 inch

Runner-up:
Quantum Fishing Zebco Omega Z03

Zebco Omega Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Aluminum and Double Anodized Front Cover, Silver

PROS

  • It has a solid construction with metal body
  • The thumb button is very soft which allows smooth casting
  • Allows easy left/right-hand retrieval with a sixteen-inch retrieve rate
  • Also suitable for heavy creatures like walleye, striper, etc. by offering a mono capacity of 85/10
  • Product is warranted for one whole year to get complete benefit of after-sales customer service

CONS

  • It is sometimes noisy
  • The reel does not fit with all types of fishing rods
  • A bit pricey which does not equal to the quality that it offers

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent users reported that the reel was cast very smoothly. The retrieval was quite easy, and the construction was durable. A few buyers complained that the reel did not fit well with their fishing rod. However, the overall feedback remained quite positive, and customers were happy with the product.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This angling reel is among the finest closed face reels offered by Zebco and continues to stand on top of other variants and products since it has great features. It also has an aluminum covering of high-quality and features adjustable grips, a triple-cam multiple disk drag mechanism with three times positive picking.

Who Will Use This Most

Zebco Omega Z03 offers a wide variety of quality features, which makes it very versatile in its functionality. The product works great for both professional anglers, as well as beginners and kids who are in their learning phase and looking for a reel that is easy to use and handle.

Bottom Line

The reel is quite simple and easy to use because the only thing you have to do is to mount it to your rod and clip the bait before tossing it in the water. It seems very great mounted on the fishing rod, and because it is durable and robust, it also retains fine stability. For bulky bait, it works equally great, and it offers a trouble-free function. As it is a seven bearing, closed face reel, you need not think about resistance and line getting entangled.

Product Specs

Material:

All Metal

Weight:

13.28 oz

Hand Orientation:

Ambidextrous

Bearing Type and Material:

6+1 Clutch Stainless steel

Gear Ratio:

2:9:1

Line Compatibility:

Monofilament

Retrieve Ratio:

16 inch

Best for the Money:
Zebco 33 Authentic Spincast Reel

Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel, QuickSet Anti-Reverse with Bite Alert, Smooth Dial-Adjustable Drag, Powerful All-Metal Gears with a Lightweight Graphite Frame

PROS

  • It has a solid and durable construction
  • Has easy retrieval of left and right hand
  • The casting of the line is quite smooth and easy
  • Offers continuously working anti-reverse system
  • Aluminum covered and hence, prevents rust and corrosion

CONS

  • The button is not soft, and its release gets stuck
  • Does not work well for line weights as heavy as 15 pounds
  • It sometimes causes drags which makes it unsuitable for some people

What Recent Buyers Report

The buyers reported that this reel was very good to use in freshwater. According to them, the line was light in weight, so the experience was convenient. Some suggested not to use it for water having big fish, but the overall customer review was positive, and buyers recommended it.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product seems a good option as it offers five ball bearings. If you're excited about the idea of fishing from your small boat, this is a really good option. It's pretty convenient to use, so if you plan on single-hand casting, you can expect it to be a good fishing buddy. The whole body is made of metal, and its grip is sturdy and long-lasting. The five bearings inserted in it are beneficial for casting, as well as, for retrieving it.

Who Will Use This Most

This model offers a variety of standard features, making it extremely efficient and versatile. It works well for both experienced fishermen, as well as, novices and children who are new to the fishing process and want a simple-to-use and manageable reel.

Bottom Line

The amazing features that you will immediately recognize in this closed face reel are its durable aluminum body, high-quality coverings composed of stainless steel, and smooth-touch thumb press and handle. Along with that, you would also appreciate the constant anti-reverse system and reversible ability composed for both hand retrieval, which makes it a good investment for your fishing kit.

Product Specs

Material:

Metal, Graphite

Weight:

5.6 oz

Hand Orientation:

Ambidextrous

Gear Ratio:

4:1:1

Maximum Drag:

6 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Monofilament

Best Closed Face Spinning Reel:
Pflueger President Spincast Reel

Pflueger® President® Spincast Reel

PROS

  • Covered with aluminum, hence it resists corrosion
  • The tuning in of the spool is quite easy with just using the drag dial
  • Five ball bearing system allows smooth rotatory motion and retrieval
  • Can allow instant hook sets due to their continuous anti-reverse system
  • It has dual titanium pins which makes it last longer and protect your line

CONS

  • It is a bit pricey
  • Does not work well for big fish
  • The line of the reel often needs replacements or fixing

What Recent Buyers Report

The customers said this product was very great for use in freshwater with relatively small-sized fish. The line was not so heavy for them, as they agreed, so the experience was smooth and convenient. A few recommended not using it for water with heavy creatures. However, customer satisfaction feedback was positive, and buyers were happy with their purchase.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Pflueger president closed face reels raise the level of the spin-cast fishing game and give businesses like Zebco high returns on investment. Presidential spin cast reels are offered with line packed inside and are totally worthy of the expense of wrapping them up. A keen angler or beginner at the fishing science would love them more than any spin-cast reel product of the same category.

Who Will Use This Most

We find that this is a useful product which offers not only truly outstanding experience but also simplicity and convenience of use. This can, therefore, be used by both experienced fishermen and newcomers, whose main focus is to be capable of operating the reel comfortably without any difficulties.

Bottom Line

Titanium pins help shield the fishing line and improve its amazing performance and longevity. The aluminum content gives the reel a durable look and provides corrosion-resistance. It also tends to make it a very durable tool as a whole. The rubber pedal present on the handle provides a strong grip and offers substantial comfort to the angler while fishing. Finally, thanks to the anti-reverse function and the drag dial beside the button, the unit is highly flexible.

Product Specs

Material:

Aluminum

Weight:

12.8 oz

Hand Orientation:

Ambidextrous

Bearing Type and Material:

5 Stainless steel

Gear Ratio:

3:4:1

Maximum Drag:

6 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Monofilament

Best Daiwa Closed Face Reel:
 Daiwa Goldcast GC100

Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Reel, GC100

PROS

  • Retrieval is quite smooth and easy
  • The line guide is stiff and stainless
  • Has sturdy construction with metallic body
  • It is affordable and offers great features at reasonable prices
  • Warranted for three years hence, users can benefit from the customer service after purchasing the product

CONS

  • It is heavy, hence handling is not easy
  • The body has to be cleaned well after every wash
  • Graphite body will not last as long as aluminum ones

What Recent Buyers Report

The buyers loved the product due to its ease of use, durability, and easy to maintain construction. As per the recent customers, the product was a hit, and the reel did not disappoint them. A few of them complained that the product was heavy and was not easy to carry. However, most of them were satisfied with their purchase.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This model contains a single ball-bearing system offering you a smooth retrieve. It has a sturdy metal construction and a cockpit-like cone that improves its longevity while offering a strong and reliable line guide with the anti-reverse system. It offers dual handed retrievals, suitable for both left and right-hand users.

Who Will Use This Most

We think that this closed face fishing reel is a highly functional product offering numerous versatile features. With its convenient and easy to use process, it is quite popular among kids, beginners, and novices. On the other hand, its outstanding performance makes it ideal for professional fishermen as well.

Bottom Line

If you are searching for a strictly professionally designed Spincast reel, then this product is just the right choice for you. It has a solid structure, and it has a vibrating spool that allows it to be one of the market's smoothest closed face reels. Hence, it can be a really good investment if you are planning to update your fishing kit.

Product Specs

Material:

Metal, Aluminum

Weight:

9.9 oz

Hand Orientation:

Right

Bearing Type and Material:

1 Aluminum

Gear Ratio:

4:1:1

How to Put Fishing Line on a Closed Face Reel

It may seem like a simple process, but it's not as easy as most would imagine running a new line into a closed faced loop. Many people understand that it's a challenge to catch a fish, however, if your reel is not lined in the right way using the right monofilament element, then you'll probably just drown worms or give away pricey lures to weeds and other different kinds of snags. To do it just the right way, you need to follow the following steps:

  1. Keep the closed face reel covered and turn it counter clockwise. Twist it until you can pull off the cover. Now keep it aside.

  2. The closed face reel then has to be attached to a fishing rod. While numerous rods are going to work; the strongest one has a trigger hanging under the rod handle.

  3. Pull the fishing line into the tip of the rod and drag it through on the fishing rod in each direction.

  4. Place the line at the front of the reel cover through the small circle.

  5. Attach the line to the reel spool by wrapping it twice around the spool. To keep the line on the spool, you may need to tie a knot.

  6. Then cover the reel again with the reel cover.

  7. In the end, cut and detach the fishing line farther along the rod tip.

How to Cast a Closed Face Reel

A closed face reel is a great option for people who are new to fishing as it makes casting fairly convenient. The whole process mainly requires the use of your thumb to hold and release the button and a certain level of concentration. In order to cast a line from a closed face reel, you just have to follow these steps:

  1. Press the button and keep holding it.

  2. The line will be thrown out as soon as you let go of the button. You must begin your cast with a lure hanging down from the end of the rod tip.

  3. For casting the line, press down the button and keep it like that while bringing the rod to a full stop right at the back.

  4. After that, pull the rod forward to about 11 o'clock and leave the button to throw the line along with the line straight into the water. It becomes a knack with the passage of time.

It's just a matter of casting the line in the right direction while holding and releasing the button at just the right time. The process turns into a skill that gets better and better over time. Moreover, in order to get a complete overview of the whole process of casting a closed face reel, you can refer to the video attached below.

Conclusion

Closed face reels are a must-have for fishing kits of beginners and amateurs, as they are super easy to use, simple to learn, and convenient to maintain. After doing thorough research on different variants of closed face reels, we narrowed down our findings and reviewed the best products for you. We hope that the information shared in the article will help you make an informed decision about the right closed face reel for you.

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My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.