Flipping reels hold great significance for fishermen who require adequate control that is not offered by a spinning reel.
You can get a great deal of control with strong flipping reels, and you can throw the bait where you want it to be. If you regularly follow the competitive fishing competitions, a flipping reel is the kind of reel that is most seen.
In this article, we have found the best flipping reel options and reviewed them.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Flipping Reels
- OUR TOP PICK: KastKing MegaJaws Baitcasting Reel
- Best Lews Reel for Flipping: Enigma Fishing IPPON IPF100
Comparison of the Best Flipping Reels
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What is a Flipping Reel?
A flipping reel is a setup or a system that requires you to pull down the thumb button and turn, and the moment you pull off the thumb, the reel automatically gets engaged while not even flipping the reel handle. This saves people from missing a fish that takes the lure right before you have time to switch the handle of the reel to engage it.
KastKing MegaJaws Baitcasting Reel
Typically, when flipping and particularly when throwing, it's better to be off or in normal mode. Most people think that a flipping reel is more frustrating than practical, while others prefer to use it every time they go fishing.
How Does a Flipping Reel Work?
Flipping is the practice of using the lure's momentum and the rod's motion, combined with a line at arms' length in an angler's hand which is not dominant to put a bait near the area of attention. This strategy has been designed for quick fishing and to cover a big part of water while holding the subjects near to the angler. The angler has to first start with a small pitch.
When they want to flip, the angler has to pull that line in the middle of the reel and the guide, and then grab it out immediately while keeping their rod tip up. This step will pull back the lure towards the angler. With a pendulum effect, it tends to move back towards the water. Once it is about to be pulled back, direct the line at your target and try to follow the lure, along with the line that you have in hand. It has to be done without giving free spool to the reel.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Flipping Reels
The following are features that should be considered before buying flipping reels as they influence the overall experience of an angler while fishing.
Construction
Many fishermen choose metallic reels, the most common type being aluminum. Many producers have mixed graphite plates with aluminum frames and have produced an outstanding amalgamation of weight, as well as, strength.
Metal reels–specifically those crafted from brass or any other metal like stainless steel –are also highly valued for their reliability and quality. But irrespective of the content used in any type of reel, the final product must be tightly fitted and have no gaps, which can result in snagged or damaged lines.
Line Guides
Even if you can get reels without line guides being used in them, they are still essential for most fishermen, as they make sure that the line spools are uniform. Today, line guides normally consist of either titanium or are made up of ceramic.
Ceramic guides are far more economical and likely to provide years of hassle-free service. They are rather delicate, however, and they may easily crack if dropped. On the other hand, line guides made up of titanium are used by many high-end brands.
Braking Systems
One of the most important components of any flipping system is the braking system, as it will greatly reduce the number of tangles that you face. Backlashes and tangles arise as the line moves faster than your bait, or when the spool keeps spinning after the bait is thrown in the water. Hence, the braking system is used to bring the speed of the spool down while making a cast.
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 Flipping Reels
To help you choose the best flipping reel according to your requirements, we have reviewed some of the top variants with their important features:
Best Overall:
KastKing MegaJaws Baitcasting Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers reported that they were very happy with the purchase. According to them, the reel was smooth, and it had an adaptive spool tension. Some customers were not so happy with the material quality. However, overall customer feedback was quite positive.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model by Kastking, which is considered as the strongest marine monster, holds important shark components that reflect the speed and power that sport anglers crave today. The product's design has the front hood of a shark tooth, side covers that look like shark fins, and stiff metal elements that continuously convince you about a sense of superiority and complete confidence while playing with the water.
Who Will Use This Most
The product is versatile in its usability. With its wide range of features, it can be used by all anglers having different levels of experience and expertise. However, it requires a certain level of practice, which makes it more suitable for professional level and experienced anglers who have a great hold on fishing.
Bottom Line
This unit is an amazing product for fishing and is designed to offer outstanding performance for expert anglers. This flipping baitcasting reel has a special gear ratio system, stainless steel construction, strong drag washers, and LFVT system. Moreover, it is lightweight because of its graphite body. All these features make it a bang for the buck.
Product Specs
Material:
Graphite
Weight:
0.47 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Right Hand
Bearing Type and Material:
11+1 double shielded stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
9.1:1
Maximum Drag:
17.6 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono Line and Braided
Runner-up:
Ardent Apex Flipping Baitcasting Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The customers said that they were very satisfied with the purchase. As per recent buyers, the casting was smooth, and it reduced drag tension greatly. Some buyers said that it was a bit pricey, but it was worth the amazing features that it offered. Hence, customer feedback remained highly positive.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model was built to handle the processes of flipping and pitching in an outstanding way. This patented and highly effective design offers a tight spool and a fixed line guide, which reduces the need for a level air system and enhances flipping precision as innumerable quick, accurate casts are made. The total weight of the reel is almost six ounces to help mitigate exhaustion in the arm, shoulder, and overall body.
Who Will Use This Most
Its usability and features make the product highly versatile. Because of its broad range of features, all anglers with varying levels of experience and competence can use this. It does require some level of skill, however, which makes it more appropriate for competitive level and professional anglers who have a firm hold on fishing.
Bottom Line
A wonderful reel for fishing, this unit is built to give maximum control and great performance to professional anglers. This flipping baitcasting reel has fixed line guides and thin spools, a ten plus one ball bearing system, ergonomic body, lightweight construction, and an aluminum frame and carbon fiber which offer durability and strength. Hence, adding this tool to your fishing kit would be a rational investment to make.
Product Specs
Material:
Blend
Weight:
0.3 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Right Hand
Bearing Type and Material:
10+1 aluminum ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
7.3:1
Maximum Drag:
11 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono Line and Braided
Best for the Money:
Enigma Fishing IPPON IPF100
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers reported that they were quite pleased with the product's features. According to the customers, it allowed smooth, exhaustion-free casting as it was lightweight and had an ergonomic body. Some buyers said that it was not suitable for flipping. However, the majority of the buyers highly recommended the product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reel was built to the highest level of competitive bass fishing by professional tournament fishermen. The small-profile bait caster style provides a hand-perfect fit for daily convenience, and incredible elements make these tools a fantasy to fish with. 10 + 1 ball bearings are protected by a corrosion-free body for ultra-seamless casting, longevity, and easy retrieval. Moreover, it was suitable for both fresh and saltwater.
Who Will Use This Most
The product is designed to be used by anglers of different experience levels, including beginners and amateurs, as well as, professional and expert anglers because of its high versatility of features. However, flipping itself requires a specific level of expertise, and hence, this flipping reel is greatly recommended for the professional fishermen who know its tricks and techniques.
Bottom Line
This model is a great tool for professional-level expert anglers, offering them a great hold on the flipping process. This flipping baitcasting reel has corrosion-free construction, a ceramic spool to reduce reverse flipping, durable and lightweight construction, adjustable magnet braking system, and good quality metal construction, which ensures the longevity of the product. Hence, this product is certainly the right investment to make if you are looking to upgrade your fishing kit.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum
Weight:
0.36 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
11+1 high-speed spool ceramic bearings
Gear Ratio:
7.3:1
Maximum Drag:
18 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Braided
Best Lews Reel for Flipping:
Lew's Fishing SDG1H
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The customers confirmed being quite happy with the features of the product. It enabled simple, seamless casting, as it has a light body and long-lasting construction. A few buyers indicated that they struggled with its high maintenance requirements. Many customers, though, were satisfied with their investment and recommended this flipping reel to other customers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model by Lews is the kind of product that you just want to buy at first sight, as it is very seamless and appealing to the eyes. It has unique characteristics that make it a great choice for the majority of the anglers, one being that it provides excellent casting command. It is rust-resistant and is, therefore, used mostly for fishing in saltwater.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is powerful and versatile in its construction. With its wide variety of functions, most of the anglers with varying levels of skill and knowledge can use this. However, the flipping process is a bit technical and demands a specific level of skill, making it more ideal for competitive level and skilled anglers who are good at flipping techniques.
Bottom Line
All in all, this model is greatly recommended for experienced and professional fishermen who want to have great control over their flipping experience. This flipping baitcasting reel has a lightweight body, rugged drag system, magnetic braking system for smooth casting, stainless steel to prevent corrosion, and manually adjustable cast control. All these features at an affordable price make it an attractive deal for fishing enthusiasts.
Product Specs
Material:
Synthetic
Weight:
0.48 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Right Hand
Bearing Type and Material:
10+1 stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
6.8:1
Maximum Drag:
12 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono Line
5. Ardent Arrow Flipping Fishing Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The customers have reported being quite satisfied with the product's features. It allowed easy, fatigue-free casting, as it was compact and reduced drag tension. Some buyers said that it only accommodated right-handed anglers and did not work so well for left-handed ones. However, the majority of the buyers were happy with their purchase, and they recommended this flipping reel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Equipped with a cast aluminum handle for exceptional strength, this unit offers a specific design that promises championship-grade flipping results. For smooth casting and easy retrieval, the reel is lubricated with Ardent Reel Butter, so you can throw this on the water immediately to measure its efficient performance.
Who Will Use This Most
Due to its high functionality, the device is designed to be used by anglers with all levels of expertise, including newcomers and novices, as well as experienced and skilled anglers. Flipping itself requires a particular level of proficiency, however, and thus this flipping reel is highly recommended for experienced anglers who have the know-how of the flipping process.
Bottom Line
This model is highly suitable for professional level anglers who want to level up their flipping game. This flipping baitcasting reel has modern strike save dragging process, narrow spool and fixed line guides for accurate flipping, aluminum handles for strong winding power, ardent reel butter for lubrication, and helical brass gearing to make the drag pressure smooth. Hence, this flipping reel is a great option if you want to update your fishing kit.
Product Specs
Material:
Blend
Weight:
0.48 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Right Hand
Bearing Type and Material:
5+1 ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
7.0:1
Line Compatibility:
Braided
Pros and Cons of Flipping Reels
After discussing important features of the top variants, we will now briefly explain some of the major pros and cons associated with flipping reels.
Pros
Some advantages of a flipping reel include:
Versatility
Flipping reels are showcased in fishing competitions and other skill presentations, which makes them quite appealing for many anglers. A line whose weight ranges between six to ten pounds is great for most of the flipping reels. Moreover, the thing that adds to its versatility is that it can be used to capture tiny crankbaits, jigs, and different kinds of spinners.
Light Line
The most basic advantage of a flipping reel is their tendency to handle light line and throw lightweight lures for the targets. This is because of the spool that enables the line to circulate and spin on the cast and then redirects it through the rod's guide system. This is a feature that tends to make them fairly simple to cast and hardly causes backlashes or any kind of tangles.
Best for all Experienced Fishing Enthusiasts
A good step to learn to cast and capture a fish would be to buy a flipping baitcasting reel. The reel mechanism is as straightforward as getting the bait opened, putting your finger just right on the line, and letting the bait swim. The more expertise a fisherman earns, the quicker they can get used to the better-refined versions with advanced features of the product.
Cons
However, every coin has two sides. Some disadvantages of this unit include:
Not Suitable for Beginners
The flipping reels are not suitable and recommended for beginners as they demand significant experience and expertise. The more skillful an angler is, the better they are at using it in the right way. Hence, beginners or amateur fishing enthusiasts would find it difficult to use.
Conclusion
Through this article, we hope that we are able to help you with your decision to finalize some of the best available flipping reels. Make sure that you consider the important features and characteristics of each variant. Look for all the products which meet your requirements. Since you have a general idea about the components and variations of a flipping reel, finding the best one will not be that difficult for you.
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