Best Flipping Reels of 2021 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

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.

[sc name=”Best Flipping Reel Quick Take”]

Comparison of the Best Flipping Reels

[sc name=”Best Flipping Reel”]

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

[amazon fields=”B07CTQLJD2″ image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]

PROS

  • Lightweight as its body is made up of graphite
  • LFTV system provides wider cast angle and prevents friction
  • Stainless steel construction which gives it durability and strength
  • Strong drag washers made of carbon fiber which resist drag tensions
  • Special gear ratio system is color-coded and allows anglers to identify the required gear-related techniques for specific fishing conditions

CONS

  • Gears of the reel wear out quickly
  • Material used in the construction is not of high-quality

What Recent Buyers ReportThe 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 UsThis 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 MostThe 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 LineThis 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

[amazon fields=”B07FFK2VD2″ image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]

PROS

  • Aluminum frame and carbon fiber used in its construction ensure durability
  • Ergonomic body and aluminum construction provide long term comfort while fishing
  • Offers improved accuracy in flipping with the help of its fixed line guides and thin spool
  • Reduces arm tension and muscle fatigue during long hours of fishing because it is lightweight
  • Ten plus one ball bearing system which works in combination with its strike saving system to give an accurate flipping performance

CONS

  • Not available in a number of countries
  • Bit expensive as compared to other variants

What Recent Buyers ReportThe 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 MostIts 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 LineA 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

[amazon fields=”B07LCTMG4K” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]

PROS

  • Construction is durable and lightweight
  • Corrosion-free and is quite suitable for saltwater
  • Ceramic spool with a great speed reduces reverse flipping
  • Six ounces of pure metal construction ensures a great quality product
  • Adjustable magnet braking system and rugged carbon fiber make dragging easy

CONS

  • Is not shock resistant
  • Not suitable specifically for flipping

What Recent Buyers ReportThe 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 UsThe 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 MostThe 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 LineThis 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

[amazon fields=”B075MXZ9NQ” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]

PROS

  • Lightweight body weighs only seven ounces
  • Double guarded stainless bearings are corrosion free
  • Drag system is rugged and strong enough to capture big fish
  • Cast control can be manually adjusted by the anglers from zero to max
  • With its adjustable magnetic brake system, the casting becomes very smooth

CONS

  • Needs high maintenance after every use

What Recent Buyers ReportThe 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 UsThis 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 MostThis 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 LineAll 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

[amazon fields=”B07NQNK7ZJ” image=”1″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_link=”none”]

PROS

  • Offers winding power with its aluminum handle
  • Modern strike save dragging system reduces drag tension
  • Narrow spool and fixed line guides provide accuracy in flipping
  • Ardent Reel Butter lubrication offers overall smooth functioning
  • Helical brass gearing makes drag pressure smooth on its entire body

CONS

  • Does not accommodate left-handed anglers
  • Not as tough as needed in the flipping process

What Recent Buyers ReportThe 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 UsEquipped 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 MostDue 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 LineThis 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.

                                   Share to Pinterest