Hobbies are usually expensive to keep, and if fishing is yours, then the gear is always an expense and a challenge when it comes to enjoying your experience.
However, with some great spinning reels under $100, you can save yourself a fortune and still enjoy your fishing.
In this article we will go over the best spinning reels under $100. Let's take a look!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Spinning Reel Under $100
- OUR TOP PICK: Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
- RUNNER-UP: Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Spinning Reel
- BEST SALTWATER SPINNING REEL UNDER $100: Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
Comparison of the Best Spinning Reel Under $100
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Can You Really Find a Quality Spinning Reel Under $100?
The quality of the spinning reel defines your whole fishing experience. Although expensive spinning reels can be great in quality, they are not the only ones. It is the capitalist ideology that price is the best metric when analyzing the quality of any product.
However, when it comes to spinning reels, you can get great value under $100. You only need to know what you are looking for and look closely. You only need to keep in mind the specifications that you want, and then there is always a reel that will have that, in all price ranges.
What to Look for When Buying a Spinning Reel?
Since price is not the best representative of quality, what is? There are a few things that you need to consider before buying a reel.
Drag System
It is basically used to control the ease with which fishing line moves through the spool. A higher or a tighter drag makes it difficult for the fishing line to move through the Reel, which further makes it slower. On the other hand, a lower or a loose drag makes it easy for the fishing line to move through the spool, which further makes it faster.
Weight
Fishing is a slow process, and you need to hold your rod the whole time; hence the weight is an essential factor. If the spinning Reel is bulky, then it can cause wrist and arm exhaustion over extended periods of time. This will further define your fishing experience. Hence, it is essential to evaluate the weight of your Reel before buying it.
Line Rating
Line Ratings tells you about the length of mainline and the weight that the Reel can support and the size of fish the Reel can conveniently sustain. These are usually written on the Reel and need to be aligned to your personal needs.
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 Spinning Reel Under $100
It can be challenging to find an excellent spinning reel that is under $100. However, don't worry, we have shortlisted them for you.
Best Overall:
Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are highly satisfied with the product. They find it very similar to high-end products while being highly affordable. They think it is smooth, reliable, and highly durable. Furthermore, they love how it is made of aluminum, which ensures that it has exceptional quality and is lightweight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for its strong and durable build that further has corrosion-resistant features. It also has seven ball bearings that are rustproof and a bail wire that is stainless. Plus, it features various weight options to choose from. Furthermore, it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater.
Who Will Use This Most
Although it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater, it will be ideal for people who love to fish in saltwater. It is specially designed for fishing in inshore saltwater. Furthermore, it should be used by people who have prior experience, so they know how to pick from different weight options.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this spinning reel proves to be really well-performing in both saltwater and freshwater usability. It has a remarkably durable aluminum build, along with its waterproof carbon ATD that further enhances durability. The impressive buyer reports make this a reliable product to invest in.
Product Specs
Material:
Synthetic
Weight:
0.5312 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Right Hand
Bearing Type and Material:
6 BB+1 RB aluminum
Gear Ratio:
5.6: 1
Maximum Drag:
4.4 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Braided
Runner-up:
Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Spinning Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are highly satisfied with the product. They love its affordability and the high-quality that is equivalent to high-end products. They think it is smooth, stable, and highly durable. Furthermore, they love how it is easy to handle and has a responsive bail and strong neck.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for its strong and durable metal and aluminum build. It is highly reliable and comes in eight different models to match every individual’s fishing needs. It has anti-rust ball bearings. Furthermore, it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater, making it a multi-purpose product.
Who Will Use This Most
Its relatively heavier weight makes it ideal for people who love to fish in saltwater or in freshwater. Furthermore, it should be used by people who have some prior experience, so they know how to choose their ideal weight and specifications options among the eight options offered.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a durable spinning reel that will last you a long time without causing much damage to your pocket, then you should consider buying a Penn Spinning Reel. It is made of aluminum and metal and has excellent quality ball bearings. Furthermore, it can be used in both fresh and saltwater.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum
Weight:
0.5952 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
4 shielded stainless steel BB
Gear Ratio:
6.2:1
Maximum Drag:
15 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Braided
Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under $100:
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The reports made by recent buyers of this product show great satisfaction with the performance and smooth functionality of the Reel. They find the price tag worth the features, compared to higher-priced products. They love how it has a good drag and is waterproof and almost unbreakable. Furthermore, some people find its weight ideal for fishing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for its power and strong build that is ideal for offshore fishing in saltwater and catching larger species like Snapper, Grouper, etc. It is highly durable and is built to last. It is a perfect balance between function and durability at a fraction of the cost.
Who Will Use This Most
The best part about this Reel is that it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater, it will be ideal for people who love to fish larger species. It is specially designed for fishing in offshore saltwater. Furthermore, it should be used by people with strong hands and arms, as the weight might be more than the usual.
Bottom Line
If you plan on fishing larger species that weigh more, then this powerful Reel will work well for you. It’s made of aluminum and has a durable body. It's a more suitable product for professional-level fishers, so we do not recommend this as the first choice for learners or beginners.
Product Specs
Material:
Stainless steel, Metal
Weight:
1 lb
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
6.2:1
Maximum Drag:
15 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Multifilament
Best Freshwater Spinning Reel Under $100:
Shimano Sedona FI
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The recent buyers are loving this product. They find it very smooth and easy to use. They really like its top-notch quality, look, and feel. Furthermore, they love its compact and lightweight body that is comfortable to use over extended periods of time. Buyer reports tell us that the Reel does not tire the arm or the wrist with its comfortable build.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for its smooth and comfortable use that is ideal for fishing in freshwater and catching smaller species. It helps you enjoy ultralight tackle. It is carefully engineered to have great quality at a reasonable price.
Who Will Use This Most
This Reel is a great product for the diversity of use. It can be used in both freshwater and saltwater. However, it is most suitable for people who want to catch lighter weighted or smaller sized species. Furthermore, it is suitable for people who are new to fishing and want to learn it.
Bottom Line
If you want a durable spinning reel for smaller sized fish, then you should consider buying Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel. It is built with aluminum, has a great quality bail wire and ball bearings that are guaranteed to make the performance of the Reel, smooth and reliable. It is a great choice for catching smaller species.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum
Weight:
0.2204 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
3 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio:
5.0:1
Maximum Drag:
7 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono and Braided
5. Daiwa Revros Spinning Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reports from recent buyers show high satisfaction with the product. They love the affordability and excellent quality that is parallel to high-end products. They find the functionality of the Reel smooth and fast too. Furthermore, they love how it is easy to handle and is suitable for the youth or newbies.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for its undeniably lightweight build that is also really durable with its aluminum construction. It is highly reliable and has a digital gear design. It also has a highly efficient 8 Bearing System. Furthermore, it has an ABS Aluminum Spool to reduce unnecessary weight even further.
Who Will Use This Most
Although it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater, it will be ideal for people who prefer to fish in freshwater. It can be very convenient for people who have fragile wrists. Furthermore, it is highly affordable and can be a great choice for people with a tight budget.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an affordable, robust, durable, and light spinning reel then you should consider buying Daiwa Revros Spinning Reel. It is very lightweight and has an efficient functioning digital gear design and its bearing system. Furthermore, it is specially designed to work smoothly in freshwater.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum
Weight:
0.58 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
7 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio:
5.6:1
Maximum Drag:
8.8 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono and Braided
Best Bass Spinning Reel Under $100:
Okuma Trio High-Speed Spinning Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The recent buyers are very happy with the product. They love its perfect size and smoothness for a great fishing experience. They also find it highly durable for its price. Furthermore, they love the specifications that help it become professional gear for expert fishermen on a budget.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for its versatility and capabilities that don’t fail to show in any kind of water and fishing. It is the most innovative product on the market with advanced features to improve your fishing experience as much as possible.
Who Will Use This Most
This Okuma Spinning Reel is ideal for expert fishers who do not compromise on quality and specifications of the product. It can aid them in all kinds of fishing. It can be difficult to use for amateurs since it has highly advanced features.
Bottom Line
If you are an expert who is on a budget and wants to buy a highly efficient and effective, yet affordable spinning reel, then you should buy Okuma Trio High-Speed Spinning Reel. It has advanced features and can work in any kind of water.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum, Graphite
Weight:
0.04 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Right Hand
Bearing Type and Material:
9 BB + 1 RB stainless steel
Gear Ratio:
6.2:1
Maximum Drag:
20 lbs
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Spinning Reel
As someone who aspires to become a fisherman, you need to think carefully about the gear you buy, and hence it is an investment that needs to be taken seriously. There are some benefits that you will enjoy if you invest in a quality spinning reel.
Durability
If you are buying a spinning reel, then it better last for a long time so you can get the best returns from your investment. Although the price is not the best representation of quality, the materials used to build the Reel have a great impact on the quality and durability of the product. Hence, it is advantageous to buy an aluminum or metal reel.
Highly Compatible
Different reels have different purposes, and they are compatible with different water. If you invest in a quality reel, you can use it in both freshwater and saltwater without damaging it and needing to replace it.
Enjoyable and Comfortable Fishing Experience
If you buy a quality reel then one thing you will be sure to get is a smooth experience. It will have a good and seamless drag. It will have good ball bearings and wire. Ultimately, all of this will enhance your experience.
Conclusion
There are many Spinning Reels on the market that offer great quality even though they are under $100. They are suitable for all kinds of water for all levels of professionals. Hence, you should choose from the list above your ideal Reel without worrying about the price anymore.
