Best Spinning Reels of 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

1. Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel

Why I Love It

• This spinner reel is fully made of metal which makes it durable and long-lasting.
• It offers a powerful drag with its HT 100 carbon fibre drag system.
• You can easily do saltwater fishing with the courtesy of anti-reverse bearing.

Are you searching for a long lasting and powerful spinning reel? You are at the right place. Manufactured by PENN Fishing, this fishing module is the best spinner reel in this list.

In the light of my previous experience, I have concluded it a durable unit. Be excited to fight big sea water fishes with the support of stainless steel body and powerful drag.

Are you happy to hear it?

Don’t be hurry. You should be thankful to its exclusive CNC gears to enjoy smooth but powerful fishing experience.

Additionally, I felt this reel is quite heavy so make sure you would be able to handle it. However, the brand assures a long-lasting performance with its 5 sealed ball bearings and metallic body.

Last but not least, this spinning reel is a blessing for the left-handed. They can also use this spinning reel with simple unscrewing the handle and attaching it to the other side.

Final Opinion

Regarding fishing reels, PENN is also known as the best spinning reel brand. The smooth work and amazing build quality speak on their behalf.

I would recommend this best-rated spinning reel to someone who does rigorous fishing because the durable and heavy body is not something everyone could handle. Moreover, the anti-reverse bearing is the most special feature I liked in this spinning reel. 

2. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel 

Why I Love It

• The reel comes with an already braided line spool which makes it easier to use.
• Left-handed people can also use this spinning reel by simply removing and attaching the handle to the other side.
• Made out of high-quality aluminum, it is durable for a long lasting reeling experience.

As a fisher, I have a strong idea that a heavy duty spinning reels is hard to find. Do you agree? However, not in this case, the Daiwa Bg spinning reel has a superb line capacity so that it can be used in freshwater and saltwater too.

What’s about corrosion?

I bet, this amazing unit of reel won’t get corroded due to salt water. Wow! All this is due to its highly durable aluminum build. Also, I found out that the drag works smoothly even while fighting with big fishes. 

This reel also offers you with an infinite anti-reverse system so that your line won’t get tangled due to reversing.

That’s impressive!

Moreover, you won’t need any monofilament backing as the rubber gasket around the spool makes it easier to spool. Additionally, it can cover a good casting distance with smooth working.

Final Opinion

If you are a person who loves seawater fishing, then this spinning reel is made for you. My experience shows that this reel can cast longer distances easily.

Moreover, the durable aluminum build won’t corrode for years so that you can fight those big sea monsters with no hassle.

However, it’s on the heavier side so get this one if you can handle its weight. Otherwise, it’s the best spinning reel for money at such a good price range.

3. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

Why I Love It

• It is a small but durable spinning reel with C-10 size perfect for smaller and medium sized fishes.
• The multi disc drag system gives you a powerful drag.
• Moreover, the corrosion resistant body makes it last longer than other spinning reels.

Having an excellent quality spinning reel is as important as a good fishing rod paired with it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to catch your targeted fishes.

Yeah! Amongst these top 10 spinning reels, the mentioned spinning reel manufactured by OKUMA is one of such model you won’t regret having.

Do you love freshwater fishing?

Cheers! The C-10 size is perfect for smaller fishes usually spotted in lakes and ponds. I, really, love this feature.

Do you know what attracted me most? It is cheaper than many other spinning reels with the same features. You will need to pair it with a light fishing rod for excellent results.

However, you can’t use it in saltwater because its material is not that strong and will corrode once it gets in contact with saltwater.

Moreover, it has a lesser line capacity. As a result, this lightweight, cheap, small reel is perfect for a riverside trip. 

Final Opinion

This C-10 OKUMA spinner reel will be perfect for beginners and freshwater fisheries. Moreover, the price range is lower than many other reels in this list.

However, the line capacity is smaller so do not expect to get an enormous fish with it. It can only handle small and medium-sized fishes. Besides that it will give a smooth performance for a longer time if used carefully. 

4. Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Fishing Reel

Why l Love It

• This spinning reel has an amazingly smooth performance with its 9 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing.
• One of the lightest spinning reel I have tested because of its carbon and stainless steel build 
• Moreover, the powerful drag system will let you work easily with its maximum drag capacity of 24 pounds

In my opinion, Abu Garcia is also one of the leading brands making fishing reels. One such model which speaks on behalf of the brand is this REVO SX also known as the best rated spinning reel.

Do you know what makes it different?

This impressive spinning reel comes with a durable but lightweight design. Yes! It is perfect for beginners. Moreover, the incredibly great dual braking system makes sure you are going to have a full control on your spinning reel.

I would say that it has an amazing smoothness while casting and dragging because of its 10 ball bearings and a carbon matrix drag system. I checked the line capacity that is also great for small seawater fishes.

However, I found out that the handle gets a bit loose and inconvenient after using. Otherwise, it is a good option to go for its nice and long-lasting features.

Final Opinion

A small and smooth reel is what this one called. We tested this reel in freshwater as well as seawater and it works perfectly fine in both cases. As said earlier, it is smooth as silk.

I recommend this reel to anyone who wants to have a small reel in his collection to catch smaller species. However, it has some flaws in its construction which are overshadowed by its amazing set of features.

5. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Fishing Reel

Why I Love It

• This reel comes with 6 stainless steel ball bearings for a smooth and speedy performance.
• You don’t have to worry about the tangled lines because of its instant anti-reverse function 
• It is the best choice for surf fishing with its powerful drag and long casting distances

Durable, good looks and power this spinning reel manufactured by PENN has it all. I love to be thankful to its instant anti-reverse system or 6 stainless ball bearings for a smooth performance. Moreover, the IPX5 sealed body makes sure that the water doesn’t get inside the gearbox.

Is it not amazing?

Also, it has a good build quality which made me using it for sea water fishing and long lasting. 

However, the reel size is 2500 so it can only handle smaller fish with weight up to 14 lbs. Therefore, it is a good option to go for if you love freshwater fishing or if you are targeting smaller fishes.

That’s a good choice, of course.

Otherwise, all its features are up to the mark except the capacity. I should get at such a high price. 

Final Opinion

As promised by the brand, this is truly a good one. The special feature of this best spin reel is its drag system. It has a powerful and smooth drag as we experienced it.

Moreover, it is a perfect choice for catching small fish in seawater as it won’t corrode easily. However, the price is somehow high for a small sized reel but it has excellent quality.

Therefore, you can consider this option if you need a small but highly durable spinning reel. This C-10 OKUMA spinner reel will be perfect for beginners and freshwater fisheries. Moreover, the price range is lower than many other reels in this list.

However, the line capacity is smaller so do not expect to get an enormous fish with it. It can only handle small and medium-sized fishes. Besides that it will give a smooth performance for a longer time if used carefully. 

6. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Why I Love It

• It comes with a smooth and perfect working with its 9 stainless steel ball bearings. 
• They also provided a great carbon matrix hybrid drag system for a hassle-free performance
• Moreover, it is one of the lightest spinning reel which makes it perfect for using for a longer time 

Introduce yourself with a lightweight and best budget spinning reel. I bet it will be perfect for a riverside trip where you must hold the fishing rod longer.

Keeping that in mind, I would like to brought you this one of the lightest reel for making your task easier. It comes with an amazingly smooth drag which lets you work easily.

That’s fantastic!

Moreover, you should say thanks to 9 ball bearings that helps in for a smoother and easier reeling experience.

The lightweight design is also amazing due to its carbon C6 and stainless steel build. Keep in mind, it is not for seawater fishing because it may get corroded.

Are you still with me?

On the other hand, it will work for years for freshwater fishing. Last but not least, we also spotted that the anti-reverse system is not of much use, it stops working after a while.

Final Opinion

I would like to offer you the REVO SX spinning reel for an occasional riverside trip because it is the perfect size for small fish species. Moreover, it is lightweight so that your hands won’t pain even after an entire day reeling. Also, the drag system works smoothly.

However, it is somehow expensive with these features. You can check out my other recommendations for freshwater fishing at a lower price. If you are a person who loves seawater fishing, then this spinning reel is made for you. My experience shows that this reel can cast longer distances easily.

Moreover, the durable aluminum build won’t corrode for years so that you can fight those big sea monsters with no hassle.

However, it’s on the heavier side so get this one if you can handle its weight. Otherwise, it’s the best spinning reel for money at such a good price range.

7.  SHIMANO Stradic FL Spinning Fishing Reel

Why I Love It

• It is made up of highly durable metal which gives rigidity and long-lasting usage
• Moreover, the layers of water resistant coatings makes it ideal for seawater fishing.
• This reel comes with different drag settings, providing a smooth drag in any condition. 

Meet with another nice-looking reel that is offering a powerful drag. I think, this is what every angler looks for while getting a spinning reel.

Do you agree?

If you are one of these anglers, get this full metal bodied reel which can cast longer distances. Moreover, the cross carbon drag provides an amazing and smooth drag with many drag settings to choose from.

Exploring more, it is offering different reel sizes to choose from for a better reeling experience. I tried using this reel in saltwater for months and to my surprise, it worked consistently with no corrosion or problems.

Many spinning reel reviews suggest that it is quite expensive as compared to other spinning reels with the same features and line capacity. Otherwise, it is a great option to go for with a long-lasting performance. 

Final Opinion

We would recommend this silver finish spinning reel by Shimano to anyone with a good budget. It has excellent features such as 7 ball bearings, smooth operation and powerful drag.

However, it lacks the anti-reverse system which is much needed while seawater fishing. Otherwise, it is a great option to go for as it will last longer and for its non-corrosive metal body, size and powerful drag system. 

8. Abu Garcia Revo S Spinning Reel

Why I Love It

• It can control all types of fishing lines with its rocket line management system.
• Can be called as the best spinning reel for money for the quality build it offers.
• Moreover, the 8 ball bearings makes reeling easier and smoother than ever before.

REVO S is one of the lightest spinning reels manufactured by Abu Garcia. Be happy! It comes with a stainless steel and carbon C6 body for long-lasting performance. Also, we noticed that the carbon matrix drag system works amazingly for such a price range.

With this one, you can enjoy freshwater and seawater fishing and target smaller fishes. 

Are you ready in knowing more?

Great! It has 7 corrosion resistant stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing which provides maximum smoothness and increased speed.

I noticed, this reel is pretty noisy so make sure you are fine with it if you get this one. Otherwise, it is the perfect and best spinner reel in all aspects such as smoothness, power and price range. 

Final Opinion

The features in this spinning reel are perfect for the price range which is an outstanding deal to go for. Moreover, this reel will be the perfect choice for surf fishing with its corrosion-resistant material.

However, it is a small sized reel hence, do not expect to catch a big seawater fish with it. So, do consider this option and shortlist it if you want a lightweight and small sized reel.

9. Okuma Cedros Saltwater Spinning Reel 

Why I Love It

• It has a magnesium and aluminum construction which makes it sturdy and durable.
• Also, the dual force drag system lets the user have a smooth and painless reeling experience.
• Unlike other spinning reels, these reels feature seven non corrosive stainless steel ball bearings.

Getting a new reel after the first one broke is a hard task because there are many spinning reels available. Is that right? Never mind, you can trust me.

The mentioned spinning reel is specifically made for experienced anglers. It features a good build quality due to the aluminum and magnesium construction.

Moreover, we found it to be incredibly smooth with its dual drag system and 7 ball bearings.

Best of all, the handle is what I would love to appreciate for its good build quality and ability to handle big fishes.

They even call it the best value spinning reel. Unlike many other spinning reels, this reel won’t corrode easily because of its anti-corrosion coating.

As a result, you can use it in saltwater for catching big fishes. Last but not least, as a left-handed person, I was able to use it by simply switching the handle from right to left. 

Final Opinion

Get this one if you are really serious about saltwater fishing and want to target big fishes because it is a powerful one. Experienced people can handle all these high quality features so it might be hard for beginners.

Highlighting the qualities, it has everything which can help you in fighting bigger fishes such as dual anti-reverse system, powerful drag, good line capacity which makes it a equality spinning reel strong However, the only downfall it has is its weight as this reel is too heavy to handle. 

I would recommend this silver finish spinning reel by Shimano to anyone with a good budget. It has excellent features such as 7 ball bearings, smooth operation and a powerful drag.

However, it lacks the anti-reverse system which is much needed while seawater fishing. Otherwise, it is a great option to go for as it will last longer and for its non-corrosive metal body, size and powerful drag system.

10. Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Spinning Reel

Why I Love It

• Its highly durable and incredibly strong construction will make it last for years.
• Moreover, it is used by many experienced anglers for its fast moving gears with a gear ratio of 7.0:1.
• Lastly, the 9 ball bearings work smoothly and makes casting and dragging easier.

According to my experience, gear ratio is the most important thing to look for in a spinning reel after the size of the reel. Am I right? As a result, I have brought you this best spinner reel with an amazing gear ratio of 7.0:1.

Wow!

Amazingly, I noticed this reel can swiftly pick up the line making it easier to catch bigger targets. Furthermore, the rocket line management system works perfectly with all types of fishing lines and offers a good casting distance. 

Additionally, I noticed a consistent and smooth performance while testing with its 9 stainless steel ball bearings. These features are enough for it to be the best spinning reel in the world. 

Do you agree?

All in all, it will be the perfect choice for seawater fishing because of its powerful drag and gear ratio. However, the anti-reverse system is not that good in this reel’s case. 

Final Opinion

As a person who loves seawater fishing, I would recommend this reel to anyone searching for a high-end seawater spinning reel. However, the anti-reverse system is not as powerful as advertised. Besides that, the ball bearings work smoothly during any rigorous fights.

Moreover, it is an expensive one with high speed because of its excellent ratio. Hence, you can consider this option if you love seawater fishing. As promised by the brand, this is truly a good one. The special feature of this best spin reel is its drag system.

It has a powerful and smooth drag as we experienced it. Moreover, it is a perfect choice for catching small fish in seawater as it won’t corrode easily. However, the price is somehow high for a small sized reel but it has an excellent quality.

Therefore, you can consider this option if you need a small but highly durable spinning reel. According toy thinking and experience, this C-10 OKUMA spinner reel will be the perfect choice for beginners and freshwater fisheries.

Moreover, the price range is lesser compared to many other reels in this list. Keep on mind, the line capacity is smaller so do not expect to get an enormous fish with it.

It can only handle small and medium-sized fishes. Besides that it will give a smooth performance for a longer time if used carefully.