Best Spinning Reel Under $100 – Complete Review & Buying Guide

1. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel

Why We Love It

• Known as one of the best small-sized spinning reel which can be used in saltwater as well as freshwater
• Moreover, the whole body is made up of graphite, so it weighs only 0.4 pounds
• Also, it has a sealed drag system which works smoothly even after using it in saltwater

If you are searching for a small sized reel with max capacity of 20 lbs, then this one will be the best option for you to choose.

The most impressive feature,

The build quality is exceptional enough to handle small fishes from harbour or bays. Plus, you can use it heavily inside a freshwater lake or pond.

Also, the 7 ball bearings give a smooth and fast performance while fishing.

Zooming in more features,

The sealed drag system is what many professional anglers would appreciate as it will make sure that the saltwater or any debris doesn’t get inside the drag.

Also, the graphite construction is corrosion resistant so you can also use it for offshore or onshore fishing.

Last but not least,

The Pflueger brand is known for making the best affordable spinning reels.

Opinion

People who want to target small fishes from ponds, lakes, and saltwater can get this spinning reel with a maximum available size of 4000. However, anything over that can easily break the reel.
During testing we found that it works nicely with a powerful drag and smooth performance because of its 7 stainless steel ball bearings. Therefore, it is a good option to go for if you will use it lightly and carefully. 

2. PENN Pursuit III 4000C Spinning Fishing Reel

Why We Love It

• Coming from a trusted brand, this reel has a lightweight and anti-corrosion body
• Moreover, the carbon fiber drag system gives a smooth performance even with heavy fishes
• Perfect choice for beginners and light saltwater use and heavy freshwater use

PENN is a popular brand when it comes to spinning reels. One such best spinning reel is this Pursuit III with a nice and sleek design and lightweight body.

Cheers!

Get ready to use it during your next boat fishing trip in saltwater as well as freshwater.

However, the capacity is only 4000, which is quite low. If you want to target large fishes, check out the best spinning reels 2023 for good options.

What’s about performance,

Also, this top spinning reel under $100 comes with a smooth and powerful drag system with no compromise. However, the number of ball bearings is only 5 so it might be a problem for some of you.

Otherwise, it is a good deal at such a cheap price.

Opinion

People who want to be good anglers and fish occasionally will love this cheap and capable reel. The reel can be used in saltwater too, because it has a corrosion-resistant body and a sealed drag.

However, use it lightly in saltwater, it is not for large fishes as the size is only 4000. Therefore, it is great to go deal with such a low price range and strong build with amazing features. 

3. Daiwa Legalis LT 6.2:1 Spinning Fishing Reel

Why We Love It

• They used carbon based composite for its construction which makes the body lightweight yet tough 
• Also, there are 6 stainless steel ball bearings, which makes sure the reel performs smoothly during operation 
• Lastly, the looks are much appealing with its stylish appearance and shiny finish

Daiwa is one of the best spinning reel brands known for their amazing quality spinning reels with eminent power.

Therefore, you can go for this one with a blind eye.

What’s about construction?

The reel comes with a highly lightweight construction for a day long fishing trip. Moreover, this reel is perfect for targeting small fishes with its size 2500. 

What does advancement say?

Additionally, you can cast long distances with its advanced ballistics system, which uses 6 stainless steel ball bearings.

Besides that, you can’t use this reel in saltwater as the spinning reel’s material is not strong enough and corrosion resistant. So, it may stop working because of corrosion. On the other hand, you can use it extensively in freshwater.

Opinion

In our opinion, this spinning reel is great and one of the best affordable spinning reels available. You can target small freshwater fishes and cast great distances with its smooth and fast performance.

The drag is also good, and the maximum drag is 22 lbs. Besides that, you can’t use it in saltwater as it may corrode. However, you can use it in freshwater for years, but only for small fishes weighing 8-12 pounds.

4. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel 

Why We Love It

• Features a total of 11 stainless steel ball bearings for a smooth performance
• Additionally, you can use it in saltwater as well with its water resistant spool designed and sealed parts 
• Moreover, the reel also comes with an instant anti-reverse feature which makes sure the line doesn’t tangle or break

The Sharky III is a smooth spinning reel with 11 stainless steel ball bearings. Yes, it is perfect for freshwater as well as saltwater fishing.

Why we like it most?

Actually, it has layers of corrosion resistant and water resistant coatings. So, you need not worry while taking it for an offshore fishing trip.

Other than 2000 size, they also have this reel in sizes up to 5000 for medium-sized fishes.

The drag is super!

They provide you with a triple disc carbon fiber drag which has a smooth working and a maximum range of 40 lbs. Therefore, it is a great option for small fishes.

As said earlier you can use it in saltwater but only for small fishes up to 6-8 lbs. Otherwise, it’s the best reel under $100.

Opinion

If you want a spinning reel with highly durable quality and cheap price, then this reel would be the best option. It can withstand a good amount of pressure if handled carefully.

Moreover, you can use it in saltwater too with its corrosion resistant build. However, the size is only available up to 5000 which can handle medium-sized fishes. Hence, if you are satisfied with the size limit, you can definitely go for this spinning reel.

5. Penn FRCIII2500 Fierce III 2500 Spin Reel

Why We Love It

• One of the lightest and yet powerful spinning reel in our list of best spinning reels under $100
• You don’t have to worry about the tangles and breakage because the instant anti-reverse feature will take care of it
• Also, you can change the hand orientation by simply detaching the handle
• The brand name PENN is enough to know the long-lasting quality of a spinning reel.

Do you understand?

Unlike many other spinning reels, this one offers a great casting distance with a smoothly working drag.

Furthermore, the 2500 reel size is also perfect for freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing. However, it can handle only small sized fishes weighing up to 8 lbs.

Get ready to enjoy smoother fishing ever.

The FIERCE III is known for offering smooth working even while fighting with a strong fish with its rotors.

However, it includes only five ball bearings which are enough to handle light working; anything over that can damage the reel, so do maintain it.

Opinion

It’s the last and one of the best affordable spinning reels in this article. We would recommend using this spinning reel for light usage. Otherwise, it may break or stop working. However, the line capacity will ensure you won’t get a big fish.
Other than that, it’s a good one. Many professional anglers use this spinning reel to target small fishes on the bay or onshore. Also, it’s an excellent option for freshwater fishing.