7 Best Spinning Reels Under $100: Buyer’s Guide and FAQs Included
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the best spinning reels are the ones that have the best features and fit in your budget. Here, we have some of these best picks that cost you even less than $100. These are affordable and very accessible to anyone who likes to fish and still have a few leftover bucks to shop for a couple of crankbaits and some worms.
However, the sad reality is when you go shopping for reels on a budget, you will get a bunch of junk reels masquerading as the good ones. So, to save you from getting looted, we have done all the groundwork and found out some of the best spinning reels under 100 USD. So, read our review below, and we can assure you one thing, by the end of this review, you would have found a reel that best fits your needs.
Quick Navigation
- Top Rated Best Reels Under 100
- Buying Guide – How to Pick the Best Spinning Reel Under 100 USD
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Top Rated Best Spinning Reels Under 100
| Product | Rating | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
Abu Garcia Revo X |
4.8 |
$93.89 | Buy Now |
Pflueger President XT |
4.7 |
$99 | Buy Now |
Daiwa BG |
4.7 |
$99.95 | Buy Now |
SHIMANO Sedona FI |
4.6 |
$67.16 – $99.99 | Buy Now |
Okuma Ceymar |
4.7 |
$42.46-$105.53 | Buy Now |
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels |
4.5 |
$ 26.99 | Buy Now |
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel |
4.7 |
$87.41 | Buy Now |
Top Rated Best Spinning Reels Under 100
1. Abu Garcia Revo X
In their Revo X series, Abu Garcia, one of the most renowned brands shopped by the anglers, has finally launched a Revo model, which almost every angler can afford. We have tried out several Revo spinning reels before, and just like them, even this holds up to the legacy of Abu Garcia. This is the reason why Abu Garcia Revo X has been ranked at number one in our best spinning reels under 100 USD list.
One of the first things you will note about this best $100 spinning reel is that it has an all-black, sleek design, reminiscent of a stealth aircraft. What’s more? This reel is an amalgam of all the top-notch Revo features that they built into it. With this reel, you get a C6 carbon body and an insert molded X-Craftic gearbox for starters. It has a graphite handle and a machined spool, which uses the braid easy to tie on. If you opt for the 30 model, it weighs only 8.3 ounces. On the other hand, the 40 model weighs 9.1 ounces. Both of them are on equal footing, with the reels costing twice as much.
With this reel, you will get a myriad of features, such as the stainless steel bearings, rocket line management system, and the hollow Everlast bail. Owing to the rocket line management system, the castability of all the line types is improved. Further, the line lays out more evenly with a slow oscillation. On the whole, we would like to point out that the Revo X does offer a lot of features at a very reasonable price tag.
Thus, if you need one of the best spinning reels under 100 USD, which is a fine mix of affordability, durability, lightness, and strength, then Abu Garcia Revo X can be a good pick for you. It is incredible for ice fishing and is engineered for maximum casting distance, thereby reducing frustration, owing to its rocket line management system.
|
$93.89 |
4.8 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Total of seven ball bearings, which assure better corrosion protection
- Six stainless steel HPCR bearings
- One roller bearing
- Carbon matrix Hybrid drag System
- Im-C6 body design, which combines an X-Crafty gearbox design with a C6 carbon body
- Super smooth reliable drag performance
- Lightweight graphite rotor
- Rocket line management system assures better control of all types of fishing lines
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2. Pflueger President XT
At number two on our best spinning reels under 100 USD is the Pflueger President XT. It has been a repetitive entrant in the best affordable spinning reel list for years now. Honestly, it is so popular that it is almost impossible to find a negative comment about these reels. Consequently, it is one of the top-rated reels that you will find in the market.
It is a lightweight reel, at least for this class – 7.6oz and 9.1oz for the most popular sizes. The Pflueger President XT is indeed an excellent performing reel, making it one of the best picks in the top spinning reels under 100 USD list. You have an option of picking from one of the five-reel sizes to find one that matches the preferred species that you desire to fish. They have a size fit for almost anyone and anything. From the ultralight trout fishing to bass and walleye, and up to carp and steelhead, you can go after any fish of your choice.
This reel is famous for its durability. So, it can handle all the abuse and still retain its reeling performance and smooth casting for a long time. Renowned for its graphite body construction, lighter aluminum main shaft, and stainless steel components, this is indeed one of the best spinning reels under 100 USD.
Like the Revo reels, even this comes with a machined anodized aluminum spool, braid ready. The reels have an on/off anti-reverse, impressive ten stainless steel ball bearings, and a sure clicking aluminum bail.
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$99 |
4.7 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Depending on the chosen model, you can find seven to ten ball bearings
- Lightweight carbon body and rotor
- Braid-ready spool
- Multi-disc sealed oil felt drag system
- Aluminium handle with soft-touch knob
- Corrosion resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- Aluminium main shaft that is 30 percent lighter than stainless steel
- Aluminim pinion gear, which is sixty percent lighter than traditional brass gear
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Cons
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3. Daiwa BG — Most Versatile Spinning Reel Under 100 Dollars
Next in our best spinning reels under 100 USD is the Daiwa BG. It is made of machined aluminum and has a waterproof carbon drag system. This reel comes engineered with six ball bearings and has a 5.6:1 gear ratio. In this reel, you also get an anti-reverse system. The spool design of the BG offers a super-smooth casting and is capable of handling the braided lines and handling the monofilament.
See, we understand that every person needs a product at the end of the day, which caters to their needs while still fitting in their budget. In spinning reels, the Daiwa BG can be your go-to pick. The reel has very well proven its quality efficiency and is indeed a very affordable device.
Daiwa is a renowned brand for yielding top-notch quality spinning reels globally, and most of the productivity was compressed into their BG spinning reels, which they send under 100 USD only. This is indeed a fantastic reel, especially in terms of performance, cost-efficiency, and simplicity compared to the other reels, which are priced higher. Though a new model, the company has very well integrated innovation and functionality in their development.
One of the best things about this best reel under 100 USD is that it is so versatile that you can use it in almost every fishing application, depending on the size reel used when it is matched with the correct rod. Be it the surf or the ultralight freshwater tackle, and even the inshore saltwater fishing, the Daiwa is the best reel under 100 USD reel, which is adaptable to both small and large species.
Its waterproof drag favorably compares to many expensive counterparts. The drag allows for fine adjustments during a fight, which gives you the confidence that the line will be able to withstand the pressure anytime a large fish is hooked.
On the whole, this is the best $100 spinning reel, which is renowned for its multiple fishing styles and versatility. The sturdy drag and smooth retrieval, only make it one of the best picks for anglers of all skill levels and age groups.
|
$99.95 |
4.7 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Manual return bail
- Black anodized machined aluminum housing
- Waterproof drag system
- Dynamic cut aluminum abs spool
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Cons
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4. SHIMANO Sedona FI — Best Freshwater Ultralight Spinning Reel Under 100 Dollars
Shimano’s Sedona Fl is a compact and ultra-lightweight spinning reel, which is excellent for smaller freshwater species, including smaller freshwater species, such as smallmouth, panfish, sauger, and crappie. This is one of the best spinning reels under 100 USD and comes with Shimano’s famous cold-forged Hagane gears. Surprisingly, it is the first reel from the brand at this price point to offer such reliable and engineered gears. So, it deservingly is included in our top spinning reels under 100 USD list.
This best reel under 100 USD has an adequately sensitive drag system and a high gear ratio, enabling fun ultralight fishing. It is a comfortable and lightweight best reel under 100 USD when manipulating and jigging an ultralight tackle for a prolonged period. Both reel and spool work well with the ultralight and light line and tackle, thereby allowing for accurate casting and placement for lighter lures and baits.
On the whole, the Shimano Sedona is an outstanding choice for a value freshwater ultralight setup. If you have not tried the ultralight tackle before, this best reel under 100 USD can surely provide for some fun learning experiences and fights working with ultralight tackle and line. On the whole, you should invest in Shimano for its phenomenal engineering available at a very modest price tag, making it the best reel under 100 USD.
|
$67.16 – $99.99 |
4.6 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Significant performance assured at an affordable value
- Updated design and cold forged HAGANE gears
- Long lasting, strong, and a very durable performance
- Smooth for the anglers
- Capable of both inshore and offshore action
- Comes with a double anodized machine-cut spool that increases line capacity
- Very compact body
- Integrated with a propulsion line management system
- Longer casting distances
- Almost no backlashes and wind knots
- Max Drag: 7 lbs.
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1.
- Weight: 7.6 oz.
- Line Retrieve: 26″
- Bearings: 3BB + 1RB – PowerPro Line Cap: 15/85, 20/65 – Mono Line Cap: 2/270, 4/140, 6/110
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5. Okuma Ceymar
Next in our best spinning reels under 100 USD list is the Okuma Ceymar spinning reel. It is a lightweight reel, which is perfect for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. With its graphite composition rotor and frame, and an extensively skeletonized spool, this is the best reel under 100 USD for any freshwater species you may want to target. With this one you can get a lightweight reel with eight ball bearings, ensuring a smooth performance.
Though this best reel under 100 USD reel is a bit smaller in size and weight, there is zero compromise on the performance. This best reel under 100 USD is possibly lightweight because of its graphite body, side plate, and rotor. In this best reel under 100 USD reel, you can find yourself a myriad of models to pick from (10 to 65). Thus, in these spinning reels, you will easily found an option for small freshwater trout to large saltwater species. One of the primary differences between this reel and other top spinning reels under 100 USD is the “Cyclonic Flow Rotor.” Seems fancy? Well, it means an open rotor design wherein the airflow is accentuated when in movement. Thus, it has a faster drying time even when the reel is wet. This means that the chances of corrosion are significantly lowered, and the wear and tear on the reel are reduced. All of this helps increase the life of this reel.
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$42.46-$105.53 |
4.7 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Employed by professionals globally
- Has been tested for quality
- Has been duly tested for reliability
- Made from the top-notch quality materials
- Corrosion resistant
- Ideal for light inshore needs
- Designed with a graphite body, including the rotor, side plates, and the frame
- Decent gear ratio between 5:1 – 5.0:1
- Weight: 6 – 20.7 oz.
- Max Drag: 5 – 22 pounds
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6. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
At number six in our best spinning reels under 100 USD list is the KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel. It is the best reel under 100 USD for someone looking for a truly budget device without compromising the quality in the due process. Being one of the best reels under 100 USD, the design of this reel is indeed very elegant and lightweight. It is a good looking and the best $100 spinning reel, which can be availed of in eye-catching colors. The device has a phenomenal sense of power, which allows you to reel around 17.5 pounds. This best $100 spinning reel also has phenomenal ball bearings, which let you reel in the fish securely and smoothly. It is a reliable, consistent, and durable reel.
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$26.99 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- At this price, it is loaded with features
- Can turn any angler into pro
- Very lightweight
- Narrow graphite frame design and computer balancing system
- High powered reel with superior drag system
- Phenomenal stopping power up to 5 pounds.
- Hardened metal main shaft
- Perfect mesh drive gear
- Precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power
- Smooth performance
- Nine quality ball bearings
- One instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing
- Attractive and brilliant finish
- High strength two color anodized aluminum spool
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7. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
Last in our list of the best spinning reels under 100 USD is the Penn Battle II. It is the best $100 spinning reel because it possibly has everything that you may possibly need in your reel in one product. Engineered with the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, it gives it the requisite power without compromising the smooth experience.
Further, the five sealed stainless steel ball bearings make it very easy to pull without any lines getting tangled. The design of this reel is very durable and very well built. And to top it all, it is very affordable.
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$87.41 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- HT 100 carbon fiber drag system provides powerful drag without sacrificing smoothness
- Very well-built
- Durable design
- High range spinning reel ideal
- Great for conquering big saltwater game fish
- Full metal body, sideplate, and rotor and heavy duty aluminum bail wire
- Instant anti reverse bearing
- Fluid cranking with 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings
- Superline spool requires no backing, is braid ready, and has line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity
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Cons
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Buy Now
Buying Guide – How To Pick The Best Spinning Reel Under 100 USD
Want to treat yourself to a new reel without compromising on your budget? Well, we did present to you a list of some of the best spinning reels under 100 USD. We hope it should be easier for you to find the best $100 spinning reel that works for you. But how do you make that choice? Well, we understand finding one from our list might again seem like a daunting task to you, so here in this section, we will break down some vital aspects that will help you simplify the choice.
Weight and size
You can find the best spinning reels under 100 USD in a variety of different weights and sizes. The ultralight spinning reels will range between 0.5 to 1.5 pounds. On the other hand, the lightweight ones will weigh somewhere around 1.5 to 3 pounds. We recommend you shop for the ultralight best reel under 100 USD if you are chasing a small fish in the calm waters. It is because it will offer you a smoother drag and a quicker cast. Lightweight reels are ideal for a slightly heavy fish or a slower cast. However, it will need calm waters.
Reel features
Ideally, when shopping for the best reel under 100 USD, you should shop for a reel that has a full metal body. You can consider whether or not you want extra bells and whistles, such as the anti-reverse handles. Well, these do come in handy for drag and prevent the reel from spinning backward. Further, you need to consider the requisite gear ratio required – low, medium, or high.
Correct gear ratio
See, the ideal gear ratio depends on what type of fishing you want to engage in. To put it simply, the gear ratio is the number of rotations that the aluminum ball wire makes around the reel’s spoon in one single rotation by the reel handle. Let us understand this with the help of an example.
If the reel has a gear ratio of 5:1, then it means that the wire will make five rotations for every single rotation that the handle makes. In case you wish to use lures that require faster retrieves, you should opt for the reels that have a higher gear ratio.
On the other hand, the gear ratio of 4:1 is on a lot slower end. Whereas if the gear ratio is 6:1, it will be on the faster side. For the spin fishing purpose, we would recommend you to opt for one of the best spinning reels under 100 USD that has a gear ratio of 5:1.
High-quality ball bearings
Now, when you make your selection for the reel, you need to bear in mind that the reel’s line retrieval action becomes smoother as the number of ball bearings is increased. Many expert anglers recommend you to go for a fishing reel, which has the maximum number of ball bearings. However, if you seek the best $100 spinning reel, this strategy will not work. So, if you need the best in your budget, we recommend opting for the reel with at least six to seven ball bearings. This is indeed a sweet spot. Anything over this is not really necessary in most of cases. The primary difference in the ball bearing numbers is visible in the smoothness between the reels. Reels, which have around six to seven balls bearing, are not very dramatic.
Fishing in saltwater or freshwater
See, the choice of reel also depends on where you would like to fish. Do you want to fish in the freshwater bodies or in the saltwater? This is the primary factor that you need to consider when shopping for one of the best spinning reels under 100 USD. See, as a general rule of thumb, you should opt for the reels that can withstand the saltwater conditions, which require a more corrosion-resistant and durable reel as opposed to freshwater spin fishing.
A good saltwater spinning reel will be engineered with all the top-notch quality durable materials, such as forged aluminum and stainless steel. These fishing reels are sturdy and can withstand even the most challenging conditions during saltwater fishing. However, as compared to the freshwater spinning reels, these are more costly.
Quickset anti-reverse mechanism
Usually, it would help if you opted for the spinning reels whose handles do not have a backward option. If you handle moves even slightly backward, it can hamper the reel’s power and accuracy. Consequently, it impacts your chances of setting the hook when a fish takes the lure.
Generally speaking, there should not be any reverse motion restricting the handle when you have to pause the reel. This can be tested by simply moving the reel’s handle forward, followed by then reversing it gently. If the handle starts backing up, you need to put it back where you found it.
You need to look for in your reel handle that it should be long enough and with a large knob. Consequently, it makes it easy for you to hold on to even when it is getting wet or when your hands are greasy.
Top-quality drag
The drag system of your reel is necessary to transmit the line pressure onto the fish. However, at the same time, it also helps release the line if you are fighting a fierce fish, which is strong enough to break the line. Moreover, a top-quality drag system works smoothly to release the line in a consistent and a controlled manner when a fish dives or runs with full power. Do ensure that the reel does not stall or jerk while releasing the line. Any drag, which stutters, is typically a wrong pick. Several pro anglers suggest opting for a front-drag system as it makes it easy for you to adjust the drag setting faster when battling a giant fish. After you have made a choice and found one of your best spinning reels under 100 USD, you can add a line to it.
Line capacity
You need to analyze the line capacity on the spinning reel that you buy. The line capacity rating depicts the middle line capacity. So, you can adjust the rating. For instance, a middle line capacity of six pounds can hold six-pound line and a four-pound line as well as the eight-pound line.
Warranty
If you shop for the best spinning reels under 100 USD, you will get a one-year limited warranty on your reel. The longer warranty and greater protection is offered if any part of the spinning reel malfunctions. It would help if you considered the warranty in comparison to its price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still, have some doubts and queries about the top spinning reels under 100 USD? Well, fret no more. We will address them too for you. Here, we will take them up one by one and answer all your questions and doubts.
Ques 1. Which is the best saltwater spinning reel that fits in your budget?
Ans. Before we help you with the best reel under 100 USD, you should be aware of the purpose for which you are shopping this reel. Please bear in mind; there will be a massive difference between wanting a lightweight reel for casting on the calm waters every few months compared to a fisher who needs a durable reel that can tackle challenging gamefish each day.
Remember, as a general rule of thumb, the best $100 spinning reel will always be a lightweight reel, which has a greater number of ball bearings, offers corrosion resistance, and comes with an anti-reverse function.
Though the reels designed for saltwater applications can be used in fresh water, the same does not hold for the freshwater reels. If a reel is intended exquisitely for freshwater, it will easily rust in saltwater conditions.
Ques 2. Are the spinning reels more superior to the baitcasters for saltwater fishing?
Ans. See, it is important to note that there is a considerable difference between spinning reels and baitcasting reels. When it comes to casting, there can be a bit of a learning curve involved, especially as opposed to the pull and throw cast, which is possible with the spinning reels. You will also have to adjust spool tension in a baitcaster every time you change the bait or lure. Though this is relatively easier to do, it can be a bit tedious and tiresome when all you planned to do was fishing.
Finally, as far as the weight is concerned, the spinning reels are known for their ultra-light construction. You can find them in a myriad of different spool sizes, depending on the fish species and the line preference being targeted.
In the end, when it comes to fishing in the saltwater, your first consideration should be your own preference, and then you need to take into account the kind of fishing that you will be engaging in.
Both reels have their own set of benefits and limitations when it comes to fishing. If you like spinning reels, well, they are durable, lightweight, and effortless to control. Thus, they are a good option for fishing. However, again, we will say the same thing; it is all a matter of preference and taste when it comes to deciding which one of the two is better.
Ques 3. What are the primary differences between freshwater and saltwater spinning reels?
Ans. As far as the functionality is concerned, both freshwater and saltwater reels have similar functionality, especially when it comes to the reel’s performance and mechanics. However, the primary difference between a freshwater and a saltwater spinning reel is that the latter offers you corrosion-resistance.
Saltwater is typically very corrosive. This means that if it gets into your best $100 spinning reel, it can erode the mechanisms and the gears. Consequently, it can lead to irreversible damage. Not only is this going to hamper your water day out, but the corrosion has a direct implication on the life of your reel. In other words, you will have to replace the reel much faster and much often. Thus, that makes the reel an expensive affair for an average angler.
Conclusion
There are a number of options for best spinning reels under 100 USD, which offer you phenomenal quality, regardless of their budget pricing. They are ideal for all professional and skill levels and all types of water. Thus, you should make your pick from the best spinning reels under 100 USD list mentioned above. Be assured that you will never have to regret it. Happy Fishing!