Experienced anglers know how the success of their efforts is connected to the type of fishing reel they are using. A good quality spinning reel is suitable for both beginner and professional anglers.
Are you looking for the best spinning reels under $100?
Don’t worry!
In this article, we have listed the top 10 best spinning reels under $100. They are sufficient for bass saltwater, trout, and other types of fishing.
Whether you are a professional or an amateur angler, you will find the best spinning reels under 100 dollars from our top ten list.
- Lucky for you, we also have reviewed some of the great spinning reels under $50.
Best Spinning Reel under $100 in 2023
Check out the top 10 best spinning reels under $100 in 2033.
- 1. Pflueger President Spinning Reel – Best Overall
- 2. KastKing Summer & Centron – Editor’s Choice
- 3. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel – Best Value for the Money
- 4. Penn 1481260 Spin fisher VI – Best Saltwater Spinning Reel
- 5. KastKing Valiant Eagle – Suitable for Fresh & Saltwater
- 6. Pflueger President XT – High-speed Gear Ratio
- 7. Sougayilang Spinning Reel – Smooth Casting
- 8. PENN Fierce Live Liner – Premium Choice
- 9. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel – Affordable
- 10. Abu Garcia Revo SX – Best Ultra-Light Spinning Reel
1. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel – Top Pick
Our top position of the best spinning reel under $100 is undoubtedly the Pflueger President, which is one of the best budget spinning reels on the market. It could be a perfect choice for both lake and river fishing.
The design of the model has been revised in the latest version and most buyers give positive feedback about the performance and quality of this model. It is an excellent match for most ultra-light fishing rods.
Pflueger President spinning reel is plenty smooth whilst reeling and has enough drag range for its size. The handle can be moved to either side for left or right-handed cranking. The bail is thick and makes a good click for casting when set back for the retrieve. It is designed to keep braids mostly secured without backing.
The slower retrieve rate allows you to keep light baits suspended in the water longer. It is fully adjustable cast control with sound. Pflueger President spinning reel is also very comfortable in the hand while moving and the rubber handle on the real Grips wet and dries fingers faster.
The frame is made of top-grade aluminum, which makes it much lighter than conventional reel frames. Furthermore, it is very strong, and the Advanced Ballistics System spool has a good strength-to-weight ratio and you can handle it effortlessly during a long day of fishing.
Remember that the 30X size spinning reel stalk is a little short or tight on the rod. So beware if you have larger hands or like the space. Also, these fishing reels run small compared to other manufacturers.
PROS
- The best budget spinning reel on the market
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Built in graphite body and rotor
- Comfortable and smooth cast
- It has 10 bearing system
CONS
- Not rated for that heavy of a line
- It’s a bit noisy
2. KastKing Summer & Centron Smooth Spinning Reel
The KastKing Summer 4000 is able to hold around 450 meters of 20 lbs braid and it is super quiet when reeling. It boasts the best technologies in the processing of materials and you can’t beat this model for the price. It will provide better performance than high-end models.
It doesn’t twist the line like other spin-cast reels and it is almost as smooth as the high-price brands. The smoothness of operation is ensured by 6 ball bearings and a roller bearing.
KastKing Summer 4000 spinning reel is light enough as a fishing reel, weighing only 9.1 ounces. Thanks to the narrow design of the graphite frame, which makes it looks pretty cool.
The Summer & Centron model has a braking power of 17.5 lbs, the same as the KastKing Royale Legend. It has a fantastic black and blue color scheme that is amazing on any rod. This model is also durable and strong enough, you can use it for almost all types of fishing.
It holds more fishing lines and can put more pressure on hooked fish. In addition, KastKing Summer 4000 spinning reel is equipped with a machined aluminum handle. It is suitable for spinning, freshwater, and saltwater fishing.
However, if you are a professional, you can escape this model because it was designed for novice anglers. Also, this model feels a bit uncomfortable because of its size, even considering the metal that’s cut out around the spool this reel feels heavy.
However, you can reduce the weight to choose from 10 different sizes. Keep in mind that the crank handle is a little small for someone with large hands.
PROS
- Two-color anodized aluminum spool
- Lightweight and compact design
- Precision pinion gear system
- Unique design handle
- Premium quality inner parts
CONS
- Summer is not rated for saltwater
- Doesn’t include an extra spool
3. Daiwa Bg Budget-Friendly Spinning Reel
If you want to get a solid quality spinning reel under 100 dollars with everything you need and nothing you don’t, the Daiwa Bg is the right option for you. The BG 3000 is a small-size model, but the action is very good. With its practical design, you can make it reel without even using the handle.
This series of spinning reels has a common feature in all six sizes, namely a fast recovery ratio. These are fairly large with a lot of line capacity. It’s a great spinning reel suitable for different types of fishing rods and great for both beginners and professionals.
Daiwa Bg fishing reel is light and comfy and holds about 600 yards of 30lb braid. It’s very handy for its size and can be used for saltwater.
In the manufacturing part, Daiwa spinning reel is constructed of high-quality aluminum which makes it strong and durable. It is very smooth and has a ton of power behind it. It’s a great heavy-duty spinning reel to ensure will balance that is required to handle bigger species.
The only drawback is the way the line (832 Suffix or Daiwa J Braid) spools initially but this evens out if you use the included washers. Otherwise, you get a bottom-heavy spooling.
PROS
- Retrieve is buttery smooth
- Solid and durable construction
- This is an outstanding reel
- It is very steady
- Different size available
CONS
- Heavy compared to more expensive reels
4. Penn 1481260 Spin fisher VI Spinning Saltwater Reel
The fully waterproof design of the Penn Spinfisher VI makes it a good choice for those who like to fish for surfing or who go out often on difficult days and face a lot of sprays. This model is placed in an average price range with an amazing quality of materials.
The body and side plate are made entirely of metal to withstand heavy loads. It has an extra lever towards the rear of the reel and an extra drag to control the drag while free lining. With CNC gear technology, the Penn Spinfisher VI fishing reel is great for saltwater surf and strong fighting fish.
However, it doesn’t come with an extra spool. It features an excellent seal against water and sand with outstanding drag power! Not required to put mono before braid. It has a rubber lining in the middle of the spool so you can put the braid directly but use a uni knot to secure the line well.
However, this model is not as smooth as some of the other high-end reels but the gears are strong and less likely to strip with a big fish on the line. Being watertight means that the seals restrict the handle from free spinning.
PROS
- IPX5 sealed body
- Handles big fish beautifully
- excellent build-in quality
- Good choice for the price
- Small and lightweight
CONS
- The seal for the side plate is a very thin
5. KastKing Valiant Eagle Spinning Reel for Fresh & Saltwater
We continue with a very light reel weighing only Weight: 9.8 oz, made by KastKing in an elegant combination of green and black. The KastKing Valiant Eagle is a great spinning reel under 100 for both beginner and professional anglers.
It’s very simple to move the handle from the right to the left. With EVA Handle Knobs, it is lightweight, smooth, and filled with 8lb test casts for a country mile. It has a dual drag system. You have a normal drag that controls the drag on the spool and the lower drag controls the bite indicator. This allows you to have your bell closed on the reel and still let a fish bite and take the line out at a controlled rate.
The frame and rotor of the KastKing Valiant Eagle have enhanced graphite. The aluminum spool features a sealed carbon drag system that is completely waterproof. It will keep the carbon drag washers dry to deliver consistent, smooth, and powerful drag pressure to handle strong fish.
KastKing fishing spool is also equipped with protective technology that allows isolation from impurities. This model is rated for both salt and freshwater and is perfect for bass fishing.
The braid is 20 lb and 300 yards and 30lb 240 yards. It can handle really whatever you want to put on there. Just know the higher the pound the less line you can spool. You can put 12 lbs line on the 3000. And it will hold roughly 150 yards of 12lb.
Overall, KastKing Valiant Eagle spinning reel is the perfect item for those who want to start fishing on a limited budget.
PROS
- Robust and waterproof body to protect the engine from salt and infiltrations
- Comes with 1 year limited warranty
- Lightfast but very strong frame
- Built in breakthrough technology
- Small in size but looks beautiful
CONS
- It’s not as smooth as the 1000 reel of the same model
- Small size
6. Pflueger President XT Spinning Fishing Reel
Pflueger President XT spinning reel is made from high-quality aluminum main shaft, aluminum pinion gear, sealed drag, carbon fiber handle, and a rubber cork knob. It is perfect for bass fishing and the 30 size is perfect for all types of species. The Pflueger President XT is equally suitable for both fresh and saltwater.
It has an infinite anti-reverse, so they stop at all locations for 360 degrees. This spinning fishing reel is great for using braid as a line with or without a Fluoro leader. It holds plenty of lines. This unit seems like it should be a $100+ reel, but you can get it for less than $70.
Pflueger President XT spinning reel is lightweight and very fluid. With a magnesium and aluminum body, it provides 5 sizes ranging. The bail has a nice positive-sounding click when activated.
The drag is very smooth and the cork knob feels nice to grip and use. The colors on the reel are great to add to the Carbon Fiber handle and cork knob and this really tops it all off.
The handles and overall look even nicer than the original President Reel. But we don’t like the reel handle orbit because it is not in a plane close enough to the reel.
PROS
- Best value for money on the market
- Perfect for bass fishing
- Cork handle is nice for wet hands
- Solid mechanical strength
- Color looks cool
CONS
- It feels a little weird when reeling
7. Sougayilang Smooth Aluminum Spinning Reel
Let’s move on, with a really economical spinning reel suitable for all kinds of pockets. However, it is not affected by the low cost and offers excellent performance across the board.
Sougayilang spinning reel has a great drag and is very smooth. The max drag is 28 lbs. It is small but strong and would work for crappie fishing for sure. This model also comes with an extra free spare spool.
Sougayilang’s one-instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing provides an ultra-smooth fishing experience. It is equipped with precision brass gears, hardened metal main shaft, and triple-disc carbon drag washers. It is also designed with an interchangeable right and left CNC machined aluminum handle.
Sougayilang spinning reel has a great balancing system, which gives a solid model. This model is lightweight, which makes it a great choice for a long time of fishing. You won’t feel any pain. It offers a nice blend of durability and solidity, which should allow it to please most fishermen.
The 4000 would work fine most of the time but might be a little light for big cats. However, there is some slop, and it just does not “feel” like a top-end reel because of its price. However, this model doesn’t have a weight limit.
PROS
- You can switch the handle very easily
- Comes with Free Spare Graphite Spool
- Built-in high-quality materials
- Drag is pretty smooth
- Very cheap price
CONS
- Handle/knob on the handle is too big
8. PENN Fierce Live Liner Spinning Fishing Reel
It’s the 3rd generation spinning reel under 100, which means they’ve had a few years to improve the design. This enhancement comes in the form of a three-carbon fiber disc drag, an oversized main shaft, and a sturdier manganese brass sprocket to give you a lot of power against these monster fish.
The drag of the PENN Fierce Live Liner spinning reel is very strong and you can adjust mid-fight remarkably easily. The drag is easily accessible and adjustable with the top dial. It has a huge capacity of 39.5 lbs. The quality and type of operation are the first elements to overcome and take note of.
The PENN Fierce is a great little spinning reel for light tackle. Although the price is remarkably low, it is built to last. There is no reverse switch on these so you don’t have to worry about getting a “Birds nest”.
PENN Fierce Live Liner fishing reel case comes well-sealed with a removable handle for maintenance. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. A huge plus if you like to mix it up every now and then. This model’s super versatile, even sensitive enough for 10 years old boys to use it.
PROS
- It’s lightweight but durable
- Very easy to set up and use
- Drag works great
- Plenty of control over the battle
- Reliable clutch for the price range
CONS
- Bearings could be smoother
9. Okuma Ceymar Affordable Spinning Reel
The Okuma Ceymar is one of the best complete groups of spinning reels on the market. This fishing reel is suitable for fishing for trout, sunfish, small perch, and many other large-small fish. It could be an excellent choice for beginner or intermediate anglers to make the fishing rod more convenient.
The corrosion-resistant body design is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Because of its size, it is significantly more suitable for freshwater.
Okuma Ceymar spinning reel has a fantastic drive system with 8 bearings and an elliptical gear, which allows it to offer smooth performance. Better balance also makes it much easier to start and stop recovery. This means that less inertia is needed.
Okuma Ceymar fishing reel is very easy to discard and recover. The fact that it is fairly affordable, makes this model one of the best options under $100 for newcomers to fishing.
This model is fairly lightweight, only 8.6oz. However, it has a capacity of 110yd / 4lb that must be paired with an ultra-light fishing rod for maximum effect. Overall, it will give you a fantastic configuration that will not overload the fish you are trying to catch.
PROS
- Weighs only 8 ounces
- Affordable but high quality
- Suitable for fishing for small fish
- Smooth and lightweight design
- Great for inshore saltwater fishing
CONS
- Not durable
- It doesn’t resist falling on a hard surface
10. Abu Garcia Revo SX Ultra-Light Spinning Reel
Abu Garcia Revo SX spinning reel made of lightweight carbon body with elegant design. It is a bigger, more powerful spinning reel compared to the other series from Abu Garcia. This model holds more lines and heavier lines. It is very smooth, and it works great. For the price, it is one of the best trolling reels under $100 on the high seas.
Abu Garcia Revo SX spinning reel is super light with very strong frame construction, to provide long-time service. It comes with 8 HPCR stainless steel bearings + 1 roller bearing for better protection against corrosion. This model also features rocket system for optimal line control.
It comes with an AMGearing system to benefit from better fluidity and increased longevity. It has a computer-optimized mechanism for substantial operation in kayak fishing. This model has a matrix carbon hybrid brake for greater fluidity of operation.
The 17 lb drag and the drag system are outstanding, which allows you to fish a lighter test fluorocarbon compared to other braids so casting is a breeze. Abu Garcia Revo SX spinning reel is very smooth and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality model at this price range.
PROS
- Smooth casting
- Excellent weight
- Cool visual design
- Strong quality construction
- Very well balanced
CONS
- If you’re right at the point where you click the bail, it catches
How to Choose the Best Spinning Reels under $100
To choose the best spinning reel under $100, it is useful to identify where you want to use it and what are the main technical characteristics of the spinning reel. We spent tons of hours researching that topic so that you can easily reach a suitable model without breaking the bank. Here are the most important things that you should consider before buying a Spinning Reel at this price range.
- Also Read: How to Choose the Right Size Spinning Reel?
The size of the coil
The word size indicates the size of the bobbin and the quantity of thread that can be wound on it. When it comes to choosing a spinning reel, the suitable size ranges from 2500 to 5000. 2500 is the best when used with small prey, while the 5000 is precise when hunting large fish.
Type of coil
The spinning reel coil can be fixed or rotated. Fixed coil spinning reels are suitable for use with quiet prey while spinning reels with rotating coils are recommended for spinning at sea. They are suitable for hunting prey or larger sizes.
Materials and weight
A good quality spinning reel must be lightweight, robust and water-resistant. The most comfortable and easy-navigate versions are made of carbon. However, stainless steel should not be underestimated in this price range.
You should always prefer low weight because lightweight spinning reels will allow you to better manage and handle. The resistance and low specific weight are inextricably linked and form an ideal combination in the best spinning reel.
Usually, some models are sold with a spare spool, given the wear the object is subject to. A value to bet on that can make the difference in the decisive moment is the recovery speed.
The bearings
Both the number and the quality of the bearings must be considered before proceeding with the purchase. These will influence the movement of the wire, which can be more or less fluid. A spinning reel must mount from 3 to 7, and be made of duralumin or steel.
It is important that the bearings are sealed to prevent small stones or other foreign bodies from entering between them.
Transmission report
When deciding whether to choose a high or low gear ratio, you are deciding between speed and power. If you are targeting fast fish, you need high-speed retrieval from a high gear ratio. On the other hand, if you’re chasing heavy, tough fish, a low-gear ratio has more starting power and will give you the torque you need.
Total cost
As we mentioned earlier in this post, a high-quality spinning reel does not mean you need to spend a lot of money. The price of this type of product starts from 40 dollars for the cheaper models and with a satisfactory quality/price ratio it can go up to 80 dollars for the more advanced spinning reels.
Many spinning fishing reels are available on the market and for sale online, and you can buy a new or used reel through stores such as Amazon at low prices.
The brand
Fishing is a huge global sport. It is one of the most popular recreations and that means there is a lot of competition between different companies. They all want to provide high-quality equipment at a reasonable price. That is why you will see many of the same brands repeatedly.
Whether it’s Penn, KastKing or Pflueger, they all have their own fishing pedigree. We don’t think the brand is the most important thing to consider when buying a fishing reel under 100 dollars. But if you are buying from a well-known and respected brand, you can be sure that you are buying a quality product with great customer support.
Warranty matters
When you buy a spinning reel from a well-known brand, you will get a guarantee or warranty card. Low-cost fishing equipment generally comes with warranties, but the claim process could be tougher. That’s why we always recommend you buy the product from a reputed brand that comes under warranty. It will save you from repair costs in the future.
Size of spool
The size of the spool really depends on the purpose for which it is intended. When you look at the description of a fishing reel, you will see how much weight it can support when the line is at a certain distance. For example 280 years, 17 pounds. This should give you a pretty good idea of the type of fish you can catch with this fish.
With spinning reels, the larger the line capacity and the weight capacity, the larger the reel.
Handle & durability
When a fish bites and you have to grab the handle and roll it up, you don’t want your hand to slip. Make sure the fishing rod you choose has a grip and ergonomic grip that will allow you to pull easily these fish.
Spinning reels are designed to be used repeatedly. You don’t throw them out after every fishing trip, so you want to buy something durable. Also remember that durable spinning reels are made from high-quality materials that are impact and water-resistant.
Drag system
The drag on your fishing reel allows you to release tension a bit when a fish bites and prevents the line from breaking. You should adjust your drag at the start of a fishing trip based on the capacity of your reel and the size of the fish you are fishing.
FAQ
How much does a good spinning reel cost?
Like all other fishing equipment, fishing reels can get expensive. In the market, the best spinning reels are available between $100 to $500. High-end models are designed for experienced anglers for a long period of fishing. Because they are sometimes complicated to use for novice anglers.
However, there are many good spinning reels under $100 and some of these are very popular. We include a range of prices between 30 to 100 dollars so that everyone can find the right model.
How do I choose the right size spinning reel?
The size of the spinning reel depends on the type of fishing you plan to do and the target species. Smaller reel sizes (1000-3000) are suitable for freshwater fishing and lighter lines, while larger sizes (4000-6000) are better for saltwater fishing and heavier lines. Consider the line capacity and the weight of the reel when choosing the right size for your needs.
Conclusion
The manufacturers offer a wide range of fishing reel versions for almost all demanding users. It is your responsibility to research what type of fishing you are going to be and which spinning reel would be the best suitable for you. You can choose one of the 10 best spinning reels under 100 from our list and we are sure you will always be at the top. No fish will escape you and you will always be able to get the podium!
We hope this article helped you find the right model according to your budget. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
See Also…
