10 Best Spinning Reels Under $50 of 2024

Whether you’re an experienced or novice angler, having a good reel is essential for effective and comfortable fishing in rivers, lakes, or the sea. Spinning reels, with their fixed open-face spool and under-rod mounting, are particularly user-friendly, making them a popular choice among beginners. However, experienced anglers also appreciate spinning reels for their versatility and ability to cast light lures with precision.

If you’re in need of a new spinning reel under $50, whether because your old reel has worn out or because you’re a beginner angler looking for an affordable option, you’ve come to the right place. Our expert recommendations can help you choose a brand new spinning reel within your budget.

In this buying guide, we present the top 10 best spinning reels under $50 in 2024. Our expert team has carefully tested these models, focusing on crucial features like smooth operation, long-lasting durability, and excellent value for money. We also assessed the lightness of the materials used, ensuring that these reels offer a balanced combination of mechanical quality and weight considerations.

We’ll highlight their technical features, benefits, and provide insights so that you can select the size based on the casting weight of your rod.

Best Spinning Reels Under $50 of 2024

Take a look at our ranking of the best spinning reels under $50 in 2024.

Let’s see them together one by one in detail…

1. Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spinning Reel – Top Pick

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Bearing Count: 5
• Weight: 8.70 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 22″
• Max Drag: 16.5lb

Ugly Stik is one of the best-known brands in the fishing industry around the world. Ugly Stik Tuff is by far the best spinning reel under 50 dollars that you can buy for your spinning rod It is suitable for most of the fishing rods on the market. It is also widely used by professional anglers.

Ugly Stik will provide 7 years of warranty service. However, the first strength of the Ugly Stik Tuff spinning reel is undoubtedly the resistance and sturdiness that it offers you. Despite this, it turns out to be incredibly light so that you can make long casts without particular problems and without getting tired.

It is made with aluminum construction and stainless-steel ball bearings, which means to stand up to the toughest of fights. The spool is also exceptional in terms of quality; it is the latest creation spinning reel under $50. It allows you to get even longer casts than previous models and remarkably reduces friction.

We also want to underline the fantastic design that the reel offers. It adapts perfectly to any type of fishing rod. So if you want to upgrade your fishing rod to ensure top performance, you can choose the Ugly Stik Tuff fishing rod without any hesitancy!

2. SHIMANO Sienna RE Lightweight Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5:1
• Bearing Count: 4
• Weight: 5.0 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 25″
• Max Drag: 15.0lb

The new SHIMANO Sienna RE is a new version of the spinning reel from Sienna RD. It is a low-end rear drag spinning reel, making it perfect for every angler who likes to fish occasionally and does not want to spend a large amount of money on a fishing reel without compromising quality.

Let’s start with one of the absolute strengths that the SHIMANO Sienna RE spinning reel offers you, namely lightness. It weighs just 5oz, however, it guarantees the same performance as the heavier and more massive models. You will find it easy to make long casts, whether you’re on a boat, from the rocks in the sea, or from the shore of a lake.

The Shimano Sienna RE also has an extremely balanced format that gives the anglers support for deep and long casting. It is designed to be used in all weather conditions and perfectly adapts to different surface conditions. For example, you can use it both in saltwater and freshwater.

The casting capabilities of this reel have been enhanced with propulsion technology, resulting in long and accurate casts. While it may not be Shimano’s top-of-the-line spinning reel, it still delivers a smooth and enjoyable fishing experience.

3. Tempo Vertix Series 2000 Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Bearing Count: 11
• Weight: 9.1 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 32″
• Max Drag: 16.0lb

If you are looking for an ultralight powerful spinning reel based on value for money, pay attention to the Tempo Vertix Series 2000. It is produced by one of the most reliable industries named Tempo. It is super smooth, practical, and versatile in use!

Like all Tempo spinning reels from the Vertix series, an exceptional smoothness of rotation characterizes this model. You will hardly be able to find such smoothness in a product of a similar price range. Even the recovery ratio is among the highest ever, reaching up to 6.2: 1. So you can wrap a lot of lines in a very short time.

The high-quality drag of this reel mounts not 2, but 10+1 ball bearings to minimize friction during rewinding. In this way, you will not risk breaking the thread and consequently losing the much-coveted fish and the effort you will have to employ will be considerably reduced.

The premium carbon fiber drag system also provides a consistent and powerful drag. However, it has a max drag of 16 lbs. This unit comes with a braid-ready machined aluminum spool that prevents line slip. The optimized spool lip design reduces line twists and wind knots and maximizes casting distance.

Finally, we cannot but spend a few words on the exceptional design it presents. The fantastic coloration in silver and black makes it beautiful to look at and mounted on a black or silver rod, it really makes an exceptional figure! Also, remember that the Tempo Vertix Series 2000 reel remains under $40.

4. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5:1
• Bearing Count: 8
• Weight: 9.1 oz
• Retrieve Rate: N/A
• Max Drag: 20.0lb

Okuma is one of the most competitive fishing gear manufacturing brands today. The Cemar series was first launched on the market over 4 years ago, but unmoving in 2024, it is one of the best affordable spinning reels. It’s quality construction and competitive features. According to the users who purchased this model frequently, in the last four years, this model’s quality has been consistently improving.

It is powerful, lightweight, and designed for diversified saltwater and freshwater use. This unit also includes an Ergo Grip handle for better control, which increases cranking power enormously during fights with big-size fish.

Its sleek design, a fluid 8-bearing drive system, and Okuma precision elliptical gearing ensure optimum performance based on a user’s intended catch. The multi-disc drag system also allows more consistent and reliable drag because it will maximize drag strength over a smaller surface area.

Okuma Ceymar spinning reel is corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for all weather conditions and water types. The anti-reverse roller bearing is quick to set, engages the drag to fight the fish, and prevents the reel from turning backward. And with a rigid, machined aluminum spool, it will provide a strong foundation for monofilament lines and braided fishing lines.

5. Diwa KCN12000 Spinning Fishing Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 4.6:1
• Bearing Count: 12+1
• Weight: 20 oz
• Retrieve Rate: N/A
• Max Drag: 70.0lb

You will love the Diwa KCN spinning reel because it offers amazing best-in-class up to 70 LBS of smooth drag and high durability. The KCN12000 spinning reel has built-in reliable triple disc aluminum alloy, oversized stainless steel main shaft, and stronger precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears, which ensure more fishing muscle. Although, it is a high-quality reel; the price is pretty much accessible for every angler.

It has more features like an expensive spinning reel, such as including 12 + 1 high quality, saltwater rated double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant lock anti-reverse, stainless steel hardware, aluminum handle, and more line capacity. It also comes with one year Peace of Mind Warranty.

Diwa KCN12000 fishing spinning reel is sealed with a KCN Intrusion Shield System, which ensures long-lasting service life. It features a unique water-resistant design with the KCN Intrusion Shield System, protecting its spool, body, and rotor to prevent water and dirt from entering the reel.

You’ll be blown away with its quiet and silky smooth retrieve. And with the unique Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool, you don’t need to use the backing line when spooling on the braid fishing line. You’ll benefit from more line capacity to go after larger fish.

6. PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Bearing Count: 4+1
• Weight: 12 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 35”
• Max Drag: 70.0lb

PENN is a highly reputable brand in the fishing industry, renowned for its high-quality reels and fishing equipment. For deep-sea fishing enthusiasts, our top recommendation is the PENN Pursuit III. It is the best saltwater spinning reel under $50 in 2024, and we can attest that it will enable you to catch even the most challenging prey.

Like all the PENN pursuit fishing reels available on the market, each component of this model is designed to guarantee maximum durability, strength and performance. The smooth dragging system and lightweight design make it an ideal choice for beginning saltwater fishing.

The Pursuit III spinning reel house is made of corrosion-resistant graphite and the carbon fiber drag system is designed to battle. In this way, you will get at the same time robustness but extreme handling. It has a balancing system, which gives strong and light maneuverability.

The shielded stainless-steel ball bearings ensure smooth operation and the line capacity rings let you know how much line you have out.  This model is available in six sizes from 2500 to 8000. It has advanced technology at an entry-level price, making it suitable for most anglers.

7. Lew’s Mach 2 100A Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Bearing Count: 9+1
• Weight: 6.9 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 30”
• Max Drag: 80.0lb

Lew’s is not a popular brand like Shimano, PENN Pursuit, or Diwa, but their latest generation spinning reel, especially the Mach Series, offers outstanding durability and high performance. The material used for the production is blended and resistant, and at the same time, extremely light.

Compared to other spinning reels under $50 on the market, the Lew’s Mach 2 boasts 9+1 bearings, which enables it to outperform traditional bearings. Furthermore, it incorporates several technologies that enhance your fishing experience, ensuring that you don’t miss any opportunities on the water.

It features a lightweight yet rugged aluminum body. The aluminum bail is strong and well-balanced. The spool is double anodized ported knurled aluminum. The fold-down anodized aluminum handle is fitted with a Winn Dri-Tac knob.

The pinion gear is precision-cut solid brass and the Zero Reverse anti-reverse is rock solid and reliable. The gear ratio is highly appropriate for a broad range of fishing applications. It’ll provide uninterrupted performance from extreme heat to freezing cold.

Consequently, if you often find yourself in difficult fishing situations where your elbow grease alone is not enough, you can rely on Lew’s Mach 2 100A, and all your efforts will be rewarded. No fish, not even deep-sea fish will escape you after all the effort you have taken!

8. KastKing Spartacus II New Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Bearing Count: 7+1
• Weight: 12.0 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 30”
• Max Drag: 22.0lb

KastKing Spartacus II spinning reel is built tough to handle any fishing conditions, whether used as a saltwater spinning reel or freshwater reel. It is a superb lightweight spinning reel under $50, with a reinforced nylon body and rotor. The air rotor offers you maximum balance and sensitivity.

It is an ultra-smooth fishing reel with some great features. For example, it has reliable 22 lbs of triple disc carbon fiber drag, allowing you to use light fishing lines. It also features 7 + 1 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings and CNC Aluminum handle with an EVA handle knob to keep everything turning smoothly.

KastKing Spartacus II spinning reel also has a perfect balance of strength and lightness. The Tough Digigear transmission guarantees excellent performance and is certainly considerably superior to previous models of the same brand. It offers more than 150% better results than the previous model KastKing Brutus. And the control will be in your hands in every situation, even when the sea is rough.

This model incorporates four waterproof Everseal rings into the main body, which enhances its waterproof capabilities. It is an excellent spinning reel if you are interested in excellent braking control during line retrieval. In this way, you can stop and resume winding without risking the line breaking and the trout escaping.

9. Okuma Avenger ABF-500 Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5:1
• Bearing Count: 6+1
• Weight: 6.7 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 21.9”
• Max Drag: 6.0lb

OKUMA is a fishing rod and reel manufacturer based in Taiwan since 1986. They are mainly famous for their advanced technology fishing accessories. They have over 3 decades of fishing equipment supply experience. However, the ABF-500 model is their cheap addition to the ABF series, but except for a few differences, all the features are relatively the same.

It is lightweight and precise, including spinning, baitcasting, trolling, and fly reels. It is made with advanced materials with dynamic designs. The handle knob is made of hard PVC that won’t turn ‘sticky’.

The Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology in the reel also reduces its weight by over 20% compared to other models. Despite being lighter, this does not compromise its performance; in fact, the center of gravity is perfectly balanced for optimal functionality. However, while the reel operates remarkably smoothly, its maximum drag capacity falls within the range of 12 to 14 pounds.

This model is complemented by additional technologies such as silent rocking, cross winding, and much more, so you can never go on a good fishing trip without this reel after a few uses. It will deliver the ultimate fishing experience to everyone for freshwater and saltwater fishing.

10. Shimano Sienna 2500RE Spinning Reel

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Technical Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Bearing Count: 1+1
• Weight: 10.5 oz
• Retrieve Rate: 30”
• Max Drag: N/A

The Shimano Sienna 2500RE stands out as one of the best spinning reels suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, primarily due to its impressive recovery ratio. Compared to many other affordable models on the market, it offers a significantly higher recovery ratio, allowing you to reel in a large amount of line quickly.

The body and side plate are made entirely of metal to withstand heavy loads. The Sienna 2500RE is also one of the most versatile spinning reels at this price range. You can use it in any situation and competition without difficulty, and the results will satisfy you!

Given its weight and manageability, it is suitable for professionals and amateurs. It does not require special precautions. Therefore, you will not risk making messes and letting your prey escape. You can use it both in counter-current streams and in the sea, and fatigue will be reduced to a minimum (not possible except for the fishing reels coming from SHIMANO).

The rear drag of this spinning reel also allows you to have excellent fluidity. This model is easily adjustable during the hunt, making it suitable for all circumstances. It allows you to act according to how the fish behaves. You can perfectly control it during your fishing sessions.

If you’re looking for a high-quality and visually appealing spinning reel, the SHIMANO Sienna 2500RE is worth considering. However, it’s important to note that if you’re not accustomed to it, there’s a chance you might accidentally shift the anti-reverse lever from the No Reverse to the Reverse position, as it’s located near where you grip the rod.

Factors to consider when buying a spinning reel under 50 dollars

Choosing a good spinning reel under 50 dollars that is suitable for your spinning rod can be difficult if you are a beginner and don’t have particular knowledge or no one to ask for advice. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Gear ratio

The recovery ratio of the reel indicates how many lines it can wind up and for how long. To get good control at the same time to prevent the fish from escaping but also have a good speed, we recommend you to look for at least a 4.6: 1. In this way, you will be able to thoroughly control the direction of the line without risking that the fish escapes.

The weight

Weight is an important factor in choosing the best fishing reel. Here we must be careful because a greater weight corresponds to the possibility of approaching greater prey. So try to choose reels that do not exceed 700 grams to avoid hard push during your fishing sessions.

The materials

Materials must guarantee you a perfect balance between performance and lightness. The SHIMANO house uses a composite called XT-7 which is light and very strong. If you are looking for other brands, a good alternative can be carbon fiber which is just as strong but very light. And in this way, your arms won’t get too tired.

We do not recommend purchasing fishing reels made with cheap materials. While they may save you money initially, they often lack the necessary functions and do not guarantee long-lasting durability.

Dredging system

Spinning reels are available with either a front or rear drag reel design. A front dredge system provides smoother drag, while a rear dredge system is more comfortable to adjust when fighting a big fish. Rear dredging system also easier to change spools. However, the best solution is usually a matter of preference.

Ball bearings

Be sure to check how many ball bearings the reel has. As a general rule, the more ball bearings you have, the better the reel will perform when recovering. At a minimum, you should have at least four ball bearings to give the reel sufficient stability and support to make it bearable.

Cut it

The choice of the reel is strictly linked to the type and weight of the fish to be caught. So besides comparing prices and performance, you must pay attention to the size, expressed in numbers from 1,000 to 20,000, which indicates the size and capacity of the reel. For example, very light reels up to 2,000 are suitable for fish up to 2 kg; the light ones from 2,500-3,000 for fish up to 4 kg, and so on up to the heavy ones, are recommended for large specimens over 8 kg.

Anti-Reverse

An anti-reverse switch prevents the handle from turning backward when a fish pulls. This feature can be important for hooking and landing fish.

Usage

While the type of reel is important, it’s crucial to consider the type of fishing rod you’ll be using as well. The intended use should guide your choice of reel model. Factors such as whether you’ll be fishing primarily in saltwater or freshwater environments will influence your decision.

Additional technologies

Fishing reels can be fitted with a whole series of additional technologies to improve your fishing sessions according to your availability. A brake for more control, stainless steel coated discs, and an assisted rewind system are just a few of them. However, these technologies increase the price and not just a little!

FAQs:

How much need to pay to buy a good spinning reel?

You can buy a spinning reel for around 20 dollars for fishing in freshwater. However, the cheapest solution does not always mean the most effective one: sometimes spending little on a sea spinning reel means having to buy another one in the future. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 or more for a good quality spinning reel.

Are spinning reels under $50 suitable for saltwater fishing?

While some spinning reels in this price range have features that make them suitable for light saltwater fishing, they are not corrosion-resistant or durable like higher-end models specifically designed for saltwater. Always rinse your reel with freshwater after saltwater use to prolong its lifespan.

Can I upgrade the parts of a budget spinning reel if needed?

Yes, you can replace certain parts of a spinning reel. However, budget reels do not have the same level of customization options or availability of replacement parts as higher-end models. Additionally, the cost of upgrading parts can reach or exceed the price of a new reel.

How big should my spinning reel be?

If your focus is on fishing for small fish, a reel in the size range of 500 to 1000 would be perfectly suitable. Using a reel that is too large for your line size can result in excess line, which in turn can reduce your casting distance.

Can I use a spinning reel for any type of lure?

There is no limitation about using lures, you can use just about any lure with the spinning reels. However, some fishing reels are better suited to certain types of lures, but spinning reels are versatile.

Spinning or Baitcaster – which one is best to use?

Spinning reel is best when using a light line and baitcaster is recommended when using a heavier line. Bait casters have a higher gear ratio than spinning reels, which makes them ideal for faster presentations. They are also great for power fishing techniques like pitching and flipping. On the other hand, the relatively slow layout makes the spinning reel a better choice for novice anglers.

Conclusion

To stay competitive in fishing, having the right equipment is essential. Spinning reels have become the preferred choice for many anglers due to their ease of use and versatility. Consider selecting one of the top 10 best spinning reels under $50 from our list, and we are confident that you’ll always be well-equipped and ready to tackle any fishing challenge. With the right gear, no fish will escape your grasp.

We also have reviewed some of the best portable fish finders under $200; you can check them.

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