Best Spinning Reel Under $100 – Complete Review & Buying Guide
You can get any cheap spinning reel but it won’t last for a longer time. So, always go for the best budget spinning reel available. To make your task even easier, we present our list of top 5 best spinning reels under $100 of 2023.
Fantastic!
A fishing reel is the most important equipment you must have if you are a new angler.
Moreover, if you don’t have any idea about which reel will be the best for you check out the spinning reel sizes.
In this article, we have featured the best spinning reels after using them personally for months through different conditions and brought this article before you.
Are you happy to know it?
Now, read it till last, you will definitely get the best reel according to your preferences. Moreover, we assure you that you won’t regret buying one of these reels.
However, as the price range is limited, this article features only small and medium-sized reels.
In addition,
You can check out our article on the top 10 best spinning reels of 2023 if you need big reel sizes.
Best spinning reel under $100
| Service | Main Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
1 Best Spinner | Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel
| Check PriceRead Full Review | |
2 Best Budget | PENN Pursuit III 4000C Spinning Fishing Reel
| Check Price | |
3 Best Overall | Daiwa Legalis LT 6.2:1 Spinning Fishing Reel
| Check Price | |
4 Best Value | KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel
| Check Price | |
5 Best Spinner | Penn FRCIII2500 Fierce III 2500 Spin Reel
| Check Price |
1. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel – Best inexpensive spinning reel
Why We Love It
- Known as one of the best small sized spinning reel which can be used in saltwater as well as freshwaterÂ
- Moreover, the whole body is made up of graphite, so it weighs only 0.4 poundsÂ
- Also, it has a sealed drag system which works smoothly even after using it in saltwaterÂ
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.
| Brand | Pflueger |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Blue |
| Handle material | Stainless Steel |
| Product weight (in kilograms) | 0.46 Pounds |
| Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Pros
- CompactÂ
- Smooth working
- Best for small fishes
- Graphite body
Cons
- Cannot handle big fishes
- Handle is fragile
Opinion
People who want to target small fishes from ponds, lakes as well as saltwater can get this spinning reel with maximum available size of 4000. However, anything over that can easily break the reel.
During testing we found that it really works nice 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.Â
2. PENN Pursuit III 4000C Spinning Fishing Reel– Best reel under $100
Why We Love It
- Coming from a trusted brand, this reel has a lightweight and anti-corrosion bodyÂ
- Moreover, the carbon fiber drag system gives a smooth performance even with heavy fishesÂ
- 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, you can check out the best spinning reels of 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.
Specifications
| Brand | Penn |
| Material | Aluminum, Graphite |
| Color | Black/Silver |
| Handle material | Stainless Steel |
| Product weight (in Pounds) | 0.76 Pounds |
| Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Pros
- Corrosion resistant bodyÂ
- Only Weighs 0.76 poundsÂ
- Powerful DragÂ
- Superline spool
Cons
- Cannot handle large fishÂ
- Only 5 ball bearings
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.Â
3. Daiwa Legalis LT 6.2:1 Spinning Fishing Reel– Top spinning reel under $100
Why We Love It
- They used carbon based composite for its construction which makes the body lightweight yet toughÂ
- Also, there are 6 stainless steel ball bearings, which makes sure the reel performs smoothly during operationÂ
- 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.
| Brand | Daiwa |
| Material | Blend |
| Color | Multi |
| Handle material | Carbon light material |
| Product weight (in kilograms) | 7.2 Ounces |
| Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Pros
- Strong drag
- Performs well during freshwater fishingÂ
- Strong built
- Weighs only 7 ounces
Cons
- Fragile handleÂ
- Not for saltwater fishing
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.
Additionally, 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.Â
4. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel – New Spinning Reel-best affordable spinning 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 partsÂ
- 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.
| Brand | KastKing |
| Material | Graphite |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Handle material | Aluminum |
| Product weight (in ounces) | 15 Ounces |
| Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Pros
- Smooth operation
- CheapÂ
- LightweightÂ
- Max drag of 40 lbs
Cons
- Reels foot is made of plasticÂ
- Fragile construction
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.Â
5. Penn FRCIII2500 Fierce III 2500 Spin Reel– Best spinning reel under $100
Why We Love It
- One of the lightest and yet powerful spinning reel in our list of best spinning reels under $100Â
- 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 perfect for freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing as well. However, it can handle only small sized fishes weighing up to 8 lbs.
Get ready to enjoy smoother fishing ever.
Yeah, the FIERCE III is known for offering smooth working even while fighting with a strong fish with its rotors.
However, it includes only 5 ball bearings which are actually enough to handle light working, anything over that can damage the reel so do maintain it.
| Brand | Penn |
| Material | Other |
| Color | Multi |
| Handle material | Aluminum |
| Product weight (in Ounces) | 6.88 Ounces |
| Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Pros
- Instant anti-reverse featureÂ
- Techno Balanced rotorÂ
- 5 stainless steel ball bearingsÂ
- Easy line Management
Cons
- Not for Big FishesÂ
- Only for light Usage
Opinion
It’s the last and one of the best affordable spinning reel 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 make sure that you won’t get a big fish.
Other than that, it’s a really good one. Many professional anglers use this spinning reel when they target small fishes on the bay or onshore. Also, it’s an excellent option for freshwater fishing.Â
How to Choose Best Spinning Reel Under $100 of 2023
If you are a beginner and confused about which reel to buy, here is a small buying guide for you.
Are you excited to know the guide?
Here we have discussed some factors you should consider while buying a spinning reel.
Spinning reel sizes
There are many spinning reels available with different sizes ranging from 500-16,000. However, bigger always doesn’t mean better.
Okay?
Each spinning reel has its own purpose. Mainly there are 3 sizes namely, small size (500-3500), medium size (4000-5500) and large size (6000-16,000).
In this article we have featured only small reel sizes because of the budget limitations. You can check out spinning reel sizes for a detailed guide
Price of the reel
Spinning reels have a varied price range from $30-$4000. Depending on the size and quality of the reel, the price goes on increasing.
However, expensive always doesn’t mean good, so in this article we have featured the best spinning reels under $100 which have outstanding quality and great performance.
Build quality
Depending on your targeted species, your spinning reel’s build quality should also be good enough to handle it. Make sure the reel is made of sturdy metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.
Also, look if the reel is not too heavy because of its build and is corrosion resistant, if you plan for saltwater fishing.
Additional features
There are many additional features to consider, such as the drag power of the reel, number of ball bearings, anti-reverse system, which will make your fishing trip more memorable and easy.
Keep in mind,
The more ball bearings and drag power, the better is the reel.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s)
Editor’s choice
- Penn FRCIII2500 Fierce III 2500 Spin Reel– Best spinning reel under $100
- Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel– Best inexpensive spinning reel
Know that we haven’t included the reels with greater sizes.
Are you interested in knowing; why?
The reason behind it is they are more expensive and over $100. Therefore, we would like it if you check out our article on the top 10 best spinning reels of 2023.
Here, you will get any reel according to your preferences. Plus, if you love saltwater fishing check out the top 5 best saltwater spinning reels under $100.
Conclusion
So, that’s our list of top 5 best spinning reels under $100. In this article, we have featured the top 5 best spinning reels after using them rigorously for months.
We also had a word with professional anglers for the best spinning reels they recommend and made a long list out of it.
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