What is The Best Spinning Reel Under 150?
Saltwater fishing is probably the most interesting type of fishing, and if you are into this sort of fishing, then you know the importance of a quality spinning reel can’t be overemphasized. You didn’t know? Then the best bet is that you’re either a beginner or you’re not just serious about fishing. A spinning reel can be the difference between you bagging that big fish and watching it helplessly while it swims away.
Spinning reels are very important, and fishing-gear manufacturing companies are aware of this, and that’s why they keep churning out different models of spinning reels from time to time. However, if you are looking for a quality spinning reel that will serve you for years, you should be ready to invest around $150. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire buying process and will also review the top spinning reels under $150 available on the market.
Product | Roller/Ball Bearings | Gear Ratio | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing | 5.0:1 gear ratio | $ | ||
5 ball bearings | 4.1:1 gear ratio | $ | ||
3 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing | 5.0:1 gear ratio | $$ | ||
3 ball bearings | 2.6:1 gear ratio | $ | ||
9 ball bearings | 5.1:1 gear ratio | $$ |
1. Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel
The Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel is a unique combination of tournament grade spinning reel and Okuma’s patented live line bait feeding system. The Avenger “ABF” series puts a new spin on the traditional world of reels, and more importantly, what can be expected from them. It comes with a one year warranty to keep you safe. To describe it in a simple manner, it is an ultra-smooth, accurately crafted reel. This reel includes 6 sealed ball-bearings for a smoother operation.
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2. Zebco 33KPL 5 Ball Bearing Spincast Reel
It is one of the world’s most popular spinning reels. The Zebco 33KPL Spincast Reel new line management system provides better casting, improved line retrieve and control. This new 33 includes a built-in hook holder that hides the hook point and is accessible from either side of the reel. A new Gear Train gives a smooth feel and enhanced reliability, providing greater bearing-support to improve the feel and retrieve while ensuring smooth and quiet performance. The Micro-Fine Drag gives exact adjustments.
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3. Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Fishing Reel
Shimano Sedona FI – Fishing reel, Hagane gear, Model 2017 is beautifully designed. Sedona FI is one of the least priced spinning reels of Shimano featuring Shimano’s HAGANE Gearing having high reliability over time, even under conditions of extreme use. Although expensive, it has a high gear ratio and is very light-weight to carry making it an ideal reel.
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4. Zebco 888 Spincast Reel
A product from Zebco is appearing on this list for the third time and that’s probably no coincidence. Zebco is renowned for their manufacturing of great fishing tools and the Zebco 888H Spincast Reel is a further proof of that. This spinning real features a tough stainless steel front cover, a large stamped stainless power t-handle, and is pre-spooled with 25lb. Line. The reel has Dial-adjustable Magnum drag and Built-in bite Alert, three bearings with anti-reverse clutch as well and gears are metallic
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5. Zebco ZB310BX3 Bullet Spincast Reel
Zebco is the most recognized brand in fishing. The Zebco Bullet Spincast Reel, appropriately named bullet, is faster than all spin cast reels, and even faster than 6.1:1 bait casting reels, and a size 20 spinning reel. Being geared at 5.1:1, the bullet picks up an unmatched twenty nine inches of line in every revolution of the handle, which comes padded with special-feeling new gripem all-weather handle knobs.
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6 Factors To Consider Before Buying
We know you are looking for the best spinning reel you can get for less than $150, and you’re lucky to be reading this guide. If you don’t want to purchase a spinning reel that would disappoint you at your time of needs, then consider the following factors when buying.
Excellent Drag
The drag is one of the most vital components of a spinning real. Most spinning reels nowadays come with great amount of drag, however, it isn’t only drag ratings that matter. The drag’s smoothness is vital as well because a fish can try to escape anytime and if your drag isn’t releasing well, you might as well bid farewell to such fish.
Light Weight
A reel is a gear you will likely be holding onto for a long period of time, so it’s vital for you to consider its weight. Of course, nobody would like to cast for several hours with a heavy reel as it can even cause fatigue easily. You would like to spare some energy for when the fish is finally hooked.
Quality Components
Probably the first thing that makes an excellent reel is a strong construction made of top-quality components. Search for materials like stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon, and brass. When you take a look at metal parts, you would realize that a machined component is more desirable than a cast component, due to the fact that considerably more strength is reserved in the part made out of metal. Regardless of the kind of spinning reel you opt to choose, remember that saltwater is very acidic and any spinning reel can be ruined by it in no time at all. Regardless of the amount of money you spend on your spinning real, you must ensure to maintain it properly.
Power
How easily your spinning reel will get your catch out of water will be determined by the gear ration of the spinning reel. A lower gear ratio is going to provide you with more power for bigger fish. A normal low gear ratio is 4:1, just so you know. However, a higher gear ratio like 6:1 will pick up and retriever quicker, bring smaller fish in faster. If you are unsure on which one to opt for, just look for a medium like 5:1/
Level of Comfort
Before buying any product, comfort is perhaps the first factor you must take into consideration. Or who would want to buy something that would give him discomfort? Well, the same applies to spinning reels, and only the spinning reels that provide you with the desired comfort level are the best spinning reels. It is recommended to choose a lightweight spinning reel, with well-made grip, that provides complete control when fishing.
Material
Different materials are used to make spinning reels. The most popular materials are stainless steel, aluminum, and composite materials. There has been a major debate among professional fishermen as regard which of the two materials is perfect for top-notch angling. Spinning reels made of aluminum are always lightweight, while stainless steel material is great for both salt and freshwater fishing because of the fact that it is resistant to combative components usually found in water. Composite materials on the other hand are recycled and synthesized, which makes them less expensive. So, the choice is yours to make.
Advantages of a Spinning Reel
A spinning reel has several advantages when it comes to saltwater fishing, and if you are confused as to why you should purchase a spinning reel, then continue reading.
Versatility
The best thing about spinning reels is that they are very versatile, and this is why a lot of anglers love using them. A range of tackles can be used in a reel. Besides, they are compatible with artificial lures and live baits as well. All you will need to do is draw the fishing line’s weight for this sort of reel. Thus, they come really handy on light fishing.
User-friendly
In addition, these spinning reels don’t backlash. They are easy to use, making them ideal for any fishing trip. Besides, you shouldn’t underrate its casting distance. In actual fact, professional fishermen and cast these reels from many yards.
Great for all Experience Levels
Additionally, these reels are suitable if you are looking to teach someone how to fish. Operating them is simple as ABC and even beginning anglers won’t have any problem using them. As an angler becomes more experienced, they can upgrade easily to the more stylish models with more advanced features.
Conclusion
You must look out for the things mentioned in this article before you make your final decision to buy your dream spinning reel. Look for the pros and cons as described for the top five products above. Look for quality of materials, components while still maintaining affordability. After you have kept in mind all these considerations, you can then make your purchase decision which shall be wise and reliable. Remember one thing; a product is not good only because it looks good. It needs to be reliable and long-lasting to provide you the maximum utility you expect and deserve from it against the price you are paying for it.
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