Any serious angler will tell you that a spinning reel is a real asset. However, these things do not come cheap.
Nonetheless, this does not have to ring true for you. It is actually possible to get a spinning reel on a budget. We are talking about the best spinning reel under 100. Sounds affordable? That is because it actually is.
If you are on a limited financial plan, this guide is for you so you may want to stay put as we help you pick an inexpensive spinning reel.
Popular Under 100 Spinning Reels in 2023: Comparison Table
Below is a brief table that brings together the 15 reels on our watch. We’ve reviewed them in detail in successive paragraphs.
| Ranking | Name | Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penn 1338218 Battle II Spinning Reel | aluminum | 1 pounds |
| 2 | Daiwa BG5000 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel | Synthetic | 1.3 pounds |
| 3 | SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel | Steel, Aluminum | 0.7625 pounds |
| 4 | Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels | Steel, Aluminum | 0.7 pounds |
| 5 | Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel | Stainless Steel | 1.4 pounds |
| 6 | Pflueger PRESXTSP30X President XT Spinning Reel | Aluminum | 1.2 pounds |
| 7 | KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel | Graphite | 0.475 pounds |
| 8 | Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Spinning Reel | aluminum | – |
| 9 | KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning Reel | Graphite | 0.47 pounds |
| 10 | Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel | Aluminum | 0.55 Pounds |
| 11 | Cadence Spinning Reel,CS5 Pro Fiber Fishing Reel | Carbon | 0.11 pounds |
| 12 | Pflueger PRESSP30X Spinning Fishing Reel | – | – |
| 13 | Pflueger President Spinning Reel | aluminum | 4 pounds |
| 14 | Daiwa 4000H Revros Spinning Reel | Steel and aluminum | 0.69 pounds |
| 15 | Daiwa BG2000 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel | Aluminum | 1 Pounds |
1. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
This is one of the best spinning reels that can give you the power to win big saltwater game-fish. It’s highly durable and also suitable for high-range spinning.
In addition to that, this cost-effective spin fishing real has high drag power that enables you to take on a winning battle with giant saltwater fishes.
Also, this powerful fishing reel has fluid cranking aided with 4+1 shielded ball-bearing for a smooth retrieve.
Despite having a powerful drag, this reel still has uncompromised smoothness that not only increases its user-friendliness but also ups its efficiency.
Key Features
This fantastic reel comes in style 300. But, it’s also available in a wide range of styles, ranging from 1000 to 800.
Besides that, it has a design featuring a full metal body construction, side plate, as well as the rotor for unbeatable durability.
Without mentioning, it has a high-quality aluminum bail wire. Besides that, it has a powerful HT 100 drag system made up of high-grade carbon fiber.
And on top of that, it has five shielded ball bearings made up of stainless steel, a super line spool with various capacity rings.
Pros
- Highly durable construction
- Powerful drag system
- Shielded ball-bearings
- Super line spool
Cons
- It received some negative customer reviews.
2. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Whether you’re just starting in the industry or want to boost your catch by introducing a piece of powerful equipment into your fishing toolbox, this reel is designed to take your fish-fight to another level.
When it comes to design, it’s made up of the leading industry-grade components that guarantee a better fight inshore. Perhaps, that’s what makes it one of the best fish-fighting machines.
With this fishing equipment, durability is not an option as it’s made up of machined aluminum body as well as the cover for maximum durability.
Key Features
It’s designed with 15% lighter Air Rotor, ABS spools with no reverse taper, seven ball-bearing systems, and waterproof carbon ATD for more reliable performance.
And on top of that, it has an aluminum-made body and side plate for exceptional strength and stability of the internal parts.
Pros
- Highly durable construction
- Lightweight design
- It has seven shielded ball-bearings
- Smooth action
- Features reliable and waterproof ATD carbon
Cons
- A little bit heavy.
3. SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel
This is one of the most versatile reels that you shouldn’t an oversight. It has a unique design that gives you the power to boost your catch both in fresh and saltwater.
In addition to that, this fishing reel also features anti-corrosive coatings that protect it in both saltwater and freshwater when fishing.
Going without saying, this reel also has 10+1 shielded ball bearings made of stainless steel for exception smoothness.
Key Features
It features a thicker Rapid and enhanced main shaft. Also, it has shielded ball bearings made out of aluminum.
Moreover, this reel also has a mighty drag power of 15kg/33, that’s enough to handle even the land the largest fish.
As if that’s not enough, it has 10+1 ball bearings, sealed aluminum spool as well as the rotor structure to prevent grit and water from destroying it.
Pros
- Durably constructed
- Highly smooth operations
- Shielded bearing
- High drag power
Cons
- The handle is not as comfortable as expected.
4. Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels
This Carbon X spinning reel is one of the skillfully made reels that you can try out. If you’re starting in the fishing industry or want to upgrade to a new reel, this can be a perfect option.
It features all carbon fiber body construction, rotor, and the side plate, thereby giving it the lightest combined weight of 5.7 Ounces only.
As such, it’s an excellent option for any full-time angler since it reduces the strain in the wrist even when you go out fishing all-day-long.
Key Features
It comes in size 2000. In addition to that, it has a high-speed gear ratio of 6.2:1, which can be great even for fast casting.
Besides that, it features 10+1 stainless steel ball bearings for smooth retrieves. When it comes to the drag system, it has three premium carbon washers that are oversized and gives about 33 pounds of drag power that’s great for battling big fishes.
Pros
- Durable carbon fiber construction
- Lightweight
- High-speed gear ratio
- Powerful drag system
Cons
- A bit pricy
5. Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel
This is yet another masterpiece fishing equipment that’s popular in the fishing arena. And it’s without a doubt due to its incredible features that guarantee durability and performance.
With its patented live line bait-feeding system, this spin fishing reel offers a unique experience to anglers across all the experience levels.
Besides, it has an exquisite design that is fully optimized for high precision and performance.
Key Features
One of the features that make this product to stand tall in the market is its revolutionary bait-feeding system that signals a great sense of convenience.
In addition to that, it features six sealed ball-bearings for super-smooth operation and to prevent the saltwater and grit from damaging the inner parts.
And on top of that, it features lightweight CNC adjustable spool fitted with smooth oil-felt washers.
Pros
- Made up with durable materials.
- It is designed with a bait-feeding system.
- Has adjustable spools
- Super-smooth operation
- Shielded ball bearings
Cons
- Some anglers do not love it.
6. Pflueger President XT Spinning Fishing Reel
It’s another great fishing reel below $100 that every angler should check out. It’s durable and beautifully designed to stand even the most intricate angling technique that you might want to use.
Also, it’s versatile and available in different sizes such as 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40.
As if that’s not enough, this fishing reel is designed for casting very light baits. However, the reels can also be used with almost all fishing techniques.
Key Features
This Size 40 reel is durably constructed with high quality aluminum for maximum durability and strength. Besides that, it has a design featuring a 10-shielded ball bearing system and aluminum shaft that’s 30% lighter than the stainless steel shaft.
Moreover, it features a pinion gear made of aluminum, making it 60% lighter than the pinion gear made from brass. And on top of that, it has a sealed drag system for increased durability.
Pros
- Designed with highly durable components.
- Has a super lightweight
- Available in different sizes
- Designed with ten bearings for smooth operations
- Sealed drag system and Braid ready
Cons
- It may tangle the braid easily.
7. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel – New Spinning Reel
Looking for the best reel under $100? If so, then this Sharky III fishing reel made highly experienced experts from KastKing Company might fit in your budget.
Despite being of lower budget, this reel comes with amazing features that give it a higher performance that edges some of the highly budgeted reels in the market.
Key Features
This size 1000 fishing reel has a high power drag of up to 39.5LBs / 18KG provided by triple disk drag made of carbon fiber.
Besides that, it has an oversized main shaft made up of stainless steel. Also, it has a pinion gear made up of high precision manganese brass for higher performance.
Lastly, it comes fitted with 10+1 double-shielded ball bearings for optimum performance in both fresh and saltwater.
Pros
- Durably-made
- Has a high drag power
- Double-shielded 10+1 bearings
- Cheaply priced
Cons
- Not warranted
8. Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Spinning Reel (All Models & Sizes)
This Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Spin fishing reel comes in a wide range of sizes and models from which you can make the best selection.
More interestingly, it has a full metal body construction that maintains gear alignment even under heavy load. In addition to that, this reel features techno-balanced that offers smooth retrieves.
Key Features
It comes in size 3000 but also available in a variety of sizes ranging from 1000-800. Besides that, this reel also features a full metal body and side plate construction for maximum durability.
Better yet, it incorporates Penn HT-100 drag washers made up of extremely durable carbon fiber, making it resilient enough to handle any challenge in both inshore and nearshore.
With its 4+1 shielded ball bearing, this fishing reel offers a smooth retrieve, while the super linesuperline spool and aluminum bail wire make line management easy.
Pros
- High quality material construction.
- Durable carbon fiber drag washers
- Has five bearings for smooth running
- Powerful drag system
- Easy line management
Cons
- Not warranted
9. KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning Reel
This new models of the fishing reel from KastKing Company are one of the equipment to watch out. It’s designed with some of the innovative features that can make your angling more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.
Not to mention, it features a unique front drag as well as the rear drag functions for increased convenience.
Whether you intend to use in saltwater or freshwater, this reel has a unique design and coating that makes it fit for both.
Key Features
This size 3000 Baitfeeder III fishing reel comes with innovative features such as front drag and rear drag system. In addition to that, it features a high-class graphite body that’s corrosion-free.
To make it smoother when retrieving a line, this Baitfeeder III reel incorporates 10+1 stainless steel ball bearings for a faster and steady retrieve.
Besides that, it also features precision gears 5.5:1 gear ratio made of alloys and has the main shaft made of stainless steel.
And on top of that, it features a powerful drag of up to 26.5 Lbs/ 12 Kg.
Pros
- High quality and durable material construction
- Powerful drag system
- Front and rear drag functions
- Versatile
- Smooth retrieves
Cons
- Some buyers do not like it
10. Pflueger Supreme Supsp30x Spinning Fishing Reel
It’s yet another awesome reel from Pflueger Company that comes with some great functionalities that can improve the number and size of your catch.
In terms of its design, this high quality fishing reel is, without doubt, one of the smoothest spinning reels that come with nine stainless steel bearings.
Also, it has a magnesium body as well as the rotor, making it feather-weight.
Key Features
This reel comes in Supsp30x design. Besides that, the design features aviation grade Aluminum that’s highly durable and can handle hard-fighting fishes.
Besides that, it has braid ready spool that allows you to tie braid on the spool directly.
Pros
- Constructed with extremely durable
- Lightweight
- Featherweight magnesium body and rotor
- Smooth retrieve with nine bearings
Cons
- The drag is a little bit tight
11. Cadence Cs5-1000 Spinning Reel
Cadence is one of the highly reputable companies known for producing high quality fishing reels at a pocket-friendly price. And this Cs5-1000 Spinning Reel is not an exception.
The reel comes with premium features that guarantee high performance. With its lightweight Meta carbon mainframe, this reel is 53% lighter and about 20% stronger than the conventional reels.
Key Features
It’s made up of ultra-light Meta carbon frame, and a strong spool made up of machined aluminum that maintains a steady outgoing line. Besides that, this reel features a comfortable ergonomic EVA handle for long-lasting comfort.
In addition to that, it has a unique torsion control body that increases the stability of the reel and improves the drag system.
Lastly, it has a super gear ratio of 6.2:1/5.2:1 for faster castings and a drag of up to 36 pounds to handle a hard fighting catch.
Pros
- High quality and durable components
- Provides a smooth retrieve
- Capable of high-speed casting
- Up to 36-pound drag power
- Backed with the 90-day return policy and a 3-year warranty.
Cons
- Not suitable for hunting bigger fishes.
12. Pflueger Pressp30x President Spinning Fishing Reel
It’s one of the top-rated fishing reels that might change your angling technique for better
With a-ten stainless steel bearing system, lightweight graphite construction, braid ready spool, and sealed drag system, this spin fishing reel offers the best experience in the angling arena.
Key Features
It features graphite body and rotor construction that gives it the lighter weight and sturdiness to battle big fish without snapping off.
In addition to that, it’s designed with ten ball bearings made of stainless steel for smooth retrieval, sealed drag washers, and bready ready spool for higher performance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable graphite construction.
- It has sealed drag washers.
- Smooth retrieval.
Cons
- May develop issues on the drag system.
13. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
This is yet another masterpiece reel from the manufacturing facilities of Pflueger Company. It comes with many fantastic features that you can enjoy.
Not to mention, it has a design featuring a comfortable handle made of aviation-grade aluminum and graphite body, as well as the rotor for extreme durability.
Also, it features oiled felt and stainless steel drag that offers unbeatable service and extreme durability.
Key Features
This reel comes in box style size 30. In addition to that, it features a-ten bearing system made of anti-corrosion stainless steel.
Out of the ten bearings, nine-ball bearings are responsible for a smooth retrieve, and the remaining ball serves as an instant anti-reverse bearing.
Better yet, it features oiled felt that promotes a smooth drag. And on top of that, it as a braid-ready spool that allows you to tie braid directly to the spool.
Pros
- Has a durable graphite and aluminum design.
- Smooth retrieves
- Smooth drag
- Braid-ready spool
Cons
- The chrome can get damaged by salty water.
14. Daiwa 4000H Revros Spinning Reel
It’s among the well-made spinning reels that you can ever find on the market. Based on its design, this spinning reel is highly versatile. Therefore, you can use it with almost all fishing techniques.
In addition to that, it’s constructed with a lightweight design featuring light-weight yet strong Zaion carbon composite material.
As if that’s not enough, the material makes the reel 15% lighter than other ordinary rotors.
Key Features
This revolutionary fishing reel incorporates eight ball bearing system. This includes seven stainless steel ball bearings and one anti-reverse bearing.
Besides that, this top-quality reel has a highly durable and sturdy aluminum-made body that gives you confidence when battling stubborn fish online.
And on top of that, it comes in size 4000H, but also available in other sizes.
Pros
- Durable construction design
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Sturdy
- Has a smooth retrieve
Cons
- Maybe intricate for a beginner
15. Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
It’s one of the specially designed spinning fishing reels that work great in saltwater without having issues such as corrosion.
It has an ergonomic design and a screw-in handle that you can use comfortably for a couple of hours without feeling strained or fatigued.
Key Features
This incredible reel is made up of black anodized machined aluminum, Air rotor, and aluminum ABS spool, screw-in handle.
In addition to that, it features a waterproof drag system, braid-ready spool, carbon ATD, and a highly comfortable handle.
Pros
- Durable machined aluminum construction
- Waterproof drag system
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Braid-ready spool
- Smooth retrieves
Cons
- A bit pricey
How to Pick a Spinning Reel under 100
Now that we have established that, a spinning reel is anessential fishing tool. Here are the factors you need to consider when purchasing one.
Gear Ratio
Gearratio is what measures how many times the ball spins around the spool to regain line with every turn of the reel’s handle.
You want to know how much power you can exert with a fish on the line.When utilizing heftier line and tackle for larger fish species, smaller ratios comein handy.
Gear ratios between 4:1 and 5:1 offer slower but more authoritative retrievals.
Ball Bearings
For a reel to operate seamlessly, it has to have quality ball bearings. Only a few things can be as frustrating as handling a cheap reel with substandard bearings.
Jerky reel operation can be frustrating and quality bearings help the reel feed sturdier and stable.Quality goes hand in hand with quantity when assessing the bearing of a reel.
Typically, the more the bearings, the better the quality of a reel. It is important to have high-quality bearings especially if you will be fishing in saltwater.
This is because rust-resistance plays an important role when it comes to reel usability and longevity.
Line Capacity
When a spinning reel is matched with the correct rod, you can use both heavy and light line depending on your target fish.
Line capacity has a direct effect on the shape and size. You want to be careful when picking your reel’s capacity and ensure that you do not go beyond specifications in regards to length and weight.
Comfort of the Reel
Lastly, you want to consider the fundamental reel ergonomics. You want to determine whether you want a right or left-handed retrieve reel.
There are spinning reels that offer both right- and left-handed retrieval so you may want to consider getting one.
What is the life span of these low-priced spinning reels?
Aside from things like material and structure, the lifespan of these reels boils down to maintenance and usage.
The more you use the reel, the shorter the lifespan and rightfully so! Besides that, the water you are fishing in can affect how long the reel lasts.
Saltwater tends to wear out the reel components hence decreasing its lifespan.
That said; you could actually extend the life of your spinning reel with proper care. You should always do this whether your reel is high-end or inexpensive.
Maintenance practices entail wiping down any stains or dirt, tightening loose screws, and adding new oil regularly.
It is advisable to disassemble your reels every two years and clean the components. You also want to apply new oil to the components while at it.
Once you make maintenance a habit, you will be surprised at how your inexpensive reel lasts for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have questions you may want answered on the same and we believe the ones we have answered below can be of help.
Is a reel with more ball bearings better?
No, not at all! This is a common misconception. This is because there are various ball bearing grades. Most high-end reels feature many bearing and the additional ones make the reel function more seamlessly compared to reels with fewer ball bearings.
What spinning reel size should I get?
Generally, if you are using a monofilament, you should go for a fishing rod in the range of 6-10Kg. If it is a braided line, you can often use rods rated anywhere between 6-20Kg.
What is the best inexpensive spinning reel?
Several good reels fall under that category so we cannot particularly pinpoint one. You need to look out for the features we have previously discussed that will guide you when picking yours.
What’s the best size spinning reel for bass fishing?
Reels come in different shapes and sizes. But in general, they range from size 1000 to 9,000. Of course, the smaller the number, the smaller the reel.
The best spinning reel size for bass fishing is the smallest one available i.e. size 1,000. The size also works quite well for fishing medium-sized trout and walleye.
Our Best Pick
Based on our in-depth analysis, “Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel” is the best. It features highly durable full-body metal construction, as well as the side plate and rotor.
Besides that, it features high-grade aluminum bail wire, HT 100 carbon drag system, fluid cranking, and super line spool.
As such, it delivers high performance, increased durability, and more extended casting range that any angler would need.
Final Thoughts
The manual process of catching fish is stressful and can cause and increase pain on your joints. If you want to enjoy your angling experience and catch big fish effortlessly, you want to get a good spinning reel.
The fact that spinning reels are quite pricy discourages most anglers from purchasing them but we have done our research and unearthed several spinning reels on a budget.
While these may not offer the same advanced features as high-end reels, they are still worth the investment.
We have also highlighted the features you need to look out for when purchasing your reel so what are you waiting for? Be sure to get the best spinning reel under 100 to enjoy fishing.