Whether you’re new to fishing or an experienced angler, having a good spinning reel combo in your arsenal is important. However, you really don’t need to break the bank to get a quality reel.
With less than 150 dollars, you can find a high-quality spinning reel that:
- Casts and cranks smoothly
- Has great line capacity
- Is made from durable materials
But what are some of these good spinning reels under $150? We’ve rounded up the 12 best spinning reel under $150 currently available in the market and what features they offer.
Spinning Reel Models Under $150: Comparison Chart
Below are some of the best reels under 150 dollars that are considered to offer the best value for money. So, you really can’t go wrong with any of these reels.
| Ranking | Name | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penn 1338218 Battle II Spinning Reel | 5 x 4 x 3 inches | 1 pounds |
| 2 | CS8&CS10 Spinning Reel | 6.3 x 5.5 x 3.5 inches | 0.8 pounds |
| 3 | Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel | 5 x 5 x 4 inches | 0.7625 pounds |
| 4 | Daiwa BG Saltwater Medium Heavy Spinning Reel | 6 x 5 x 4 inches | 1.3 pounds |
| 5 | RUNCL Titan I Fishing Reel | – | 1 pounds |
| 6 | Okuma Helios SX HSX-30 Lightweight Spinning Reel | 5 x 5 x 4 inches | 0.5 pounds |
| 7 | KastKing Sharky III Spinning Fishing Reel | – | 0.85 pounds |
| 8 | Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel | 5.5 x 4.7 x 3.2 inches | 0.21 pounds |
| 9 | KastKingSharkyBaitfeeder III | – | 1 pounds |
| 10 | Daiwa BG2000 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel | 6 x 5 x 4 inches | 2 pounds |
| 11 | Cadence CS5 | – | 0.71 pounds |
| 12 | Pflueger PRESSP30X President Spinning Fishing Reel | – | 0.68 pounds |
1. Penn Battle II 3000
The Penn Battle II 3000 is a durable fishing reel that features a full metal body, rotor, and side plate construction. The bail wire is also made of heavy-duty aluminum for added durability.
But here is the best part; the reel’s drag system is constructed from HT 100 carbon fiber. As such, it’s able to offer a powerful drag without having to sacrifice smoothness.
Pros
- Braid ready spool that doesn’t need backing
- Performs very well in saltwater bodies
- Great line capacity
- Has an instant anti-reverse bearing
- Five stainless steel and sealed ball bearings
Cons
- Feels a bit heavy
2. Cadence CS10 Reel
Here is yet another great feature-packed premium reel that comes at an unbeatable price. It’s designed to offer more line capacity and a stronger spool made from machined aluminum to prevent the line from slipping.
Additionally, it includes 10 stainless steel ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing which adds to the smoothness of the reel. More importantly, the unit comes with an ergonomic EVA handle knob that is oversized for overall comfort.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Made of premium and durable materials
- Ball bearings are corrosion resistant
- Smooth drag system with braid ready spool
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
- Some people reported lots of play in the handle
3. Okuma Ceymar
Looking for a fishing reel that offers smooth performance at a very small cost? You should consider this Okuma Ceymar. It features a heavy-duty aluminum bail wire and a powerful multi-disc drag system that delivers confident performance.
On top of that, its rotor system boasts Okuma RESII computer balancing technology. This enables the reel to spin at high speeds without having to worry about any annoying wobble. More importantly, it is engineered with seven ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing for ultimate smoothness.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant body design
- EVA handle knobs for complete control
- Compact and lightweight
- Strong and rigid aluminum spool
Cons
- The line is prone to getting all knotted
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4. Daiwa BG Reel
One thing that stands out about this model is its overall construction. To start with, its body is made from machined aluminum for ultimate strength and stability. The body is also anodized to make it more corrosion and scratch resistance.
What’s more? The Daiwa BG features a screw-in machined aluminum handle that offers zero movement and great control. So, you don’t have to worry about any play between the handle arm and the main gear.
Pros
- Offers easier and longer casting
- Lightweight design
- 6+1 bearing with instant anti-reverse for reliable performance
- Easy to adjust the drag
- Less casting friction
Cons
- The handle has some quality control issues
5. RUNCL Titan I Fishing Reel
If you need a reliable and affordable fishing reel, you can’t go wrong with this RUNCL Titan I model. It boasts a multi-disc drag system with carbon fiber washers to ensure great stopping power. The washers also help to improve the maximum drag up to 44lbs.
More so, the unit is equipped with a hollow-out rotor design that helps minimize its weight without sacrificing its durability and strength.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle knob for superior grip
- Precise bearings for smooth and balanced performance
- Protected from saltwater corrosion
- Solid construction
Cons
- Lacks release trigger for ease of one-handed use
6. Okuma Helios Lightweight Reel
The Okuma Helios is a high-performance fishing reel that is constructed using the quality materials to ensure maximum durability. Basically, it is made from carbon fiber which ensures exceptional strength.
On top of that, the unit boasts 8 bearings plus a rolling bearing to ensure smooth movement of the spool. Also included is a cyclonic flow rotor designed to maximize airflow. This helps reduce corrosion by allowing faster drying time if the reel gets wet.
Pros
- Braid ready so no need for backing
- Well balanced and smooth
- Great build quality
- Extremely lightweight and rigid
- Retrieval is silent
Cons
- Bail may brush off your fingers while reeling
7. KastKingSharky III 3000
Built to be tough and reliable, the KastKingSharky III reel is ideal for use in both saltwater and freshwater. It boasts an anti-twist line roller that helps minimize line snarls and tangles.
What’s more? The reel is engineered with 10 + 1 double-shielded ball bearings to provide you with smooth performance and effortless fishing. More so, the spool comes braid line ready which helps eliminate the need for backing.
Pros
- Offers more line capacity
- EVA handle provides slip-free control
- Has silky smooth and quiet retrieve
- Spool boosts water-resistant protection design
Cons
- May not be the best reel for pulling in big game fish
8. Cadence CS8-1000
Featuring a machined aluminum spool, you don’t need to worry about the line slipping with the Cadence CS8-1000. The reel also boasts a powerful drag system made from carbon fiber to deliver consistent pressure and great stopping power.
Additionally, the reel comes with a blazing fast gear ration which gives it ultra-fast and smooth performance. As if that’s not enough, it is backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty for your peace of mind.
Pros
- Easy to adjust the drag power
- Made of strong, lightweight, and durable materials
- Oversized ergonomic handle for greater control
- Offers long casting
- Corrosion-resistant bearings
Cons
- Drag feels a bit sticky on the reel
9. KastKingSharkyBaitfeeder III
The SharkyBaitfeeder III from KastKing is an inexpensive unit that delivers more than what you’d expect. To start with, it comes with both front and rear drag systems. The front drag supports up to 26.5 lbs of drag power while the rear drag allows live lining bait.
Best of all, the reel boasts an interchangeable right or left-hand handle featuring sure grip for incredible spinning performance.
Pros
- Included spare high-strength spool
- Precision gears with a powerful gear ratio
- Premium drag washers deliver impeccable power
- High-quality and durable inner parts
- Ideal for freshwater and saltwater use
Cons
- Base and stem tend to flex too much
10. Daiwa BG Saltwater Reel
Housed in an anodized machined aluminum body, the Daiwa BG saltwater reel is sure to serve you for many years. Furthermore, it features an oversized Digigear system that increases the reel’s torque. This provides you with more power to reel in big game fish.
Moreover, the unit is equipped with an aluminum ABS spool plus a Dynamic cut design. This feature allows a seamless flow of the line while also extending the reel’s ability to cast
Pros
- Exceptional built quality
- Smooth and easy to adjust the drag
- Sturdy screw-in handle
- The drag system is waterproof
- Great line capacity
Cons
- The body is not completely sealed
11. Cadence CS5
Available in different sizes to choose from, the Cadence CS5 is an excellent fishing reel to have in your arsenal. It comes with carbon fiber brakes that help keep the drag steady.
On top of that, the CS5 boasts a superior drag system that offers amazing stopping power for ease of handling big fish. What’s more, it has a super high gear ratio to ensure ultra-smooth performance.
Pros
- Strong and robust aluminum spool
- Smooth, corrosion-resistant, and durable bearings
- Strong and ultra-light design
- Torsion control body design for improved stability
- Sturdy bail with an oversized line roller
Cons
- Does not perform well in saltwater
12. Pflueger President Reel
With a 10 stainless steel bearing system, this reel is not only corrosion resistant but it’s also built to deliver smooth performance. Besides, it features slow oscillation gearing to reduce line twist and improve line lay.
Moreover, the unit’s body and rotor are constructed from graphite to ensure its lightweight. Best of all, it includes a braid ready spool so you can directly tie the braid to the spool for added convenience.
Pros
- The drag system is sealed for extra durability
- Casts very smoothly and line spools perfectly
- Simple and sleek design
- No tangles or backing while handling the braid
Cons
- Makes a bit of grinding noise on retrieval
Choosing the Best reel within 150 dollars
When it comes to choosing the best reel under $150, there are some aspects to consider. This is because spinning reels are not equally built. Some have a better drag system than others while some models are more durable than others.
That said, below are the aspects that you should take into account.
Drag System
The quality of the drag is one of the crucial aspects you need to consider. Generally, a good fishing reel should have a smooth drag so you can play a big fish on a smaller line. A sticky drag system may cause your line to break off suddenly due to the shock of a surging fish.
Gear Ratio
This is the number of times a reel’s bail rotates around the spool every time you crank the handle. So, smaller gear ratios like 4:1 or 5:1 are best suited for more stubborn and heavier fish.
However, for smaller fish or those that are easier to catch, you need a reel with a larger gear ratio. Probably a gear ratio of around 6:1.
Construction
Most spinning reels under $150 are made of graphite or aluminum. These materials offer the ultimate strength and durability.
Basically, units made from aluminum are more durable compared to their graphite counterparts. As such, they are best suited for fishing off-shore and in saltwater.
Graphite reels, on the other hand, are very lightweight. They are, therefore, best suited for anglers who fish for long periods.
Bearings
Generally speaking, the bearings are responsible for making the spool and handle move smoothly. They also offer support and stability when using the reel. So, the more the ball bearings, the smoother the operation the reel will have. However, more bearings are only good if they are of premium quality.
Size of the Reel
The fishing line that you plan to use determines what size of spinning reel you need. Basically, if you will be using a lighter line then you should choose a smaller reel.
For instance, if your line is 8 pounds, you should consider getting a reel that is rated for 6, 8, and 10. In most cases, you can find these numbers in a chart or on the spool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we conclude, let’s have a look at some of the common questions people ask about spinning reels under $150.
What is spinning reels good for?
You can use them to cast various types of tackle such as live bait and artificial lures. They are especially very useful for light bait and tackle.
Are more bearings in a reel better?
Not really. However, spinning reels with more high-end ball bearings tend to operate smoother compared to reels with fewer ball bearings.
What’s the best gear ratio?
Basically, reels with a 5:1:1 gear ratio are slower compared to those with a 7:1:1 gear ratio. However, if you plan to catch bigger fish, you should go for a reel with a smaller gear ratio.
Which is the Best Model Under $150?
Overall, Penn Battle II in our opinion is the best fishing reel under $150 in the market. It boasts a powerful drag system for smooth performance. What’s more, it’s durable and can be used to conquer big game fish in saltwater bodies. On top of that, it has a great gearing that allows fast retrieval.
Final Word
As you can see, with $150 or less, you can get a high-quality spinning reel with great performance and solid features. So, whichever unit you choose from our list, you are guaranteed of great fishing experience.
Just be sure to select a reel that matches your unique needs because different anglers have different fishing styles.