The Best Spinning Reel under $200 in 2023: Top 7 Reels Reviewed

If you are a serious and seasoned angler, you know that spinning reels are and will remain to be popular.This is probably because they are user friendly and more flexible compared to baitcasters.

So, what if you are strapped on cash? Well, we have an assortment of the best spinning reel under $200 options that you can choose from.

Best Spinning Reel under $200

Top-Rated Under 200 Spinning Reels: Comparison Table

We’d like to keep things brief and precise. And, therefore, here’s a table of reels that we’d like you to refer to (keep scrolling for the detailed reviews).

RankingNameBall BearingWeight
1Penn 1338218 Battle II Spinning ReelBall Bearings: 61 pounds
2SHIMANO STRADIC HG Spinning ReelB.B 6 + Roller Bearings 10.85 pounds
3KastKing Crixus Spinning Fishing ReelBall Bearing: 4+10.73 pounds
4Penn 641-1366179 Clash Spinning Fishing Reel0.66 pounds
5KastKingSharky III Fishing ReelBall Bearing: 4+11.3 pounds
6GOMEXUS Power Knob CompatibleBall Bearing: 5+11.1 pounds
7Daiwa BG6500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel1.3 pounds

1. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel

Has your line been unwinding from the spool and disrupting the reeling in process? Why not try out Penn Battle II spinning reel with an aluminum bail wire meant to prevent your line from unwinding.

This reel has five sealed stainless steel ball bearings. As such, the reel is said to work smoothly and the ball bearings are resistant to corrosion.

In as much as this seems like a good reel, some customers have reported that the spool on this reel is unsteady when under tension. This causes a challenge when you have caught a big fish.

Pros

  • Carbon fiber drag system
  • Suitable for saltwater
  • Aluminum bail wire
  • Metal body frame

Cons

  • Unsteady spool when under tension

2. SHIMANO STRADIC HG Spinning Reel

If you have been searching for a reel for longer casts, Shimano Stradic HG spinning reel seems to fit the description. The reel is said to have no friction between the spool shaft and gear, which enhances the casting distance.

The G free body design of this reel is claimed to enable a better weight balance. As such, you are unlikely to get tired when using the reel for long hours.

This reel is suitable for freshwater. However, some customers feel it would have served them better if it had the anti-reverse switch.

Pros

  • G free body
  • Strong HAGANE body
  • Durable gears
  • Works smoothly

Cons

  • Lacks anti-reverse switch

3. KastKingCrixus Spinning Fishing Reel

Do you also consider grip as important when dealing with a spinning reel? This may be the reason for KastKing having a reel with Super Polymer handle knob that is said to be slip-resistant.

This reel has six bearings: one anti-reverse bearing and five ball bearings. These bearings are made of stainless steel hence said to be work smoothly when retrieving your line.

The graphite frame is the likely reason this reel is light in weight. But the reel is only suitable for freshwater use.

Pros

  • Graphite frame
  • Carbon fiber drag system
  • Slip-resistant handle
  • Zero lock anti-reverse

Cons

  • Suitable for freshwater only

Also read: The 10 Best Trolling Reels

4. Penn Clash Spinning Reel

Are you in search of a reel designed to work well in saltwater? Penn states the body of their reel is metallic with machined CNC gear to withstand harsh conditions.

The reel has eight ball bearings that are made of stainless steel and sealed for durability. These ball bearings are likely to enhance your control when handling the line.

According to some customers, this reel does not work smoothly despite having the Leveline Oscillation System. They say the reel is also very noisy when retrieving.

Pros

  • Nine bearings
  • Leveline Oscillation System
  • Suitable for saltwater
  • Durable metallic body

Cons

  • Does not work smoothly

5. KastKingSharky III Fishing Reel

KastKing says they have designed their reel to last. The reel has KastKing Intrusion Shield System that is alleged to keep out dirt and water from the rotor and spool of the reel.

With ten ball bearings and one anti-reverse bearing, this reel is likely to perform efficiently with stability. In addition, the bearings are stainless steel and double shielded to prevent corrosion.

You are likely to have better control in wet conditions when using this reel. This is because the handle is made of EVA grips.

Pros

  • Lightweight graphite body
  • Double shielded bearings
  • Aluminum spool
  • Fiber-reinforced graphite body

Cons

  • The drag sticks

6. PENNSpinfisher V Fishing Reel

Your drag and gear system are said to be safe from damage. This is because the reel is IPX5 sealed to keep out salt water and sand.

The full metal body of this reel is said to keep the CNC gear properly aligned. As such, the reel is supposed to handle heavy loads with ease.

With six stainless steel bearings, using the reel is likely to be easy as it is claimed to perform smoothly. The reel is said to support distant casting.

Pros

  • Fully sealed body
  • Sufficient drag power
  • Works well in saltwater
  • Corrosion-resistant bearings

Cons

  • Heavy reel

7. DaiwaBg Spinning Reel

Daiwa has made their reel strong and long-lasting. The body and body cover are black anodized to be able to resist corrosion plus scratches.

The air rotor in this reel is said to weigh less than normal rotors. Consequently, the reel is likely to be easy to use for long hours.

This reel has an over sized Digigear system said to enhance the gear function and its lifespan. Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the bail does not work as expected.

Pros

  • Dual anti-reverse
  • Waterproof Automatic Tournament Drag
  • Lightweight design
  • Machined aluminum body

Cons

  • Bail works poorly

How to Choose a Spinning Reel on a Budget

It is important to consider several factors especially when buying a cheap spinning reel since cheap stuff is known to be of compromised quality.

Here are some of the things you need to look out for.

Rust Resistance

Spinning reels are usually made from metal and most metals will corrode when exposed to water. As such, you want a reel that is made of metals that can withstand moisture.

If not, ensure that the metal has protective coating and sealants.

Target Fish

It would not make sense to splurge on a rust-resistant and intricate reel if you do not intend to fish in saltwater or catch large fish.

Most cheap spinning reels are able to catch medium to small size fish so you may want to keep that in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some commonly asked questions that can be of help.

Why does my fishing line keep intertwining?

It could be because of a number of reasons. For instance, if you set your drag wrongly or set the brake too loose, your line is likely to keep tangling.

Do braided lines go bad?

Yes, they do but when properly treated, they can be useful for a long time. However, fluorocarbon and mono filament lines do have a shelf life.

Best Overall Choice

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is our topmost spinning reel under $200. With a metallic body frame that is durable, this reel is suitable for both salt and freshwater. We highly recommend that you give it a try.

Final Thoughts

Angling does not have to be a costly affair especially with all the affordable spinning reels in the market. We have put together this guide to help you pick the best one so knock yourself out!

Leave a Comment