The Best Spin-cast Reels Review 2021
In this Guide
Choosing the best spincast reel is important, whether you are a beginner angler or a pro. Initially, closed face reels were used to train beginners, considering how easy they were to use. One major problem, however, was that they were too light- you couldn’t have used them for bigger game fish.
But like everything else, this industry has also adapted and changed perspectives. As you will soon see, modern-day spincast reels are much better at handling weight. Obviously you will not be able to catch flathead catfish, huge bass, or muskies, but for day to day use these reels can be used to catch smaller fish like trout and small catfish, etc. There’s plenty of fish in the sea!
We have reviewed many of the best spin casting reels out there. However, there are different reels specific to how you want to use them and we will help you decide what the best spincast reel is for you. We will be showing you the best reels form the market leaders being Zebco, Pflueger, and Daiwa, and other noteworthy products that made our list. So buckle up and reel yourself in.
Top 10 Spincast Reels of 2021
Here are our top picks of Spincast Reels, with a list of their features, as well as pros and cons. After reading our reviews, you will be able to pick the best option for yourself!
Zebco Omega Pro Z03
Check Zebco Omega Pro on Amazon
Features:
- 6+1 bearing count.
- A continuous Anti-reverse.
- A gear ratio of 3.4:1
- Mano Capacity of 85/10
- Weight 10.6 oz
Pros
- A total of 7 ball bearings, a gear ratio of 3.6:1, and a 19-inch line retrieval per turn gives this an excellent casting experience as well as smooth retrieval.
- Interchangeable handles make it easy to use for both left and right-handers.
- Aircraft-grade Aluminium body and all-metal gears make this a strong and robust spincast reel.
Cons
- Overly sensitive drag wheel.
- Limited line capacity
- Delicate ceramic pins
- Expensive
In summary, with its solid design, ease of use, a completely new and innovative bearing system, and the superior combination of bearing count, the gear ratio and retrieval rate make this one of the best spincast reels available anywhere in the world. It is also one of Zebco’s top-rated products.
Zebco Bullet
Features:
- Bearing count 8+1
- Gear Ratio of 5.1:1
- Weight 13.9 oz
- The maximum drag of 10lbs
Pros
- A double anodized Aluminium core making this corrosion resistant and very strong.
- 9 stainless steel ball bearings giving an unparalleled experience. Casting and line retrieval is made extremely smooth. The dual bearing line allows the user to cast not only farther but, a lot faster too.
- The high gear ratio splits the difference between power and speed.
- The double handle allows to muscle big fish up to shore, allowing a maximum drag of 10lbs.
- The precision brass gear makes the process of reeling back extremely fast.
Cons
- Constant maintenance is needed to use this reel properly for a long time.
Best for performance junkies this is one of the highest performing spincast reels available. With a higher bearing count and a higher gear ratio, it helps this has a fast and smooth retrieve that gives 29.6” a turn. The gear ratio finds the perfect balance between power and speed and this helps overlook the weight.
Zebco 888
Features:
- Bearing count 2+1
- Gear Ratio of 2.6:1
- 7.2 oz
- Maximum Drag 25lbs
Pros
- Low gear ratio to catch big fish
- High-quality metal gears
Cons
- The low gear ratio and bearing count mean this reel might not be as smooth and comfortable as you want it to be.
Best for those looking to do some heavy-duty fishing, Zebco 888 is the best spincast reel for you. Most anglers would never expect to catch good bass using spincast reels and this product from Zebco proves them wrong. Although heavier with low bearings and gear ratio, this reel can drag in around 25lbs of fish. It is easy to cast and promises not to bring you empty-handed.
Zebco 33
Features:
- Bearing count 1
- A gear ratio of 4.3:1
- Weight of 7.2oz
Pros
- Stainless steel protective cover making the reel resistant to corrosion.
- Metal gears allowing a smooth performance
- A bite alert switch which is a handy tool for beginners.
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Low bearing count which is smooth for light fish but as fish become heavier it becomes a lot less smooth.
- Some variants come with a plastic button that looks and feels cheap.
On the economical side of things, this Zebco product could be your entry into the angling world. It is robust and reliable not to mention an ultralight spincast reel. Having only one bearing naturally means that the retrieval rate will not be that smooth but for this price, this spincast reel might be the best reel for the money because it gets the job done well. The 33 also has a micro gold version with a better gear ratio and could be an upgrade on this.
Pflueger President 10
Features:
- Bearing count 4
- Gear Ratio of 3.8:1
- Weight of 11.2oz
- Maximum Drag of 10lbs
Pros
- A strong and sturdy Aluminium body more than equipped to fight against the strong pull of fish.
- 4 Stainless steel ball bearings making the casting smooth and the product easy to use.
- Good long line capacity of 8/90, 10/75 & 12/65 that can help bass anglers get a good catch.
- Anti-reverse feature and large line aperture.
Cons
- Not reliable against most heavy fish.
This spincast reel is arguably one of the best reels out there for beginning anglers. With its lightweight and smooth retrieve, it is very easy to use, especially for children. The casting is also extremely smooth. Although most bass anglers do not use spincast reels, this one, however, proves to be an exception. The sturdy build of this model helps against the fight even small fish give. It is also a low price option, again making it one of the best spin cast reels for the money. There have however been instances of people having broken their reels some months into it.
Pflueger Trion
Check Pflueger Trion on Amazon
Features:
- Bearings 2
- Gear Ratio of 2.9:1
- Anti-reverse system
- Weight of 19.2oz
Pros
- The Aluminium and Graphite build gives this a corrosion-free body but also strength. The titanium pick up pins ensure no wear and tear, even with excessive rough usage, as most beginners might do.
- A reversible handle helps the novice angler find the right fit for him or her self.
- Versatility in the models allows for many different weight categories allowing you to catch fish up to 10lbs.
- It is economical and easy to use making it the best match for beginners.
Cons
- A low gear ration of 2.9:1 and only 2 ball bearings means this is certainly not the smoothest spin casting reel around.
- It won’t fare well against most heavy fishes and will lose the fight to a heavy catfish or a bass.
This product is best for beginners since as a beginning angler you need to find if something is the right fit for you without spending ridiculous amounts of cash. It has a robust design meaning that it will stay with you for long, and can easily be used for an intermediate angler as well.
Daiwa Gold cast Spincast Reel
Features:
- Gear ratio of 4.1:1
- Line capacity 80/10
- A weight of 9.9oz
- 20.8’ of line per handle turn
- 1 stainless steel bearing
- Automatic Anti-reverse system
Pros
- The body is made of metal making it extremely strong and robust. The body is coated with corrosion-resistant material.
- The metal build and an oscillating spool make a very smooth drag.
- The line distribution is really good making the line retrieval very fast.
Cons
- This product is a little pricey especially considering specs that are not as competitive with giants Zebco and Pflueger.
- The drag system produces noise.
- As the load increases the performance takes a blow.
Best for beginners and experienced anglers alike this is a very simple spin-cast reel however the Daiwa brand name ensures the delivery of superb quality and high performance. Although some people have complained about how it is not easy to use and is uncomfortable, most people on Amazon seem to agree that this product delivers and has a good value for money.
Daiwa Underspin XD
Check Daiwa Underspin on Amazon
Features:
- Hardbody rigid Aluminium construction
- A gear ratio of 4.1:1
- 16.1” line per turn
- Weight 5.5oz
- Line capacity of 4/85
- Ball bearings 1.
Pros
- Uses underspin that is easily activated using a single finger
- Combined with bottom mounted configuration this avoids line twists.
- Solid yet extremely lightweight build making it easy to operate.
- The ball bearing drive, oversized line aperture, and rotating titanium line pickup each contribute to longer casts, smoother retrieves, and excellent hook set.
Cons
- Only for basic use, largely ineffective for heavier fish.
- Line tangles on the spool
- Poor Casting
This is a low price version for Daiwa enthusiasts. For those looking for ultralight spincast reels, this is super lightweight, in fact, it is one of the lightest ones out there, making it very easy to carry and move around. Even though lightweight, there hasn’t been a compromise on quality here, and this product remains a high-quality one.
KastKing Brutus
Check KastKing Brutus on Amazon
Features:
- A gear ratio of 4:1
- 5 stainless steel, double-shielded ball bearings
- Push-button fishing reel
- Maximum capacity of 10lbs
Pros
- The gear ratio makes the pick-up line much faster
- Metal body and steel bearings make this durable
- The reversible handle makes this easy to use
Cons
- Does not perform well in saltwater.
This spin cast reel is one of the best spin cast reels for the money. It is for the anglers of all levels of experience, who are looking for low prices without compromising on quality. This is one of the best push-button reels in the market. It is extremely light and easy to use.
Penn Battle II
Features:
- Weight of 16oz
- A gear ratio of 6.2:1
- A bearing count of 5+1
- Maximum drag of 12lbs
Pros
- Very speedy because it has an extremely high gear ratio.
- The 6 ball bearings give a very smooth experience
- Full metal body offering exceptional durability
Cons
- Some people have had problems with it getting stuck.
- Expensive
The Penn battle series is a very well known series when it comes to spincast reels. This particular model has a very quick retrieve and is perfect for those looking for speed. This is also one of the top-rated spincast reels on Amazon. The high price tag here gives promising returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Spincast Reels any good?
Spincast reels are generally not the reels that most bass anglers prefer to use. They come after both bait cast and spinning reels amongst pros. Spincast reels are mostly used for beginners since they are very easy to use, furthermore, they are usually much more affordable.
What is the best spincast reel for the money?
Many low price spin-cast reels have been reviewed on this page however, the best value for money comes from KastKing Brutus. It delivers the quality and features of big players like Zebco, but with a significantly lower price tag. This is also one of the top-rated spin-cast reels on Amazon with a rating of 4.7/5 in 336 reviews.
What is the best spincast reel overall?
The Best overall reel will go to Zebco Omega Pro, having the best spincast combo, this is also the best Zebco Reel. Having amazing reviews on Amazon shows it is the people’s choice of their favorite reels. It is rated 4.5 fro a whopping 493 reviews.
What is the best reel for bass?
There are two contenders for this, although the Pflueger President 10 has a very strong handle that does not break under heavy load. The winner has to be another Zebco. The Zebco 888 with its low gear ratio allows it to carry more weight and it has a maximum drag of 25lbs compared to the President’s 10lbs making it a lot better for heavier fish.
How to buy the best spincast reel?
Here we will give you a guide to buying the best reel for your needs. For those that are just beginning fishing might not have much technical knowledge of what goes on behind the screen. Lucky for you in this section, we will give you a complete picture of all the things you need to consider in order to find your dream match.
Button spincast reel or Underspin?
Buttons are the most popular of the two spincast reels. The push button is located in the rear and you need to press the button in order to cast your line. It is as easy as it sounds and for most of these spincast reels, it works flawlessly, making it an easy choice for most beginners.
However, Underspin has started to generate attention as more and more underspin models are also coming out. For underspin, there is a trigger that exists in the rear to cast the line. Many people find this easier and more accurate for casting. So here it comes down to a personal preference of what you think is the right fit for you.
What are take-up pins?
While spinning reels depend on the spinning bail to gather line, spincast reels use the little take-up pins. These tiny pins exist at the end of the spool and they gather the line while you retrieve it. Once you start spinning the handle, they engage and spin around the spool. They disengage when casting so that the fishing line flows comfortably out of the reel. Basically, these act as the spinning reel. These pins prevent the line from spooling and hence enable casting and retrieving.
However, they are not as durable as bail would be. The key thing to notice here is the material these pins are made of. You would want metal pins over plastic so that greater durability can be expected.
What is the Best Size and Weight for your spincast reel?
Historically, size and weight weren’t considerations that people would take up when talking about spin casting reels. But recently the need for ultralight spincast reels has emerged.
You would want an aluminum graphite body to your reel because these materials are not only strong and corrosion-resistant, they are also very light, making the spincast reels very easy to use and move around.
The size of the spin-cast that holds the reel is a very crucial factor for choosing the right variety of coil for you. If the cast is thick, you would want to go with a wider width reel while a small spin-cast will work smoothly with a thin coil.
What is the Line Capacity for spin casting reels?
Spincasting reels have generally very little line capacity. Most spin casting reels will not be able to handle braided line either. If you choose a line with a quality drag system, however, you might be able to reel in a moderately sized catch. A word of caution, however, you should not try to use a line that is larger than what your spin casting reel is rated for since that might further restrict the capacity and harm performance.
How important is the Gear Ratio for spin casting reels?
This is one of the most significant features of any spin casting reel. They do not merely determine how many lines will turn per handle, but, gear ratios affect the smoothness of the retrieve and the lure performance. A very low ratio means a slower retrieve while a high ratio means much faster.
Typically, decent spin casting reels have rations between 2.5:1 to 4.5:1, and it is up to you to choose the most appropriate one for your needs, based on your budget and speed requirements. The general rule of thumb is you should use faster reels for light fish and slower reels for the heavier fish.
What the number literally means is the number of spool revolutions per turn of the handle. For example, 3:1 would mean the spool would revolve 3 times per one turn of the handle.
You should also consider the material of the gears. Naturally, corrosion-resistant metal gears will be much more durable than plastic ones.
How important is the Bearing count for spin casting reels?
One of the first things that you are tempted to look at while choosing your spincast reels is the bearing count. The rule is simple, the higher the bearing count, the smoother your experience, and the better your performance. They achieve this by removing friction in the system.
A high count of bearings also provides stability and support to your spincasting reel. Naturally, bearings should be stainless steel to avoid corrosion, or ceramic because they are highly corrosion and rust-resistant, however, they are more on the pricier side of things. In some instances, ceramic bearings have known to be smoother than their stainless steel counterparts, and that is another factor that you should take into consideration while choosing your product.
What is the Drag for a spin casting reel?
There exist two types of Drag systems for spin casting reels. One is the ‘Star’ while the other being ‘Internal’. The latter being the more common of the two is the one in which a small wheel is placed on the body above the button. While it is much easier to use, it might however not be as accurate as you would like it to be. Choosing the right drag system is important because it helps while pulling out the fish. The better the drag system, the easier it will be. The Maximum Drag is measured in pounds and corresponds to the amount of fish that you can reel in.
What is an Anti-Reverse handle in a spin casting reel?
The anti-reverse handle keeps your line from reversing when a fish is hooked on. It is a very useful tool in the best spin casting reels and it might be in your interest to check if your choice has one of these or not. This handle can be particularly handy for beginners.
What are the best companies for Spincast Reels?
Zebco
Zebco fishing products are arguably the best ones out there. Known for their amazing quality, durability, and reliability, you can’t go wrong with a zebco. However, some of their reels stand out.
Pflueger
Manufacturing since 1881, Pflueger remains one of the most trusted and reliable companies for fishing gear. Many of their spincast reels come in most people’s list of the best spincast reels out there.
Daiwa
As we have seen, two of the biggest companies for fishing products hail from the United States of America. But in 1958, a pacific ocean away, Daiwa entered the market from Japan. Delivering high quality and performance, one can not talk about the best spincast reels and not mention Daiwa.
Final Words
Choosing the best spincast rod and reel combo is not an easy task as you might think. There are different variants based on your needs. Choosing the right one for you, the one having all your preferred features might give you the amazing fishing experience you have been hoping for. I have tried here to simplify your decision-making process by trying to explain all the aspects that make a spin casting reel the best one for you.
