15 best spinning rods
Spinning is one of the most important elements of fishing. It is a real tool, the quality of which distinguishes the professional fisherman from the ordinary fishing enthusiast.
Spinning, like any other device, is characterized by many parameters. But the most important thing, from which every buyer should start, is its design. On store shelves, there are thousands of models from various manufacturers: different types, purposes, sizes and modification features. But, unfortunately, on a par with high-quality spinning rods, there are frankly bad options. This rating has been compiled specifically in order to acquaint you with the really best representatives of the category of spinning rods and to protect you from the wrong choice, which can lead to complete disappointment. The rating is based on the opinion of experts in the field of fishing and equipment, numerous user reviews and a thorough comparison of the characteristics of the applicants.
The best spinning rod manufacturers
There is a special trend in the spinning rod market today: companies from the USA and Japan are firmly holding the leading positions in the production of the best fishing equipment. The main contribution to the development of such success and audience retention on their products is made by the following companies:
St. Croix (USA). Spinning rods of this company are characterized by high quality blank, rather low price, but mediocre in terms of design.
Shimano and Daiwa (Japan). These companies fall into the category of mass-produced spinning rods. The overall quality of the products is high, but the letterheads are weaker than those of American competitors.
Graphiteleader and Major Craft (Japan). The firms represent a separate caste of manufacturers of exclusive spinning rods. The products are in no way inferior in quality and reliability to the reference American ones, and in terms of design they even surpass them. However, the price tag can scare off an ordinary angler, since it is aimed at a more expensive audience.
Among these companies, the South Korean company Black Hole, which produces spinning rods ordered by the Russian side, is not lost either. The manufactured products are of high quality and, most importantly, a budget analogue of Japanese and American inventory, and this affects the naturally high demand and popularity.
The most important parameter of a spinning rod, regardless of its design, purpose and other characteristics, is the test. It represents the current range of lures used, which ensures perfect and precise rod performance. Clarity of work implies accuracy and maximum casting distance, light and delicate guidance, as well as good sensitivity when biting.
Spinning rods have a special classification based on the test. Usually, each company represents its own type of this classification, but in its standard form there are only four classes:
- Ultralight (UL). The very first, ultra-light and most common class. It is characterized by the finest lines: mono (0.09 - 0.16 mm) and braided (0.07 - 0.11 mm). The weight of the baits is 3-10 grams.
- Light (L). A class of light baits, the weight of which varies from 10 to 20 grams. The thickness of the line is highly dependent on the specific conditions in which the fishing is carried out.
- Medium (M). The middle class, the weight of baits in which reaches values of 20-30 grams. Mono lines (0.25 - 0.3 mm) and braided lines (0.17 - 0.19 mm) are used.
- Heavy (H). The class of the heaviest lures is from 40 to 80 grams and above.
Best budget spinning rods
As practice shows, budget spinning rods are in great demand among numerous buyers. The quality criterion in this case recedes into the background, but it is also important. Such spinning rods have rather modest characteristics, but they are able to faithfully serve several full-fledged fishing seasons.
3 Maximus Work Horse SWH21M
The spinning rod of the Maximus Work Horse SWH21M model takes the third place in the rating. A young Korean company "Maximus" relatively recently entered the Russian market, but immediately received support from experienced anglers. The two-piece middle spinning rod is designed for fishing both in deep water and in shallow water. Korean craftsmen have specially adapted the model for different types of bait, so it is ideal for jigging.
Advantages:
- rod length (2.1 meters);
- compact when folded (only 1.05 meters);
- reliable when fishing for large fish - withstands a line load of up to 10 kilograms;
- pleasant appearance;
- sensitive even to weak bites (which is very atypical for medium spinning rods).
Disadvantages:
- not found.
2 Black Hole Junior 632M / 10-35
The honorable second place goes to the recognized Black Hole Junior 632M / 10-35. The Black Hole company has long been known to anglers, first of all, for the good quality of its products. As for the model itself, the design is the main advantage here. The medium-fast action of the spinning rod and the signature tubular tip provide excellent responsiveness even with a light bite, while the overall rigidity and strength allows it to withstand a line load of up to 9 kilograms. All in all, this spinning rod is an ideal model for jig fishing.
Advantages:
- acceptable quality;
- high degree of reliability;
- special storage case included;
- shipping length (101 centimeters);
- light weight (117 grams).
Disadvantages:
- not detected.
As a beginner, it is difficult for an angler to understand the differences between twitching and jig fishing. There is a lot of gossip and controversy, discussions and everyday discussions around this topic. Let's figure out what is the main difference between one method and another.
Jig. All-season method of posting and fishing. The essence of its work is as follows: after casting the spinning rod, the bait smoothly sinks to the bottom. After waiting for a few seconds, a sharp jerk is made with the spinning rod and a rapid reel of the fishing line for three to four turns. This action provides an interesting "play" of the bait, which immediately attracts the attention of the fish. It is noteworthy that for this method it is advisable to use light baits (for example, a silicone tail) with small weights of 10-12 grams. The use of heavier weights accelerates the process of lowering the bait to the bottom, in connection with which the time of its "flickering" is reduced.
Twitching. It is best in places of mass concentration of small fish, regardless of the time of year and the place of fishing. In this case, the bait is a wobbler, and the fishing method is as follows: after casting the spinning rod and lowering the bait to the bottom, frequent and intense jerks with the rod occur, about once every two seconds. The line is not pulled by the reel - all the work is done exclusively by the spinning rod. You can vary the strength of the jerks by changing the behavior of the wobbler, and thereby forcing the fish to pay attention to the bait skillfully slipped into it.
1 Shimano ALIVIO CX SUPER SENSITIVE 300 ML
The best budget spinning rod is the ALIVIO CX SUPER SENSITIVE 300 ML, produced by the famous Japanese company Shimano. The plug-in two-piece rod is designed for twitching, mainly for light lures and special spinners. The light class combined with the medium-fast action very clearly transfers the slightest vibrations to the carbon blank. The total length of the spinning rod is 3 meters, which makes it easy to fish straight from the shore. And the price for a high-quality model, of course, is able to please not only beginners, but also experienced anglers.
Advantages:
- low cost with excellent quality;
- rod length (3 meters);
- the presence of 11 rings from the patented Shimano Hardlite material;
- the set includes a polyethylene cover.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
The best ultralight spinning rods (ultralight): casting weight 1-10 g
Despite their “poetic” name, ultra-light spinning rods are designed for catching fish that are by no means small. With such a tool, an experienced fisherman is able to fish out even trophy specimens, while the spinning rod itself is ready to withstand large weight overloads. And even if the ultimate strength values are not as great as those of medium and heavy samples, they have all the necessary characteristics for a successful and productive fishing.
3 Graphiteleader Bellezza Correntia GLBCS-682UL-TW
Spinning rod Graphiteleader Bellezza Correntia GLBCS-682UL-TW, ranked third in the rating, belongs to the category of exclusive models produced by the well-known Japanese company Graphiteleader. Due to the inclusion of light materials in the production, it has a mass of only 73 grams, which has a positive effect on both ease of use and the finest bites (which is also facilitated by the ultralight class). Despite its apparent fragility, this spinning rod is capable of withstanding a line load of about 2.7 kilograms. It is ideal for twitching in medium depth waters.
Advantages:
- very light spinning;
- transportation length is about 1.04 meters;
- nominal length of 2.03 meters;
- brand quality.
Disadvantages:
- high cost (exclusive model).
2 Maximus Ichiro MSI22UL
The ultralight rod Ichiro MSI22UL is based on the latest developments of the Maximus company, the introduction of which allowed the model to be included in the rating of the best. At a virtually low cost, the 220cm spinning rod offers consumers good endurance performance, which is proven by stubborn resistance to a large predator. It has a test in the range of 1-7 grams, throughout which it shows miracles of sensitivity and very accurately "reports" the position of the bait to the angler.
Judging by the reviews, the strongest and most comfortable EVA handle received the greatest approval from consumers, which provides a comfortable placement of the spinning rod in the hand. A portion of positive ratings was also awarded to the competent selection of the action of the rod, ideally adapted to its overall and mechanical parameters. By all accounts, the Ichiro MSI22UL deserves the title of “Honorary Expert” in perch and ide fishing like no other.
1 Salmo TIOGA 2,37 m U-Light
Salmo's ultralight plug-in rod is the paragon of moderation in an overly volatile rod market. Having absorbed the most accessible conditions of strength and reliability, she is a real fighter, capable of catching a very good fish. In a rather limited lure test, the range of which is 0.5-5.5 grams, the maximum possible load on the line reaches almost 3 kilograms.
For all its pliability, the TIOGA 2.37 m U-Light has good long casting conditions, which is greatly facilitated by its fast action. The most remarkable fact for users is that with an actual length of 237 centimeters, the rod weighs only 93 grams and does not load the hand at all during long fishing trips. This is an excellent tool for catching large perches and small pikes, the cost of which is slightly higher than the bar of all availability.
Best lightweight spinning rods: casting weight 10-20 g
Unlike ultra-light, lightweight spinning rods are designed for catching larger fish, since the maximum line tension and the increased weight of the bait allow it to withstand high stresses. In general, the difference between them is small, but the paradox is that the prices for lightweight models are often lower than for the ultralight class.
3 Major Craft RIZER RZS-742ML
Probably, the Major Craft RIZER RZS-742ML spinning rod deserves a higher position, but the price component does not allow placing it higher than the third place. Exclusive spinning rod for jig and twitching made with Fuji Alconite guides, ergonomic Fuji reel seat and comfortable cork grip. The model test allows the use of bait weighing from 3 to 15 grams. Looking at these and other characteristics, one cannot say that the cost corresponds to the existing functionality.Users note the good work and durability of the spinning rod, but in general they prefer cheaper models to it.
Advantages:
- the possibility of long-term operation;
- pleasant appearance;
- the length of the rod is 2.24 meters.
Disadvantages:
- overpriced, overpaying primarily for the brand.
2 Maximus Ultimatum MSU21L
A step away from the first place, the Korean spinning rod Maximus Ultimatum MSU21L stopped, captivating users with a low price and solid design parameters. Developing this model, the Koreans from "Maximus" focused on versatility, so the spinning rod can be used for both jigging and twitching with wobblers. The very fast action coupled with the low weight (88 grams) gives good blank sensitivity, and the neoprene grip allows you to comfortably hold the rod even when fishing for trophy fish.
Advantages:
- low cost;
- light weight;
- high quality plug spinning rod.
Disadvantages:
- weak rings.
1 Shimano CATANA CX TELESPIN 165 UL
Spinning rods from Shimano are celebrating the championship again. This time the model of the famous series - CATANA CX TELESPIN 165 UL became the best in the category of light spinning rods. The small size of the telescopic spinning rod (165 centimeters) does not pose a serious problem at all, but serves as a kind of advantage - with it you can easily fish not only from the shore, but also straight from the boat. The blank is made of composite, so there is no need to worry about strength either. And the price is good enough: the spinning rod is available for the budget consumer, which is an important factor of success.
Advantages:
- low price;
- brand quality and reliability;
- high-strength composite blank;
- shipping length (only 45 centimeters);
- good equipment;
- small weight (89 grams).
Disadvantages:
- some users note that the grip is not very comfortable.
Best medium spinning rods: casting weight 20-40 g
A particularly strong difference in the class begins to be traced in the transition from light to medium spinning rods. The latter are designed for fishing at significant depths and the perception of even stronger loads on the line. If the main goal of a fisherman is to focus on the rigidity and strength of a spinning rod, the middle class is exactly what you need. However, in this case, you should sacrifice high sensitivity, since the spinning rod will not respond to weak bites.
3 Maximus High Energy-X MSHEX27M
The third place rightfully goes to the spinning rod Maximus High Energy-X MSHEX27M. Objectively, it does not have any outstanding characteristics, but it is highly appreciated by numerous users. Fast action and test from 7 to 35 grams allows it to be productively used for both jigging and twitching. The rod length of 2.7 meters makes it possible to fish quite comfortably from a steep coast, which sharply goes into depth. When folded, its length is only 1.35 meters, which is very convenient for transportation.
Advantages:
- low cost;
- pretty good quality;
- total rod length;
- versatility.
Disadvantages:
- not very comfortable cork handle;
- weak rings.
2 Shimano VENGEANCE AX SPIN TELE 240 M (SVAXTE240M)
The telescopic six-section spinning rod Shimano VENGEANCE AX SPIN TELE 240 M (SVAXTE240M) did not reach the first place. The main advantage of this rod is its compactness. When folded, its length is only 68 centimeters, and when unfolded, it is almost 2.4 meters. Otherwise, this is a typical representative of the Shimano company - high-quality, no frills, not devoid of designer chic. And the price of the model can please even a budget buyer.
Advantages:
- pleasant appearance;
- sturdy and reliable construction;
- brand quality;
- attractive price;
- compactness when folded.
Disadvantages:
- absent.
1 Graphiteleader Vivo Prototype GVOPS-842M
The exclusive plug-in two-stage spinning rod Graphiteleader Vivo Prototype GVOPS-842M is based on the leading position. The main and only drawback of this model is the prohibitively high price oriented towards the “money” consumer.In general, the trend is clear: this spinning rod was created for those who want to fish not only productively, but also beautifully. It is rated for 9.9kg of maximum line force, which is very good for mid-range rods. For easy carrying, a case is included with the spinning rod, the absence of which would be unforgivable, given the total cost.
Advantages:
- excellent quality guaranteed by the manufacturer;
- attractive design;
- ergonomic handle;
- excellent casting accuracy;
- suitable for jigging and twitching;
- ejects up to 9.9 kilograms of load.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
The best heavy spinning rods: casting weight from 40 g
3 DAIWA PROCASTER SPIN 2.70 / 40-80
The most budgetary and at the same time the most reliable entry-level spinning rod produced by the famous Japanese company Daiwa. PROCASTER SPIN 2.70 / 40-80 is extremely easy to use, especially when fishing with baits, the test of which is close to the upper recommended limit (80 grams). With a length of 270 centimeters, it weighs 205 grams and has a fast action, thanks to which anglers can make long casts without problems and tirelessly. For the strength of the structure as a whole, the blank material is responsible - high-modulus graphite, developed using a special technology from a Japanese manufacturer.
User reviews of the PROCASTER SPIN 2.70 / 40-80 clearly reflect the fact that productive fishing does not necessarily mean spending a lot of money. Yes, this rod has no flaws: the sensitivity at the bottom of the test (40 grams) leaves much to be desired, and the accessories do not inspire too much confidence. However, for such a sum, it is unlikely that you will be able to find anything more hardy.
2 Major Craft DODGER DGS-832HH
The iconic Major Craft rod, which has won numerous awards from prestigious fishing publishers around the world, has also won a place in the ranking. With a length of 252 centimeters, its weight is only 185 grams. These indicators were achieved, first of all, by using the HMC carbon blank as a material of increased strength and rigidity. The plug-in design of the spinning rod provides less chance of kinking when fighting a trophy predator, and also adds sensing when navigating.
Customers who bought Major Craft DODGER DGS-832HH note a good correspondence of the cost parameters to the nominal quality. In particular, special attention is paid to the ergonomic component, as well as reliable fittings from Fuji. According to their reviews, the rod is an ideal tool for catching river predators common in the waters of a large country (perch, pike, pike perch, asp, chub, ide, etc.)
1 SHIMANO SPEEDMASTER CX 270XH
Professional spinning rod designed to be equipped with heavy lures with a test of 42-84 grams. Possesses a high degree of strength due to the introduction into production of a composite material - high-modulus HPC100 graphite and reinforced polymer fibers Biofibre. It has a slight effect on the mechanical properties and the design option - the plug-in design adds rigidity and is subject to less deformation than the telescopic one.
For consumers, the key features of the SPEEDMASTER CX 270XH are its low weight (only 190 grams), a fast action that allows for long casts, and a combined handle that includes plug and neoprene zones. The cost of the rod is focused exclusively on skill anglers who are able to "squeeze" the full potential out of the fishing process. It is ideal for hunting large pike, asp, pike perch in stagnant rivers, as well as trout in a fast current.