Which reel for spinning to choose: reel rating, comparative characteristics, cost
The rating of spinning reels is an interesting and important topic that will help a novice angler choose the perfect accessory, and an experienced user - learn about high-quality and reliable models that can be used to replenish your arsenal. Today in the fishing store you can find hundreds of different reels, but not all of them will become a faithful partner for spinning. But the balance of the entire tackle and the quality of fishing in general depend on the correct reel. Today we take a look at the very best reels that most spinning reels enjoy.
Experienced anglers know that after the spinning itself, it is the reel that is considered the main accessory for good fishing. The casting distance, the smoothness of the wiring and the ability to fish even a large fish out of the water without any problems depend on the type and parameters of the reel. Today we will look at inertia and multiplier reels that have replaced inertial reels.
Top 15 best spinning reels
Black Hole Top Basser VS 4000
Reliable, high quality Korean reel with many features and benefits. So, the manufacturer has well thought out the protection against dirt, provided a titanium side on the spool, which prevents cuts from the line, and closed the bearings that do not require lubrication. Supports any wiring: even and slow, in steps or jerks. The frictional front brake can handle the jerkiness of even large fish. There is a position "Open" for the bow of the line stacker - it does not slam shut on its own, but is well fixed. The reel handle is universal, suitable for both right and left hand.
The manufacturer focused on lightening the design, while not compromising on strength. So, the body with the coil rotor is made of light-alloy aluminum using thin-walled casting technology. At critical points, the walls are reinforced with stiffening ribs. Inside there are rubber cuffs that protect the "filling" from dirt and dust.
pros
- Spare metal spool.
- Comfortable grip.
- Suitable for monofilament line and cord.
- Good build quality.
Minuses
- The spring of the line guide arm may be damaged.
- The handle is not habitually fixed.
- May tangle the line.
Mifine HB 4000
Low-cost Chinese reel with six bearings. The spool can hold 195 meters of 0.30mm line and it can be spooled accurately and quickly. Despite its low cost, the reel is notable for its high-quality assembly. Gear ratio: 5.1: 1, front friction brake. The kit includes a spare plastic spool.
pros
- Reliable.
- Budget cost.
- Precise winding of the line on the spool.
Minuses
- Heavy (325 grams).
Daiwa Sweepfire 1500 A
A budget but full-fledged Japanese reel with a front friction brake and a striking design. It has an average weight (215 grams), one bearing, gear ratio: 5.1: 1. The maximum pulling force is 3 kilograms. The spool is designed for 90 meters of 0.25 mm line, the feature of the spool is to prevent the formation of "beards" and the ability to throw the spinning rod over long distances.
The manufacturer has provided an increased spool size to increase the line winding speed. In addition, the spool has a built-in ABS system, which reduces the likelihood of line tangling, while still allowing you to throw the bait as far as possible. Like many models of this brand, the reel has an "Infiniti Anti Reverse" instant braking system - it immediately stops the rotor when the reverse stop is activated. For these purposes, a roller bearing made of high quality strong steel is installed in the reel.
pros
- Budget cost.
- Smooth, quiet running.
- Enlarged spool.
Minuses
- The thickness of the foot is inconvenient for the girth.
- The service life will be shortened with heavy use.
Daiwa Regal 2500 XiA
Spinning reel, the main advantage of which is the additional set of bearings. Inside the housing, in addition to the standard ball bearing, there are 11 more ball bearings, which increase the threshold of possible loads and smooth running. This model can be used for trolling in grassy waters. The coil body is made of light alloy aluminum. The metal increases the reliability, but makes the structure heavier (the model weighs 330 grams).
When creating the spool, the manufacturer used a system that allows the line to be wound neatly and evenly. The spool itself is made of aluminum, has a durable titanium collar, and a folding handle (to fold, you need to press a button). The coil also has an instantaneous reverse rotation stop. These characteristics, coupled with the average cost, make this model a permanent workhorse for many anglers.
pros
- Sturdy, reliable housing.
- 11 bearings.
- Increased load threshold.
Minuses
- Heavy.
- Not ergonomic.
SHIMANO NEXAVE RC 1000
A spinning reel from the middle price segment, very popular among anglers due to its high quality and reliability. The rotation of the crank is based on four radial bearings (three ball and one roller), which provide quiet, light and smooth running. The rear friction brake mechanism is multi-disc, which allows the reel to have sufficient stopping power when fishing fish out of the pond. The spool made of aluminum increases casting accuracy. The reel itself is very dynamic; during its creation, a technology was used that allows it to work without extraneous vibrations, velvety and delicate.
The reel body is made of a composite material that is resistant to friction, drops, impacts. The gear ratio 5.1-5.2: 1 allows you to easily, comfortably catch at medium and short distances. Another technology is used inside the structure - a membrane technology that protects the coil from dirt and foreign debris.
pros
- Lightweight construction.
- Proprietary technologies that make fishing comfortable.
- Reliable, high-quality assembly without backlash.
- Smooth handle movement.
Minuses
- Heavy lures are diverted to the side when casting.
- The clutch can work in jerks.
Ryobi Ecusima 3000
Japanese spinning reel weighing 302 grams, with front friction brake. The body is made of durable, lightweight and ergonomic graphite, which is not afraid of stress, shock or falls. It has five bearings (one roller and four ball bearings), gear ratio: 5.1: 1. The reel comes with two spools - aluminum and plastic. Each spool holds 110 meters of line (0.33mm). The maximum pulling force of the reel is 5 kilograms, the friction is highly sensitive, and if the permissible pulling force is exceeded, it releases the line gradually, preventing it from breaking at the most inopportune moment.
The bow of the line guide is covered with anadised steel, which provides easy gliding of the line, the spool is made of special strength and is perforated for lightness, the side is coated with titanium nitride.
pros
- Two spools included.
- Suitable for any type of wiring.
- The line winds up quickly and evenly.
Minuses
- Backlash appears for the second season of use.
Okuma RTX-30
Lightweight coil (190 grams) from the mid-range price range. Universal handle, frictional front brake, eight bearings (seven ball and one roller). The bearings are made of high-strength steel and are protected from water (including salt water). The clutch is equipped with graphite washers to ensure long brake durability and quiet wiring. Line capacity - 240 meters of 0.2 mm line. The line is firmly fixed on the spool thanks to the ribbed center section.
The maximum pulling force is 5.9 kilograms.All parts are coated with an anti-corrosion layer, and there is a waterproof rubber pad at the bottom of the coil for additional protection of the clutch. The model is equipped with a rotor balancing system, due to which the vibration of the spool is compensated, the rotation becomes smooth.
pros
- Good technical characteristics.
- Lightweight.
- Rust treatment.
Minuses
- Spool capacity.
STINGER TRINERGY 3500
A lightweight carbon fiber reel originally from China, which will delight both summer fishing enthusiasts and beginners. It has nine ball bearings + an instant stop roller, which facilitates the smoothness of the drive and the softness of casting the bait. Friction brake - hybrid front, the set includes an additional graphite spool. The gear ratio is 5.2: 1. All internal metal parts are coated with anti-corrosion electroplating coating, which allows the reel to be used for saltwater fishing.
pros
- Additional spool.
- Carbon fiber housing.
- Suitable for salt water fishing.
Minuses
- Load indicators.
Shimano 17 ULTEGRA 2500 FB
A high class spinning reel belonging to professional fishing equipment. The body is made of a composite lightweight material, and it is possible to fish of any size within the line tolerance. At the same time, the center of gravity of the reel is shifted closer to the spinning rod (G-Free Body technology), which allows you to fish without fatigue.
The reel will fit 290 meters of 0.18mm line. This reel has six shielded bearings, and a special technology allows it to work no less efficiently than analogues with a large number of rolling bearings. The manufacturer has provided excellent moisture protection for this model, while the coil does not lose its ease of rotation. The reviews about this model are excellent, anglers report that they use the reel for many seasons, and it retains all its working qualities.
pros
- Lightweight (240 grams) and durable.
- Wear-resistant, long service life.
- Line capacity - 290 meters.
- Durable composite body.
Minuses
- Price.
AQUA Aragos 1000
A Russian-made coil with a very budgetary cost, light weight (182 grams) and high-quality precise assembly. This is a three-bearing, inertialess model with a front multi-disc friction brake. Gear ratio: 5.2: 1, the spool holds up to 170 meters of 0.165mm line. The reel has a simple yet functional design, a slim but super-strong and durable body. The handle will fit any hand.
pros
- Additional graphite spool included.
- Precise and smooth operation.
- Versatility (left and right).
- Uniform rod movement.
Minuses
- No spare spool.
Shimano Catana 2500 FC
Precise, high quality and durable front friction reel, which has an attractive design in red and silver colors. The body is made of a durable yet lightweight composite material. It is based on four bearings with a huge power reserve, thanks to which the line works smoothly, but very clearly. The main spool is made of aluminum by cold forging, in addition there is a graphite spool, ideal for fishing line. The rotor is programmed on computer equipment using the brand's proprietary technology, which completely eliminates lateral vibrations and backlash at any load.
In order to improve the laying of the line and increase the casting distance, the manufacturer has applied several of its own developments, creating this reel. The first is the Power Roller profiler roller, which removes the twist of the cord even before it is put into the spool. Secondly, this is the technology of moving the spool rod, which allows the cord to be laid tightly and parallel. Thirdly, it is the beveled V-shaped profile of the spool lip, which reduces friction and helps the line slide off during the throw.
pros
- Additional spool made of graphite.
- High safety margin.
- Proprietary manufacturing technologies.
- Smooth running.
Minuses
- Not identified.
Daiwa Ballistic 2500 SH
A long-range reel with a high gear ratio of 6.0: 1. The model has a front friction clutch that can withstand up to 4 kilograms of load and belongs to the "golden mean" of the reels of this brand. The manufacturer has provided a special protective barrier made of ferromagnetic oil, which prevents the ingress of salt and dirt into the mechanism. Seven bearings are responsible for the velvet smooth running, which are waterproof and protected from corrosion. Thus, the reel can be taken for fishing both in fresh waters and in salty ones.
The model has a system that does not allow the line to twist, and the bow of the line stacker is perfectly polished, which prevents tangling and uneven winding. Line capacity of the spool: 190 meters for 0.25mm line. The reel has a very light, but uniquely strong rotor, which lightens the entire structure and is able to evenly distribute the load. The body itself is made of carbon composite, and can compete in strength with models made of steel and magnesium alloys. Thus, the coil becomes wear-resistant, shock-resistant, waterproof and will last a dozen, or even more, seasons!
pros
- Smooth and even winding.
- The handle can be rearranged to the other side.
- Protection against moisture and salt.
- Hollow rotor for lighter weight.
Minuses
- Not identified.
Shimano Elf 2011 2500
Japanese spinning model from the middle price segment. Weighs 270 grams, front friction brake, 5: 1 gear ratio. the reel is designed for a maximum pulling force of 8.5 kilograms, the line capacity of the spool: 160 meters of 0.25 mm line. Works on four bearings. The sides of the spool are coated with titanium nitride, so even thick braided cords will not spoil it. The coil is assembled very high quality - the probability of backlash is minimal, the model works silently, provides a smooth velvet movement.
pros
- Robust case.
- Acceptable cost.
- Lays the line efficiently and evenly.
- Serves for a long time without backlash.
- Spare metal spool.
Minuses
- Not identified.
Daiwa TD-Sol
The reel with an aluminum body, spool and rotor is reliable, high-torque, but with an amazing velvet movement. The bronze roller of the line is equipped with a "twist booster" system, that is, it prevents the line from twisting. The reel also has an instant braking system "Infinity Anti Reverse" and a system of absolute balancing "Gyro Spin". The model provides increased protection of the internal mechanism and gears from moisture, six ball bearings + one more in the line guide roller have a new generation corrosion resistance. Spool capacity is 155 meters of 0.28mm line, gear ratio 4.7: 1.
pros
- Additional aluminum spool included.
- Corrosion protection.
- Balancing, anti-twist and instant braking systems.
- High-quality assembly and materials.
Minuses
- Not identified.
Shimano Corvalus 301
A multiplier reel with a huge working life. The body and spool of the reel are made of anodized aluminum by cold forging, which increases the density of the metal, its reliability and strength. The spool is designed for 240 meters of 0.30 mm line, four ball bearings are responsible for the smooth running. The reel has a comfortable double handle, and the release lever is located directly under the thumb, which allows you to switch the model to the desired mode with one movement.
The coil has a built-in variable magnetic braking system, it has a protection of the insides from dust, sand and salt, an anti-reverse system. Separately, it should be said about the S A-RB technology, which makes bearings resistant to corrosion of the highest level. The manufacturer claims that even intensive fishing in salty waters will not cause any harm to the reel filling.
pros
- Long service life, reliability.
- Smooth running, no backlash.
- Systems that help with casting, guidance and fishing.
- High accuracy and casting distance.
- Allows you to fish without gloves.
Minuses
- Not identified.
Comparison of different coil types
Fishing reels are divided into three variations: inertial, inertialess and multiplier. Below we will find out what are the differences between these types, what are the advantages and disadvantages, what features they have.
Table. Comparative characteristics of different types of coils
Type of | Advantages | disadvantages |
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Inertial |
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Inertialess |
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Multiplier |
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The best spinning braid will make your fishing more successful. Today, braided line is a great alternative to mono line.
Video: How to choose a good coil
Conclusion
The rating that we have given above contains the most popular reels among anglers of different brands, different price categories and different types. We hope that our top will allow you to buy a really good, high quality and reliable reel, navigate among the variety of models and make your fishing even more fun!