The best spinning reels expert review
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many people around the world, whether it’s for sport, relaxation, or simply for the love of being outdoors. One of the most essential tools for any angler is a spinning reel, which allows them to cast and retrieve their line with ease and accuracy.
However, with so many spinning reels on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. That’s where this expert review comes in. Our team of fishing enthusiasts and experts have tested and analyzed a wide range of spinning reels, taking into account factors such as durability, ease of use, and overall performance.
In this review, you’ll find comprehensive information on the top spinning reels on the market, along with pros and cons for each one. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this review will help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting a spinning reel that meets your specific needs and preferences.
We hope that this review will be a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their fishing experience, and that it will help you find the perfect spinning reel to enhance your time on the water. Happy fishing!
Spinning reels are the most common type of reel and make up most of the options you see on the racks at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops or your local outdoor store. There are many reasons why they are popular. They are fairly easy to use for beginners, good for a wide variety of fishing, and generally cheaper than other more specialized reels. But which reel to choose? Let’s break it down!
PFLUEGER PATRIARCH reels
Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reels feature advanced components and a surprisingly lightweight design for maximum lightness. While remaining light and stiff, Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reels feature carbon rotors and ultra-lightweight magnesium housings that won’t sag or wobble under load. The Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reels feature machined aluminum gears and solid titanium main shafts, plus one roller bearing and 11 stainless steel bearings for a new level of smoothness.
Moving forward, the Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reels feature braided line reels and lightweight carbon handles accented with cork pads. They also feature carbon pulling systems that provide serious power against fish and remain smooth throughout the range. In addition, Pflueger Patriarch spinning reels feature Pflueger’s Total Line Control System, which greatly reduces line twisting and wind knots. Trusted by anglers for over 130 years, Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reels are no exception to the long list of high-quality Pflueger fishing reels.
- Magnesium housing
- Titanium main shaft
- Carbon rotor
- Brushed aluminum gear
- 11 stainless steel bearings
- Carbon Drag System
- Total line control system
- Bobbin with ready to cast braid
- Carbon handle
- Carbon grip
Features and characteristics
Reels features
- 10 Bearing System with XCR Ball Bearings
- Machined Aluminum Main Gear
- Carbon Arbor Skeletonized Spool
- Sealed Carbon Drag
- Carbon Handle
- Titanium Main Shaft
Reels characteristics
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 1.5 x 1 x 1 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.2 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Pflueger |
| Model Name | PARSP35X PFL |
| Color | Multi |
| Material | Blend |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Manufacturer | Pure Fishing |
| Part Number | 1543207 |
| Included Components | Patriarch Spinning Reel – 35 SP BOX 2022 |
| Size | One Size |
| Fishing Technique | Spinning |
Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Reels
This is the 33 that everyone knows and loves – and the best one at that. The rugged 33 Platinum has a rugged all-metal body and gears, 4 stainless steel bearings, an instant anti-reverse clutch, and a 4.7:1 gear ratio for smooth, fast pulling. Comes with 20-pound Cajun Line line so you’ll catch panfish, bass and catfish in no time.
Built for beginners and avid anglers alike, this spincast reel is easy to use and perfect for hours of hunting medium to heavy sized fish in your favorite spot!
Reels features and characteristics
Reels features
- EASY TO USE: The Zebco 33 Platinum spinning reel has a patented “no-tangle” design. The reel is equipped with an adjustable handle and QuickSet anti-reverse, which prevents the handle from shifting backwards and ensures that the hook stays securely in the mouth of the fish when it’s fished.
- ULTRA-DURABLE PERFORMANCE: The rugged 33 Platinum reel is truly a showstopper. It features stainless steel covers, an all-metal body and gears. The size 30 spincasting reel has a gear ratio of 4.7:1 for a smooth and soft reeling.
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: Featuring a rugged, tough yet elegant design, the 33 Platinum spinning reel will look and work great, allowing you to catch fish after fish all day long. The design features 4 stainless steel ball bearings and a GlideLine ball bearing for reduced friction and the most efficient line retrieval
- READY AND RELIABLE: The first-class Zebco 33 Platinum reel is ideal for catching everything from panfish and pikeperch to bass, catfish and more. This spinmaster reel features an interchangeable right or left return mechanism and is pre-wound with 10-pound Zebco line so you can start catching big fish faster.
Reels characteristics
| Brand | Zebco |
|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Blend |
| Fishing Technique | Spincast |
| Item Weight | 0.7 Pounds |
| Gearbox Ratio | 4.7 |
| Special Feature | Anti-Reverse |
| Model Name | 33 PLATINUM SC REEL 10#C |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Bearing Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.65 x 4.15 x 3.25 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.69 x 4.06 x 3.07 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.33 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Zebco |
| Warranty Description | Zebco Brands products are warranted for a period of one (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials. |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Zebco |
| Part Number | 33NPL.BX6 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Style | Platinum Reel |
| Included Components | Reel |
| Size | 30 |
| Sport Type | Fishing |
| Skill Level | All |
| Line Weight | 10 Pounds |
4 types of Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Reels
| 33 Spincast Reel | 33 Gold Spincast Reel | 33 Gold MAX Spincast Reel | 33 Platinum Spincast Reel | |
| Application for Use | Light-Medium-Heavy | Light-Medium-Heavy | Heavy | Light-Medium-Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gear Ratio | 4.1:1 | 4.1:1 | 2.6:1 | 4.7:1 |
| Mono Capacity (yds/lb) | 120/10 | 120/10 | 100/20 | 100/20 |
| Bearings | Ball Bearing System | 2 + Clutch | 2 + Clutch | 4 Stainless + Clutch |
| Color | Silver/Black | Gold | Gold | Silver |
| All-Metal Body | – | – | – | ✓ |
| All Metal Construction | – | – | – | ✓ |
| Glideline Ball Bearing | – | – | – | ✓ |
| Anti-Reverse | Quick-Set | Instant | Instant | Instant |
| Solid-Brass Pinion Gear | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
PENN AUTHORITY reels
Penn is a name synonymous with saltwater durability. After winning Best of Show at ICAST 2022, the new Penn Authority reel puts it in the premium fishing reel category. This reel boasts superb build quality, from its sealed body and bobbin with IPX8 protection to its all-metal construction, stainless steel gears and sealed Slammer Dura-Drag system.
It’s a big heavy, but perfectly castable reel with a very smooth and stable pull. It uses a large oversized EVA control knob to retrieve the fly. Even in its smallest size, the 2500 is a big powerful reel and heavy at 11.9 ounces. But I can see that it can be a lot of fun when fishing large saltwater fish or even in heavy freshwater conditions such as catfish or largemouth flies. She casts big baits well and can handle the weight of a big scramble. I lifted a 25-pound block on a Penn rod and let it pull hard. It is a sturdy piece of equipment designed to last a long time.
Reels features and characteristics
Reels features
- Strong, rugged and durable – the fourth generation of Penn’s Slammer fixed bobbin spinning reels. The Slammer 4 has an all-metal body and all-brass CNC internal gear. This creates an ultra-tough and powerful spin fishing reel that can handle all sizes of fish, up to and including the biggest and most stubborn fish.
- The IPX6 sealed body and bobbin is the most saltwater-proof Slammer fishing reel Penn has ever produced. The perfect spinning reel for inshore and boat fishing. IPX6 sealing and a hydrophobic line roller bearing keep seawater out. This means a smoother ride when casting baits, poppers and other lures. Better sealing means better performance, less maintenance time, and longer life for your reels.
- Slammer Dura Drag System – completely redesigned and upgraded for 2022! The new drag system is better sealed, runs smoother, and provides a wider range of usable drag. It has been thoroughly tested by our Penn development team on fish such as Bluefin Tuna and other large pelagic fish. Rest assured, the new Slammer 4 rod is a big fish stopper!
- Lightweight and ultra-smooth – the weight of the Slammer 4 has been reduced by 15% compared to previous versions. The CNC solid brass gear and 8+1 high quality stainless steel ball bearings make the reel run incredibly smoothly. This is the perfect spinning reel for saltwater bait fishing, kayak and boat fishing, where you need a rugged, reliable reel.
- Size range and high-speed versions – The Slammer 4 comes in a range of sizes from 2500 to 10500. Choose the high speed version for faster fishing. We created the 2500 size as the perfect reel for fishing sea baits for bass and lures. The 3500-5500 size is great for kayak fishing, and the 6500-10500 size is great for overseas trips and catching big British fish like shark, sinker, stingray and even bluefin tuna.
Reels characteristics
| Brand | PENN |
|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Color | Multi |
| Material | Blend |
| Fishing Technique | Spinning |
| Item Weight | 685 Grams |
| Model Name | SLAIV6500 |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Fishing Line Type | Monofilament |
| Bearing Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6.73 x 6.06 x 4.13 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.87 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | PENN |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Penn |
| Part Number | 166424 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Style | Standard |
| Included Components | Slammer IV Spinning Black Gold 24.2 oz |
| Size | One Size |
Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel
Revo Rocket reels offer the fastest gear ratios in the fishing space. And they’ve done it again with the Revo Rocket Spinning Reel. This newest version of the Rocket is lighter and more compact thanks to the X-Craftic body. However, the gear system is 17% bigger, which gives it more power and of course the gear ratio. This reel has a huge 7.6:1 gear ratio, which is unheard of for a spinning reel and the fastest we’ve seen. In a day or year of fishing, this means great time savings and great fishing efficiency.
The reel balances well in the hand on the spinning rod. I mounted it on an Abu Garcia Zenon spinning rod and it was a dream come true. The improved bobbin design makes it cast well, and the reel runs quietly and smoothly with light pressure when it returns. This is a great reel for fine fishing, as it casts small baits well and retrieves them just as well. The ergonomics and aesthetics were some of the best we’ve seen from Abu Garcia spinning reels. A witty reel that is a pleasure to fish with.
Reels features and characteristics
Reels features
- 10 stainless steel ball bearings +1 roller bearing
- X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame and side plate
- Concept EXD design
- Asymmetric body design
- IVCB-6 braking system
- Carbon fiber matrix Power Stack traction system
- 95mm straight carbon handle with oversized grips
- Duragear Gen II transmission system
- Rocket Gear Ratio
Reels characteristics
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6.42 x 4.76 x 3.15 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.31 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.28 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Abu Garcia |
| Warranty Description | See manufacturer |
| Model Name | Revo 4 |
| Color | Red |
| Material | Carbon |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Pure Fishing Rods & Combos |
| Part Number | REVO4 ROCKET LP |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Style | Rocket Low Profile |
| Included Components | Baitcast Reels Low Profile |
| Size | LP |
| Sport Type | Fishing |
| Fishing Technique | Casting |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Hand Orientation | Right Hand |
About types
There are two versions of fishing reels – Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel, REVO4 ROCKET Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel, REVO4 ROCKET-L.
| Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel, REVO4 ROCKET | Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel, REVO4 ROCKET-L | |
| Mono Capacity yd/lb | 175/10 145/12 100/17 | 175/10 145/12 100/17 |
|---|---|---|
| Braid Capacity yd/lb | 190/20 140/30 100/50 | 190/20 140/30 100/50 |
| Reel Handle Position | Right | Left |
| Gear Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Bearing Count | 11 | 11 |
| Weight | 7.34 | 7.34 |
| Retrieve Rate | 41″ | 104cm | 41″ | 104cm |
| Max Drag lb | 18lb | 8.1kg | 18lb | 8.1kg |
| Pre-Spooled yd/lb | Not Pre-Spooled | Not Pre-Spooled |
ABU GARCIA ZENON
Abu Garcia’s new flagship reel is the Zenon. The reel features an incredibly light frame (4.9 ounces for a size 20). The Zenon is built on a one-piece magnesium body with a C6 V-rotor for ultra-low inertia on launch. The reel is very light on rewind and casts beautifully. The AMGearing system gives the reel super polished performance.
The line control is good. And the curved carbon fiber handle is compact but sturdy. The reel has a beautiful precision-cut aesthetic, has a drop-shot keeper on the side plate and a hard case with a spare bobbin. It comes in sizes 20 and 30 for $549. This reel was a pleasure to fish with.
Reels features and characteristics
Reels features
- 10 stainless HPCR ball bearings + 1 roller bearing, inner pinion gear, and line roller with Salt Shield™ ball bearings
- C6 V-Rotor™ for reduced weight and low MOI
- Friction-free main shaft (super duralumin) support structure
- AM Gear System
- COG Design
- Watershield Carbon Matrix Drag System
- One-piece Feathermetal body
- Rocket line management
- New Line Clip for 30lb Readers
- Duracarbon Handle
- Always-ON Instant Anti-Reverse
- Semi-hard reel case, sinker keeper, reel foot cover included
Reels characteristics
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6.89 x 6.85 x 3.62 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.61 Kilograms |
| Item Weight | 0.15 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Abu Garcia |
| Model Name | Zenon |
| Material | other |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | (Abu Garcia) |
| Part Number | 2500S |
| Size | 2500S |
| Fishing Technique | Spinning |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
In conslusion
After extensively testing and analyzing various spinning reels, we have come to the conclusion that there is no one “perfect” spinning reel that will work for everyone. However, we have identified several top-performing reels that excel in different areas and are sure to meet the needs of a wide range of anglers.
Factors such as durability, ease of use, and overall performance were taken into account in our analysis, and we believe that the reels we have recommended are the best in their respective categories.
It’s important to note that every angler has their own unique needs and preferences, so we encourage you to carefully consider your own priorities when selecting a spinning reel. That said, we are confident that our expert review will be a valuable resource in your search for the perfect spinning reel.
Remember, the right spinning reel can make all the difference in your fishing experience, so take the time to select one that meets your needs and preferences. Happy fishing!
