How can you tell if you have the best fishing reels? Is it about durability? How about performance? The truth of the matter is, it really depends on the person who is going to use them and of course, their preferences based on their fishing line setup and catch of the day.
Surely, there are some factors to look out for when choosing a fishing reel, and some of these include proper weight, an excellent brake system, good casting performance, enough strength, high range, and perfect drag. If you are just new to fishing, do not fret as we will go through these factors as we discuss each of the different fishing reels.
With that said, we are going to review three fishing reels in order to find the best one. Accordingly, we are going to take a look at their features, and more than that, we will tell you the pros and cons of using them.
Again, it can be hard to determine which one has it all as it will all depend on how it is used and other factors that we cannot control. Rest assured though that by the end of this read, you will know which one is the best among our three picks.
Best Fishing Reels: The Contenders
1. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
We called this fishing reel as the pretty boy because one look at this product and you might consider displaying it on a shelf in your house. Surely, it has the right colors and clean lines to give a sleek and modern feel to your fishing rod. However, it is not all about looks, right?
You do not have to worry as there are also modern features integrated into this pretty fishing reel. It is a high-range spinning reel that is also durable, making it best for catching huge saltwater fish. Also, it has a body that is made entirely of metal, as well as a side plate, aluminum bail wire that is heavy duty, and a rotor. All of those components add to the durability of the product.
As for its drag system, it is made of HT-100 carbon fiber, and having this type of material helps with getting a powerful drag, but there is still certain smoothness to it. Additionally, it has fluid cranking along with five steel ball bearings that are stainless. There is also an anti-reverse bearing which works instantly.
Lastly, it does not need any backing for its superline spool as it is ready to be braided by default. As for the line capacity rings, they are marked with 1/3, 2/3, and at full capacity.
Pros
- Only a few plastic materials
- Feels solid
- Made of high-quality materials
- Smooth and has zero feedback
- Can hold a lot of fishing line
- Flawless in retrieval
- Can cast far
Cons
- Missing some essential washers
- Can be hard to crank
- A bit bulky
- Not that durable
- Hard to clean and maintain
2. KastKing Baitcasting Fishing Reel
Let us now move on to a fishing reel that claims they are best in performance. This came to be due to its bait caster which has a low profile design. It also operates on a remarkably silent high speed which is 7:0:1 for the line retrieve.
At the same time, its brass gear structure has a precision cut. As for its drag system, it is made of carbon fiber which can deliver up to 17.5 pounds of drag. This feature adds to its high performance but low maintenance in terms of baitcasting. More than that, it is proven to be corrosion resistant due to its 11 + 1 MaxiDur shield in its ball bearings.
The same feature also helps with smooth casting, fast retrieving, and long life of the reel. On the part of its brakes, it has dual brakes which are quick to respond and a breeze to fine tune. You also have superior casting control due to its magnetic and centrifugal brake system.
Further, its spool is made of anodized aluminum which is two-colored, multi-ported, and whiffle styled. This provides maximum strength but at the same time keeps the reel lightweight.
Pros
- Operates smoothly
- User-friendly
- Versatile with most fishing setups
- Has a nice build to it
- Has good drag
- Easily adjustable and customizable
- Works quietly
Cons
- Spool tension knob does not stay put
- Magnetic braking cannot be felt
- Reeling can be hard
- Handles light lures poorly
- Might develop scratches while reeling
3. Abu Garcia BMAX3 Baitcast Fishing Reel
Lastly, we have a fishing reel that specializes in the brake system. Not a lot of people appreciate a good braking system, but this feature can make or break your reeling performance.
It has a design that was made to be lightweight due to its graphite frame and side plates that are one piece. As for its four ball bearings, they are made of stainless steel. There is also a power disk system in play.
As for the main event which is the braking system, it has the MagTrax brake system which can boost the range and the accuracy of each cast. More than that, it has a bent handle that is compact and a reel that is recessed to give you a grip that is ergonomic.
Pros
- Best for beginners
- Reel is smooth
- Has fine adjustment for drag
- No backlashing issues
- Sturdy level wind
Cons
- Can be hard to adjust the brakes and the tension
- Does not have safeguards for tangles
- Not that durable
- Retrieval is not so good; may cause binds
Conclusion
The best of the best fishing reels in this list is the KastKing Baitcasting Fishing Reel. It has a nice build, and you will surely use it without encountering a lot of problems. However, do take note that it is not the best one in the market.
There are still some features that need a lot of improvement, but at the end of the day, this fishing reel does its job, and it goes about it flawlessly. All you have to do is to get used to its kinks and deal with those little problems, and you are good to go.