The Best Spinning Reel Under 100 : 14 Proven Results
BY David Frisby, January 10, 2021 11:00 AM
If you’re a beginner or an intermediate angler, you need fishing equipment that is easy to use. And if you’re looking for a spinning fishing reel, we suggest that you consider models that are in the $50 to $100 price range.
Within this price range, we guarantee you’ll find reels that perform well for any form of fishing. These spinning reels are of exceptional quality yet very affordable. But how do you pick the best spinning reel under 100 dollars?
Well, we have made things easy for you by reviewing 14 of the best spinning reels on the market. All you need to do is compare their features and strengths so you can come up with your best buying decision.
But before that, you might want to check our top picks from this review.
Our Top Picks
Top Spinning Reels Under $100 Compared
Product Name | Reel Size or Model / Weight | Max. Drag (lbs) / Bearing Count | Gear Ratio / Line Capacity | Rating / Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. KastKing Speed Demon | 2000 / 9.6 oz. | 25 lbs / 10+1 | 7.2:1 / 6/220, 8/190, 10/140 | |
2. Piscifun Phantom Carbon | (No other sizes available) / 5.7 | 17 lbs / 6+1 | 7.0:1 / 10/120 | |
3. Penn Battle II & III | 2000 / 9.8 oz. | 10 lbs / 5+1 | 6.2:1 / 240/4, 180/6, 125/8 | |
4. Cadence CS8 | 3000 / 7.4 oz. | 36 lbs / 9+1 | 6.2:1 / 10/150 | |
5. Pflueger Supreme | 30 / 7.5 oz. | 10 lbs / 9 | 6.2:1 / 255/4, 145/6, 130/8 | |
6. SHIMANO Sahara Fi | 2500 / 8.8 oz. | 20 lbs / 4+1 | 5.0:1 / 6/200, 8/140, 10/120 | |
7. Daiwa Revros LT | 4000 / 9.9 oz. | 26.4 lbs / 4+1 | 5.2:1 / 12/160, 14/140 | |
8. Abu Garcia Pro Max | PMAX3 / 7.3 oz. | 18 lbs / 7+1 | 7.1:1 / 145/12 | |
9. KastKing Summer & Centron | 3000 / 9.5(Summer) 9.1(Centron) | 13 lbs / 9+1 | 5.2:1 / 8/330, 10/270 | |
10. Piscifun Flame | 2000 / 8.5 oz. | 13.2 lbs / 9+1 | 5.2:1 / 5/330 | |
11. PENN Pursuit III | 2500 / 9.8 oz. | 10 lbs / 4+1 | 6.2:1 / 8/175 | |
12. Cadence CS4 | 1000 / 6.7 oz. | 9 lbs / 7+1 | 5.2:1 / 6/110 | |
13. Pflueger Trion | SP20X / 6.3 oz. | 6 lbs / 5+1 | 5.2:1 / 200/2, 100/4, 80/6 | |
14. Shimano SN4000RE | 4000 / 10.4 oz. | 24 lbs / 4+1 | N/A / 8/240, 10/200, 12/160 |
Video of Best Spinning Reel Under 100$
Best Spinning Reel Under $100
1. KastKing Speed Demon Spinning Reel
Key Features:
- Powerful Carbon Drag
- CNC Aluminum, braid-ready spool
- High-speed retrieve
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Double-shielded ball bearings
- Carbon fiber rotor
- Carbon plate handle
For bass fishing, the KastKing Speed Demon is the best spinning reel under 100 dollars. Keep in mind that bass is an aggressive species. What makes the Speed Demon perfect for bass fishing is that it can do fast casts and strong retrieval.
Its powerful drag system consists of three carbon fiber discs that deliver smooth, flawless casts. Moreover, the Speed Demon comes with a fast gear ratio of 7.2:1.
Aside from its carbon fiber drag system, its rotor and plate handle are made of carbon fiber as well. Further, the frame is made of high-strength aluminum that makes the Speed Demon a fast casting, durable, but lightweight spinning reel.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
2. Piscifun Phantom Carbon Baitcasting Reel
Key Features:
- Double Anodized Harden Main Gear & Shaft
- Rugged Carbon Fiber Drag System
- CNC Hollow Spool
- Dual Brake System
- Oversized Titanium Line Guide
- Combat Grip Pad on Thumb Bar
Weight is a crucial factor that you have to consider if you fish for long periods. With a weight of 5.7 ounces, the Piscifun Phantom is one of the lightest spinning reels that won’t tire your casting arm.
One of the best features of the Phantom is its CNC hollow spool that launches faster than other popular spinning reels on the market. This product from Piscifun can handle lines and tackle without losing power.
Also, it has a titanium line positioned away from the spool. As a result, this minimizes friction and improves casting accuracy. Additionally, this spinning fishing reel comes with a 105 mm carbon crank for that added power to haul out large fish.
Pros
Cons
4/5 Stars
3. Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
Key Features:
- Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor
- Line Capacity Rings
- Superline Spool
- Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
- Instant Anti-Reverse bearing
- Sealed stainless steel ball bearings
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
We have found the Penn Battle II as another ideal spinning fishing reel for catching bass. It can also handle inshore species quite well. Reel sizes at the 2000- 4000 range feature a bigger rotor and spool with a higher gear ratio.
Penn designed this reel with greater drag pressure in mind. The product allows you to use both sides of the HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers. Right away, you’ll feel the overall smoothness of this product as you cast and reel in the fish.
This new version of the Penn Battle series comes with sealed ball bearings, which makes it perfect for saltwater fishing.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
4. Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel
Key Features:
- Carbon-Magnesium-Carbon frame
- Ergonomic EVA handle knob
- Shielded stainless steel bearings
- Superior Drag power of up to 20 lbs.
- Aluminum OS gear, pinion gear, and main shaft
- Braid-ready aluminum spool
- Machined aluminum one-piece bail
The Cadence CS8-3000 spinning reel is ultralight and highly portable, weighing just 7.4 oz or 0.5 lbs. The frame is magnesium, a material that is lighter than aluminum. Super lightweight yet durable, this reel will not flex when you’re hooking and reeling a fish.
We find its sophisticated drag system highly reliable when you’re trying to adjust the drag power for different types of fish. The Cadence CS8-3000 spinning reel also comes with an ergonomic handle for effortless gripping and guiding while fishing.
Pros
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
5. Pflueger Supreme Spinning Fishing Reel
Key Feature:
- Magnesium Body and Rotor
- Braid Ready Spool
- Aluminum Handle
- Slow Oscillation Gearing
- Soft Touch Knob
- Stainless Steel/Oil Felt Drag
The 9 ball bearing system of the Pflueger Supreme spinning fishing reel provides an exceptionally smooth line retrieval action. Likewise, it gives accurate speed control for fishing lures at different speeds. This makes the Pflueger Supreme one of the best spinning reel under 100 dollars.
When your fishing for many hours, the weight of the reel matters a lot. This spinning reel is a bit lighter than other competing products. Thus, you can cast for long periods without exhausting your casting arm.
Despite being lightweight, the drag of the Pflueger Supreme is smooth and powerful. This reel is perfect for battling strong smallmouth bass that likes to put up a fight after taking the lure.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
6. SHIMANO Sahara Fi Spinning Reel
Key Features:
- Graphite frame, rotor, and side plate
- X-Ship technology for improved gear durability
- Hagane Gear technology reduces noise and enhances sensitivity
- G-Free Body technology helps prevent fatigue
- Propulsion Line Management System prevents backlash and wind knots
The Sahara Fi Spinning Reel is packed with the features that Shimano fishing reels are known for. It is a lightweight spinning reel that’s smooth to operate and provides a powerful drag to boot.
The ergonomically-designed G-Free body offers maximum comfort and also helps minimize fatigue on your casting hand and arm. Additionally, it has an ARC spool that renders unbelievable casting distance.
If you’re thinking of investing in your fishing future, look no further than the Sahara Fi spinning reel. Its construction and superior features mean it will last for many seasons to come.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
7. Daiwa Revros LT Spinning Reels
Key Features:
- Air Rotor System for improved rotation and reduced weight
- LT (light yet tough) Concept design
- Light Composite Housing
- Machined Aluminum Handle
- DIGIGEAR technology for maximum efficiency
The Daiwa Revros’ composite aluminum frame provides housing for its powerful internal components. Moreover, the Revros LT has an Air Rotor that is 15% lighter than most products within the $50 to $100 price range.
Anglers with fragile wrists will find the Revros LT pretty convenient to use. Its machined aluminum handle is excellent at transferring power to the main gear. While it is suitable for saltwater fishing, we find it more efficient to use in freshwater.
The Daiwa Revros LT is the best budget spinning reel for people who are looking for an affordable, durable, and light spinning reel for freshwater fishing.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
8. Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel
Key Features:
- Graphite side plates and frame
- Recessed reel foot
- Compact bent handle and star
- MagTrax brake system
- Duragear brass gear
- Power Disk drag system
- Machined double anodized aluminum spool
- Comfortable EVA handles
- Slow oscillation
Of the many features of the Abu Garcia PMAX3, it is most likely the fast gear ratio that appeals to many. With a 7.1:1 gear ratio, you can seamlessly skim topwater baits across the surface. And you don’t even have to worry about the lure sinking.
For baitcasting reels, it’s the bearing systems that need special attention. The Pro Max has 7 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing for anti-reverse.
What we liked about the PMAX3 spinning reel is the ease of use. And talking about functionality, you can place the lures precisely where you want them. To us, this is the best budget spinning reel for baitcasting.