The Best Ultralight Spinning Reel : 16 Top Picks
BY David Frisby, March 05, 2021 10:00 AM
The best ultralight spinning reel is the best bet for kids and adults who are just starting in the world of angling. It is also the best option for those who want to carry less weight while on a backpacking tour.
Whatever your reason is, shopping for the right ultralight spinning reel is not an easy task. There are many options out there.
But we have made it easy for you by creating a buyer’s guide and a list of the best ultralight spinning reels on the market today. We have chosen 2 of the best reels from 8 notable brands, a premium model and an inexpensive option.
And so, you don’t have to look elsewhere to know everything about ultralight spinning reels.
Our Top Picks
In a hurry? Here are our top picks according to their price range.
Comparison Table of Best Ultralight Spinning Reel
Product Name | Reel Size / Model | Weight / Max. Drag | Gear Ratio / Bearings (BB+RB) | Rating / Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Penn Battle II & III | 1000 | 8.1 oz. / 9 lbs. | 5.2:1 / 5+1 | |
2. PENN Pursuit III | 2500 | 9.8 oz. / 10 lbs. | 6.2:1 / 4+1 | |
3. Daiwa BG | 2500 | 9.3 oz. / 13.2 lbs. | 5.6:1 / 6+1 | |
4. Daiwa Strikeforce-B | 1000 | 6.7 oz. / 4.4 lbs. | 4.9:1 / 1 | |
5. Pflueger Supreme XT | 25X | 6 oz. / 8 lbs. | 5.2:1 / 10 | |
6. Pflueger PRES10SCB | 10SCB | 11.2 oz. / 10 lbs. | 3.8:1 / 5 | |
7. Zebco Omega Pro | 30 | 10.6 oz. / N.A. | 3.4:1 / 6+1 | |
8. Zebco 33 Micro Spincast | (one size only) | 6 oz. / N.A. | 4.3:1 / 1+1 | |
9. SHIMANO Ultegra | 3000 | 8.5 oz. / 20 lbs. | 6.0:1 / 5+1 | |
10. SHIMANO SYNCOPATE | 1000 | 7.6 oz. / 7 lbs. | 5.2:1 / 4+1 | |
11. Okuma Helios | HSX-20 | 6.3 oz. / 6.6 lbs. | 5.0:1 / 8+1 | |
12. Okuma Ceymar | C-10 | 6 oz. / 6.6 lbs. | 5.0:1 / 6+1 | |
13. KastKing Sharky III | 1000 | 7.4 oz. / 33 lbs. | 5.2:1 / 10+1 | |
14. KastKing Summer & Centron | 2000 | 8.6 oz. / 12 lbs. | 5.2:1 / 9+1 | |
15. Sougayilang Fishing Reel 13+1BB | 1000 | 7.8 oz. / 23 lbs. | 4.7:1 / 13+1 | |
16. Sougayilang Fishing Reel 11+1bb | 4000 | 7.04 oz. / 26 lbs. | 5.5:1 / 11+1 |
Video of Best Ultralight Spinning Reel
16 Best Ultralight Spinning Reel : Product Review
1. Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes)
Key Features:
- 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
- Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor
Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reels are constructed with full metal bodies, aluminum bail wires, and metal rotors. The reels have smooth and carbon fiber drag washers that do not wear out against running 100 miles of line.
All models and sizes of the Penn Battle II & III have 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings (BB). Each reel also has 1 anti-reverse roller bearing (RB) that can be turned on or off with a lever.
If you’re shopping for a crankbait fishing reel, the Penn Battle II 1000 is your best option. It comes with the perfect balance of torque and speed. We believe it is one of the best ultralight spinning reel under $100 for saltwater fishing.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
2. PENN Pursuit III 2500 Spinning Fishing Reel
Key Features:
- Line Capacity Rings
- Superline Spool
- Machined and anodized aluminum spool
- 4+1 stainless steel bearing system
- Lightweight and corrosion-resistant graphite body
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
Are you looking for smoothness and durability in an ultralight spinning reel? The Penn Pursuit III might be the one for you. This is the spinning reel that offers the best value for saltwater anglers.
The HT 100 carbon fiber drag washers and the graphite construction of the Penn Pursuit III make it ultra-lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion. The anodized aluminum spool and stainless steel bearing system also enhance its use-life.
The gear system of the Pursuit III is exceptionally smooth. It has an anti-reverse mechanism that prevents any rotor back play. Also, retrieves are always smooth thanks to its shielded stainless steel ball bearings.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
3. Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
Key Features:
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing
- Machined Aluminum Screw In Handle
- Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
- Braided Line Ready Spool
- Over-sized Digigear
- Waterproof Drag System
- Air Rotor
- Carbon ATD
- Solid Screw-In Handle
- Infinite Anti-Reverse System
The Daiwa BG is housed in hard black anodized aluminum material, which makes it a smooth and powerful ultralight spinning reel.
The reel body and side cover are constructed with a waterproof drag system. The anodized material makes the reel not only waterproof but corrosion and scratch-resistant as well.
The huge spool diameter on the Daiwa BG ultralight spinning reel eliminates line memory and allows free line flow. The line won’t tangle even if it's spooled to the edge of the lip.
Its drag system runs smooth and generates decent fighting power to land big saltwater species. Furthermore, it has a sealing that prevents saltwater and sand from entering and thus breaking up the reel function.
Pros
Cons
5/5 Stars
4. Daiwa Strikeforce-B
Key Features:
- Folding handle
- ABS Aluminum spool
- Smooth, ball bearing drive
- Twist Buster line twist reduction
- Digigear digital gear design
You might want to consider using Daiwa Strikeforce-B spinning reels if you’re just getting into the world of anglers. These reels have a ball bearing drive that is smooth to operate.
The Strikeforce-B ultralight spinning reels might be an inexpensive lineup from Daiwa but it doesn’t mean these products lack premium features. They come with the DigiGear system that enhances power and speed.
Made with a tough yet lightweight ABS aluminum, the spool allows you to cast longer distances with ease. Combined with the line twist reduction system, these reels offer a smooth casting performance at an affordable price.