Today, we’re talking spinning reels.
Last week, I started breaking down some of my favorite casting reels under $100, and today, it’s time to tackle the other side of the bass fishing spectrum… spinning setups. Just like buying a casting reel, spinning reels can be just as, if not more, overwhelming.
Thanks to massive leaps in manufacturing technology over the last decade, the performance gap between “budget” and “premium” tackle has shrunk significantly. Today, you can easily find a durable, smooth-casting reel with good brakes and a solid drag system for less than a $100 bucks. Full stop. So if you want to build out your rod locker on a serious budget, here are the best spinning reels you can buy right now for under $100.
Here’s a few that I love from a of different brands, and I will say, there’s a couple from 13 Fishing and Seviin that I’d like to get my hands on. The new 13 Fishing SHYFT, and Seviin’s Veltrix Series both come in under $100, but since they’re not out yet, I haven’t had a chance to try them out… stay tuned come next spring.
Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia makes some great reels, especially some of their higher price point entries, but that being said, you can still find some good quality for a pretty reasonable price. Their Max line has a number of different options across different price points (all very affordable), but for me, the Max Pro is where you start to get some real quality at a bargain price.
Shimano
Shimano is a force to be reckoned with in the spinning reel world, some might argue the best in the business right up there with Daiwa. Anglers tend to be pretty loyal to one or the other, but I’m always using a little bit of everything to test the market. The one thing about Shimano is that they use a lot of the same technology on their lower price point reels, as they do in their higher-end stuff… that means you can get a pretty solid reel for a VERY reasonable price.
The Sedona is an absolute steal at less than $100 bucks… I have a few of them and they’ve never let me down.
Daiwa
Personally, I tend to lean towards Daiwa when it comes to spinning reels. I love the feel, the buttery-smooth drag system, and a number of their more budget-friendly models have lasted me quite a long time, still fishing as well as the day I got it. It’s tough to beat.
The Daiwa Regal LT is one of my absolute favorite spinning reels, and at less than 100 bucks, you just can’t beat it. I fish it as much as I do some of my premium reels and I just can’t seem to want to put it down.
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