Spinning reel has been more popular for so many years. It has been helpful especially for bass anglers around the world for its ease of use, durability and versatility.
You can use it in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. As time goes by, there are different kinds of fishing reels were produced but there are only few of them that has the qualities you are looking for.
If you are new to fishing, there is no need to worry! Spinning reels are easy to use, newbies! All you need to have is a fill control of it when spinning the reel and ready to catch some big ones.
Elements of Best Spinning Reels
Model Size
If you were strolling at the market or at your favorite shop for spinning reels, I guess you noticed that there were so many spinning reels displayed with different sizes and features.
The size of the spinning reel affects the speed, weight, and power and spool capacity. The best model sizes come in between 10-14oz range which most of the best reel have.
Body Construction
Most of the perfect spinning reels are made of aluminum alloy or graphite composite material. Metal bodies are more durable for housing but it is prone to corrosion and heavier than aluminum alloy.
Spool Capacity
Spool Capacity is one of the elements to consider also. The best spool so far for bass fishing can be able to take a minimum of 100 yards of 8lbs mono-filament.
Gear Ratio
It refers to the number of revolutions of the rotor and string you are getting per turn of the handle. The exact ratio that will allow you to use of lures is 6:1.It is better to use lower gear ratios for it can handle cranking power and is often used for bass fishing.
Drag System
The drag system refers to the counter pressure to string leaving the spool when you hooked a fish.
The best drag system has low start-up inertia that protects the string or line and also has the ability to adjust the drag throughout its drag range.
Bearings and Gear System
The gears within the reels with the ball bearings are the keys for a smooth working reel. Quality bearings keep the reel run smoothly for a longer period of time than cheaper ball bearings.
Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel

This spinning reel has unique designs. It is capable and durable. Its landing capacity is really amazing with the gears on the reels are smooth even under moderate pressure.
Specifications:
- Weight: 7.07oz
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Line Retrieval Rate: 28.8
Pros
- Lightweight Reels
- Smooth Retrieval
- Good for finesse fishing
- Uses 10 XCR ball bearings
- Corrosion resistant
Cons
- Important price
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel

This spinning reel is one of the most popular models for many years. It comes with several model sizes available at the market.
Its aluminum housing gives stability and protects the internal mechanisms of the reel. This reel is heavier but balances well with the rod.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 9.3oz, 10.8oz, and 14.1oz
- Gear Ratios: 9.3oz and 10.8oz have 5.6:1 while 14.0oz has 5.7:1
- Retrieval Rate: 33.2, 37.4, and 38.5 inches
- Max Drag Range: 13.2lbs, 15.4lbs, and 17.6lbs.
Pros
- Comes with different size models
- Gear designs is optimal
- Impressive cranking power
- Silky smooth retrieve
Cons
- Heavier than other reels
Abu Garcia Orra SX Spinning Reel

The Orra S Models is similar to Revo SX that has the best ultra-light spinning reels. This reel is more affordable and still gets a lot of the same performance as the Revo spinning reels.
This spinning reel can get a little fatiguing but still manageable and balances with common fishing rods. Its spool design and rocket line management are also doing great.
Specifications
- Weight: 9.8oz
Pros
- Cheaper with good performance
- Good casting and line lay
- Low start-up inertia and well balanced
- Smooth retrieval
Cons
- With heavy loads, gearing is off
- At the high end of range, you will lose fine drag adjustment
Shimano Stradic Spinning Reel

This reel has a little more spool capacity and a good pair with bass rods. It also has corrosion resistance and its frame flex is never an issue on his reel. It has also impressive gear retrieval when retrieving your reel with an aggressive fish hooked up on it.
Specifications
- Weight: 8.3oz
- Ball Bearings: 6
- Gear Ratio: 6:1
- Max Drag System: 20lbs
Pros
- Great line capacity
- Good cranking power
- Smooth Retrieval
- Great anti-reverse
- Good drag range
Cons
- Expensive price
- Metal bodies add some weight
Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

The Revo SX 40 spinning reel is one of the most favorite spinning reels out there! This reel uses light aluminum materials- spool and reel arm.
Its gear is digitally optimized and can withstand the pressures exerted by it. Its spool lip design helps the string come off the spool impressively.
Specifications
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Spool: 250 yards
Pros
- Impressive casting performance
- Housing and gears are great
- Smooth retrieval
- Great handle and grip
- Smooth Drag
- Good cranking power
Con
- At the high end of the range, you will lose fine adjustments
Conclusion
Spinning reel really helps us in some many ways. I am sure you all now have some ideas of the spinning reel you must have before fishing.
Out of the 5 spinning reels I gave you, the one that stood out for me is the Shimano Stradic for its durability, smooth retrieval, bearings and impressive functions.
If you have enough money to buy a good reel, be sure to have some ideas and knowledge about its criteria to choose the perfect spinning reel for you.
Even if you have already on your mind, consider this article as your source and hopefully, I helped you understand in many aspects in finding your spinning reels out there! Good luck!
