8 Best Spinning Reels Under $100 in 2022 – Guide From A Pro Angler
If you love heading out on the water for some quality time in fishing with reels, kayak, fish finder and getting in touch with nature, then you definitely need the right tools for the job. Spinning reels are excellent choices when catching small to medium sized fish, offering both power and speed for an enjoyable fishing.
Table of Contents
- Why Spinning Reels Are So Popular?
- Best Spinning Reels Under $100 - Comparison
- Our Picks of 8 Best Spinning Reels Under $100
- 1. Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel
- 2. Okuma Trio Ladies Edition High Speed Trio-LE40 Graphite Spinning Reel
- 3. Okuma Trio Standard Spinning Reel
- 4. Penn Fishing FRC4000 Fierce Spinning Reel
- 5. Okuma Coronado Baitfeeder Spinning Reel
- 6. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
- 7. Tact-Pro Saltwater Fishing Reels
- 8. KastKing Blade Spinning Reel
- Things To Consider Before Buying
- Final Verdict
Why Spinning Reels Are So Popular?
- Spinning reels are flexible and easy to use
- Easy to cast and are less expensive
- Most models come with reversible handles
- Perfect for light line and bait presentation
Best Spinning Reels Under $100 - Comparison
Picture | Product Name | Body Material | Reel Bearings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Aluminum + Graphite | 9 BB + 1 RB | ||
 | Aluminum + Graphite | 9 BB + 1 RB | ||
 | Aluminum | 9 BB + 1 RB | ||
 | Stainless steel | 4BB | ||
 | Aluminum + Graphite | 5BB | ||
 | Aluminum + Graphite | 9 BB + 1 RB | ||
 | Aluminum + Stainless steel | 10BB | ||
 | Aluminum | 10BB + 1RB |
Our Picks of 8 Best Spinning Reels Under $100
After interviewing fishing experts and spending more than 20 hours testing spinning reels, I have picked the best spinning reels under 100 dollars. These are not only of quality; also affordable, exceptionally durable, and amazingly versatile!
1. Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel
The Trio High Speed Reel from Okuma is a hybrid innovation, with a unique crossover construction that provides you with the best of weight savings and strength.
This construction boasts of a solid aluminum reel stern, rotor arm and lip, as well as a lightweight graphite spool and side plates.
Apart from the hybrid body of the Okuma Trio High Speed, this spinning reel is also known for its seamless Dual Force Drag System with 9 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing.
This system promises incredible efficiency, accuracy, pressure and smoothness while fishing, making your overall experience superior to all others.
Highlighted Features
- Hybrid spool design
- Crossover aluminum and graphite hybrid body
- Precision Dual Force Drag System (DFD): Incorporates both surfaces of the spool to maximize high-end drag pressure, efficiency and overall smoothness
- 10 BB + 1 RB stainless steel bearings
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing
Ladies, it's your call!
Coming in a just under $$, the ladies edition of the ever popular Trio High Speed spinning reel, with a hot pink exterior that will immediately catch your eye.
This LadiesTrio boasts of the same crossover construction we talked about above, with a body and rotor designed using aluminum and graphite.
The result is a hybrid spinning reel that is lightweight yet sturdy, allowing you to fish comfortably in all conditions.
The Ladies Trio High-Speed reel also boasts of a lightning fast 6:2:1 gear ratio, making it the perfect choice for catching fast and elusive fish that are often out of the reach of other low speed spinning reels.
This reel also has a drag system and 12 stainless steel bearings that ensure that the process of reeling in your catch will be smooth.
Highlighted Features
- Hybrid spool design
- Crossover aluminum and graphite hybrid body
- Crossover aluminum and graphite hybrid body and rotor design
- Precision Dual Force Drag System (DFD): Incorporates both surfaces of the spool to maximize high-end drag pressure, efficiency and overall smoothness
- 9 BB + 1 RB stainless-steel bearings
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing
Like the two aforementioned Okuma Trio Spinning Reel, the Trio Standard features the same crossover construction platform which amplifies strength while minimizing on weight.
Apart from this construction, this spinning reel houses an aluminum Dual Force Drag system that promotes strength, smoothness and stability, so that your fishing experience is pleasurable.
Additionally, the spinning reel has 8 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing for quick and reliable fishing.
Highlighted Features
- Made using the highest quality materials
- Tested for reliability and quality
- Used by professionals worldwide
- Multi-disc, Japanese-oiled felt drag washers
- DFD: Dual Force Drag system
- 9HPB + 1RB corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- HDGII: Corrosion resistant, High density gearing
- Hydro Block water tight drag seal
Penn Fishing Firece Spinning Reel is as furious and ferocious as its name suggests, taking no prisoners when you take it out for a day on the water.
This fishing sensation is constructed using a full metal body as well as metal side plates, which are both durable and sturdy in the face of heavy loads.
Additionally, the spool is designed with machined and anodized aluminum for unparalleled strength, and the main shaft is made using stainless steel for longevity.
When you factor in the 4 ball bearings and the 1 roller bearing, you have a reel that will perform at optimum levels in the most severe saltwater conditions.
Highlighted Features
- Full metal body and side plate keep precise gearInfinite anti-reverse
- Infinite anti-reverse
- Techno-balanced rotor gives smooth retrieves
- Machined and anodized aluminum handle with soft touch knob
- Machined and anodized aluminum spool
- Stainless steel main shaft; 4 stainless steel ball bearings
The Coronado Baitfeeder is an expertly build fishing machine weighing 24.7 ounces!
This graphite based reel has been constructed with the highest quality components, including a precision machine cut brass gear (pinion), a machined aluminum 2-tone anodized spool, an ergonomic grip handle knob, a heavy duty aluminum anodized bail wire, and a forged aluminum handle design.
Also, it has a computer balanced rotor equalizing system.
All of the aforementioned components ensure that you experience maximum fishing performance each and every time.
In terms of durability, this Okuma Coronado Baitfeeder undergoes a corrosion resistant coating process for its high-density gearing, body and rotor.
Highlighted Features
- Made using the highest quality materials
- Tested for reliability and quality
- Used by professionals worldwide
- Patented On/Off auto trip bait feeding system
- Japanese oiled felt drag washers
- DFD: Dual Force Drag system
- Gear ration 4.5:1 with 30-Inch of line retrieve, weight 16.7 -Ounce, 24-Pound drag pressure
- 340 yds 12lb test and 5 ball bearings
With the KastKing Summer Spinning Reel, you can never go wrong. It is smooth, turns fast, looks great, and it is heavy duty which makes it very solid and sturdy.
It is easy to use, and its quality is much higher than its price would suggest. So if you are looking for a high quality low price reel, that's easy to use then this is the reel for you. It is lightweight, has a narrow and compact graphite frame design which works well on any fishing rod.
It has an appealing finish which makes it look great on any fishing rod. The KastKing Summer Spinning Reel offers incredible stopping power.
KastKing Summer unique designed quick button foldable handle drives directly through its main gear which makes it very easy to use and controllable. It is super smooth when casting and retrieving which enhances your fishing experience.
KastKing Summer spinning reel's Superior Drag System gives you unbelievable stopping power of up to 20LBs. With that kind of power, everything runs smooth.
The KastKing Summer Spinning reel has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power and makes it stronger and highly durable.
With all its amazing features for its affordable price, then the KastKing Summer Spinning Reel is a must have. It has received great ratings and reviews, and it is one gadget I would highly recommend. So far I have not come across any major glitches with using the product, so am sure it will not frustrate you in what's so ever way.
Highlighted Features
- Superior drag system for intensive drag power.
- Attractive, brilliant finish.
- Lightweight compact design for effortless casting.
- High tensile strength graphite frame resists corrosion.
- Two color anodized aluminum spool.
- Unique design quick button foldable handle, Right / Left interchangeable.
- Precision pinion gear system.
- It has Great value.
- It is high powered.Appealing and attractive.
The Tact-Pro Saltwater Fishing Reel is an awesome reel that has always impressed me. This reel is well made from heavy duty aluminum. It has a waterproofing system that enables it to withstand saltwater corrosion.
The Tact-Pro Saltwater Fishing Reel is well constructed with a combination of Plastic Body and aluminum, to withstand saltwater corrosion if you choose to go fishing at a salt water body.
The bail wire is stainless steel, and it works well. It reels in line smoothly without stopping until you are ready to stop.
The Tact-Pro Saltwater Fishing Reel has a manual bail closure with lock, sealed drag system, silent oscillation with worm gear level wind. This reel has a Left/Right Interchangeable and fold-able handle.
I feel it is more suitable for small to medium size fish. Its good quality material and workmanship make it feel solid and sturdy. Performs as expected with mitigation hence no frustration whatsoever. It is an impressive reel when it comes to its appeal and attractiveness.
It weighs only 380 grams to minimize the overall weight when matched with a medium rod. The handle T-knob is made of hard rubber material hence you will have a good grip on it.
The Tact-Pro Saltwater Fishing Reel has a very smooth motion, and it goes without saying that it is very easy to attach it to your pole. In my opinion, I would say that this fishing reel is well equipped or built for professional sea fishing.
The Tact-Pro Saltwater Fishing Reel is a product that has received a great reputation which is very evident from its great reviews and ratings. So far I have not come across any faults with it.
If you are looking for a fishing reel that is reasonably priced, affordable and reliable, I would personally recommend this one. You can never go wrong with the Tact-Pro Saltwater Fishing Reel.
Highlighted Features
- It has a full metal body that is very solid.
- It is anti-falling, anti-crashing and flexible.
- Consists of a fully adjustable cast control.
- Ultra-thin streamline designed body.
- Excellent line lay oscillation system.
The KastKing Blade is a spinning reel with the ability to tackle freshwater and saltwater alike, making your inshore and offshore fishing adventures exciting.
This highly rated spinning reel has superior construction and craftsmanship that is dedicated to improving your fishing, and we will look at that in closer detail.
Firstly, the reel foot of the Blade is fully metal with a synthetic encasement, which in turn provides insulation to all anglers in cold environments so that you can fish in comfort for longer periods.
Additionally, the Blade spinning reel has carbon fiber drag washers with 11 shielded stainless steel bearings and precision machined gears.
This entire system works flawlessly together to make sure your fishing is smooth, powerful and efficient.
Highlighted Features
- Blade’s ergonomically designed all metal reel foot is clad in a synthetic compound that insulates the angler in cold conditions for longer casting comfort
- A computer balanced rotor
- CNC machined aluminum spool and handle
- Standard equipment carbon fiber drag washers that provide impressive smooth stopping power
- The Blade offers everything you could ask for in a spinning reel
- 10 + 1 shielded stainless steel
- Lightened metal body make it tough spinning gear fishing package combo to beat
- Available in 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 class sizes
- Great power to weight ratio
- KastKing Blade 2000 and 3000 have 22 LB/ 10 KG of drag
- 4000 and 5000 have an impressive 26.5 LB/ 12 KG of drag power
Things To Consider Before Buying
Professional fishing requires a spinning reel that will offer a service worth your buck. This, however, doesn’t mean casual anglers have no choices to make. Either way, you don’t want to lose you 200-pound tuna back to the water because of a faulty reel.
Choosing a spinning reel may seem like a tough decision, however, learning some of the traits and beneficial components can shorten the learning curve dramatically. Purchase the best reel that you can afford, and it will be your best friend out on the water for many years to come.
Justin Hoffman Fishing Specialty Writer
Our friends from Eposeidon have a detailed video on selecting the best spinning reel, before reading our own guideline, just have a look what they got to say:
Level of Comfort
Before purchasing a fishing reel, it is very important to consider a product that will provide you with the desired level of comfort. If you are comfortable with the equipment, you are able to develop confidence and improve your fishing skills easily.
In this case, you should go for a lightweight reel, with well-designed grip, that offers total control when fishing.
Material Type
There are different materials that are used to construct spinning reels. The most preferred ones include metals (like aluminum and stainless steel) and composite materials. Most professional anglers have always debated on which of these two material types is ideal for top-notch fishing.
The fact is:
- Aluminum makes lightweight reels with a longer lifespan
- Stainless steel is awesome for both fresh and saltwater fishing due to its resistance to reactive components found in water
- Composite materials are synthesized and recycled, making them more affordable
Line Capacity
Spinning reels have the ability to handle lines weighing as low as 2 pounds. This means that you can cast in light lures if you have the necessary rod. It is important to note that, there are other larger models that are specifically designed for bigger fresh and saltwater reel species.
A nice hook is a trophy for sporty anglers and good cash for professionals. For this reason, you must consider a spinning that can handle surprises like a couple of 100 pounds above your expectation.
Target Species
You don’t expect to catch 300-pound bass or yellow fin tuna with a skinny composite rod. If you are targeting large freshwater species, you need to go for a spinning reel with enough line capacity to give you the opportunity to achieve long runs.
For instance, Okuma Trio Spinning Reel (read our review below) is designed with aluminum and graphite hybrid body, making it strong enough to handle large fish species.
Rods
Don’t wait after you have set the mood of fishing to realize you reel does not match its rod. When picking your spinning reel, the rod it will be used with must be a factor to consider.
Your spinning reel should be versatile and marry perfectly well with all-round fishing rods like the Shakespeare Ugly Stik.
More details on this below:
Budget?
I know, my friend!
Your budget might not always allow you to spend money on a spinning reel with a hefty price. Thankfully, some reel manufacturers have started to design affordable reels without compromising on quality.
I have done extensive research on existing fishing reels, and picked some of the best spinning reel under 100 dollars price tag!
Final Verdict
With the information you have above, you can now go ahead and begin your spinning reel shopping and get the best spinning reels under 100 dollar budget. These high-performing reels are all within your budget, and will provide excellent fishing support for a long time. So go out and make the fishing purchase of your life!
Feedback or question? Feel free to let me know leaving a comment below! 🙂
Relevant Resources:
- Best Shimano Spinning Reel – Tested & Reviewed
- Best Spinning Reel Under 50 Dollars – Top Models Reviewed!
- Best Baitcasting Reel Under 100 – Top Models Reviewed!
- 10 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels – Top Models Reviewed!
- 5 Best Baitcasting Reels For The Money – Reviews
- Best Spinning Reels For The Money – Tested & Reviewed
Hello Steven,
Thanks for the amazing step by step content. I loved the clean formatting!
I’m thinking of buying Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel. But I have a question.
I’m a right handed person, and do you think this particular spinning reel is a good fit for me?
Regards
Nitin
Hello Nitin,
I’m glad that you loved the content.
Yes, you can use Trio High-Speed Spinning Reel. There is no issue.
Regards
Steven
No mention of shimano!?!?
Hi Aron,
Thanks for the comment. We are reviewing some Shimano gears, and will add after careful review!
Old model spinning reel I want to buy. Do you have any old model spinning reels?
I mean, which has been used by some fishermen long ago.
Men, women and children enjoy the sport of fishing. So the options for spinning reels has a big demand. So we all want to own the best spinning reel. To make our fishing experience more successful and more fun we need best spinning reel.
I saw some amazing pictures of Spinning Reels. I need one for better fishing.
How is the Diawa BG not on this list?? It beats All of these others. Honestly.