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Spincast reels are the best choice to start learning fishing. They are easy to handle, cheap, and reliable. Still, the process of choosing the right reel is as difficult as with any other kind of reel.
Besides, if it is your first time looking for a spin cast reel, it will be even more difficult. That is why we bring you a selection of the best spincast reels on the market today. We’ve chosen reels from different brands and price ranges. It is up to you to decide which reel best suits your needs.
But what are my needs? Well, if you don’t know, we’ve added a buyer’s guide at the end. There you will find some pieces of advice and things to look out for when buying spincast reels.
7 Best Spincast Reels Comparison Table
| Reel | Zebco 33 | Pflueger President | KastKing Brutus | Daiwa Goldcast | Pflueger Trion | Zebco Omega Pro | Zebco Bullet |
Gear ratio | 4.3:1 | 3.1:1 3.4:1 3.8:1 | 4:1 | 4:1 | 3.1:1 3.4:1 3.8:1 4.1:1 | 3.6:1 | 5.1:1 |
| Bearings | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| Inches Per Turn (IPT)* | 16 | 14.5 to 18.5 | 15.75 | 18.3 to 21.3 | 14 to 18.5 | 19 | 29.6 |
Construction | Graphite and stainless steel | Aluminum and stainless steel | Graphite and aluminum | Aluminum | Graphite and aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
7 Best Spincast Reels Reviewed
In this section, we provide in-depth reviews of the top 7 spincast reels on the market. From powerful contenders to high-end options, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our reviews to discover the perfect spincast reel for your fishing needs.
Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel
- 33 Micro Spincast Reel Size 10
- Lightweight graphite frame
- Stainless steel covers
Anglers of all ages have heard, at least once, the name of this brand. All their reels have a retro style, which transports you back in time. However, they upgraded their hardware, making each reel more than capable of handling modern-day fishing.
Zebco 33 is very basic. Thus, don’t expect an outstanding performance. However, it is an attractive option for beginners, children, or the occasional angler looking for a spincast reel without breaking the bank.
Materials and Construction
The reel has a lightweight graphite frame with a stainless-steel spool cover, which also makes the reel resistant to corrosion. It features metal gears and a single ball bearing. We were surprised by its smooth performance. Still, it was significantly reduced by the fish weight.
The Zebco 33 micro spincast reel has a plastic button to release the line. It looks a bit cheap, as happens with the handle knobs. Still, they feel solid, and the button works fine. Above it, you will see the drag wheel, nothing special here.
Sitting beside the drag dial, you will see the bite alert switch. When engaged, the reel will produce sounds as the line gets dragged by the fish. It is a nice touch that may come in handy for greenhorns.
Lastly, the reel has a double handle, which is quite large. Depending on which version you buy, you can end up with either a metal or plastic handle. If the budgets allow it, go with the metal handle.
Key features
- Gear ratio: 4.3:1
- Line capacity: 4/90 (mono)
- Bearings: 1
- Automatic anti-reverse system.
- IPT: 16
Pros
- Bite alert.
- Great price.
- Lightweight.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
Cons
- Single bearing system.
- Poor performance with larger fishes.
- Poor drag system.
Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel
- PERFORMANCE MEETS VALUE: Pflueger President...
- SIZE 10 SPINCAST REEL: Features an aluminum frame...
- RECOVER 18.5" | 47cm for every turn of the crank....
Pflueger always finds a way to do things right. But the best thing is that they manage to keep the prices down. It is as cheap as the previous reel. Still, it is a great deal, as you will see in a moment.
Their president line combines a beautiful blue and silver that makes the reel look premium. Once you use it for the first time, you will notice that this reel is much more than only looks.
Materials and Construction
The handle, spool, spool cover, and frame have an aluminum core. As you might expect, the reel is slightly heavy. Still, the increase in strength and durability is worth the trouble.
Felt disks are responsible for the drag system, while the five stainless-steel ball bearings keep the reeling as smooth as it can be. For a flawless operation, the anti-reverse system uses one of the ball bearings. As you might expect, the casting and reeling have no visible trembling.
The Pflueger President has two titanium pins. The metal is expensive; however, they have a longer life cycle than other pins. Thus, the investment pays itself in time.
To protect the reel from corrosion, Pflueger painted it with special paint that keeps corrosion at bay.
You can choose between a button or trigger-like action. Both have the same build and quality. Additionally, you can choose among four different versions of the reel.
Key features
- Gear ratio: 3.1, 3.4, and 3.8:1
- Line capacity: 65 to 145 yards depending on the model and line strength (mono)
- Bearings: 5
- Automatic anti-reverse system.
- IPT: 14.5 and 18.5
Pros
- Smooth casting and drag system.
- Solid built.
- Corrosion resistance.
- No tangling while reeling the line.
Cons
- May not fit in all rods.
- Plastic button.
KastKing Brutus
- HIGH PERFORMANCE – The heart of a good...
- HIGH SPEED - With 4.0:1 gear ratio, KastKing...
- SMOOTH AND DURABLE – Brutus Spincast Reels are...
KastKing is another reputable brand that makes reliable and affordable spincast reels. You either love or hate its black body with white and red accents. But there is no such thing as hating when it comes to performance.
The Brutus spincast reel is a fabulous freshwater spincast reel for the price. And, as it comes with a pre-spooled line. So, you can use it as soon as you take it out of the box!
Materials and Construction
The KastKing Brutus has a graphite frame with an aluminum handle and spool cover. It is light, but the aluminum lacks a protective painting. Thus, the reel is not suitable for saltwater angling.
The reel features a stainless-steel rotor with dual stainless-steel pins to wrap the line around the zinc spool. We notice no tangling while reeling. Plus, the Teflon drag disks combined with the five shielded ball bearings offer a fluid drag. It has an incredible 11 pounds maximum drag, making it perfect for crappie, trout, and the occasional medium-sized bass.
Additionally, it has five sealed stainless-steel bearings. One of them is part of the automatic anti-reverse system. It is responsible for the fast response and smooth operation of the system. Additionally, neither water nor debris can enter inside the bearings, as they are isolated from the rest of the reel.
In contrast with the previous two reels, this one has a graphite button that you can easily reach with your thumb. It is sturdy and feels better than the other two.
Lastly, it has PVC handle knobs to increase comfort, especially during long fishing sessions.
Key features
- Gear ratio: 4:1
- Line capacity: 130 to 160 yards depending on line strength (mono)
- Bearings: 5
- Automatic anti-reverse system.
- IPT: 15.75
Pros
- Durable reel.
- Premium feeling.
- High gear ratio.
- High maximum drag
Cons
- Not for saltwater.
- Just one model is available.
Daiwa Goldcast
- Made of highest quality material
- Manufacturer: Daiwa
- Manufacturer Country: TW
Easy to control and durable, the Daiwa Goldcast is a good option for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. It is more expensive than any of the other reels we have reviewed thus far. However, the Daiwa brand means quality.
We don’t fancy the black and gold body. But for us, performance is more important than looks.
Materials and Construction
The reel has a full metal built with a corrosion-resistant coating. So, you can fish over saltwater too. But, make sure to clean it afterward.
The reeling system comprises an oscillating metallic spool with a tungsten pin. The arrangement distributes the line evenly around the spool.
In terms of drag, the reel is nothing fancy. It has the dial above the line release button. We find that it is as good as other reels and makes an annoying noise when engaged. It might be due to the single-ball-bearing system.
The line hole is bigger than the one found in other reels. As a result, it minimizes friction. So, you can cast farther and with more accuracy.
Daiwa offers three versions of this reel. Each one has a different line retrieval ratio and line capacity.
Key features
- Gear ratio: 4:1
- Line capacity: 75 to 100 yards depending on the model and line strength (mono)
- Bearings: 1
- Automatic anti-reverse system.
- IPT: 18.3 to 21.3
Pros
- Superb line distribution.
- Fast line retrieval.
- Durable metallic construction.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Noise drag system.
- Bad performance under heavy load.
Pflueger Trion
- 2 bearing system
- Aluminum cone
- Aluminum handle
If you like the Pflueger president we rewired earlier in this article, but don’t have enough money for it, here you have another more affordable option.
Of course, you won’t get the performance of the president. Still, the Trion is an ideal option for those looking to take the first step in the angling world. Let’s see what you are getting along this spincast reel.
Materials and Construction
The Trion has a similar construction to the president. That is a graphite frame with an aluminum spool cover. However, this one has three ball bearings. Thus, don’t expect the same smooth drag of the Pflueger President.
The titanium pins paired with the metallic gears of the reel offers dependable and continuous line retrieval. Additionally, the disk washer drag system is good enough for small-to-medium fish. Still, large species might put the Trion under too much strain, and you will have a hard time muscling the fish to shore. But as we said before, this reel suits beginners and small fish best.
As happens with the president, the Trion comes with either a button or lever line release system. Plus, you can choose between four different versions of the reel, depending on your needs.
Lastly, in contrast with the others, this one has an anti-reverse switch. In other words, it is not automatic. So, you must pay attention to the switch position.
Key features
- Gear ratio: 3.1, 3.4, 3.8, and 4.1:1.
- Line capacity: 40 to 145 yards depending on the model and line strength (mono)
- Bearings: 2
- Anti-reverse system.
- IPT: 14 to 18.5.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Easy to operate.
- Enough drag for small-to-medium fish.
- Comfortable handle.
Cons
- The drag is difficult to control.
- The performance drops as the fish’s weight increases.
- The two-ball bearing system is far from being smooth
Zebco Omega Pro
- POWERFUL REEL: The Omega Pro Spincast is a...
- SMOOTH RETRIEVAL: This reel features 7 bearings (6...
- RELIABLE: The Omega Pro brings an elevated fishing...
Now, we are entering into high-end territory. The omega pro is one of the smoothest spincast reels that you will find on the market.
The reel is lovely; it has an all-black body with grey accents. But the insides are way much better!
Materials and Construction
With aircraft-grade aluminum construction, this reel is both strong and durable. Yet, it is not extremely bulky, which is always good. Unless you are a bodybuilder and you don’t care about weight.
The reel features seven stainless-steel ball bearings. The automatic auto-reverse system, which has one ball bearing, works flawlessly. And the multi-disk drag system helps you to secure the hook and keeps the line tight as you battle against the fish.
All the gears have a brass kernel. They are smooth, and there is no noticeable game between the handle and the gears. The handle is big enough and yields enough torque to reel big fish such as bass and even catfish. As a fact, this is one of the best spincast reels for bass.
The machined aluminum spool has ceramic pins that decrease friction. And, for the price, you get a spare spool. So, you can quickly change lines without needing to re-spool the reel. But if that isn’t enough, you get another, double knob handle with your purchase!
The line release button is easy to use and is within reach of your thumb.
Key features
- Gear ratio: 3.6:1
- Line capacity: 10/80
- Bearings: 7
- Automatic anti-reverse system.
- IPT: 19
Pros
- Extra spool and handle.
- Suitable for saltwater.
- Smooth casting.
- Ergonomic handle knob.
Cons
- The drag dial is very sensible.
- Price.
- The ceramic pins are very delicate.
Zebco Bullet
- BEST-IN-CLASS REEL: This reel features a patented...
- EFFORTLESS FISHING: Zebco's instant anti-reverse...
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: With 29.6 inches per turn, the...
No, Zebco didn’t pay us to put their reels here. It is not our fault that Zebco is the leading brand when it comes to spincast reels.
Before we start breaking this reel down, we must tell you that it isn’t cheap. So, if you aren’t looking to pay top dollar for a reel, you can skip this one.
As soon as you first set your eye on this reel, you will notice that it is one of a kind. Let’s see why.
Materials and Construction
The Zebco has a double anodized aluminum core. Therefore, it is strong, corrosion-resistant, and durable. Yet, it is heavier than most of the reels in this review.
With the nine stainless-steel ball bearings system, you will enjoy smooth casting and line retrieval. Plus, the dual-bearing line pins offer a quick line release, allowing you to cast faster and farther. However, the reel needs constant maintenance to reduce casting problems like line sticking and not flowing out of the spool.
A multi-disk arrangement is responsible for the 10-pound maximum drag. It is more than enough to reel big fish like bass and small catfish. And the enormous double-handle grants enough leverage effect to easily muscle the fish to the shore.
The reel features an automatic anti-reverse system that engages as soon as the fish takes the bait. And, thanks to the drag system, you can set the hook deep into the fish’s mouth.
Thanks to its precision brass gear, you can reel the line extremely fast. Plus, the oscillating spool distributes the line evenly and prevents the line from cutting itself.
But, if that isn’t enough, the reel comes with an extra spool. The final result is a powerful reel with an insane line retrieval!
Key features
- Gear ratio: 5.1:1
- Line capacity: 10/90
- Bearings: 9
- Automatic anti-reverse system.
- IPT: 29.6
Pros
- Fast line retrieval ratio.
- Durable.
- Extra spool.
- Marine-proof.
- Flawless drag.
- Perfect for a long cast.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- Bulky.
- Needs constant maintenance.
Our Winners
Best Spincast Reel Under 50
The Pflueger President and the Kastking Brutus are the more powerful contenders in this battle. You will be getting a reliable reel with either option. However, we have to choose Kastking Brutus as our winner.
The gear ratio on the KastKing is higher. Yet it has a lower IPT. However, the first has a higher maximum drag and line capacity. Thus, you can target massive and aggressive fish.
Both have an equal number of bearings. However, the sealed stainless-steel bearings from the KastKing outperform the Pflueger; and the others. With the obvious exceptions of the high-end reels such as the Zebco bullet and omega pro.
But if you want a spincast reel for saltwater, you should go with the Pflueger President. As we said before, they have similar performance and come at a similar price.
Best Spincast Reel Under 100
If you are looking for a high-end spincast reel, the Zebco omega pro is for you! It sits well below the 100-dollar limit, and you get a lot of hardware with it.
Of course, the Zebco bullet is better. It has more bearings and higher IPT, line capacity, and bearings. Still, in our opinion, the extra bucks aren’t worth the trouble.
Compared with the other reels, the Zebco omega pro has more bearings than the others. Thus, it has a much smoother performance than the others. And the drag system has no match.
The gear ratio sits on the slow side. But the long handle yields impressive power to reel massive, stubborn fish.
Additionally, you can easily reach the line release system with your thumb. If all of this is not enough, you are getting an extra spool and a handle with your purchase!
Your Guide to Buying the Best Spincast Reel
When buying, we always look for the very best. We analyze the product, read the reviews, and ask someone trustworthy for their advice. Still, the final decision is only ours.
The easiest way to narrow the search down is to think under which circumstances we will use the reel. The fish, water, rod, and line have a tremendous impact on reel performance. Thus, it is crucial to define them before making any purchase. It is the only way to get the best spincast reel for your money.
But let’s answer some basic questions before starting to dig deeper into technical details.
What is a spincast reel used for?
This type of reel is the easiest to master and control. Thus, it is the perfect start for any angler. The risk of backlashes is nearly zero, and the line is unlikely to get tangled. However, spincast reels have their flaws. For instance, they aren’t suitable for trophy fish or deep-water angling.
Furthermore, they lack the drag and line capacity of the other reels. And, despite the easy casting, this reel is not suitable for fishing from afar, as it lacks accuracy.
Still, they are ideal for small fishes like panfish, walleye, trout, and small bass. Keep in mind that, as you can’t target massive fish, you shouldn’t fish over moderate-to-high covered waters with a spincast reel. Thus, you should use a spincast reel for fishing from a boat, dock, or close to the shore.
Are spincast reels any good?
That depends on the situation. For instance, spincast reels are great for small to medium fishes and uncovered waters. They are easy to manage and are very reliable, making them perfect for occasional fishing trips with your friends.
However, for harsher conditions, we suggest switching to sturdier equipment.
How do spincast reels work?
To understand how a spincast reel works, you must get familiar with the line release mechanism. All spincast reels have either a button or a lever that, once engaged, releases the line, allowing you to make the cast.
You can re-engage the mechanism and secure the line by spinning the handle once the lure touches the water. Now, the drag system is responsible for releasing the line and keeping it tight.
So, to make your cast, you only need to press the button or pull the lever. Then, release it once you’ve acquired enough momentum. The pressing and releasing of the button/lever will retract the pins, allowing the line to freely flow from the spool. Next, crank the handle until the line is tight, and that’s all. As you can see, the process is remarkably simple.
The drag adjustment is extremely manageable, yet inaccurate. You only need to spin the wheel or dial in the “+” direction to increase the drag. And in the “-” direction to decrease it.
Now, you know the basics of how spincast reel works. We told you that it wasn’t hard at all.
Materials and durability
Aluminum, graphite, and other metals are common materials for high-end rods. You should always go for those materials, as long as the budget allows it. You will get a durable and reliable spincast reel that will pay itself in time.
Plastic spincast reels are only good for kids, as they aren’t too heavy and are highly manageable.
Size
Spincast reels are light tackle. Thus, the smaller and lighter, the better. Of course, this doesn’t mean sacrificing performance and durability. But if you are using lightweight rods, lines, and lures, there is no need to buy a large reel. Remember that fishing is an endurance battle. So, cutting weight is a must.
Reel type
To unlock the line before a cast, you must activate the disengagement mechanism. There are two types: button and trigger-like action mechanisms. The first type is more common, as it is easier to handle. In this case, the reel rests above the rod, and you can press the button with your thumb to release the line.
As the name suggests, the second mechanism resembles a trigger. The reel stays beneath the rod, and you can release the line by pulling the trigger with your forefinger. In theory, there is no difference between them. Still, we find out that the trigger-like action reel is easier to handle.
Bearings
Ball bearings are tiny disks used to reduce friction between moving parts. Therefore, a spincast reel with bearings automatically has a smoother line retrieval than a reel without them.
But what are bearings exactly? Well, think of two rings of different sizes with balls or rollers between them. The result is a disk that can rotate on its axis. Most ball bearings have a metal or ceramic core.
However, for fishing applications, you should only use a reel with either ceramic or stainless-steel bearings. Ceramic bearings have unparalleled corrosion and rust resistance. Plus, have an almost frictionless spinning. The problem is that spincast reels with ceramic bearings are quite expensive and fragile.
In contrast, stainless-steel bearings don’t offer such a smooth performance. But it is also extremely resistant to corrosion. Plus, it is not as expensive as ceramic bearings. Besides, the chances are that you won’t even notice the difference between both bearings. Thus, we highly recommend going for a spincast reel with stainless-steel bearings.
In terms of numbers, quality rules over quantity. Typically, spincast reels have between 4 to 7 ball bearings. Don’t buy anything with less than four. You will save some bucks, but you will pay it with sweat every time you reel a fish in. We suggest testing the spincast reel beforehand. If you feel that the movement is smooth and the price is right, you should take it.
Gear ratio
If you ever held a reel in your hands, you might have noticed that some reel the line faster than others. The gear ratio is a numerical relation. It shows how many times the line wraps the spool each time your crank the handle.
As you would expect, higher ratios mean faster line retrieval, but less torque. Spincast reel typically comes in ratios between 2.5 to 4.5:1. These reels sit on the slow side, which means they sacrifice speed in preference for strength.
So, as a general rule, use faster reels for tiny fish, and lower ratios for strong fighters.
Another feature related to the gear ratio is line retrieval. It indicates the amount of lines that you can spool per crank. It might not look like such a big deal. But you won’t want to retrieve the line quicker than the fish’s ability to swim towards it.
It’s essential to look at the gear material before buying the reel. Brass or stainless-steel gears are a better option altogether. They are resistant to corrosion and last longer than plastic gears.
Take-up Pins
These are tiny mechanisms at the end of the spool that is responsible for gathering the line as you retrieve it. They engage once you start spinning the handle and spin around the spool. When casting, they disengage, so the fishing line flows out of the reel.
Take-up pins wear faster than the bail wire used on spinning reels. Thus, decreasing the line retrieval capacity. Be on the lookout for any drop in the reel performance.
We suggest going for a spincast reel with metal take-up pins, as they last longer than plastic ones.
Line capacity
Because of the close design and size, line capacity is not a strong feature in this type of reel. The maximum capacity you will find is 150 yards depending on the line diameter. Or, in other words, depending on the line test strength.
Don’t try to spool more lines than the reel can handle. It will only reduce the performance.
We suggest going for the reel with the highest capacity possible for the line that you will be using. You will have more flexibility this way. Plus, you don’t need to worry about not having enough fishing lines left.
Drag system
The drag system is an essential feature of any reel. It prevents the fish from pulling all the lines out of the spool. Plus, it keeps the hook fixed in the fish’s mouth, so you can slowly reel it in.
Most drag systems on spincast reels consist of a series of felt disks that apply pressure to the line. You can rotate the outer dial to select the amount of drag that you want. However, don’t expect to find spincast reels with a huge drag, as these reels aren’t suitable for large fish.
There are three types of drag configurations: a star-shaped dial at the handle, an internal wheel at the top of the reel, and a circular dial at the rear. Each one has its advantages. For instance, the rear and wheel configurations are the easiest to control. Although, you can change the drag configuration by accident. Additionally, these systems are less sensitive.
In contrast, the start-shaped dial is harder to access. But it is more precise.
Anti-reverse system
The anti-reverse mechanism is a must, especially if you are a beginner. It prevents you from spinning the handle in the opposite direction, thus, releasing the line.
Some reels have an automatic anti-reverses system. While others have a switch to turn it on and off. Either way, you should always go for a spincast reel with anti-reverse.
FAQs
Do Pro Anglers Use Spincast Reels?
Although many anglers start with spincast reels, you will hardly see any pro angler using one. The reason is that they have several limitations. Particularly in the casting and line capacity department.
What is the Best Gear Ratio for a Spincast Reel?
Typically spincast reels don’t have such a wide range of gear ratios available. Still, we recommend aiming around the 4 to 5:1 range. This range should give you enough retrieving speed without sacrificing cracking power.
Why Do Anglers Use Spincast Reels?
Spincast reels are easy to use, need minor maintenance, and are extremely affordable. That’s why it is the starting point for most anglers.
Yeah. Spincast reels have their limitations. But it is unlikely you will be using them to catch big gamefish.
