Spinning reel is an essential part of a spin fishing rod. Other primary functions of the reel are to cast lures and enable pulling hooked fish out of deep waters.
Specific character of the spin fishing is that an angler has to make frequent casts and work constantly with baits, as compared to more sedentary float fishing. That is the reason why a spinning reel becomes a key part of the fishing tackle as it facilitates casting and retrieving fishing line.
It is worth noticing that the reel is a sole mechanical part of the rod and carries nothing short of significant load when pulling fish out of water. Right choice of a spinning reel is crucial since the wrong spinning reel with unfit characteristics will most likely fail to function after 3 to 5 fishings.
Advantages of a Spinning Reel
- Compact size, minimum weight. This type of reels work perfectly for all and every practice of fishing, from ultralight to heavy jig.
- High gear ratio of the reel. Gear ratio of top models can reach 6.0:1, enabling each single turn of the handle to retrieve 1 meter and more of line into the reel. It increases efficiency of fishing and aids in bait control.
- Easy casting process. Ideally constructed for beginners who never used a spinner before: 10 minutes of practicing lure casting and those who are just getting started in fishing can operate a rod just as well as seasoned fishermen.
- Sensitive drag adjustment system allows finesse power adjustment for line exit off spool, which enables fighting big fish even if using thin and delicate lines.
- This type of reel construction prevents line twisting and backlash.
TOP Spinning Reels at a Glance
- Pflueger President Spinning Reel – best priced product for saltwater fishing
- Penn Battle II Spinning Reel – best saltwater product under $200 with an excellent drag system
- Okuma Avenger ABF – best product priced under $100
- Penn Spinfisher V – best catfish fishing product
- Okuma Trio high speed spinning reel – best budget-priced product under $100 for bass fishing
- Shimano Stradic Ci4+ – top-notch reel by editor’s choice. Best product for bass fishing
- Abu Garcia Revo SX – best product for freshwater fishing
- Daiwa BG Spinning Reels – best priced product ever
- Pflueger Supreme XT – best product for ultralight fishing
- Daiwa Fuego – best product for crappie fishing
Spinning Reels Compared
# | Preview | Product | Gear Ratios | Bearings |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pflueger President | 5.2:1 | 9+1 | |
2 | Penn Battle II | 6.2:1 5.6:1 5.3:1 | 6 | |
3 | Okuma Avenger ABF | 4.5:1 5.0:1 | 6+1 | |
4 | Penn Spinfisher V | 6.2:1 | 5+1 | |
5 | Shimano Stradic Ci4+ | 6.0:1 | 6 | |
6 | Okuma Trio | 6.0:1 | 9+1 | |
7 | Abu Garcia Revo SX | 6.2:1 | 8+1 | |
8 | Daiwa BG | 5.6:1 | 6+1 | |
9 | Pflueger Supreme XT | 5.2:1 6.2:1 | 10 | |
10 | Daiwa Fuego | 6.0:1 | 9 |
Spinning Reel Reviews
Pflueger President Spinning Reel Review
The Pflueger President Spinning Reel is an affordable mid-tier budget-priced product. The reel is built with a 9-bearing system, rotor, and a multi-disc drag system. The reel body is constructed with lightweight composite materials. The reel provides durability. It can be spooled with braided line as well. Despite the modest price, it is equipped with instant anti-reverse.
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Bearings: 9+1 coated stainless steel
- Line Capacity: Mono 200/2, 100/4, 80/6 (available in several sizes)
- Weight: 5.9 oz
- Drag: 7 – 24 lbs.
Penn Battle II Spinning Reel Review
The main advantage of the Penn Battle II inertia-free reel is its light weight paired with superior durability of mechanism in equal measure. With its smooth butterlike rotation, the reel is a good fit for the extreme fishing. New release of the Penn Battle ll reels is an upgrade version of the popular power Battle model. New upgraded design offers a number of improved features for the reel mechanism and eliminates certain non-essential drawbacks.
Manufactured from durable materials and packed with a series of fish-fighting features, this reel for saltwater fishing trips is designed to catch fish cast after cast. Each part of the reel—complete metal body, side plate, rotor, 5 sealed stainless steel bearings—is engineered to help you retrieve your fish. The model’s HT-100 Versa-Drag employs carbon fiber in construction of the drag system and provides washers that can be rearranged to provide maximum drag. An anti-reverse switch prevents the reel from turning backwards so you can reel effortlessly.
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1/5.6:1/5.3:1
- Bearings: 5
- Line Capacity: Mono 240/4; 180/6; 125/8 – 340/20; 310/25; 230/30
Okuma Avenger ABF Review
The Okuma Avenger ABF reel is one of the favorites amongst the spin fishermen. Built with the finest materials, the power mechanism is designed to tussle big active fish. Works efficiently for big bait spin fishing.
The reel features 6 ball bearings, which is considered a good number, but it is not the most that you can get. In addition, it is not that sturdy you expect it to be. However, the price is incredibly moderate. You will be able to use a lot of line, although the reel will not last long.
- Gear Ratio: 4.5:1 and 5.0:1
- Bearings: 6+1
- Capacity: 190/4, 110/6, 90/8 – 590/20, 440/25, 330/30
- Weight: 8.8 ounces – 27.6 ounces
- Drag: 8 pounds – 22 pounds.
Penn Spinfisher V Review
Regardless of a fisherman’s skillset, the Penn Spinfisher V provides superbly satisfying fishing experience and is rewarding for beginner fishers, experienced anglers, and those in between. The reel mechanism, durable and long lasting, is perfectly protected against mud and water. The lightweight design is made possible by using advanced composites in construction. Watertight product is very reliable and performs perfectly for both saltwater and sand environment tasks.
Penn’s Spinfisher Is built with a 5+1 bearing system which might not be that sturdy, but many fishermen do not see it as a problem. Fully metal body, anodized aluminum spool contribute to its practicality. Although it is not as light as a graphite reel, extra weight isn’t much, but it can easily handle any load. It provides a very appealing feature—sealed drag system—that prevents corrosion and failure of the drag over time due to frequent water submerge.
These appealing characteristics show that money you invested in your purchase will be paid back. Instant anti-reverse prevents the rotor from moving backwards, it uses a roller bearing for immediate engagement.
Most anglers consider purchase of this reel a must. There are a few different versions on this model. So, considering thoroughly gear ratio, capacity, and technical specs that suit your needs, you will definitely find a right model for yourself. The PENN Spinfisher is one of the best spinning reels for fishing in freshwater.
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Bearings: 5+1 coated stainless steel
- Line Capacity: Mono 255/6 175/8 140/10 – 455/20 310/30 260/40 (available in several sizes)
- Weight: 14.4 oz
- Drag: 15 – 40 lbs.
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Review
The Shimano Stradic CI4+ is genuinely one of the best fishing reels on the market. If you do online research, you will see a lot of 5 star reviews posted by professional anglers.
No doubt that CI4+ is one of the priciest spinning reel, but instead you will get precision and accurate performance in every aspect. The handle and frame are carbon fiber infused to ensure strength and bring weight down. Designed with no metal parts, CI4+ is suitable for lighter saltwater fishing tasks.
The CI4 reinvented paddle style grips to further bring weight down. The paddle grips are intended to reduce the number of times you fail trying to find the handle grip after an unexpected strike.
Probably the most attractive feature of the Stradic CI4+ is the silky smooth drag. When a big bass fights trying to get back into deep water, you can stay relaxed knowing that the drag system is there for you to tussle the fish. 10-pound fluorocarbon line perfectly pairs with this top-rated spinning reel.
While these days any reel has its strong side, you will find that a well-designed reel with high quality materials and features will be able to assist you tremendously. This model of Shimano reel has a lot of great things going for it.
The design of the reel is appealing and functional at the same time. It has six ball bearings which is a good number put on a reel. There are many other different options provided to ensure that you’ll be able to find one that has the line capacity and extra features that work well for you.
This reel is on the expensive side, but its design and all the features make it worth the money. You’ll have plenty of line and will be able to catch different species of fish if you own this reel.
If purchased, this reel will become one of the best additions to your fishing gear lineup. It will work well for years and will make sure that you can catch every fish you hook.
The Shimano Stradic CI4+ provides excellent combination of precision and power, any modern angler requires these days. Made from Shimano’s CI4+ material, this reel is lightweight yet sturdy. CI4+ is 250% stronger than the old CI4 material used to construct previous releases of this product line.
This reel is stronger and 20% lighter than the graphite material Shimano uses to build other models. Although we recommend using this reel for bass fishing, it is rust-resistant and ready for saltwater fishing trips as well.
Besides, Stradic CI4+ features X-ship gearing system, designed to extend the life of the gears and to allow exerting 20% more power when cranking.
It is built with waterproof drag system to prevent line snaps and help fighting big bass; the machined aluminum handle comes with an EVA grip so that your hand does not slip off while turning the handle.
- Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
- Bearings: 6
- Line Capacity: Mono 2/270, 4/140, 6/110
- Weight: 5.60 ounce
- Drag: 7 lbs.
Okuma Trio Review
High-speed powerful inertia-free reel is good for spin fishing when hunting for trophy pike. It is constructed with graphite and stamped aluminum. Some anglers complained about handle wobbling with active reel use. Although the complaints have not been verified, most likely it is an issue.
- Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
- Bearings: 9BB+1RB
- Line Capacity: Mono 380/10(0.30), 340/12 (0.32), 240/15 (0.37)
- Weight: 14.7 oz
- Drag: 24lbs.
Abu Garcia Revo SX Review
Abu is a brand with a vast experience in making high quality reels with a presentable appearance and an excellent performance. We would like to nickname this reel “a Muhammad Ali of fishing reels” because of its strength and stamina.
Rocking an advanced 9-bearing system, machined gears and internal parts, there’s little room left for error. We assume, the company added innovative touches to each single part to provide the Abu Garcia’s customers with high standards of quality.
Carbon-infused body, stainless steel ball bearings, graphite rotor, use of aluminum—all this make for an overall robust construction, where each component is optimized for best performance.
The company in fact reduced the product weight by using heavy materials only when needed to balance lightweight and durability in a reel. In our opinion, the Revo is the best product for bass fishing tasks.
Again, this is a reel able to suit any need. From lightweight to heavy releases, Abu rocks a black and red design intended for any circumstance and environment you will fish in.
Being portable and powerful, the Abu Garcia Revo SX 30 is a very appealing model. It is equipped with a 9-bearing system, of which 8 are ball bearings and 1 is a roller bearing, to ensure a superbly smooth operation. The Abu Garcia Revo SX 30 weighs just 7.90 oz attributed to IM-C6 body design. Despite light weight, the reel is able to handle up to 11 pounds of load. The lightweight design is ensured by using graphite in its rotor construction. It is provided by a Rocket Line Management system and a Rocket Spool Lip design. Its machined spool is made of aluminum and is ready to put braid line on it. Together with the Carbon-Matrix technology, these features make the drag very efficient regardless how intense the fight with the fish is. The Abu Garcia SX 30 uses magnets when constructing brakes to avoid backlash and to ensure quiet operation. The reel can drag 10 lbs. of load on a distance of 180 yards if a braid line is put and 8 lbs. for 175 yards if using mono line. Comfortable flat EVA knob is essential to bring high performance for an angler by providing him with a solid grip, while the K-Clutch anti-reverse switch limits the back play instantaneously insuring solid hooksets.
The model’s gear ratio is 6.2:1, that makes it capable to retrieve 35” of line per one crank of a handle.
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Bearings: 8+1
- Weight: 7.20-9.20
Daiwa BG Review
One more great line of spinning reels of the finest quality. It is available in any size or capacity you wish to own.
These reels are designed for fishing trips in freshwater. The black and gold colors of the reel resemble a bumble bee. Aluminum spool and body are made for durability and power first, lightweight second.
Similar to other reels reviewed, this spool is ready to operate a braided line which is a unique feature for most reels.
You will be really in trouble if you try to use braided line on a reel that is not engineered for it. Let us put it simple, it will make you extremely frustrated.
With its 6+1 bearing system, manual return bail, anti-reverse system (double anti-reverse on the larger models), it is sporting all the features that you need to prove you are a good sportsman. In our humble opinion, the Daiwa BG is the best spinning reel priced $100 and under.
You will find everything in this line of reels, from ultralight freshwater to durable heavy saltwater models at the high-end.
- Gear Ratio: 5.6:1 – 5.3:1
- Bearings: 6BB+1RB
- Line Capacity: 4/155, 6/100, 8/80 – 20/550, 25/440, 30/370
- Weight: 8.5 – 30.0 oz
- Drag: 4.4 – 33.
Pflueger Supreme XT Review
The Pflueger Supreme XT is a unique top notch spinning reel that is not that pricey. High grade materials were used to construct the Supreme XT. Magnesium was used to make the product’s body, side plate, and rotor, which gives that feather-light—and, at the the same time, balanced—feeling in your hand. The handle is built from strong and light carbon fiber composite.
Following the lightweight trend, Pflueger equipped the reel with comfortable EVA foam knobs.
Pflueger is owned by Pure Fishing that is also an owner of Abu Garcia. An expert can notice plenty of similar features between the Revo SX and Revo STX spinning reels. After reading reviews online, we came to a conclusion that its quality is as good as or even better than the reels in Revo series.
So, having all these attractive components, how does it perform on fishing trips? The Supreme XT spinning reel gets overwhelmingly high ratings from anglers who own it. The feel is wonderful, the casting distance is great, and the sealed carbon fiber drag is velvety smooth.
The Pflueger Supreme XT series is a perfect choice for anglers who seek for high performance without paying big money. Despite it’s not a budget-priced model, yet it is still within the budget of most professional anglers.
You will be definitely paid back for your fishing gear buck thanks to the great features built into the reel.
There are 4 models manufactured in this series:
SUPXTSP25X – features a 5.2:1 gear ratio, a 22.8-inch retrieve rate and weighs only 6 oz.
SUPXTSP30X – has a 6.2:1 gear ratio, a 31.8-inch retrieve rate and weighs in at 6.8 oz.
SUPXTSP35X – has a 6.2:1 gear ratio, but retrieves 33.8 inches per handle turn and weighs 8 oz.
SUPXTSP40X – features the same 6.2:1 gear ratio, a 38.6-inch retrieve rate and weighs 8.7 oz.
You can tell that all these models are very light. The reels have the lightest weight in their respective classes according to Pflueger. This helps an angler not to get tired when fishing for extended period of time.
The reels of this brand also feature carbon fiber handles which are 21 percent lighter than similar aluminum handles.
Although they’re lightweight, it doesn’t mean these reels are not sturdy or are of low grade. Magnesium was used to manufacture the body, rotor, and side plate. The spool is intended to handle braid line. Each model is engineered with a sealed drag system and 10 stainless-steel, silky-smooth ball bearings.
Daiwa Fuego Review
The Daiwa Fuego frame made of magnesium isn’t that common, but it doesn’t affect its lightweight characteristic.
The way ABS spool is designed, provides considerable improvement for the line lay and besides, extends the cast distance of the Fuego.
However, its accuracy is slightly underperforming compared to other reels in the same price category and of the same quality.
The reel’s retrieves are smooth and extend to 35.6 inches per crank. The gear ratio is 6.0:1, it can drag up to 8.8 pounds.
The Air Rotor design gives you elevated sensitivity and makes it up to 15% lighter.
Its HardBodyz body design makes it strong and durable. In addition, it has an Air Bail that uses hollow stainless steel to contribute to the lightness of the reel.
The Fuego is a Digigear digital gear system, with an ABS spool made of aluminum.
Its 9 bearing system consists of 7 ball bearings, 1 roller bearing, and 1CRB. They all work together to contribute to its superbly smooth operation.
For certain fishermen, the bail return may feel kind like annoying, but it’s much easier for handling than an internal system.
What you need is to keep in mind to close the bail by hand before retrieving and you will not have any problem.
The last but not least is that the machine cut aluminum handle and EVA custom handle knob assist in getting a good grip on the reel.
Bottom line is that despite some drawbacks that may happen because of the moderate quality of the reel, the Daiwa Fuego provides a great combination of satisfactory performance by affordable price.
Parts of a Spinning Reel
- Drag Adjustment
- Line Roller
- Bail
- Line Spool
- Rotor
- Reel Body
- Anti-Reverse Switch
- Reel Handle
- Reel Foot
The body is comprised of the foot to attach the mechanism to the rod seat (9). Spool is mounted on the mechanism axis for its reciprocation back and force in cooperation with rotation (4). Bail arm controls release of wire from the spool and its winding back onto it (3). The mechanism has controlled drag system or friction (1) and a handle to put the bearings in rotation (8). Rotating a handle with a specific gear ratio puts rotor of the reel (5) and line roller in motion.
Bail revolving around the stationary spool (4), which reciprocates back and force in cooperation with rotation, winds a line on a spool (4) through guide roller. The guide of the line roller with a bearing (desirably) ensures balanced and smooth line sliding, and a flipping mechanism of the bail arm opens and closes the bail as needed.
Spinning Reel Mechanism and Operation
Spinning reel is a complex device that operates based on motion transmission enabled by gear shafts and bearings. Handle puts rotor and attached line roller in motion. With a handle crank, the reel rotates, due to a specific gear ratio and ball bearings of different size. Bail, a bar that runs along the outside of the fixed spool, guides the line back to the “power roller” which then feeds it onto the spool. Spool, mounted on the basic shaft of the reel, for its reciprocation back and force in cooperation with rotation, evenly lays the wire on the bobbin. Design of the inertia-free reel makes finesse casting possible without controlling wire release and stowing. The process is completely automated by a spinning reel.
Body of a spinning reel houses the gearbox and spool feeding mechanism. Rotor is the combined construction of these two units. A rotor for a spinning reel is configured to rotate around a spool shaft. Gearbox bearing receives impulse for motion produced by a rotor wheel. When a fisherman turns a handle, it generates motion of the rotor wheel. It is threaded on the crankshaft into specially designed sockets.
Gearbox with a specific gear ratio serves as a reducing gear. Its complex design does not present any difficulty or discomfort when using the spinning reel in fishing practice. The faster the angler rotates the handle, the faster the rotation speed of the rotor is, as a result of interaction with the gear system of a specific gear ratio. This way, considering a specific gear ratio based on certain characteristics, a variety of controls are provided to regulate speed of the line release and stowing.
How to Choose the Best Spinning Reel
- What fishing method a spinning reel will be used for?
- What sort of lures or baits you will be casting?
- What conditions do you plan on fishing?
Understanding these preconditions, you will be able to make a right choice when shopping for a reel.
When selecting a spinning reel, consider its construction specifications that enhance fishing efficiency and comfort. When pairing an inertia-free reel with a rod, think about how well its parameters will suit your own fishing practice.
Things to Look for in a Good Spinning Reel:
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- Spool Smoothness. An essential factor, as it dictates how responsively a lure will react on the other end of the line, and how evenly line lays on the spool. If a line not smooth, a lure on the other end of the line feels twitching; spool smoothness can impact distance of the lure casting as well. In large measure, this factor is determined by the number of ball bearings on the reel.
- In determining Spool Size, consider your fishing style and line diameter you intend to use. You may find spinning reels branded with numbers 1000, 2000, 3000, and up to indicate size. 1000 indicates that a spool has 100 m of line, 0.1 in diameter; 3000 represents a 0.3 line in diameter with 100 m of line, or 0.15 line in diameter with 200 m. So, what’s the go there? Consider diameter of the line and casting distance when choosing right size of a spool that will suit your needs. As a general rule of thumb, beginners are recommended to start with a spool sized 3000.
- Bail. When flipping bail for casting to an open position, spool freely releases a line, when flipping bail downward (in closed position), it stops line from coming out of the spool. Watch out for the line to wind immediately around the roller without clinging.
- Drag (Friction) Adjustment Knob. This part of an inertia-free spinning reel allows the line (by increasing or decreasing friction) to exit the reel when fighting fish predators and prevent the line from snapping under strain. When pulling hard or when fighting really big fish, the line should exit spool (producing a crack sound, distinctive sound of the drag adjustment knob). There are front drag knobs, when drag adjustment knob is mounted on the front of the spool, or back drag adjustment knobs, mounted on the back of the spool. It stands to mention that the front drag is more sensitive and is capable to operate with certain adjustment of tension that the back drag adjustment knob does not maintain, failing to let the line down that leads to loss of rig, line, lure, and fish.
Back Drag System | Front Drag System |
- Spool Weight. The reel weight is crucial factor as the spin fishermen has to hold a fishing rod for long time. On one level, light weight of the reel is an advantage, as provides extra maneuverability and comfort for a fisherman. On different level, do not go thrifty on the quality of the reel materials. The reel must contain materials made of metal that certainly brings its weight up. But it is worth to compromise.
- Handles of Three Different Types: screwed-in handles, threaded handles, and handles with a rivet. There are no obvious drawbacks, however, if you buy a reel with a screwed-in handle or threaded handle, go with a not-to-fine thread, as otherwise it can easily get loose and snap. Giving preference to a popular model of a known brand, you will become a happy owner of a fine-quality spinning reel.
- Quality Construction. Materials Used to Build the Main Parts
- Quality and durability of the item are dependent upon materials it is made of. Low cost reels are made of the low grade cheap materials. If a low-cost fishing rod is used extensively, it will last two seasons at the most. If you are not that big fishing aficionado, there is no reason to spend a fortune on a spinning reel. Light weight high-end reels are made of alloys and metals offering high strength and durability: titanium, aluminum, bronze, brass, and sturdy polymers.
There are more crucial characteristics to consider when purchasing a specific inertia-free reel.
Gear Ratios (Power)
The gear ratio of a reel is measured by how many times the spool turns for each single turn of the handle.
A gear ratio of 1:5 means the spool rotates 5 times for every 1 turn of the reel handle. Based on gear ratio, the spinning reels are categorized into: high speed spinning reels, with a gear ratio from 1:6 до 1:7.2, universal spinning reels (from 1:4.7 to 1:6), power spinning reels (1:4 — 1:4.7). Fishing big fish requires reels with power gear ratio models. If your preference is ultralight fishing style, go with high-speed reels.
Accordingly, big and heavy baits require low speed spinning reels. High speed reels are preferable when using small and light baits.
Number of Ball Bearings in Mechanism
It is a vital factor. Generally, the more ball bearings are in a reel, the sturdier and smoother the mechanism runs, but the weight and price increase.
Budget-priced inertia-free reels rarely have more than three ball bearings.
On the other hand, a high-end inertia-free reel of a known brand might have 12 and more ball bearings. So, if faced with a choice, compromise: select the spinning reel with more ball bearings for money you are ready to pay.
Perpetual Screw
Camshaft and hypoid gear are the major components of the device. Perpetual screw is quite a complex mechanism that lays line on the spool drum and prevents top coils to be chucked by lower coils, ensuring longer casting.
Line Roller Specifications
Configured cone-shaped and mounted on the ball bearing, with hard-coat surface, line rollers in the high-end reels prevent line from twisting, which is the major concern of the inertia-free reels.
Selecting Reel by Test
Fishing rod and spinning reel can be purchased as a combo or separately. Either way, you might end up choosing a wrong item and tackle will not work as desired. Understanding how to choose right reel for a fishing rod is crucial. Spin rod is to be chosen by test and is dependent upon fishing practice.
Study the markings on the rod. It could be marked with letters С.W., word “test”, or certain numbers. These markings identify the test of the spin rod. The word “test” stands for weight of the lure intended for a specific rod.
Rod Test, g. | Line Diameter, mm. | Reel Size |
---|---|---|
up to 12 | 0.12 - 0.14 | 1000 - 1050 |
16 | 0.18 - 0.22 | 1500 - 2000 |
21 | 0.2 - 0.22 | 1500 - 2000 |
25 | 0.23 - 0.25 | 2000 |
28 | 0.25 | 2000 - 2500 |
30 | 0.25 - 0.28 | 2500 |
50 | 0.3 - 0.35 | 3000 - 3500 |
80 | 0.32 - 0.45 | 3500 - 4000 |
Summary:
- Fishing rod with 10-12 g test should be paired with 1000 – 2000 and up sized reel.
- Fishing rod with 10-30 g test requires no more than 2000-3500 sized reel.
- If a rod is branded 10-30 g, pair it with 2000-3500 reel. Mostly suited for jig, twitching, plug, and wobble fishing
- If a fishing rod has more than 30 g test, look for a 3500-5000 sized reel.
- 5000 sized reels and more are commonly used only in sea fishing.
If understanding these characteristics, a correct choice of a spinning reel will not be a challenge. Especially novice spin fishermen have to keep them in mind.
How to Clean a Spinning Reel
The reels require regular maintenance and technical service. It is suggested that preventative maintenance is performed at least once a year, ideally before the fishing season opening days, by removing dirt and greasing ball bearings with special lubricant.
Who Makes the Best Spinning Reel? Top Manufacturers
American and Japanese brands legitimately reign the trade of spinning reels due to high-quality assembly and optimal functions of their products. The global leaders, Shimano, Penn, Daiwa, go all out in conducting research to enhance durability of their products. Focusing on optimal number of bearings on the reel to ensure its smooth operation — combined with innovative materials used in construction of gear mechanisms — these companies constantly release new models in the series for all types of the device.
- Daiwa, a world-known Japanese producer of fishing tackle, was founded in the mid-20th century. The company, highly popular with professional fishermen, one of the major makers of fishing tackle and equipment, has its primary manufacturing plants in China, continental Europe, England, and Japan. The most iconic model names are Certate, Exist, and Blast. Crossfire and Ninja, the names with low price-tag, are in constant demand.
- PENN, an American manufacturer, operator of the Big Game Fishing business. The company grew into a world leader among the fishing reel manufacturers. Every new release of the company products becomes a masterpiece, with renowned professional fishermen actively involved in shaping the product design. Neil Mackelow, a multiple bait casting champion, sea angling legend, had been among the company’s consultants.
- Shimano. Another leading name on the forefront of the fishing tackle production, Shimano is an eternal rival of Daiwa. Established in 1921, the company had been initially producing cycling components and bike gear mechanisms. It is not until 1950 that the company started manufacturing fishing reels, but ever since it became popular with spin fishermen. The company’s top solution names Stella, Twin Power, Biomaster. Catana, Exage, and Ultegra are the names of the moderately priced models.
- Abu Garcia. Originally founded in Sweden, currently owned by Pure Fishing of the United States, the company produces inertia-free and multiplier reels of utmost quality. The company is an official supplier of the fishing tackle for the Swedish Royal Family. The company’s Ambassadeur and Inquisitor lines received enormous popularity among fishing enthusiasts.
- Okuma. Spinning reel is the main product presented by Okuma on the world market. The company constantly upgrades its series and expands the use areas. Okuma incorporates technological innovations and designs of its own patents in the reel construction.
Conclusion
The right thing in selecting the correct rod is to start with choosing proper fishing rod and then pair it with inertia-free reel. When selecting a reel, a vital point is to consider characteristics of a spinning rod in order to get the perfectly balanced fishing tackle that will suit perfectly individual fishing requirements.