Best Spinning Reel Under 50 Dollars | Buyer’s Guide for 2021
Fishing is just not about catches!
It’s passion, man!
Not only you, it’s the favorite hobby of most Americans. The most updated and expensive fishing equipment will surely get you the biggest catch if you are a skilled angler.
But what if you have a budget restraint? Will the great catches be on the bay?
Of course not.
All you need is 50 bucks. You heard that right! Just 50$ and even less!
I have picked the 5 best spinning reels under 50 so that you can have the utmost fun of fishing while staying on the budget.
No matter if you are a casual angler or the most decorated one in the group, you will find the perfect reel on this tight budget.
Sounds impressive? Let’s dive in……
Table of Contents
Quick view: What is the best cheap spinning reel?
- Best ultralight fishing reel under 50: KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel
- Best spinning reel under $30: Cadence CB6 Baitcasting Reel
- Best saltwater spinning reel under 50: Piscifun Torrent High Tech Baitcasting Reel
- Best sea fishing reel for under 50: PENN Pursuit Multi-Metal Spinning Fishing Reel
- Best spinning combo under $50: KastKing Spartacus Ultra-Smooth Baitcasting Fishing Reel
How Much Is A Decent Fishing Rod? Is It Possible To Find A Good Spinning Reel Under 50 Bucks?
Diversity in price and specification is the key element of the spinning reel market.
Yeah, it’s true finding good cheap fishing reels is tough but not impossible.
The range can vary from a mere $13 to nearly a thousand bucks. Of course, higher price tags come with state-of-the-art drag mechanisms, spinning techniques, and much more.
However, the best spinning reel under 50 is in no way inferior to their pricy counterparts. The affordable models are some of the best in the market. They include
- KastKing
- Candace
- Shimano
- Piscifun
These makers are famous for quality. So it doesn’t matter if you pick any affordable model; the quality will be equally high. One thing is sure that you may not get the features of any expensive models. Still, the cheaper models will provide all the essential and mid-level functions.
5 Best Spinning Reel Under $50 & $100 Reviews for Your Ultimate Fishing & Saving Experience
Here is our review on 5 best spinning reel under 50 dollars to reconnect and create Memories with the loved one on budget.
1. KastKing Royale Legend Stainless Steel GT Baitcasting Reel- Best Inexpensive Spinning Reel
With the faster gear ratio, magnetic braking system, and low-profile design, KastKing is among the best of the affordable spinning reel.
You will love this lightweight baitcasting spinning reel- that’s for sure.
The first noticeable thing about this left-handed reel is its outlook and, of course, the design. Compact design with a smooth and comfortable profile makes it easy to hold for long fishing hours.
If you consider ease of use over everything, this is definitely your toy.
Precision HAMAI brass gears keep the line moving smoothly. This may be a suitable reel for smaller fishes, but working with the catch will be effortless due to the gears and gear ratio. The ratio is on the faster side with 7.2:1 but optimized for any quick and light yield.
Stopping the line and preventing braking may be a nightmare with other cheap spinning reels. But not with KastKing Royale Legend. The cross-fire 8 magnet braking system reduces any backlash. It provides enough torque to tire any small to medium-sized fishes. This stuff also hit the top chart of the best spinning reel under £50 UK, I’m not surprised at all.
What about bearing?
Six ball bearings are the heart of this stainless steel and graphite body spinning reel. A pinion gear supports the double bearing for better movement of the line. The dual stainless-steel shield on the bearing keeps the reel on the go without any bump or backlash.
Moreover, the bearing sleeve and the stainless-steel coating enhance the smoothness and improve the durability of the reel.
And one more thing……..
Don’t forget that you can be adventurous with line types. Feel free to pick either fluorocarbon, braided, or monofilament line for the ceramic line guide.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Magnetic braking system
- Lightweight
- Suitable for diverse line types
- 6 ball bearings for smooth line movement
Cons
- Magnetic brake only work at maximum setting
- Has some durability issues
2. Piscifun Torrent High Tech Baitcasting Reel- Best Budget Spinning Reel
There is no way this Piscifun Graphite Composite body reel could skip your eyes.
What so special about it?
Sleek design, extended handle, and 18-lb drag will make you look at this model. When you go deeper, the brass gear, stainless steel bearing, and 10-magnet braking system will undoubtedly impact you.
Internal gears are made from high-quality CNC Brass. Besides, stainless steel screws and spring makes the internal component resistant to rusting. These metal assemblies offer strength and durability for any sized catch.
Yes, that’s right—any sized catch.
The 5.3:1 gear ratio offers enough torque to deal with any mid-sized fish using the slow-rolling technique. No matter which way you like your line to run, 6 stainless steel bearings make them super smooth.
Using both monofilament and braided line is easy on this reel. But when you face a big pull from any water dwellers, 4 pair carbon fiber drag washers will offer up to 18-lb drag to stop the retrieve.
In any emergency situation, stopping the line will be effortless with a 10-magnet braking system. Days of backlashing and tangled bird nests are gone when you have this Piscifun Torrent reel.
Pros
- Easy to grip design
- Shielded bearing
- Extended handle for better control
- 10-magnet braking system
- Double line winding shaft
- Multi-disk carbon fiber drag
Cons
- Drag is sufficient
- Spool makes issues after a few usages
3. PENN Pursuit III Multi-metal Spinning Fishing Reel- Best-rated Spinning Reel Under 50 Dollars
You rely entirely on the PENN quality.
Wondering how I am so confident?
Well, since 1932, PENN has been at the forefront of reel manufacturing. This lightweight, multi-line reel will make any medium to heavy catch seem effortless.
There Is nothing bumpy with the PENN Pursuit reel. The HT-100 carbon fiber washers maintain a smooth and robust drag when required. Eve under any heavy load, you won’t feel the strain.
Are you planning to fish near the shore or in the lake?
It doesn’t matter. The graphite housing will keep the spool and drag mechanism safe from any corrosion. Aluminum spools can hold and release lines without making any trouble when you need the most.
The gear ratio reduces with the reel size.
If you choose between 2500 and 4000, the ratio will be 6.2:1. But between 5000 and 6000, the ratio is 5.6:1, and on 8000, the ratio is 5.3:1. No wonder the heavier the reel size, the more it becomes suitable to handle bigger fishes.
5 stainless steel bearing keeps the monofilament or braided line on the go. Both the mono and braid capacity is diverse and can be tweaked to make a catch easy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Multifilament
- Carbon fiber drag washer
- Diverse gear ratio
- Stainless steel bearing
Cons
- Not suitable for smaller fishes
4. Cadence CB6 Ultralight Aluminum Baitcasting Reel- Best Affordable Spinning Reel
How would you feel if your spinning reel is made with aviation-grade metal?
I am sure it will be a robust feel for me.
Now, you can have the same feeling while grabbing the Candace CB6 reel. It is all made with aviation-grade aluminum instead of brass. So on each cast, you will get a lighter but more robust experience
Anycasting and fishing experience will be super smooth with the Cadence CB6 than any affordable models. It’s because of the 9 stainless steel bearings that make the lone movement smooth and easy.
As awesome as it sounds!
The carbon fiber drag system will hold the line steady in any size of pull. It is much comfortable to control the casting with 20-lbs drag power. And one thing you have already noticed, the frag is higher than any best spinning reel under 50.
How do an aluminum drive gear and main shaft make any difference? Think about the weight and durability. Lighter assembly ensures there is no extra load on the spool. Moreover, durability offers better control in any rough situation.
End of the day, you get a 20% stronger operation with an 80% lighter work-frame.
Retrieval is faster with a 7.3:1 gear ratio. You can maintain the strain on the fish and pull it up in less time. More rapid reeling saves both time and effort for the next catch. Isn’t it cool?
Pros
- Aluminum drive and main shaft
- Ultra-light and sleek design
- 5 magnet braking system
- 9 stainless steel bearings
- Faster gear ratio
Cons
- Inconsistent drag
- The line release button breaks frequently
5. KastKing Spartacus I & II Ultra-Smooth Baitcasting Fishing Reel- Best Value Spinning Reel
Like any KastKing reel, the Spartacus I and II will allure you to get it for the next catch.
The eight futuristic color scheme and trendy design add a different dimension to this affordable spinning reel under 50.
Let’s dig into some of the technical features.
Along with being Ultra Smooth, the Spartacus is also Ultra-Light. The reinforced nylon make it responsible for all the comfort to your hand. It will fit perfectly in any regular-sized hands due to the 1.5-inches height.
A combination of high strength brass pinion gear and aviation-grade aluminum main gear makes it one of the best choices for budget anglers. These two gears ensure a faster gear ratio of 7.2:1. Thus, you can retrieve the line faster while keeping the stain totally on the fish.
And you know what?
The number of ball bearings ranges from 8 to 12 in Spartacus I and II models. This high number of stainless-steel bearings keep the monofilament and braid lines smooth on the aluminum spool.
If any big jolt from a big fish, the 5 magnets braking system will be handy to uphold your control over the line.
Pros
- Ultra Lightweight
- Aluminum and Brass gear assembly
- 8 to 12 ball bearings
- High gear ratio
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Medium range drag
- Spool and line guide do not always sync
What Is A Good Size Spinning Reel?
Spinning reels are like kitchen knives. You can’t just say a Chef’s Knife is much better than a Santoku. Everything depends on the task and preferences.
Similarly, you will find a wide size range for fishing reels. However, it will be almost impossible to tell which range or one is the right size. It depends on what your target catch is.
You will find numbers presented in thousands, three or two digits on the reel. They all say the same thing about the reels. For what fishing job the reel is made for.
1000 to 3500 (10 to 35): Great for Small Catches
This range is for small class reels. You can use them with a 6 to a 7-feet lightweight rod with lighter lines. You can target any small fish species with this range with ease.
Using 2 to 10-lb monofilament or 4 to 14-lb braid will be ideal for this reel. Is it the right size reel? Of course, if your target is the smaller fish groups.
4000 to 5500 (40 to 55): For Snapper, Barramundi, and Medium ones
Are you a big fan or expert of Barramundi or Snapper fishing? Well, this is the perfect spinning reel type for you. Use it with any 6 to 7-feet Snapper or Barramundi rod for a swift and smooth catch.
The typical monofilament weight range is from 8 to 14-lbs. Besides, the braid weight limit is between 8 to 25-lbs. Any medium-sized fish will be the perfect catch with this reel.
6000 to 9500 (60 to 95): For the Big Pelagic Fishes
This is the best reel to pick if you deal with heavyweight rods like the surf fishing rods or crankbait rod. It can carry a monofilament range from 12 to 30+ lbs. Moreover, the braid range can vary from 12 to 30-lbs too.
You can totally rely on this reel type for any bigger catch. For bigger travelly or pelagic sports fish, you can use the 10,000 to 30,000 range reel. The monofilament capacity is staggering 20 to 60-lbs. And for braids, the range is 30 to 80-lbs.
Are Expensive Spinning Reels Worth It?
Have you noticed the significant difference between the spincast, baitcasting, or spinning reels?
Of course, the complexity and actions are the major ones. However, there is also a connection between complexity and price. Complicated action reels are higher in the price tag.
Do you see where I am going?
It’s always not true that the expensive reel will be the worthy or the best one. Two factors decide it: your skill and toughness of the fishing job.
Baitcasting reels are relatively pricier than the other two types. This reel type comes with more power and accuracy. But if you are a newbie or a casual angler, perhaps, this is not the best choice for you. Because baitcasting reels need a sheer deal of expertise and skill to control.
On the other hand, spincast or spinning reel is relatively easy to handle and less complicated in action. A few things you will find a bit bothering are the limited line capacity and average casting accuracy.
So, the takeaway is it’s not the price, but your skill and types of the fishing task should be considered while choosing the worthy reels.
What Should I Look for When Buying A Spinning Reel on Tight Budget?
While choosing one from numerous options, it is always better to rely on expert suggestions.
Either you have a budget restriction or not, picking up the best spinning reel under 50 will be challenging for anyone.
I have summed up the six most essential factors that will help you pick the most appropriate spinning reel. There may be other factors, but these six are chosen by the most veteran anglers. So you can rely on them with confidence.
Made and Material
Reels are made with various materials like co-polymer, graphite, carbon, and non-corrosive metals like stainless steel and aluminum. Each of the materials has its pros and cons. The material you should choose depends on the types of fishing and techniques implemented.
When dealing with larger fish like salmon, catfish, or carp, choose more robust materials like carbon and graphite. These are highly durable and flexible. So handling any healthy fish is more effortless.
Look:
Beginner level or younger anglers prefer plastic material. This is very easy to handle and requires less effort. One of the best things is plastic reels are low maintenance.
Pro-level anglers prefer non-corrosive metal ultralight spinning reels for heavy-duty fishing in even the harshest conditions.
Ball Bearing
Ball bearings keep the line moving smoothly. A higher number of ball bearings ensure more smoothness. Are you wondering about the optimum number of ball bearings in a spinning reel?
Well, it’s 4.
But if you are looking for a spinning reel under 50 bucks, it will not be easy to find one with four. In those cases, opt for the maximum number of bearings. Non-corrosive metal bearings are vital to keeping the line moving smoothly.
Check whether the bearings come with rust protection coating or not. If not, then you may have to face strangled and bumpy line movement.
Gear Ratio
It is the ratio between the numbers of turns of a reel while you turn the handle once. Typically gear ratios come to like the following 4.1:1, 5:1, or 9.2:1. Here, the first number represents the number of turns of the reel. And, of course, the 1 stand for the handle rotation.
A high gear ratio means faster line movement suitable to handle smaller fish with lower torque. Contrarily, a low gear ratio will offer higher torque and will tire the bigger fish.
If you are a newbie and going for smaller fishes, the 5:1 is the optimum gear ratio. Anything more significant will require a lower ratio with more resistance.
Reel Size
Reel size can vary from 1000 to 30,000. These numbers indicate how robust the reel is to handle heavy-duty lines and braid. You can pick the 1000-to-3500-reel size for smaller fishes. This range is perfect for novice and light angling.
For any medium-range fish like Snapper and Barramundi, select the range from 4000 to 5500. This size requires additional skill and experience to pick a catch.
Anything beyond 6000 will aid you to get the largest picks. You will love the 10,000 to 30,000 for deep water fishing.
Ease of Use
Angling is a long-time event. So, you need tools that will give you convenience while sitting for long hours. High end spinning reels are ergonomically made to fit with your palm. You will find them putting less strain than any cheap model.
Any spinning reel under 50 won’t have all the ergonomic features. Thus, when you are checking the features, ensure the reel fits with your skill and hands.
Do you know the best thing about this spinning reel review? All the 5 models I have picked are ergonomically suitable for any regular-sized adult.
What Is A Drag on Spinning Reels?
Drag in a spinning line is like an emergency break in your car. You will find it as a pair of friction plates inside the spinning reel. Typically the drag mechanism is made with a series of metal and fabric washers. Each washer has a hole in the center.
Due to the different washers, there will always be friction between them. It will keep the mechanism in operation and the line in perfect moving condition.
When a fish pulls on the line very hard, it overcomes the plates’ friction, and the reel rotates backward. In this way, the line will not break during the pull of a strong fish.
You need to adjust the drag of a reel. The rule of thumb is to set at 25% of the strength of the line. So, if you have a monofilament of 60-lbs strength, set the drag at 15-lbs.
Conclusion
Picking the fish of your choice depends on multiple factors. Your skill and experience, of course, are the essential ones. However, a great rod combined with a high-quality spinning reel will also make a big difference.
I have picked some of the best Spinning Reel Under $50 that will surely keep your savings intact without lessening the fun of fishing. All you have to do is choose the right one from those five best spinning reels under 50. If you are unsure which one or how to pick the right one, get back to the buying guide for in-depth guidance.
One thing I can assure you is that each of the reels will do their job with excellence. So, you can trust blindfold and rely on their quality. The outcome will be on your perfect catch with minimum effort.
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