Best Baitcasting Reel Under 100 – Best Reviews of 2018
Like many other fishermen, I prefer baitcasting reels because it offers great control and accuracy. It is ideal when fishing large freshwater fish.
First-timers might find it challenging to use, but with practice, it can be mastered and fishing would become easier and more fun.
Below, you will find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer reviews on Amazon.
Product Name | Weight | Max Drag | Rating | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.03 oz | 13.2 Lb | |||
7.3 oz | 18 Lb | |||
7.2 oz | 17.5 Lb | |||
12.6 oz | 13.2 Lb | |||
8 oz | 18 Lb |
Reviews of Best Baitcasting Reel Under 100
#1 - Piscifun Kylin Baitcasting Fishing Reel
Via Amazon.com
The Piscifun Kylin Baitcasting Fishing Reel boasts its durability and efficiency, with the materials it uses and the features it has. Its frame and spool are made of high-quality aluminum alloy.
It provides maximum sturdiness while maintaining a light weight. It also provides a smooth line cast, which makes it ideal for using the entire day. The ceramic line guide is coated with titanium, and this reduces friction.
This baitcasting fishing reel features a graphite side plate, which makes it more scratch-resistant and lightweight, without compromising durability. Ball bearings are made of stainless steel, which gives it an increased protection against corrosion and smooth operation.
Its 6.3:1 gear ratio makes the line retrieve fast for picking up the line. This Piscifun Kylin baitcasting fishing reel features an adjustable magnetic brake system that prevents backlashes.
From 0 to 10, you can choose to adjust it to the specific weight of bait you are going to use. This feature allows you to use this baitcasting reel in almost all kinds of lure, fishing technique, and fishing situations.
Product Specifications:
- Gear ratio: 6.3:1
- Reel weight: 8.03 oz
- Max drag: 13.2 Lb
- Line capacity: 12 lb/ 120 yds
- Ball bearings: 9 + 1
- Retrieve Rate per Turn: 28 in
- Right Handed and Left Handed Models available.
What We Like:
- Operates smoothly
- The knobs are comfortable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some parts may be sharp
#2 - Abu Garcia BMAX3 Black Max Low-Profile Fishing Reel
Via Amazon.com
The Abu Garcia BMAX3 Black Max claims to be lightweight, sturdy, efficient, and stylish. This baitcasting reel is manufactured with graphite frame and side plates, that provides strength and durability, without adding extra pounds to the fishing reel.
Its spool is made of adonized aluminum that helps maintain the lightweight characteristic of the baitcasting reel.
Its gear is manufactured with brass that provides strength and resilience to handle extreme saltwater fishing conditions.
The BMAC3 Black Max Low-Profile Fishing Reel is equipped with MagTrax brake system. This allows it to better and more precisely perform with a wide range of pools, and in a variety of casting conditions.
Its Power Disk system also makes sure that drag is always smooth and reliable, which is ideal for successfully catching hard-pulling fish. It comes with one roller bearing and four stainless steel ball bearings, for a smoother and more fluid retrieve and operation
Not only is this baitcasting reel durable and efficient, for it is also ergonomically comfortable. For maximum comfort, the Abu Garcia BMAX3 features a compact bent handle, a recessed reel foot, and a star wheel.
Product Specifications:
- Gear ratio: 6.4:1
- Weight: 7.3 oz
- Max Drag: 18Lb
- Line capacity: 12 lbs/ 145 yds (mono); 30 lb/ 140 yds (braid)
- Ball Bearings: 4 + 1
- Right Handed and Left Handed Models available.
- Retrieve Rate per Turn: 26 in
What We Like:
- Bent handle for comfort and efficiency
- Excellent drag and easy to cast
- Cast a long way and with no backlash
- The retrieve is smooth and fast.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Light-duty
- If not tightened completely, it causes backlashing issues.
#3 - KastKing Spartacus Baitcasting Reel
Via Amazon.com
Kastking Spartacus baitcasting reel, like its gladiator name, claims to be a warrior with its dynamic features. Its spool is made of aluminum that makes a smooth casting. Its line is braided and made of ceramic for optimal durability.
It features a 6.3:1 gear ratio that makes it versatile for almost any fishing situation. It also has a micro-cast dual centrifugal and magnetic brake system, which has a great stopping power.
Product Specifications:
- Gear ratio: 6.3:1
- Line capacity: 12 lb/ 100 yds
- Ball bearings: 11+1
- Max Drag: 17.5 Lb
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Right Handed and Left Handed Models available.
What We Like:
- No, or very less if any, tangles
What We Didn’t Like:
- Gears may slip after a month of regular use
#4 - KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
Via Amazon.com
This KastKing Rover Round baitcasting reel boasts to be a necessary tool for fishing and going after big fish! It claims to be made of high-quality materials that make it durable and suitable for fishing giant species of fish.
Its side plates and spool is made of hard anodized aluminum, and its gears manufactured with precision machined brass. Its worm gear, shaft, ball bearings, and other components are made of stainless steel for maximum protection against corrosion.
It features a 2-pin centrifugal brake system, and a superior carbon fiber drag system. These are make this baitcasting reel ideal for casting. It also has a thumb bar spool release that is easily accessible, a nonslip EVA grip for comfort, and a line out clicker alarm.
This baitcasting reel claims to be versatile; it can be used for bottom fishing, trolling, or other techniques. It can also be used in both saltwater and freshwater.
Product Specifications:
- Line capacity: 20 lbs
- Ball bearings: 6+1 / 4+1
- Gear ratio: 5.3:1
- Max Drag: 13.2 Lb
- Weight: 12.6 oz
- Right Handed and Left Handed Models available.
What We Like:
- Drag works flawlessly
What We Didn’t Like:
- Spool tension may loosen
#5 - Piscifun PF100 Baitcasting Reel
Via Amazon.com
Piscifun boasts its PF100 baitcasting reel, a bigger and better fishing gear that has more power than average reels in the market.
It claims to give you that boost of confidence when fishing in either freshwater or saltwater. Its gears are corrosion-resistant, and its bearing are made of stainless steel. These features will ensure smoothness when using the baitcasting reel.
Its accurate and effective magnetic brake provides versatility, such that it can be adjusted from 0 to 10. It features a double line winding shafts that increase stability, durability, and powerful drag system.
It also has high-grade carbon fiber drag washers and and an extended aluminum crank handle, that both give power and leverage to handle even big catches.
This baitcasting reel also comes in a unique design. In its side plate is a screwed oil hole that helps in easily lubricating, to lengthen the life of the reel and optimize its performance.
Product Specifications:
- Gear ratio: 7.1:1
- Weight: 8.0 oz
- Line capacity: 10 lbs/ 120 yds (mono); 30 lbs/ 120 yds (braid)
- Ball bearings: 5+1
- Max Drag: 18 Lb
- Retrieve Per Turn: 30 in
- Right Handed and Left Handed Models available.
What We Like:
- Oil hole feature for easy and more accessible lubricating
What We Didn’t Like:
- May get broken after few times of regular use
How to Choose the Best Baitcasting Reel
Before buying a baitcasting reel, it is crucial to first look into certain considerations that play a big part in the quality, effectivity, and durability of a baitcasting reel.
I have made a list of things that you must consider before purchasing the right baitcasting reel for you.
1. Material
The material of greatly affects the durability of the baitcasting reel. A good baitcasting reel is both lightweight and sturdy.
Quality choices of material include aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, and carbon composite materials. These materials are strong and can provide you with maximum performance.
2. Gear Ratio
This refers to how many times the spool turns in one turn of the handle. For instance, a 7:1 ratio means that the spool turns seven times with one rotation of the handle.
The greater the gear ratio, the the more line is retrieved per revolution of the handle. In simpler terms, the higher the first number, the faster the lure retrieve.
- A common gear ratio is 6.4:1. It is versatile, for any kind of bait and fishing technique can be used. Whatever lure or fishing method you plan to use, this gear ratio can offer excellent performance.
- Higher gear ratios are great for fishing techniques that put importance of taking up slack and burning a fishing lure back to the vessel.
- For instance, a 7.1:1 gear ratio is the best choice when fishing for topwater frogs.
- Lower gear ratios such as 5.3:1 and 5.2:1 are ideal for baits that pull hard, such as big swimbaits and deep diving crankbaits.
- Lower gear ratios help you reel the bait more slowly. This will keep it in the strike zone for a longer period of time.
- Below is a list of general gear ratios and their suggested ideal kind of bait and fishing method:
- 4 and 5 gear ratios: increased torque, requires less effort in retrieving lure à ideal for crankbaits
- 5, 6, and 7 gear ratios: best for lipless baits, jigs, Carolina rigs, Alabama rigs, soft plastics, Shakey Heads, Texas
3. Spool Size
It is important to consider spool size, as casting accuracy and effectiveness somehow depend on it. There are spool sizes that ideal for fish of different sizes and species.
- Large and strong fish generally required larger spool size.
- Fishing bass will need a lighter line, so you can choose to have a smaller pool.
- Small and shallow spool size are ideal for short line applications, such as pitching and flipping.
4. Handle Size
Not all baitcasting reels have the same handle size. Larger and longer handle size generally have more torque, and thus is ideal to winch heavy fish. Compact baitcasting reel with short handles may be suitable for fishing jigs and worms.
5. Brake System
The brake system is what control the line at the end of the cast. A good brake system is important in minimizing backlashes, and in making long casts with different lure weights.
It is also very helpful when casting into the wind, and the spool may spin more quickly than the lure, as its speed is decelerated by the wind.
Some baitcasting reels have a brake system that is positioned outside the real for easy access, and this becomes especially handy when adjusting the real for the specific lure that you are using.
6. Comfort
Comfort is as important as the above mentioned baitcasting reel characteristics. If you use a baitcasting reel that does not feel comfortable in your hands, then there is a great probability that you will not be able to fish effectively and efficiently.
A secure and comfortable grip will help you cast and fish with increased accuracy. Thus, before buying a baitcasting reel, take time to try a variety of choices first, to be really sure that the reel feels optimally comfortable.
5 Tips on Using A Baitcasting Reel
You may have heard from your angler friends about how using a baitcasting reel can be challenging. Because of these unpleasant stories, some people may get discouraged in using a baitcasting reel.
However, with the right techniques and with constant practice, using a baitcasting reel becomes easier. Below are some tips to hopefully help ease some difficulties that may arise when you try to use a baitcasting reel.
1. Using the right line is very crucial when using a baitcasting reel. Generally, a heavier line of around 14 to 17 pounds is ideal for baitcasting reel.
2. Make proper adjustments and fine-tune your brake system such that the lure gradually falls down. If it does not, loosen the brake system.
In the same way, if the lure falls a little to fast and makes the spool overrun, tighten the brake system. This may take a few tries to get the right adjustments.
But trust me, making sure that you have your brake system properly set-up for specific lures, it would be easier to successfully use your baitcasting reel.
Via wikihow.com
3. To prevent your spool to overrun, leave your thumb still in slight contact with the turning spool button. In this way, your thumb is more ready to increase pressure when you feel like the spool has the probability of already overrunning.
4. The magnetic drag control feature is great for better and more precise control, especially for beginners.
While you are still learning about how to properly use your baitcasting reel, it is recommended to set the magnetic drag control to high, to reduce the possibility of backlashing and overrunning.
5. Casting may be done either overhead or sidearm, whichever is easier for you. Although, based on testimonials from experienced anglers, sidearm may be a better choice to better establish right timing and accuracy.
The Verdict: Best Baitcasting Reel Under 100
Based on our thorough research on the top baitcasting reel under $100, I believe that the best baitcasting reel is the Abu Garcia BMAX3 Black Max Low-Profile Fishing Reel.
It offers durability, efficiency, and style, without hurting your pocket. It is made of high-quality materials that make it sturdy, while still maintaining its being lightweight.
It also features the MagTrax brake system and Power Disk system that both optimize the performance and efficiency of this baitcasting reel.
It is also comfortable to use, which is great for fishing all day without giving you an uneasy time.
I hope you found this article helpful. Help your friends choose the right baitcasting reel for them by sharing this post. I would also love to hear words from you! Drop by the comments section below.
