Best Spincast Reel on the Market – Top 5 Products Revealed 2018
Spincast reels were invented in the 1940s when fishing enthusiasts decided to address problems with the commonplace reels of the time particularly the annoying backlash, which is common for most baitcasting reels. Today, the best spincast reel is the product of years of innovations in the history of rod and reel fishing.
Product Name | Weight | Gear ratio | Rating | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13.3 oz | 2.9:1 | |||
8.1 oz | 3.4:1 | |||
6.4 oz | 3.1:1 | |||
7.2 oz | 3.6:1 | |||
11.2 oz | 4.1:1 |
**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon
Top Five Spincast Reels
Zebco has marketed their Omega line as the first ever to have 7 bearing spincast reel. The Omega Z03 specifically, is designed for medium-type fishing with ten-pound line weight. It has an 85-yard line capacity and 2.9:1 gear ratio.
Via Amazon.com
What We Like:
- Made of high quality metal parts, stainless steel bearings, diecast aluminum body and reel foot, and aircraft-grade aluminum covers.
- Smooth and quiet casting with levelwind oscillating spool.
- Triple-cam multi-disc drag that is simple to operate and allows granular and wide adjustment.
- Ceramic line guide and pickup pins that allows superior far casting performance.
- Additional free pre-spooled with line, which are sold separately for $5 each.
- Smooth retrieve and solidly built.
- Quick-change spool feature so you can easily replace a spool with twisted line, or change from 6lb to 10lb test without hassle.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Since it is made of high quality metals, it is a bit heavier than it looks.
- Materials are not corrosion resistant so, if not properly maintained, it is prone to parts corroding due to long-term exposure to different elements. Spinner head in particular is more prone to corrosion after years of use.
- May be a bit pricey for people who are working on a budget.
Zebco Omega ZO3PRO is one of the best choice because it has optimal functionality.
It has an aircraft-grade aluminum covering, ceramic line guide and 3X positive pickup system, triple-cam multi-disk drag system.
Via Amazon
Because of some outstanding fetures such as the ease and use to place the lures exactly where you want, its auto bait alert and oscillating spool mechanism , your fishing becomes much easier.
Besides, it works great with heavy lures, so you don’t have to worry about tangles or blacklashes with this spincast fishing reel.
What We Like:
- Great stability for easy fishing
- Auto bait alert
- Features interchangeable handles
- Works great with heavy lures
What We Didn’t Like:
- Quite expensive
Via Amazon.com
Trion reels have been re-engineered to provide new and updated features and value. This model features two ball bearings with titanium pick up pins. It also has an aluminum handle with soft touch knob.
It is constructed with heavy-duty metal gears with a front cone made of ported machined aluminum. Its gear ratio is 3.8:1.
What We Like:
- Affordable - a very good deal for its price.
- Smooth and easy casting.
- Does not cost much, but offers quality construction that can last for a couple of trips.
- Recommended for bass and crappie fishing trips.
What We Didn’t Like:
- More expensive models offer better features.
- Susceptible to corrosion despite its heavy-duty metal gears if not properly maintained.
This model is made for women as it is designed with all that you need to bring in a big catch in a lightweight package and feminine touch. Housed in a stainless steel protective cover are the ball bearing drive, quick anti-reverse clutch, and left/right retrieve. The handles are rubberized to add comfort and visibility under water. It has a gear ratio of 3.6:1.
Via Amazon.com
What We Like:
- Perfect size for lake fishing.
- Smooth drag and retrieve with super fast anti-reverse.
- Good price for what it offers.
- This model has a better line management system that helps avoid knots and tangles.
- It is made reversible for left or right hand retrieval.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not highly recommended for ocean fishing as it may be a bit light for big, aggressive saltwater species.
- Susceptible to corrosion over the years thus, this needs proper maintenance and care.
- Dismantling the parts by yourself for cleaning and maintenance may be challenging as the cover can be difficult to open.
Via Amazon.com
Daiwa considers Goldcast as their finest, professional-quality spincast tackle. Not only does it feature metal constructions that are durable, it also comes with an oscillating spool for precise level winding. Its gear ratio is 4.1:1, weighing 12 ounces.
What We Like:
- Heavy built with large aperature.
- Far and smooth casting, the spool also oscillates which helps reduce line digs.
- Stands really well against tropical fish that can put up a fight and weigh up to 2 pounds. Pretty tough despite its light and easy exterior.
- Casts pretty good distance and smooth retrieval as well.
What We Didn’t Like:
- May be prone to corrosion if not properly cleaned or maintained after each use.
- There have been reports of defective orders especially those that have been purchased online. Daiwa was known for their quality control a few years back. However, some customers feel they have not lived up to expectations. The best way to address this though is to report defective deliveries as soon as possible.
- Some plastic parts are prone to breakage.
How To Choose Spincast Reels
Most anglers love using spincast reels because it eliminates birdnest tangles through its non-moving spool. In casting this type of reel, the movement depends on the pull of the line and the weight of the lure.
The spool, as an effect of being stationary, does not overly spin, but stops the moment the bait hits the water. This is how birdnest tangles or backlashes are avoided.
With spincast, there are two means to get line from the spool and retrieve it - either a trigger lever located at the lower part of the reel's front or a thumb button found at the back of the reel.
It only takes a press or a pull to release the line and retrieve it back. With this mechanism in mind, here are a couple of things to consider in choosing your own spincast reel.
Consider The Take-up Pins
via http://www.floatfishingconnection.com
When you press or pull the thumb button or trigger lever, the take-up pins make it possible for the line to be released from the spool.
There are models that are made with multiple take-up pins and this makes the line retrieval faster. Single-pin reels, on the other hand, have a shorter delay since the pin has to go through a complete revolution before it locks the line and winds it to the spool.
This delay won't matter much for casual fishing. However, if you are a serious angler who gets impatient with the single-spin delay, it is best to get reels with multiple take-up pins instead.
Take Into Consideration That There Are Two Kinds Of Spincast Reels
Spincast reels are either trigger-equipped or push-button. The latter is mounted on top of the rod while the former, also called triggerspin or underspin, sits under the rod just like a spinning reel.
Choosing which one is best depends on your abilities. If you are in a transitioning phase from baitcasting to spinning gear, or a novice fishing enthusiast, underpins are the affordable and easier transition.
Try Out Different Spincast Drag Systems
There are two methods on how to set up the reel's drag. The first is known as a star drag where it is mounted externally where it is easy to operate with two fingers.
The other type is attached internally and is controlled by a small wheel with an edge protruding through the cover. When you shop for a spincast reel, it is best to try out both systems and see which of the two works best for you.
Check Out The Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is expressed in two numbers. The one on the left represents the number of times the line is wound around the spool.
The number on the right, on the other hand, the number of turns the handle has to take to accomplish the figure on the left.
So, the gear ratio 4:1 means the line needs to be wound 4 times around the spool in a single complete turn on the handle.
The higher the gear ratio, the faster the retrieval. For this type of reel, gear ratio ranges from 2.5:1 and 4.5:1, which is slower compared to spinning or baitcasting reels.
Consider The Line Capacity
Spincast models have smaller line capacity compared to other types of reels. Most brands in the market today have line capacities that range from 80 - 120 yards.
The exact length of the line, however, varies depending on the line's strength and diameter as well as the size of the reel. Bigger line capacity is ideal, however, you may want to consider the weight and how this affects your movements.
The Number Of Ball Bearings Matter
Just like other types of reels, the number of ball bearings matter with spincast as well. The rule does not change either - the more ball bearings, the better as it makes for a smoother reel.
Generally, spincast models have around 2 - 6 ball bearings although some new models have as many as 9.Compared to other types of reels, spincast is considered to be easy to use and generally more inexpensive.
It is also widely available that, if needed, changing and repairing parts is not a problem. Because it is convenient, most parents teach their kids to fish using spincast reels.
It is money well spent for this equipment, but only if you know what you are looking for. This is a bit challenging especially since there are so many models and brands to choose from. To help you decide, we have shortlisted five highly recommended spincast reels for your consideration.
And The Best Spincast Reel Goes To...
With the highest gear ratio in this list, Pflueger President Spinning Reel (PRESXTSP40X) has got to bring home the prize especially if the factors in choosing a spincast is taken into consideration.
Not only does this product look good on paper. There are testimonies and positive feedbacks that can attest to how awesome these models and brands are. Of course, the best way to find out whether the testimonies are facts or fads is to try it out yourself.
From the looks of it though, it is a win-win situation to try and purchase this item from Pflueger.
Compared to the other brands and models in this list, Pflueger President Spinning Reel (PRESXTSP40X) stands out with its 9+1 ball bearings, high line and braid capacity, and its overall package as a state-of-the-art model from one of the most respected companies in the sport fishing industry today.
When it comes to the price, Pflueger's latest offering is not so bad either given the multitude of advantages it offers. It also literally outweighs the other brands and models with its 60% lighter than traditional brass gear feature.
Using spincast reels is exciting especially if you are teaching your children how to fish for the first time. If you want a successful fishing trip with your family, taking a spincast reel with you is highly recommended.
