Best Spinning Reel Under 100 – Top Products Review 2018

Did you know that the more popular and some of the best-selling spinning reels come from the 100-dollar range? If you haven’t explored that range yet and you’re looking for that quickest guide to keep you going, congratulations: you’ve found the right post! In this article, I’ve gathered the best spinning reel under 100 along with the top reviews.

I’ve also collated an essential guide to walk you through on how to choose the best spinning reel within that range. And by the end of this, I have high hope that you’ll be able to arrive at a decision and who knows?

Those extra bucks you still have after your purchase might still give you a few set of crankbaits and packs of worms if you will! Settle in as I now give you the five identified, best spinning reels under 100 in the market now….

Best Spinning Reel Under 100 

Power, casting range, and durability are all on point with the Penn Battle Spinning Fishing Reel series — all of these automatically render the product as your ideal reel on a big saltwater gamefish.

It has a full metal body, side plate, along with a rotor and heavy-duty aluminum bail wire that should provide efficiency and robust performance. Meanwhile, a boosted drag is expected as it comes with an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system; a feature that doesn’t affect the item’s smoothness.

The Penn Battle II 2500 also has a fluid cranking that comes with five sealed stainless steel ball bearings and an instantaneous anti-reverse bearing. Your fights are further toughened with the product’s rugged, full metal design that is also specially engineered to resist corrosion and withstand years of constant use.

On the other hand, the superline spool is equipped with line capacity rings with their respective markings for your convenience. 

Specs (For model 2500) :
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    Mono capacity: 255/6; 175/8; 140/10
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    Braid Capacity: 240/10; 220/15; 160/20
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    Bearing Count: 6
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    Max Drag: 12 lbs
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    Weight: 16 oz
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    Gear Ratio: 6:2:1

PROS

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    Ideal for tough saltwater and extreme weather conditions
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    Both for right- and left-handed users
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    Reel is all non-corrosive metal
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    Light and well-balanced
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    Premium features

CONS

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    Construction is a bit fragile for some; wears out quite easily
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    Line doesn’t go on the spool evenly
Sale
Penn Battle II 5000 Spinning Fishing Reel
673 Reviews

Via Amazon.com

Don’t underestimate KastKing’s Summer and Centron Spinning Reels’ unassuming lightweight appearance and value. The product’s great value and form are only outpaced by its top-of-the-line features and add-ons.

Let’s start with its patented Superior Drag System that provides excellent stopping power up to 20 pounds. Its hardened metal main shaft is ideal for mesh drive gear while its precision machined pinion gear should suit for a fish-fighting power.

Summer’s spinning reel is also famed for its ultra-smooth performance due to its nine quality ball bearings along with a one-stop, one-way, anti-reverse bearing. And if you’re especially particular with how your reel looks, this one is your best bet.

It comes with an attractive, brilliant finish, and a high-strength two-color anodized aluminum spool. Its distinctive design is also sporting a foldable handle that drives directly to its main gear as it gives you with an effective control.

Specs (For Summer model 2000) :
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    Weight: 8.9 oz
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    Max Drag: 11.0 lb
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    Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
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    Mono Capacity (lbs/yds): 6/310; 8/235

PROS

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    Product’s handle accommodate both left- and right-handed users
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    Alloy drive gear for fish-fighting power
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    Sturdy construction
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    Instant bake system
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    Modern, stylish design
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    Smooth reel control

CONS

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    Not ideal for saltwater fishing
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    Rewind loop needs a lot of pressure to return the reel in position

Via Amazon.com

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel is reigning supreme when it comes to providing an ultra-smooth, reeling, nine-bearing performance.

All of these come cohesively with its strong features such as the instant anti-reverse, the multi-disc drag system, and the proprietary Sure-Click bail that comes with solid aluminum wire and large-diameter, titanium-coated line roller.

In addition, comfort and convenience are assured as the item’s aluminum handles is armed with a soft-touch knob.

Pflueger’s entry also wouldn’t require backing as it comes with a braid-ready spool, allowing you to tie the braid directly to the spool. The 100-percent nylon is very much ideal for both professional anglers and casual fishers.

Specs (For model 6920X) :
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    Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
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    Bearings: 6+1
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    Max Drag: 8 lbs
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    Mono Capacity: 100/4
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    Braid Capacity: 125/6

PROS

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    Extremely durable
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    Ideal for seasoned anglers due to its smooth drag
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    Easy to operate
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    High-quality construction
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    Lightweight

CONS

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    Metal handle may flake after repeated use
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    A bit too small for some to use
Sale
Pflueger 6935B President Spinning Fishing Reel
482 Reviews

Via Amazon.com

If you think spinning reels can only perform so much in this price range, think again. The Goture Spinning Fishing Reel Metal Spool’s rugged graphite frame and the sturdy rotor can take more than they can provide for when rattling around on the waves.

This is further boosted by its lightweight double-anodized aluminum spool and the multi-drag system that is enhanced with Japanese oiled felt drag washers.

Goture’s entry is also bound to stay long with its corrosion-resistant structure and materials — one that is only rivalled by the spinning reel’s genuine reflection of refinement and precision on its ultra-smooth and thoroughly-crafted reels.

Specs (For model number GT500S) :
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    Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
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    Ball Bearings: 6
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    Line Capacity: 4/120; 6/95
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    Weight: 7 oz

PROS

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    Comes with sealed ball bearing for smoother operation
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    Corrosion-free materials
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    Graphite frame allows users to hold the rod for a longer duration without feeling a bit of strain
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    Extremely well-constructed
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    Easy-to-perform spool disengagement

CONS

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    Comes with a thicker bail
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    Reel is not designed for left-handed anglers

Via Amazon.com

The Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel’s popularity among the beginners and seasoned anglers are not unfounded. This is very much present right from its sleek design down to its smooth performance — with both creating an excellent fishing experience for all.

It also comes with a construction that is all fluid and precise. It has a sturdy, machined aluminum spool that provides a springboard of durability for its monofilament and braided fishing lines.

Meanwhile, the product’s strong and solid aluminum bail wire and its huge line roller should assure you a high performance in the long run. This reel is also expected to spin even at high speed sans the annoying wobbling because of its rotor system that is equipped with Okuma RESII computer balancing.

The product’s overall size won’t become an issue to all as it comes with the patented Blade Body Design that lessens the bulk of the spinning reel.

Specs (For model C-30):

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    Gear ratio: 5.0:1
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    Weight: 8.8 oz
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    Capacity: 8 lb – 160 yds
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    Bearings: 7 + 1

PROS

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    Precision Elliptical Gearing System
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    Works for both left- and right-handed users
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    Corrosion-resistant
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    Less bulky in form and size
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    Ergonomic grip handle

CONS

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    Anti-reverse button is a bit fragile
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    Line can get caught on the line hitch when casting

A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Spinning Reel Under 100

The best spinning reel under this budget also offers some top-of-the-line features that you should be looking for when you finally embark to searching one. With that one, one shouldn’t also expect the bells and whistles from these products.

Nevertheless, the following factors, traits, and beneficial components should still give you the best ones out there:

1. Comfort Level

As it goes with all products that buy, that desired level of comfort must be present. For spinning reels, you should be able to feel comfortable with the equipment so you’d be both confident and improve your skills efficiently.

A lightweight with a comfortable grip reel should also be considered in this regard as it can provide control when you’re fishing.

2. The Type of Material

The used materials in a spinning reel will dictate the product’s performance and longevity in the long run. Virtually all seasoned anglers recommend metals such as aluminum and stainless steel along with composite materials to be your top choices.

If you’re looking for a lightweight reel that can withstand the test of time and wear and tear, go for reels that are made of aluminum. On the other hand, stainless steel is ideal when you’re doing your fishing in either fresh or saltwater. This is because of its resistance to reactants that can be found in water.

Now, as we’re discussing the inexpensive reels, you’re most likely getting ones that are made of composite materials. These materials are heavily synthesized and recycled which makes them the inexpensive type.

3. The Line Capacity and Target Species

As these spinning reels can accommodate lines that weigh at least two pounds, you should be able to cast it in light lures especially if you own the best rod. Meanwhile, it should be noted that there are other larger variants that are developed for bigger reel species that can be caught from fresh and saltwater.

Now, if you’re gunning for large freshwater species, it is recommended that you go for a spinning reel that is equipped with a sufficient line capacity which will widen your opportunity to go for the long run.

Most professional anglers today would suggest a reel that is made of both aluminum and graphite hybrid form; this allows your reel to become stronger enough to handle larger species of fish.

4. Rods

The rod that you’ll be using should always match your spinning reel. This fusion is a key consideration if you want to optimize the output from your fishing. Today, my Shakespeare Ugly Stik couldn’t be more complementary to that of my spinning reel which has never failed me in terms of versatility.

5. Drag System

The drag is the pair of friction plates that can be found right inside your spinning reel. This friction is lessened when a fish attempts to pull the fishing line aggressively. This enables the reel to perform a rotation backwards, preventing the line from being broken by means of releasing more lines.

In this case, make certain that a smooth drag system is secured right before you buy the spinning reel; this should prevent the line to break. Meanwhile, you are also bound to lose more fish if the drag is rough.

6.  Bearing

Ensure that at least five bearings are present in your spinning reel. This bearing produces the handle and spool’s movement. Also, bearings act as the main component in spinning the reel. Once you’re able to secure a great bearing, a smooth fishing experience is produced.

7. Reel Weight

The weight of the reel in this budget range tends to become slightly heavier as the used material are less costly. Although heavier reels are not such a bad feature in itself, it could become troublesome especially on your wrists once you use it for a prolonged period.

8. Spools

Reels that are sold in this range come with a single spool as opposed to the premium ones which usually comprise of a standard pool along with spare braid-ready spool. Your reels are likely to have a braid-ready standard pool which is considered beneficial when you’re using your spinning reels for bass fishing.

9. Unsealed Drag

One way for the manufacturers to save on some cost in spinning reels is by keeping the drag stacks unsealed. Now, as this may not interfere with your everyday fishing, you must be watchful when you use it right in the bank or right on a beach — location that may affect its smoothness.

The Verdict

You can leave all your skepticism right at your doorsteps now that you already know that spinning reels in the 100-dollar budget range can be as fantastic as those that are in the more expensive spectrum.

Perhaps the most convincing among our entries as evidenced by its robust construction and easy-to-do operation is that of Pflueger’s. Its features are all top-notch and worthy of being touted as one of the best spinning reels within that range.

​Did the article help you decide which among our entries is the best one for your fishing needs? Do you think Pflueger deserves the top spot? If you have anything to share, please feel free to sound them off in the comment section below.

John Morris
 

Hi, I’m John Morris. I’m an avid outdoorsman and fisherman, blessed with an awesome wife and 2 kids. Fishing is not my passion, it is my lifestyle. I fished before I knew how to walk! I’m obsessed with all things related to fishing, even the fishy smell. I’m always willing to extend a hand to novice anglers looking for fishing tips and tricks thus I created this blog. This blog is a collection of my experiences, knowledge, and also research from other blogs.

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