Best Ultralight Spinning Reel In The Market Now Which Will Make Your Pocket Happy
A few months ago, I used to linger on a thought that my ultralight fishing’s set up was more than practical enough to catch plenty of fish. That thought was completely diminished by my grandfather who brought me the idea to replace my casting reel by a spinning reel, and what a maximum satisfaction it’s been!
Not only did it make my fishing easier, but it also provided me countless of benefits ranging from its easier maintenance, a lower expending of energy, down to its cost-effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll unveil the best ultralight spinning reel in the market now based on the factors that were once taught by my grandpa. Now, right after we reveal my top picks, we’ll also to touch-base on some of the basics about ultralight light fishing with spinning reels.
These include the tips on how to use and cast a spinning reel, the standards of ultralight fishing, and the only buying guide you should know before finally choosing the best one out there. Without dilly-dallying, we present you our top five picks!
Top 5 Ultralight Spinning Reels
Product Name | Weight | Gear Ratio | Rating | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5.9 oz | 5.2:1 | |||
8.9 oz | 5.2:1 | |||
9.1 oz | 5.2:1 | |||
8.4 oz | 4.1:1 | |||
7 oz | 5.0:1 |
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.
Via Amazon.com
- Specs: (Model 6920X)
- Weight: 5.9 oz
- Retrieve Rate: 20.7-inches/53cm
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Max Drag (lb): 6lb/2.7kg
- Mono Capacity (d/lb): 200/2 100/4 80/6
There is much to be sought for right in the confines of Pflueger President Spinning Reel. From its constant on-and-off, instant anti-reverse bearing, lightweight graphite body, and rotor, down to its multi-disc drag system, this product is wasting no features at all.
Meanwhile, its aluminum spool is a triple treat as it is all machined, ported, and double-anodized; it is also braid-ready. On the other hand, the item has a stainless steel and oiled-felt washer.
The reel, as most of its users would reveal, is extraordinarily smooth; its bearings come with ease while the reel itself doesn’t make noise when you make a retrieval. Now, there is a reason as to why this product keeps on impressing again and again.
What We Liked
- Comes with 9 stainless steel ball bearings
- Reliable on-and-off instant anti-reverse bearing
- Ultralight graphite body, rotor
- Aluminum spool is machined, ported, and double-anodized; Braid-ready
- Smoothened, multi-disc drag system
- Stainless steel, oiled, felt washer
- Great value
- Retrieving is smooth and doesn’t make noise
- Ideal for compact travel
What We Didn’t Like
- A bit tiny for some to use
- Reel is quite roughly-made
Via Amazon.com
- Specs (Model 2000)
- Weight: 8.9 oz
- Max Drag (lbs/kg): 11/5
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Mono Capacity (mm/m): 0.18/370 0.20/300
- Braided Capacity (lbs/yds): 6/310 8/235
- CPT: 62
- IPT: 24.4
When you want a spinning reel that can stand the test of time along with an excellent drag, the KastKing Summer/Centron Spinning reel should be at the top of your list.
Probably its most defining features come on how the product was designed and made. It has 9 + 1 quality ball bearings and two-color anodized aluminum spool to match; its design, on the other hand, is both compact and lightweight, providing you that much-needed, smooth casting.
Fret no more on those possible, corrosive days as the product boasts of high tensile strength graphite frame. Meanwhile, its unmatched, accompanying drag system is equipped with power that can only be rivaled by its intensity itself.
Ultimately, its distinct design handle comes in very handy for those who look for flexibility.
Note: The product comes with varying models. As it goes, these variants differ in quality that is relative to its weight, max drag, gear ratio, mono capacity, braided capacity, CPT (cm per turn), and IPT (in per turn).
What We Liked
- Features 9 + 1 quality ball bearings
- Boasts high tensile strength graphite frame that thwarts corrosion
- A cut above drag system
- Precise pinion gear system
- Distinct design handle; light and right are interchangeable
- Built with two color anodized aluminum spool
- Cost-effective
- Attractive, premium design
What We Didn’t Like
- Anti-reverse bearing a bit fragile
- Not quite ideal for saltwater fishing
- Spinning handle is a little too big for some to use
Via Amazon.com
- Specs: (DK1000 Variant)
- Ball Bearings: 12+1
- Weight: 9.1 oz
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Line Capacity (mm/m): 0.18/200 0.2/165 0.25/110
Soougayilang Fishing Reel comes with a collapsible and interchangeable left and right handle along with a generous 12 + 1 ball bearings that are both ideal for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Meanwhile, its cast control is fully adjustable and is equipped with sound. Your line winding is bound to be worthwhile as well as it is fitted with an S-Curve Oscillation System.
On the other hand, its aluminum spool is featured with high-tensile gear — ideal for a more balanced, smoother, and less fatigue experience.
Further to its strong offerings is its ease and comfort. It is both lightweight and portable — virtually ideal from anything that you can carry from your prized fishing box, boat hatch, or even inside your backpack.
Also, different sizes are specially made to vary to accommodate those with numerous purposes such as freshwater bass trout fishing, saltwater surf fishing, and inshore fishing to name a few. All of these are only topped by its exquisite design that is nothing short of magnificent.
What We Liked
- Collapsible and interchangeable left-and-right handle
- Lightweight, balanced, and extra smooth
- Comes in various sizes to accommodate numerous fishing endeavors
- Exquisite design
- Fully adjustable cast control
- Features its proprietary S-Curve oscillation system for good line winding
- Aluminum spool with high-tensile gear
- Highly portable
What We Didn’t Like
- Handle may be too small and weak for some to use
- There is a need to tighten internal components now and then
- Bail may come off as loose at some point
Via Amazon.com
- Line Capacity: 2/270 4/140 6/110
- Line Retrieve Per Crank: 19-inches
- Max Drag (lb): 7.0
- Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
- Weight: 8.4 oz
Durability as its most paradigmatic — was perhaps the company’s rightful inspiration when Shimano IX1000 IX Rear Drag Spin Reel was developed.
This phrase virtually hovers on the products overall features, from its graphite-made side plate, rotor, and spool down to its spinning reel rear drag’s frame; the product is also big in its Quick Fire II offering. As such, the offering is both suitable for easy and fast one-handed casts.
All of these culminate in a great finish as it can be used both in saltwater and freshwater fishing without having to worry if it’s going to get corroded.
You may quite find yourself now as to why this entry is forever a classic when you finally own one of its variants. If you’re looking for a product that does what it is supposed to, you’re stumbling on it at the moment.
What We Liked
- Sideplate, rotor, spool, and spinning reel rear drag’s frame are all graphite-made
- Features Quick Fire II for comfortable and fast one-handed casts
- Corrosion-resistant
- Ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fishing
- Highly-durable
- Rated for use with Mono, Fluorocarbon, and PowerPro lines
- Affordable price
What We Didn’t Like
- Bail could get quite loose at some point
- Reel’s anti-reverse is not infinite
Via Amazon.com
- Specs: (500 Series)
- Weight: 7.0 oz
- Ball Bearings: 6bb
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Line Capacity (lbs-yds): 4/120 6/95
Made through a decade of painstaking research and development, the features of this product are evidently quite well-engineered. This can be seen and felt first by its refined and precise spinning reel.
Secondly, the item’s GT-S series features a new mechanism on its spin and bears a smooth and crafted reel. Meanwhile, the lightweight, machined spools are developed with ultra smooth, oil-soaked felt washers.
Also, the reel comes with sealed ball bearings, providing you an easy operation overall. Its overall built and form is all supported by its rugged graphite frame that is specially included with its lightweight, double-anodized, aluminum spool.
Ultimately, the product is proven to last long as it is corrosion-resistant and superbly constructed.
What We Liked
- Equipped with 6-ball bearings
- Easy and quick set anti-reverse roller bearing
- Corrosion-resistant
- Lightweight, double-anodized aluminum spool
- Drag system comes with Japanese-oiled, felt drag washers
- Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater
- Suitable for those with tiny hands
- Extremely affordable
What We Didn’t Like
- Quality is not that premium
- Not ideal for left-handed users, anglers
- Fragile bail spring
- Wobbly handle arms
A Quick Buying Guide to Choosing the Best Ultralight Spinning Reel
We’d always want the best value for the money that we spend. And so, I’ve especially collated just about the key factors to check for when choosing the best ultralight spinning reel. Right below are the only considerations that you need to put on your checklist:
1. The weight
Evidently, the weight of your spinning reel should be light as much as possible. To be exact, the unit you should be gunning for should not weigh beyond 8 ozs. If the product bears an extra weight other than the prescribed amount, then it should automatically defeat the purpose of this endeavor.
2. The retrieve rate
While the retrieve rate is not mostly shown in product descriptions, ensure that you should look for a rate that plays around 26-inches per turn. This will enable you to cast deftly sans the common strain that goes with it.
Now, if you’d like to know this specification, you can either hover on the official website of a manufacturer or simply resort to reading the reviews section to find out.
3. The anti-reverse
Mainly a not-so-crucial feature, the anti-reverse could come in handy if you’re particular to the noise your retrieve would make. This factor can make it as silent as possible.
4. Drag system
To get to operate with the right line, the drag will have to be in proper calibration. This can be achieved when the product that you choose is equipped with an excellent drag system. One of the few things that you need to look for under drag system is if its smoothness is satisfactory.
Similar to the retrieve rate, you can ascertain the quality of the system by checking out its rating on a retailer site or online videos in which the reel is being utilized by an angler.
5. Durability
As it goes with all products, you’d want the overall construction of your ultralight spinning reel to be that durable. But as it mostly happens, durable items are retailed higher than the less enduring ones. All in all, please prepare to shell out extra cash to accommodate this offering.
On the other hand, don’t expect your product to withstand the wear and tear of its usage if you opt for the cheaper ones. For more durable items, ensure that you do not consider purchasing those products which have magnesium components in them.
These components are very much prone to corrosion, and this is on top of your willingness to clean and maintain the reel in a tip-top shape. In contrast, go for those that feature composite components which are usually retailed at approximately $75.
Some Essential Tips for Beginners on How to Use Your Spinning Reel
The first vital thing you need to muster in regards to the use of a spinning reel is accuracy. Now, as this cannot be achieved overnight obviously, you need to be practicing this at home for your own ease.
During this time, ensure that you focus right on your target when you cast while being fully conscious of what surrounds you.When casting for a maximum distance, it is advised that you allow your bait to hang at approximately 18-inches right from the tip of the rod.
This measurement will enable you to develop a “whiplash” motion, exerting the much-needed energy to the rod while casting. On the other hand, if the energy is only expended by yourself, chances are the casts will be longer.
Here are the steps that you need to remember:
- You can start your casting by grasping the line using your index finger. Hold it tightly against the rod.
- Next, open the bail with your other hand. Make certain that the rod is being held with the rod tip that’s facing right behind you.
- With a focus on your target, cast with a forward position. You can perform this by swinging the rod tip forth. Finish it off by releasing your finger, free of the line with an approximate 10 o’clock pose.
- By the time your casting is done, the bail has to be closed: you can do this by simply turning the reel handle. The bail can be closed manually as well. The latter is more preferred as this can preserve the reel’s life in the long run.
You may watch this video to check on how to cast a spinning reel.
Verdict
It is quite clear that all of our contenders are not only the most affordable in the market now but are also the more valuable in terms of their features and reliable offerings.
Yes, it’s been a very tight competition, but if one has to take a larger slice of the cake, it would have to be the Shimano IX1000 IX Rear Drag Spin Reel. The product is simply great to what it does and ultimately does it efficiently.
From its graphite-made form, flexibility, right down to its affordability, there is no wonder as to why this entry has always been a favorite.
If you have any experience regarding the use of a spinnerbait, feel free to leave a comment below.
