It has been a few years since you bought new reels. Maybe you just started and bought a cheap combo to try-out fishing. In either case, you are thinking of upgrading to better spinning reels. The good news is there are a lot of options. The tough part is finding the one you want and can afford.
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A better reel is going to cost more. The more you spend on a reel, the better the features and components. This applies to bearings, drag systems, and gears mainly. In some instances, the bail and body are superior.
As a result, some reels exceed two hundred dollars. Do not fret though, many are available between the 100 and 200 dollar range. The reels in the 100 to 200 price range are very good. Taking proper care will provide many years of performance. I say this a lot to newer anglers. Look at rods and reels as an investment.
What you pay is spread out over 5-10 years. Determining the life of tackle is by quality, care, and maintenance. You need to take care of reels while fishing. The reels need regular maintenance for a long life also. Abusing or neglecting maintenance will ruin any reel.
The facts are low-cost reels only last 2-3 years. Plus do not perform as well. In other words, you get what you pay for with fishing reels. Better reels are cost-effective in the long term. Besides, you get the benefit of better performance.
Upgrading to Better Spinning Reels Over $200
Upgrading to better spinning reels over $200 is for someone serious about fishing. Fishing a lot or wanting more features are the main reasons to pay these prices. These reels have advances in bail and drag systems. Higher precision in the gears. Plus more and higher quality bearings.
A reel in this class will be extremely smooth. The drag will have excellent precision in the adjustment. The material will be of the highest quality, plus many will have a lower weight.
The reels on the list are in the $200-$300 price range. Some reels are costing over 500 dollars. These are the reels that excel at a reasonable cost. A saltwater angler may need to go higher. The reels on the list are for freshwater or inshore use.
Shimano Stradic CI4+ FB Spinning Reel
One of the world’s most popular higher-performance reels. The Shimano Stradic CI4+ FB Spinning Reel uses the latest Shimano technology. Yet, retains the proven performance features that serious anglers count on. The Magnum lite rotor reduces the weight by 25%. Adding more ease when reeling.
The center of gravity is closer to the rod enhancing balance and creating less fatigue. In addition, the reel features core protect, this adds water protection without a sluggish feeling. The one-piece bail is a big plus, the line does not hang up on connection points.
- Upgraded with the latest Shimano technology
- Magnumlite Rotor is 25% lighter than previous styles
- Superior balance with reduced inertia
- Delivers a light, almost-effortless feel when winding
- G-Free Body design: maximum comfort, minimum fatigue
- Advanced CoreProtect water resistance
- Super-light, strong CI4+ carbon body
- Cold-forged aluminum spool
- Ultra-hard Hagane® cold forged drive gear
- X-Ship pinion gear support system
- 7-bearing system
- 6 S A-RB shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Super Stopper II anti-reverse roller bearing
- Advanced AR-C spool design plus Power Roller
- 1-Piece Bail for unimpeded line flow
PENN Clash II Spinning Reel
The Penn Clash II is suitable for inshore or freshwater fishing. Built with a full metal body and side plate it is a solid reel. This is beneficial for use in saltwater environments. The line roller sheds water. Plus the clutch uses technology to prevent problems with saltwater use.
The slow oscillation enables a better line lay on the spool. The 8+1 bearings provide smooth operation under a load of big fish. A good choice for anglers targeting larger freshwater fish or in saltwater environments.
- Full Metal Body and sideplate
- Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing
- Clutch Armor System
- CNC Gear technology
- 8+1 stainless steel bearing system
- HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers
- Leveline Slow Oscillation System
Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel
Looking for a quiet and smooth reel with performance? The Stradic Fl is the answer. Designed to reduce vibration and noise. The Stradic FL is another option for freshwater or inshore fishing. The reel comes with cold-forged gears for extra strength. The pinion gear has better support for the gears meshing.
This adds to the smoothness and durability of the reel. Shimano adds the X-Protect for more protection in harsh conditions.
The reel has a long stroke spool for long and accurate casting. The other features making the reel stand out. Include vibration-reducing Dyna-balance, line twist reducing power roller, and high-efficiency line management.
- Flex-free Hagane body
- X-Protect waterproofing system
- Long Stroke Spool
- SilentDrive noise and vibration reduction
- 100% stronger Hagane cold forged drive gear
- Advanced MicroModule Gear II
- X-Ship gear support system
- 6+1 bearing system
- S A-RB shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Super Stopper Anti Reverse roller bearing
- Aluminum cold forged spool
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Dyna-Balance
- Power Roller II
- SR-Concept
- Aero Wrap II
- Cross Carbon drag (3000-5000 models)
- Power handle (5000 model)
Daiwa Ballistic LT Spinning Reel
Built using the light but tough engineering concept. The reel is suitable for freshwater, inshore, or saltwater angling. Daiwa builds lightweight, compact reels, that are strong and durable. The reels feature a high density carbon body, A7075 aluminum gears, with magseal oil. The oil keeps contaminant and saltwater away from the components.
The gears and bearings provide a smooth operating reel. The reel uses 7 bearings, a CRBB, 5 Stainless steel, and an anti-reverse bearing. The reel is made to last for years and add pleasure to your fishing experience.
- Super-compact yet powerful
- Built light, strong, and smooth
- For freshwater, inshore, and offshore use
- Zaion “high density” carbon-strain body
- Magsealed main shaft
- Digigear A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum gearing
- 7-bearing (6+1) system
- 1 CRBB, 5 stainless steel ball bearings, 1 roller bearing
- Instant anti-reverse
Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel
The top-of-the-line Pflueger reel. The Patriarch is lightweight, strong, and durable. Built with a magnesium body, side plate, and titanium main shaft. Add the 3 step coating process and corrosion is kept to a minimum. The aluminum spool, carbon handle, and enhanced rotor help with weight reduction.
Precision gearing and 10 S.S. bearings add a high level of smooth performance. An advanced sealed carbon drag system. A titanium line roller and slow oscillation for better line lay. The reel is well balanced, has solid performance, and will last. Mount on a premium rod and enjoy an awesome fishing experience.
- Extreme lightweight, toughness, and durability
- Magnesium body, rotor, and side plate
- The proprietary 3-step coating prevents long-term corrosion
- Hybrid carbon arbor
- Skeletonized aircraft-grade aluminum spool
- Extra-light carbon handle with EVA knob
- Titanium main shaft—30% stronger, 43% lighter than stainless steel
- Advanced SMARTgear Technology
- Precision machined-aluminum main gear
- Premium XCR shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Instant anti-reverse
- Permanently sealed carbon drag
- Slow Oscillation for even line lay
- Titanium-coated line roller
- SMARTretrieve Technology for optimal line management
Upgrading to Better Spinning Reels Over $100
Upgrading to better spinning reels over $100 is for anglers wanting quality. Yet are willing to sacrifice a few features or the highest quality in a few parts of the reel. The quality will surpass the low-cost reels easily.
The reels in this range will have more and better bearings than low-cost reels. The body, spool, and bail system will be improved. The use of better materials, design, and manufacturing is also included in reels in the price range.
These reels are mainly freshwater use, but a few are inshore models. An inshore reel is beneficial in some areas.
Daiwa Tatula LT Spinning Reel
The spinning version of the Tatula. The reel is one of the light and tough series from Daiwa. The Tatula is designed with bass anglers in mind. The high ratio retrieves in excess of 30 inches of line per turn of the handle. The reel uses carbon for the body, aluminum for the gears, and design elements to reduce weight.
Stainless steel is placed on wear points including the bail and bearings. This adds to the durability and a longer life for the reel. An angler using a low-cost reel will see a big improvement with this reel.
- Engineered for the sophisticated bass angler
- Extremely lightweight, strong, and responsive
- Zaion “high density” carbon-strain body
- Hollow stainless steel Air Bail
- Air Rotor with 15% less weight but higher strength
- Digigear A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum gearing
- 7-bearing (6+1) system
- 1 CRBB, 5 stainless steel ball bearings, 1 roller bearing
- Instant anti-reverse
Daiwa Procyon AL Spinning Reel
Anglers wanting a sturdy reel with inshore capabilities will like the Procyon. The reel has an aluminum body for more rigidity. Add in the saltwater use, it is ideal for anglers enjoying fresh and saltwater fishing. These reels have plenty of drag to handle any fish in freshwater or inshore environments. The long cast spool allows farther and more accurate casts. The spool is designed to reduce resistance during the cast.
Anglers will enjoy the lightweight with the sturdiness of the Procyon reel. The reel is a step above many lower-cost reels with the performance.
- Ideal for both freshwater and inshore fishing
- DIGIGEAR technology promotes better gear meshing
- Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) gives you a built-in advantage while fighting fish
- Long Cast ABS spool’s lip design eliminates wind knots and maximizes casting distance
- Generous cut-outs in the rotor reduce overall weight
- Lightweight, strong tubular air bail
Shimano Ultegra Spinning Reel
The reel is designed with Core Protect technology. This keeps the water and dirt out of the reel’s interior components. The oscillations provide excellent line lay. Reducing issues with line problems such as wind knots. These features help with longer casts also. Add in the double bearing pinion support the reel gives a next-level performance. The bearings provide more support where needed adding to smooth operation.
Shimano has produced a reel at an affordable price. The reel is for anglers seeking durability and performance. The strong drag, lightweight, and sleek design make the Ultegra a desirable addition to any anglers tackle.
- Sleek but strong; efficiency in all phases
- G-Free Body for superb balance
- Ultra-durable, cold-forged Hagane Gear
- X-Ship double-bearing pinion support system
- Coreprotect technology seals out water
- Aero Wrap Oscillation for perfect line lay
- 5+1 ball bearing system
- Beefed up Max Drag power
Quantum PT Smoke S3 Inshore Spinning Reel
Quantum provides the angler with another inshore option. The reel has an aluminum body, titanium bail, and carbon fiber rotor to reduce weight while keeping rigidity. The reel is treated to reduce corrosion in salty environments. The substantial drag and line retrieve keep hard fighting fish under control. This features an improved line management system, foot-forward design for balance, and braid ready spool.
The reel has an always-on anti-reverse feature. In some instances, this may be undesirable. If you need to have the reel run backward it will not allow the action. This is the only negative on the reel.
- Reel Engine Design 2.0™
- All-aluminum uni-body construction
- SCR Alloy with full SaltGuard Protection
- C4LF Carbon-fiber Razor Rotor 2.0
- Super Smooth Oscillation
- Line Management System 2.0
- Unbendable titanium bail
- Braid-ready Maxcast 2.0 spool
- Asymmetric forged aluminum gear
- 11+1 bearing system
- PT Anti-Corrosion ball bearings
- Always-on Continuous Anti-Reverse
- Dura-Lok clutch
- Sealed CSC carbon and ceramic drag
- Classic foot-forward design
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel
The Pflueger Supreme utilizes magnesium in the body, side plate, and rotor. As a result, the reel is lighter. The spool and bail are aluminum and the line roller is titanium for better wear resistance. The reel is built to be light, sturdy, and durable. Add in 9 bearings for smoothness and braid ready spool. The bail makes an audible click to let you know it is engaged.
- 9 stainless steel bearings
- On/Off instant anti-reverse bearing
- Ultra-lightweight magnesium body, rotor, and side plate
- Machined, ported, and double-anodized, braid-ready aluminum spool
- Carbon inlay drag design with a sealed carbon-fiber system
- Solid aluminum bail wire
- Lightweight carbon handle with EVA knobs
- Approved for use in saltwater
- Sure-click bail
- Anti-twist titanium line roller
PENN Conflict II Spinning Reel
Penn designed Conflict II with inshore anglers in mind. The reel is great for freshwater also. The reel is a step above the popular Battle model from Penn. The reel is a little lighter than the Battle models. Built on a Carbon body and rotor with a braid ready super-line spool. Penn builds tough reels seen by the thicker bail wire, sealed bearing system, and aluminum handle.
Anglers seeking power, durability, and basic sleek styling will enjoy the Penn Conflict II. As with all Penn reels, it is a workhorse reel for tough fish and environments.
- Rigid Resin RR30 body and rotor
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
- 7+1 stainless sealed bearing system
- Thick aluminum bail wire
- Line capacity rings
- Superline spool
Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
Abu Garcia is a longtime favorite with many anglers. The reel has a molded body with an aluminum gearbox. It comes with aluminum gears, 8+1 bearings, and graphite rotor resulting in a lightweight reel. The bail, braid ready spool and lip design. Add an advantage to casting and line management. You will get long accurate casting with the Revo SX.
The reel continues Abu Garcia’s tradition of strong drag power, smooth drag, and substantial line capacity. Do not confuse the reel with the budget or entry-level max series reels. This is a reel built with performance and durability for an experienced angler.
- Insert Molded C6 carbon body
- 1-piece X-craftic aluminum gearbox
- Computer-optimized machined aluminum gears
- Lightweight graphite rotor with Everlast bail
- Rocket line management system
- Braid-ready machined aluminum spool
- 8 stainless steel HPCR bearings + 1 roller bearing
- K-Clutch anti-reverse
- Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system
Upgrading to Better Spinning Reels Summary
If it has been a while since you purchased a reel. You can see there have been many improvements in reel technology. Do not worry about the carbon bodies. They have been proven reliable and sturdy. The internals has advanced with better materials and machining.
Beginners likely lack a comparison if they started with a low-cost model. The reels on the list are a large improvement over the 30-70 dollar models many beginners buy to start. These levels of reels are smoother, more durable, and have more features.
The reels on the list are higher performing. This will add to your enjoyment of the sport of fishing. Ask friends and fellow anglers if they have one of the reels. Give it a try and experience the difference between the reels. Take the time to set up your reel correctly also.
John McIntyre