The Rundown
Best Overall: KastKing Sharky III
“With a first-in-class 39.5 lb. triple-disc drag and the KastKing Intrusion Shield System, the KastKing Sharky III is designed to tackle the chore of hauling in the biggest fish on any given body of water – best for anglers ready for the big catch!”
Best Value For Money: Sougayilang
“Composed of a total of 11 ball bearings and an S-curve oscillation system for seamless operation and uniform spooling, the Sougayilang is a reel every angler would be proud to own without the need to break the bank!”
Runner-up Choice: KastKing Megatron
“Featuring an aerospace aluminum alloy frame, durable gears that resist premature wear, and a 30+ pound drag for true fighting potential, the KastKing Megatron is best for all the adventurous anglers out there!”
When attempting to cast with extreme precision, or present a lure in the most concise manner possible, few pieces of equipment hold immense value as that of a spinning reel. Fishing reels of this variety can be cast with pinpoint accuracy, and provide an angler with a level of line control that is second to none. A quality spinning reel is, therefore, a “must buy” for every serious angler.
Designed for angler comfort and are lightweight in design, the most hearty of today’s premium spinning freshwater reels feature a robust drag system, durable ball bearings, and CNC machined internal gear train components.




Featured Recommendations
Table of Contents
10 Best Freshwater Spinning Reels of 2021
KastKing Sharky III
Best Overall: Features of a spinning reel, power of a winch
KEY FEATURES
- First-in-class 39.5 lb. triple-disc drag
- KastKing Intrusion Shield System prevents water and dirt ingress protection
- Includes 10+1 heavy duty, double-shielded ball bearings
The KastKing Sharky III is a spinning reel designed to tackle the chore of hauling in the biggest fish on any given body of water. This reel features a first-in-class 39.5 lb. triple-disc drag system, and 10+1 heavy duty, double-shielded ball bearings, that offer unmatched strength and agility. This is likely to make the perfect reel for those who regularly fish for catfish, musky, or striped bass, as well as a wide variety of other hard fighting species.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
Sougayilang
Best Value For Money: Satisfactory performance, at an equally satisfactory price
KEY FEATURES
- 11 total ball bearings for seamless operation
- S-curve oscillation system for uniform spooling
- Compact, streamlined design for comfortable use
If your budget is limited, but you still wish to buy a spinning reel that you will be proud to own, then the Sougayilang series of spinning reels is likely to be your best bet. This reel looks the part and carries a number of noteworthy design attributes, such as an 11 ball bearing internal configuration, S-curve oscillation system, and an ultra-compact profile. Most notable is the fact that this reel can be purchased for less than most will spend on bait during any given outing.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
KastKing Megatron
Runner-up Choice: Tough beyond compare, yet fluid in its performance
KEY FEATURES
- Aerospace aluminum alloy frame takes a beating and comes back for more
- Durable gears resist premature wear
- 30+ pound drag for true fighting potential
If you tend to be hard on your fishing equipment and demand that a fishing reel stand up to anything that you or mother nature can throw at it, the KastKing Megatron is likely to be just what you have been looking for. This reel features an aerospace aluminum alloy frame, a zinc alloy drive gear, and a sturdy, yet lightweight spool, which culminates in a unit that even the most haphazard of anglers will be unlikely to damage or render inoperable.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
YONGZHI Fishing Reels
Most User Friendly: A hassle-free reel that lets you focus on what matters most… catching fish
KEY FEATURES
- Anti-twist line roller for tangle reduction
- Grooved CNC machined spool for enhanced line distribution
- Precision pinion gear system for superior durability
If you have become frustrated with tangled lines and problematic reel operation in the past, and are looking for a reliable reel that is capable of providing years of trouble-free use, then you should find immense favor in the Yongzhi spinning reel. This reel features an anti-twist roller for better line control, a grooved CNC machined spool for even line distribution, and a precision pinion gear system for effortless functionality.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
Penn Slammer III
Best High End Reel: Premium performance, manufactured from the latest technological advances
KEY FEATURES
- CNC machined gear set for the highest degree of precision
- IP6 Sealed body and spool design for ultimate weather resistance
- Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag
The Penn Slammer III takes precision engineering to new heights, offering anglers a spinning reel that looks stylish, includes the latest in innovative features, and should hold its own with any spinning reel to be offered on the market today. This reel consists of a full metal body, side plate, and rotor utilizes the latest in CNC gear technology and includes one of the most comprehensive drag systems available. If you are an angler that wants nothing but the finest in your boat, the Penn Slammer III is likely your best option.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
KastKing Valiant Eagle
Best Drag System: Extremely quick, amazingly efficient
KEY FEATURES
- Ultra-quick 6.2:1 gear ratio for blazing fast retrieves
- Robust 22-pound drag system for plenty of fighting potential
- Braid ready spool for effortless maintenance
The KastKing Valiant Eagle should be the perfect spinning reel for bass anglers who regularly employ blazing fast retrieves, to entice reactionary strikes otherwise reluctant largemouths. This stems from the fact that this reel features an amazingly quick 6.2:1 gear ratio, which should be ideal when quickly winding a topwater plug, or covering ground with a crankbait, all of which can be a highly effective tactic during much of the year.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
KastKing Brutus
Most Reliable: Reliability that you can bet your next fishing trip on
KEY FEATURES
- Lightweight graphite frame and rotor for angler comfort
- Durable bearing and drive components for pronounced reliability
- Multi-disc drag system that delivers up to 17.5 lbs. of stopping power
For those that wish to strike out for the water, without any additional thought as to their reel’s performance, there are few reels as worthy of a second look as the KastKing Brutus. This fishing reel is somewhat simplistic in design, yet can be as reliable as they come. The Brutus features a 4+1 bearing system, lightweight graphite frame/rotor, and a 17.5 lbs. drag system. By all accounts, this reel should be ready to put in work, no matter its frequency of use or the conditions at hand.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
PLUSINNO Fishing Reel
Best Line Capacity: Lightweight feel, heavyweight performance
KEY FEATURES
- 8.5 ounce carrying weight for exceptional comfort
- High capacity spool for extended casting range
- Hearty gear train for enhanced durability
The Plusinno Spinning Reel should be ideal for any angler who spends a significant amount of time on the water, and is looking for a lightweight reel alternative to many heavier reels on the market. Since it weighs in at only 8.5 ounces, this reel is likely to be lightweight enough to prevent hand and arm fatigue, yet still possesses durable internal hardware, and a wealth of notable convenience features.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
Piscifun Carbon X
Best Features: A feature rich reel that should meet the needs of every angler
KEY FEATURES
- Numerous high-end features for user-friendly operation
- 5.7 ounce carrying weight for long-lasting comfort
- 10+1 stainless steel ball bearing system for silky smooth operation
If you are looking for a feature rich reel, offered at a price that is well within the means of most, then the Piscifun Carbon X should be exactly what you have been searching for. Such features include a direct drive screw-in aluminum handle, hollow nest shaped spool, smooth positive click drag, and high density EVA knob. Perhaps most appealing, is the fact that the Piscifun Carbon X can be purchased at approximately ⅓ of the cost of many reels with the same list of abundant amenities.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
Diwa Spinning
Best Sizing Options: A platform that provides options for every angler, no matter their pursuit of choice
KEY FEATURES
- Comes in 5 different sizes for multiple applications
- 14 stainless steel ball bearings for smooth operation
- 55 LB drag system for first in class fighting potential
If you are tired of attempting to make the best of a one-size fits all approach to reel selection and would like to locate a reel that provides numerous sizing options, then the Diwa spinning reel should be exactly what you have been looking for. This reel is offered in 5 different sizes, which should allow anglers to select a model that is ideally suited for nearly any application. The Diwa spinning reel also features 14 shielded stainless steel ball bearings to provide ultra-smooth operation.
CLICK TO SEE MORE
Criteria Used For Evaluation
When choosing the perfect spinning reel, there are a number of factors that one must first consider. By keeping the following factors in mind, you will be better equipped to locate a reel that is best suited to your specific needs.
Criteria #1: Efficient Drag System
The quality of your reel’s drag system can dictate a fight’s outcome, when a fish of epic proportions is on the other end of your line.
A reel’s drag system is used to meter the distribution of line, when subject to excessive force, such as that applied by a sizable fish. This is accomplished through the use of a clutch-like disc system, which allows slippage at a predetermined point, which has been set by an angler. This slippage allows line to be fed outward, when tugged upon during a fight, thereby reducing tension and preventing line breakage.
A number of today’s premium spinning reels now include robust drag systems, which employ the use of carbon fiber drag discs. Many of these drag systems feature notable operating capacities of 30 or more pounds, which should be ample enough to take on even the most sizable of trophy fish.
Criteria #2: Quality Bearings
Whether casting or reeling, a spinning reel’s ability to operate in a satisfactory manner is heavily reliant upon the unit’s ball bearing system.
Every spinning reel on the market today relies upon the use of ball bearings to facilitate their rotational movement. At the turn of the handle, internal gear train components drive the unit’s spool, which rides upon a series of ball bearings. These bearings roll in their race, thereby minimizing friction as this spool rotates. The smoothness with which a particular reel’s spool rotates is directly dependent upon the quality and number of bearings that are used. Many premium reels feature 10 or more high-quality ball bearings, which are extremely uniform in size and shape.
Criteria #3: Comfort
An uncomfortable reel is likely to gather dust, rather than be put to use on the water.
Every serious angler knows that remaining comfortable is key when attempting to maximize their efficiency when on the water. The use of comfortable reels is a sizable piece of this equation and offers immense value when attempting to keep fatigue at bay. This comfort comes as a result of several characteristics as a whole. A reel should be lightweight, ergonomic, and easy to operate. If a reel does not offer each of these characteristics, its use quickly becomes cumbersome. As a result, lesser reels are often relegated to an angler’s garage, seeing very little time on the water as a result.
Questions & Answers

Are expensive freshwater spinning reels worth it?
In many cases, expensive freshwater spinning reels are indeed worth every penny of their asking price. While at first it might appear as if most reels are relatively similar in composition, one must also factor in the quality of each individual component from one reel to the next. This is where more expensive reels tend to show their value.
For example, the number of ball bearings that a spinning reel contains is of far less value than the quality and uniformity of each individual bearing. In the bulk of cases, a premium reel will possess bearings of far greater quality, than those of an equal bearing count, at a more economical cost. This principle applies across the spectrum when discussing individual features of a spinning reel. When speaking of a spinning reel’s quality, more often than not, you get what you pay for.

What is the best freshwater spinning reel for the money?
When attempting to locate a freshwater spinning reel that provides the most bang for your buck, it is difficult to go wrong with the KastKing Valiant Eagle. This reel presents anglers with a number of useful features, employs the use of an amazingly efficient drag system, and is constructed in a way that should prove durable over a significant period of time. Even more satisfying is the fact that the Valiant Eagle can be purchased at a far more conservative price point than many similar reels.
One feature of the KastKing Valiant Eagle that many anglers will likely be quite fond of is its 22-pound carbon fiber drag system, which should provide ample power to fight even the most relentless of trophy-size fish. Additionally, this reel also comes fitted with a braid-ready spool, which does not require the use of any monofilament backing. The Valiant Eagle also possesses an ultra-quick 6.2:1 gear ratio, which allows anglers to quickly cover water when attempting to coax reactionary strikes with a blazing fast presentation.

What should I look for in the best freshwater spinning reels?
When attempting to locate the best freshwater spinning reels for purchase, there are a number of factors that must first be considered. One of the most important of these factors pertains to the integrity of a particular reel’s drag system. Even the most expensive reel on the market is of little value if it is unable to meter fishing line in an effective manner when placed under a load.
Other factors worthy of consideration include the number/quality of ball bearings utilized in a reel’s construction, the integrity of a reel’s internal gear train, and a reel’s ability to prevent angler fatigue. The highest quality spinning reels currently available will showcase excellence in each of these categories, and are most likely to provide years of satisfactory service, even when used relentlessly.