The Best Spinning Reel – Our 2017-2018 Ultimate Guide

What is the best spinning reel?

So you finally decided to get yourself a spinning reel. Perhaps you debated for a long time whether to go with a baitcasting reels or a spinning reels. Now you have finally made your decision.

I am sorry to tell you that you have another question to think about: What is the best spinning reel?

Have no worries. We are here to help you out. We will consider a few options on the market that we think are the best and why.

What is the best spinning reel?

Here is a preview of what’s to come:

• Penn Battle II 4000
• Abu Garcia Revo SX40
• Shimano SEC4000FE
• Penn Fierce II 4000LL
• Quantum Fishing Accurist 25
• Okuma Trio High Speed
• Daiwa BG4000
• Shimano Stradic 4000XG

Let’s take a closer look at each one…

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Retrieve Rate: 37 inches
• Reel Size: 4000
• Bearing Count: 6 Sealed Ball Bearings
• Line Capacity: Mono 12lb/165yards, Braid 30lb/185
• Instant Reverse
• Weight: 12.8 oz
• Max. Drag: 15lb
• Braid Ready

The first reel on our list of the best spinning reel is the Penn Battle II 4000 . This reel features a very heavy-duty metal body and a strong aluminum bail wire. The Battle II is made almost entirely of non-corrosive metal, a huge plus for the saltwater fishermen out there.

In earlier models the Penn Battle was equipped with shielded ball bearings. However, with the new models they are equipped with 6 sealed ball bearings. This gives it a smooth drag, but also helps to protect in the event that the reel gets wet. This little upgrade ensures that your fishing reel will last many fishing seasons to come. In addition to the incredibly smooth drag and it also includes a 6.2:1 gear ratio making this reel a beast. You will have no problem fighting even the most enthusiastic fish.

Another feature that I really like, is the gasket on the spool. This makes it braid ready right out of the box. With this addition you no longer having to worry about braided sliding off your spool or prepping it with monofilament. Speaking of fishing line it also has a large line roller helping to reduce the dreaded line twist. Lastly, on the spool are line capacity rings. This rings give you an idea of how much line you have on your reel. No more excuses for running out of line while fishing.

Sticking with spinning reels’ theme of versatility the Penn Battle II 4000 also easily switches between left and right hand retrieve, making for a great gift for any left-handed anglers. This is truly a well-built reel that would make for a great purchase for any angler out there. Highly recommended.

>>Check the price on the Penn Battle II 4000 HERE<<

Learn more about this series of spinning reels in the following video:

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Retrieve Rate: 40 inches
• Reel Size: 40
• Bearing Count: 9
• Line Capacity: Mono 10lb/230yards, Braid 14lb/250
• Instant Reverse
• Weight: 9.2oz
• Max. Drag: 17lb
• Carbon Drag System
• Braid Ready

A truly premium spinning reel is the Abu Garcia Revo SX40. Not only does this reel look and feel deluxe, but what is inside the reel really sets it apart from the competition. This reel features a 9 bearing system that makes for a drag and retrieve that is noticeably smoother. It is equipped with a 6.2:1 gear ratio.

The body is made with a c6 carbon construction. This makes it extremely lightweight, weighing in at just over 9 ounces. However, don’t let the weight fool you. This reel was built to last. It has a unique one piece X Craftic Alloy gearbox.

What they did with the body and the gearbox is what really makes this reel special. They took the gearbox and attached it to the c6 carbon stem. This makes it strong, lightweight and most importantly corrosive resistant. Also by means of this design you will notice it is much more compact than other reels on the market, making it much easier to use.

It is also equipped with that Abu Garcia calls Rocket Line Management. This gives you better control of the line coming off your reel in order to avoid such things as wind knots and line twists.

It comes with a braid ready spool. You no longer need to put tape or back your spool when putting braid on your spinning reel.

>>Check the price on the Abu Garcia Revo SX40 HERE<<

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Retrieve Rate: 32 inches
• Bearing Count: 3+1
• Line Capacity: Mono 10lb/200 yards, Braid 15lb/280
• Instant Reverse
• Weight: 11.3oz
• Max. Drag: 18.5lb
• Braid Ready

Next up is the Shimano SEC4000FE. This reel is more catered to those shopping on a budget. Overall I think it is a nice smooth reel at an affordable price. It as a 5.2.1 gear ratio bring in 32 inches of line per crank. Because of the lower gear ratio you are getting a reel with more torque perfect for bigger lures.

As you can see from the picture it is a compact spinning reel. It has a graphite frame and graphite body making it lightweight. This compact design also helps to make it both lighter and overall easier to use. It weighs just over 11 ounces. It has a maximum drag of 18.5 which is incredible for such a small spinning reel.

It is also equipped with Propulsion Line Management and a power roller. This will allow for longer casting distance. In addition, the Propulsion Line Management helps to reduce line twist and line knots.

All these features make the Shimano Sedona great reel for any angler at an affordable price.

Check the Price on the Shimano SEC4000FE HERE <<

Learn more in the following video:

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Retrieve Rate: 37 inches
• Bearing Count: 5
• Reel Size: 4000
• Drag Material: Oil Felt
• Line Capacity: Mono 12lb/165 yards, Braid 15lb/360
• Instant Reverse
• Weight: 12.3oz
• Max. Drag: 13.5lb
• Braid Ready

Another good spinning reel made by Penn is the Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel. We will specifically be talking about the 4000 model. This reel features 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearing system.

It has an all metal body with an aluminum spool and handle. They also upgraded this model to make it more corrosive resistant. They put a coating on the body as well as the bearing are shielded. Thus ensuring your reel to last you many years to come.

Like many other spinning reels on the market it has the braid ready spool and has a good line capacity of 360 yards of 15lbs.  The unique thing that Penn did to this reel to make it more corrosive resistant and make it last longer is they

They have a variety of sizes available for all your fishing needs.

Closely related to the Penn Fierce II is the Penn Fierce II 4000LL. The biggest different is that this model has the Live Liner function. This allows you to fish with live bait.  Simply put it in the open position and the line can go out freely. One you turn the handle the spool is engaged and you can begin your retrieval.

Whether you choose the Penn Fierce II or the Live Line Version, I can ensure you that you will not be disappointed with this spinning reel.

>>Check the price on the Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel HERE <<

Specs: (4000XGFK Model)

• Ball Bearings: 6+1
• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Line Capacity: 8/240 yards, 10/200 yards, 12/160 yards
• Line Retrieve: 39 inches
• Maximum Drag: 24 lbs

Could the Shimano Stradic 4000XGFK be the best Shimano spinning reel? We will let you decide?

The Stradic by Shimano utilizes a unique body design they have termed the Hagane body. This is high-grade aluminum design has resulted in a reel that does not give at all under extreme pressure. This flex resistance allows all power to be diverted directly to the sturdy gear system and gives you an incredible ability to land large bass quickly.

The reel weighs in at 9.9oz and has a 6.2:1 gear ratio with 39” line retrieval rate, one of the highest rates for reels on this list. It has great line capacity and can be spooled with 200yds of 10lbs or 280 yards of 15lb test braided line.

This reel utilizes six Shimano’s A-ARB bearings as well as a Super Stopper anti-reverse roller bearing.

The sealed drag system on the Stradic uses felt and stainless steel washers and can provide an incredible 24lbs of max pressure.

On top of all of this is the Power Roller II line management system that eliminates nearly 50% of all line twist. This paired with the unique spool lip design and spool angle provides the Shimano Stradic with some of the best line management in the business.

CHECK THE PRICE ON THE SHIMANO STRADIC 4000XGFK HERE

Take a closer look in the following video:

Specs: (40S Model)

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Bearing Count: 9+1
• Reel Size: 40
• Line Capacity:  8lb/270 yard, 10lb/190 yards
• Dual Force Drag System
• Instant Reverse
• Weight: 10.8 oz
• Max. Drag: 20lb

TheOkuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel is the next reel we are going to take a closer look at.

The first feature that I really like about this reel is that it is extremely lightweight. It weighs in at 10.8 ounces. This is mainly because of its unique design.

It uses a hybrid design including both graphite and aluminum reel parts to provide both lightness and durability to the reel that is available in both left and right-hand orientation. Basically what they did is put aluminum where you need strength and graphite where it is not essential to the performance of the reel. This means much lighter reel that was built to last. The anodized aluminum is covered in a burnt orange finish for a unique looking reel.

This model has a gear ratio of 6.2:1 making it ideal for using with high retrieval techniques often used during bass fishing.

This reel uses a precision Dual Force Drag system (DFD) that uses washers both on top and below of the spool for the front drag. What this system allows is a sustained and constant pressure on the reel when big bass make their run. It also helps increase the overall max pressure of the reel. The drag system is also housed in an aluminum drag chamber for added protection.

The Trio High Speed Reel also utilizes the unique RES II rotor system that results in a well balanced and smooth oscillation of the rotor for an even line lay and limited line twist.

The Okuma Trio High Speed has no limits. Take this reel freshwater or saltwater fishing.

Specs: (4000BG Model)

• Ball Bearing: 6+1
• Line Capacity: Mono, 10/300 yards, 12/260 yards, 14/210 yards
• Line Capacity: Braid, 20/370 yards, 30/280 yards, 40/200 yards
• Gear Ratio: 5.7:1
• Maximum Drag 17.6
• Weight 14.3 ounces
• Saltwater Approved

The Daiwa BG4000 is one of the most durable reels on this list. The bodies are black anodized aluminum with a machine cast aluminum handle, bail, and spool.

The overall weight of this reel is 14.1oz. They are also visually stunning with a black finish and gold trim, if you’re concerned with the look, this model looks like a bass catcher.

The graphite air rotor design also reduces the overall weight while still maintaining strength and durability. The smooth rotation also lays line down evenly across the spool, producing a more repeatable and smooth cast.

Daiwa BG uses a sealed “Carbon ATD” drag system that applies drag evenly across the reels entire rang up to the max drag of 17.6lbs.

This reel has a 6+1 bearing count with the anti-reverse bearing. These bearings are found in the high-end price range of spinning reels and provide one of the smoothest reels not only on this list but in the spinning reel universe. The oversized computer designed gears also result in a smooth performing reel regardless of the stress put on this reel.

The BG 4000 has a gear ratio of 5.7:1 with an incredible 39.9” line retrieval rate. The reel also features great spool capacity with its ABS spool design and can hold 300 yds of 10lb mono and 370yds of 20lb braided line.

The BG 4000 model has speed but pairs this with incredible cranking power. This is often a tradeoff for spinning reels, but Diawa has done a masterful job incorporating both into the BG reel.

>>CHECK THE PRICE ON THE DAIWA BG4000 HERE <<

See this reel in action in the following video:

Specs:

• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Retrieve Rate: 26 inches
• Bearing Count: 8
• Line Capacity: Mono 8lb/150yards, Braid 20/160yards
• Instant Reverse
• Ceramic Drag System
• Weight: 8.6oz
• Max. Drag: 16 lb

If you are looking for a spinning reel that is going to get attention you need to pick up a Quantum Fishing Accurist 25. This reel is equipped with 8 ball bearing drag system making it smooth as butter. It is built on an aluminum frame with a lightweight roter. Overall the reel weighs 8.6 ounces, but has a maximum drag of 16 pounds.

One of my favorite features is the nickle titanium wire bail. With all my time fishing I have found two things that are the main culprets of damaged spinning reels: water damage and a bent bail. However, because the bail of this spinning reel is made from titanium,  if it gets bent you can easily bend it back to its original shape. Couple that with a double-anodized Maxcast II spool and you have a reel was built to survive some serious damage.

If you are looking for a reel with premium features at a lower price point I would definitely recommend you check out the Quantum Fishing Accurist 25.

>>Check the price on the Quantum Fishing Accurist 25 HERE <<

Learn more about the great features:

Final Thoughts…
So, we took a look at several reels, which one is the best spinning reel? Which spinning reel should I get. Well that really comes down to personally preference and your fishing needs.

If you are going to be saltwater fishing and need something that is corrosive resistant I would definitely go with either the Abu Garcia Revo SX40, Penn Battle II 4000 or the Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel.

If you are just looking for something simple and yet a quality product I would go with the Shimano SEC4000FE.

Lastly if you just want something different, but still high quality for a lower price I would recommend the Quantum Fishing Accurist 25.

Please share with us your thoughts in the comments below. What do you think is the best spinning reel?