Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 – The Ultimate Review 2018

Fishing is an exciting activity when you have the right equipment. Baitcasting reels are among the most important tools for anglers. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional angler, choosing the best baitcasting reel under $100 can be a daunting experience.

The use of baitcasting reel is one of the most versatile angling techniques, especially where the light line spinning reel isn’t convenient.  For larger fish, there will always be a struggle before you get them out of the water. Baitcasting reels support the struggle letting you emerge the winner.

Besides giving you a deep understanding of some of the best angling tools, this guide keeps you within budget.

Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 [Comparisons]

Abu Garcia Pro Max Low-Profile Baitcasting Reel

If you are an entry level bass fisher, you might consider Pro max low profile baitcasting reel. It is offered as an inexpensive version of Abu Garcia’s Revo SX, a premium reel for all levels of anglers. It is a lightweight reel that offers reliable performance.

Created for beginners, the reel features 7 stainless steel ball bearings and a single roller bearing to offer great smoothness. This is coupled with a MagTrax brake system to offer you control during fishing.

The reel offers high range crankbait casting and withstands high-resistance loads. Its power disk system gives you a smooth drag irrespective of the drag range. You have a maximum drag of 18 pounds, which is enhanced by an anti-reverse feature.

Though designed lightweight with precise details, the reel is highly durable. It features a double-anodized aluminum spool, a graphite frame with graphite side plates. For overall performance, the Pro Max has a 7:1 gear ratio; this is recommended for all levels, but mostly for entry level anglers.

The overall build is ergonomic, allowing you to spend long hours fishing and not feel fatigued. Its compact bent handle gives you leverage without requiring too much energy from you. A recessed reel foot enhances the overall design of the reel, giving you greater control. At only 7.3 ounces, this baitcasting reel is light enough for all anglers.

Pros:

• Offered with an ergonomic design for comfortable use
• Designed lightweight, yet strong for big fish
• Adjustable brake system comes excellent for beginners
• 18 pounds drag limit allows you smooth drag
• Extremely affordable

Cons:

• Offered as a single model; only with a 7:1 gear ratio

Kastking Royale Legend High-Speed-Profile Baitcast Reel

This is a low profile baitcasting reel designed to offer silky smooth performance. You will love its overall design and more so its performance. The reel is offered with a centrifugal and magnetic 10 level brake system, giving you maximum control as an angler. Even better, its anti-reverse feature gives you more control when dragging.

The reel is offered with a 7:0:1 brass gear ratio. This is a great ratio for high-speed casting. Unlike the Abu Garcia Pro Max, this features 11+1 noise-free ball bearings for precise long range casting. These ball bearings are corrosion resistant. It has a ceramic line guide that you can use with braided fishing line or monofilament line.

Kastking Royale Legend sports an over-sized handle without adding bulk. These stainless steel handles are fitted with non-slip foam grips that wick away moisture and ensure comfort when you are out fishing for long periods. A CNC machined aluminum spool offers a long functional life for your reel without adding weight.

The spool offers up to 17.5 pounds drag. The spool is light enough not to offer you fatigue but still strong enough for enhanced performance. Even better, it features carbon fiber star drag system for optimal performance.

All the features of this reel are corrosion resistant and, therefore, easy to maintain. The baitcasting reel is ideal for any level of an angler in need of a low-cost reel that will offer the features of a premium reel.

Pros:

• Great geometry for comfortable use and optimal performance
• A reliable magnetic braking system
• Designed with a powerful spool
• Foam padded oversized handles offer great comfort for all-day users
• Overall performance good for all levels of baitcasters

Cons:

• Relatively high noise

Lew’s Fishing Speed Pool LFS Baitcast Reel

The frame design of Speed Pool LFS Baitcast Reel from Lew’s Fishing has been upgraded to offer anglers the geometry they need for a silky smooth spin casting reel. The new frame is one-piece, made of die-cast aluminum. It features removable graphite side plates, giving it great adjust ability.

Besides enhancing performance, the new plate weighs only 7 ounces. This low weight is facilitated by the LFS frame platform. LFS platform has ensured the weight is ergonomically distributed and reduced. This platform also reduced the distance between zirconia line guides, allowing you to cast over long distances.

The U-style spools are made of anodized aluminum. The unit comes with a premium drive system whose performance feels smooth. 9-double shielded stainless steel bearings enhance drag. The durable Rulon drag system allows you to drag up to 10 pounds. The reel’s gearing is made of high strength brass. This, coupled with other durable components, increases the overall durability of the reel.

An adjustable magnetic brake system allows reel control. This is coupled with anti-reverse bearings for improved fishing especially for beginners in fishing. The unit has a 7.5:1 gear ratio. An anodized aluminum handle is fitted on this reel, giving you comfort while fishing for long periods. On this handle, custom paddle knobs are fitted for even more control.

Other features of this reel are zirconia line guide and external lube port. The manufacturer offers you a 1-year limited warranty, showing the quality of the reel. All Speed Pool LFS series are created for optimal performance. There are left-hand and right-hand versions.

Pros:

• Highly durable features
• Adjustable magnetic brake system and anti-reverse bearings give you control
• One-piece aluminum frame offers sturdiness
• Lightweight but strong
• Left and right-hand versions available
• Generous 1-year warranty

Cons:

• Bowed aluminum handles relatively less comfortable
• Bending the reel backward breaks the drag

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel

The Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel is one of the least expensive reels on this guide. It is designed for all levels of baitcasters, offering optimal performance at a fraction of the cost. The reel sports all standard baitcasting reel features and is expertly designed to allow ease of use, comfort, and long range casting.

You will love the durability of the reel. It is enhanced by CNC machined brass gearing. This gearing enhances a powerful drag beside durability. The 7:1:1 gear ratio allows high-speed and strong retrieve for the experienced baitcaster.

The unit is offered with a bigger gear as compared to conventional gears. This offers great power while operating smoothly in any situation. Even with a bigger gear, the weight of the reel remains low.

The reel sports 3-disc high-grade carbon fiber drag washers, allowing 18 pounds drag power. This offers enough power to handle the big fish that you are hunting. The gears are corrosion resistant. The 5 shielded stainless steel bearings offer superior smoothness when casting. You can be confident in your reel when fishing in freshwater as well as salt water.

For inexperienced anglers, the performance of this reel is enhanced by the use of double fishing line winding shafts that offer a more stable and more durable winding. A 10-level magnetic brake system offers great adjustability and control.

For even more control, the reel is offered with extended handles. These give you the power to pull the heaviest fish out of the water while being easy on your hands. At only 8 ounces, you are sure to use this reel all day and not feel fatigued.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Great adjustability for use in all conditions
• Highly durable construction
• Great drag for large fish
• Right handed and left handed versions available

Cons:

• Offered with only 5 bearings, reducing casting preciseness

KastKing Stealth Baitcast Reel

The KastKing Stealth Baitcast Reel is not only known for its great price-performance ratio, but also for its high-technology construction. The reels are made with the carbon fiber technology used in aerospace and racecar manufacturing.

This offers a construction stronger than aluminum or steel. This guarantees you durability and optimal performance. Even better, the reel is only 6 ounces. This is at least 20 percent less than conventional baitcasting reels. You can, therefore, cast longer with great preciseness.

With four-disc carbon fiber drag, this unit offers you the power you need to drag a 7.5 kg fish out of water. The performance of the unit is enhanced by 11 corrosion resistance bearings; these ensure you get great casting and retrieves. You are offered optimum line capacity to cast for long distances without too much effort.

A 4-pin, long-standing centrifugal braking system with 7 adjustment levels allows you great control. The braking system greatly reduces backlash while casting and retrieving. CNC aluminum spool offers a smooth spin to fly baits far. The forged aluminum gears offer precision while reducing the overall weight of the reel.

A 7:0:1 gear ratio offers fast retrieves. Even at the highest speed, the gear still operates at low-noise. The all-carbon construction is a deviation from the conventional aluminum of steel reel body. This new design offers great durability while shedding excess weight. Though it can work with other lines, when combined with KastKing braided line, it works optimally.

Pros:

• All carbon body is lightweight and strong
• 11+1 bearings for precise and smooth casting and retrieving
• Carbon fiber handle feel easy on your hands
• Highly powerful and adjustable braking system

Cons:

• Can offer a smoother performance

Daiwa Laguna 7.1:1 Baitcast Reel

This is another great reel that falls under the budget reels category. The reel is specifically designed for all-round fishing which means that it comes with all the right features to ensure that the reel stays in perfect condition despite harsh conditions when fishing in salt water.

I-shaped handles that ensure that there are less wobbling and more control. The handle feels soft to touch and is designed to be comfortable even when you have to hold it for hours.

5 ball bearing and a roller bearing which means that the reel comes with a six bearing system. The ball -bearing are corrosion resistant and made using durable stainless steel.

Just like the Kasting king reel discussed above, this reel also comes with a number of features designed to make fishing easy and fun and a solid construction that ensures durability.

The Laguna baitcast by Daiwa is a high-performance reel just like other Daiwa reels. The reel is made with the user in mind and is generally designed to make your work while fishing easy.

Thanks to its light weight and the general simplicity of the reel, this reel is user-friendly and ideal if you like uncomplicated reels that require minimal maintenance after use.

Just like any other fishing device, you have to take care of your Daiwa reel if you want it to last and offer optimal performance. You also need to follow manufacturer instructions when handling the reel so as to safeguard its integrity.

Pros:

• Light frame and the side plate which results in a light and easy to handle reel
• Magforce magnetic control put in place to prevent backlash
• Composite star drag that is easy to adjust and handle

Cons:

• Tinny noise but smooth cast

Piscifun Saex Premier Baitcasting Reel

Just starting out on bait fishing? This baitcasting reel might just be what you need. It’s an ultra-light reel designed to be 25% lighter compared to other models in its class.

In fact, this reel is the lightest in our list to make it less of a challenge to novice anglers. Despite its extremely lightweight construction, it still remains true to its durability.

Fabricated from high-strength aluminum and carbon, you get a fishing reel that’s able to withstand the test of time

This baitcasting reel has a perfect, all-around gear ratio of 6.5:1. Such impressive specs make it a versatile choice for use with crankbaits, topwater lures, and spinner baits.

It has 7 premium stainless steel bearings designed to provide a long-term smooth operation. Despite the super-lightweight construction, this fishing reel gives an impressive stopping power of 11.4 pounds. This makes it a perfect option for sail fishing.

The drag is generated by a non-asbestos gasket that provides the smoothness you need.

The reel has an anti-reverse feature to prevent backlashes when trying to cast in strong winds. Adjustable 270-degree magnetic brake helps you tame unfavorable winds at the touch of a finger. The brake system improves accuracy when making long casts.

Overall, this reel makes the cut for those looking for a smooth, ultra-light reel that provides ease of use and remarkable versatility. It’s a reel that you can trust to put up a good fight without leaving you feeling exhausted.

Piscifun Kylin Baitcasting Magnetic Salt Water Reel

Piscifun is known for its highly innovative reels among other fishing equipment. This reel is not any different. It has been proven to be a highly efficient reel that also comes with numerous features designed to ensure optimal performance.

The reel is quite sturdy and if user reviews are anything to go by, the Piscifun reel also provides a smooth line cast, high speed, and unrivaled precision.

Just like other baitcasting reels in this list, this Piscifun reel is nothing short of a high performance reel that promises smooth fishing. The magnetic brake system that can be adjusted to prevent backlash. The system is adjusted depending on the size of bait you plan to use.

High quality frame and spool made using strong but light aluminum alloy. It is both light and durable and it comes at a great price too. This is in addition to the fact that it is fast and generally easy to handle.

Pros:

• Graphite side plate that is sure to enhance durability and make the reel scratch resistant
• Ceramic line guide. The line guide is coated using titanium that works to reduce friction
• 3:11 gear ratio. The gear ratio ensures fast line retrieve
• 9 plus one ball bearing system

KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel

One the cost is friendly which makes it an ideal choice for people looking for an affordable baitcasting reel. It also promises fast and silent retrieve, it is light in weight, and it comes with a solid construction meaning that it will last for years if handled well.

The reel also enjoys users who have tested it and found it to be a highly functional and low maintenance piece. Sleek yet low profile style with chrome details and a unique red inlay that makes this reel,

Solid construction and a corrosion resistant ball bearing that promise durability, smooth casting, and easy retrieve.

Magnetic braking setup that makes it easy for you to control the reel and prevent line tangles when the lure in out of the water. The dual breaks in this reel also make it an ideal choice for those who engage in fishing tournaments as it is easy to fine tune.

Low focus bait caster which makes this one of the most silent reels you can buy. It is ideal if you like silent reels that are less likely to distract you while you are fishing.

All things considered, this Kastking creation is worth every penny and so much more. Buy it if you want a reel that will serve you well It helps that it is quite affordable not to mention the fact that it is also user-friendly.

A little maintenance will prolong the life of this baitcasting reel and ensure that you enjoy every fishing expedition you take.

Pros:

• 3 drug options that you tune to avoid bird-nesting and backlash
• Unparalleled performance in terms of speed
• Precision, and ease in handling

Abu Garcia BMAX2 Black Max Baitcast Reel

Take your fishing experience a notch higher with this baitcasting reel. This professional-grade reel is specially built with serious anglers in mind. It sports a one-piece graphite frame that provides the durability you need without adding excess weight.

The gears are made of brass, a material you can surely trust to extend the life of your reel. There are 4 stainless steel bearings and 1 roller bearing to make each cast and retrieval smooth and accurate.

The fast retrieval rate makes it a great option for fast action lures, such as buzz baits and spinner baits. This baitcasting reel makes use of a power disk drag system that provides a maximum stopping power of 18 pounds.

This makes it an ideal option for bottom fishing. The drag is smooth to ensure that your catch doesn’t get away.

You’ll find the magnetic brake system of this reel quite handy when making long casts. The brake functions to keep backlashes at a minimum, especially when casting in strong winds.

An instant anti-reverse feature keeps the reel from turning backward and lets the drag control your catch. This reel doesn’t disappoint when it comes to ergonomics.

It has a compact bent handle and recessed foot heel to ensure you get hours of comfort when out there fishing.

Overall, this reel is no doubt the number one pick based on performance. When tough fishing calls, this should be one of the best baitcasting reels for the job.

How to Choose Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100

When shopping for the best baitcasting reel for the money, you need to know which features to look out for. Most buyers consider the weight and the price of the reel when shopping and end up compromising on other vital features.

Gear Ratio

Gear ratio shows the number of spool turns on one handle revolution. Higher gear ratios mean that you retrieve with much ease. Common ratios are 7:1:1, 6:4:1 and 5:3:1. A 6:4:1 is an all-round ratio, offering you faster retrieves while requiring less effort from you. You can also use it for more fishing techniques. Low gear ratios are ideal for baits that fall hard.

Spool Size

Larger spools are ideal for anglers who love to fish heavy line such as 20-pound fluorocarbon. This spool creates small line coils that you can manage easily. Smaller spools are ideal for short line uses such as pitching and flipping.

Handle

Low profile baitcasting reels are offered with different handle sizes. Shorter handles are fitted on compact reels. These short handles are ideal for most fishing applications such as fishing a jig or a worm, but will not work well when handling swimbaits or crankbaits. With an extended handle, you have more torque to winch fish out.

Also, consider the grip of the reel. If the grip does not feel comfortable or is not designed with comfortable material, you may not be able to use it all day.

Brake and Tension System

A tensioning system allows you control when you are casting, while a brake system allows you control at the end of the cast. The brakes are especially important when casting into the wind since the spool spins faster than the bait.

When a reel combines a good braking and tension system, it gives you the ability to cast for longer distances with minimal backlash.

Useful Tips

Materials Matter

Reels are either made of carbon, stainless steel, graphite or aluminum. The material of the reel will determine its weight, strength, and its durability. While aluminum is considered a lightweight material, manufacturers are using advanced technology to reduce and ergonomically distribute weight for lighter reels even with stainless steel.

An all-carbon reel is lighter than aluminum, stronger, and more durable. Steel is a durable and strong material, but it is relatively heavy. Graphite looks great on reels. However, there are only a few reels made of all-graphite.

Low Cost Does not Mean Low Quality

Of the reels reviewed above, the lowest priced retails at as low as $35, while the highest priced costs as high as $99.99. Though these reels are offered at a fraction of the cost when compared to premium reels, they have all conventional reel features with some offering even more.

You will be able to enjoy all the benefits of a high-quality baitcasting fishing reel, including durability and great smoothness while paying less.

Using Tips: Baitcasting for Beginners!

Maintain your Baitcasting Reel for a Smooth Drag

With time, the drag washers will be clogged with salt, dirt, and sand. When this happens, you will experience a sticky drag. Though you may be offered with 10 or more steel bearings, without proper maintenance, the smoothness of the drag will worsen.

You will need, therefore, to remove the washers, clean them with a wet cloth, and oil them. While removing the washers, be sure to check the order in which they are arranged.

Why do you need baitcasting reels?

Baitcasting reels offer you three important advantages. First off, you can use them on heavier lines with ease. Second, you are offered more power that you would get with an excellent spinning reel. Thirdly, a good baitcasting combo gives you more control than other reels. You get pinpoint accuracy with a few days of using a baitcasting reel.

Final Verdict

You can get the best baitcasting reel under 100 dollars by reading user reviews online, but you will still need to know the features to look for when shopping. This allows you the privilege of choosing a reel that will match your needs.

Spending huge sums of money on a reel does not guarantee good performance, but spending time looking at the features a reel has to offer does. You can compare the different reels on the review section above to choose the one that fits you. Though they are all under $100, there are still great differences in their prices.

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