The Best Spinning Reels Under 100 In 2024

Many fishermen (and women) find that it can be difficult to decide which spinning reel is the right choice for their needs. There are so many great reels on the market that finding the best one requires the individual to test and try options that are recommended for their needs. In the past, most fishers preferred the standard baitcaster reels, but today nearly all fishers prefer spinning reels.

Here is a quick look at the top considerations that you should make when purchasing a new spinning reel.

There are many different features and benefits that you will need to be aware of when shopping for a spinning reel. That being said, these are some of the different options that you must consider and have a basic understanding of before making your choice.

• The Drag System – One of the first considerations that you should make with a spinning real is to look at the quality of the drag system. This is more important with the larger sized reels as they are used to fish for the bigger fish species that are known to fight when caught on a line. You want a drag system that is smooth and allows for larger fish to be caught on smaller lines. The drag should smoothly engage when your hook feels a pull from a fish. If your drag is not smooth, you are likely going to lose the fish as your line breaks off.
• Adjustable Drag – There are two different types of drag systems, front, and rear. A front drag system is more common and is controlled by a dial whereas a rear drag system is not as common and is controlled by a knob. The controls allow you to choose the tension by turning the knob or dial. The drag is generally going to be better with a more expensive reel, but all of the reels that I featured are affordable and have a drag system that is remarkably smooth.
• Line Capacity & Spool Size – There are typically three or four different sizes of spinning reels. As you increase the size of the spool, the line capacity increases. The spool will have two different line spool capacities, one of which is for a braided line and the other is for the monofilament. Braided lines have a smaller diameter for a higher level of strength. Some spinning reels will come with a second spool to use during an emergency or for different line capacities.
• Total Weight & Frame Material – Aluminum, magnesium, plastic, and carbon are the common materials used to make reel frames. The most common materials used are aluminum and plastic. Higher-end reels will feature magnesium and carbon as they are best for their low weight and durability.
• Aluminum or Carbon Reels – I recommend that you choose reels that are made from aluminum or carbon. The reason that I prefer these two materials is that the price remains affordable with the highest possible durability and quality. Plastic reels are not going to last as long as they easily break. Magnesium reels are the most expensive category.
• Recovery Rate of Line – The line recovery rate is the amount of line in inches that is taken up and back with one full turn of the handle. The spinning reel typically recovers more inches of line with each spin than what would be recovered with a baitcaster.
• Bearings – A spinning reel should have between four and five bearings. If there are more, that does not mean that the reel is better. Most master fishermen will tell you that four or five bearings are all that is needed. The bearings help to make it smooth when the handle and spool turn together. The number of bearings does not affect this. The reels that have eight bearings or more have replaced bushings inside the reel with bearings which is not necessary.
• Anti-Reverse – The anti-reverse feature in the reel will keep the reel from being able to unwind if it is not intentional. If a reel features an anti-reverse, it is going to be controlled by a switch or lever located towards the butt of the reel. Freshwater reels will typically feature anti-reverse and most people use this feature. For saltwater reels, this is not as common.