Want the performance of an expensive spinning reel without the premium price tag? I spent a day testing some top-selling budget options at a private lake to find out which ones actually deliver.
Last updated: January 2nd, 2025
Best Overall: PENN Fierce IV Spinning Reel
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why I Chose It
Wish I knew this earlier: The PENN Fierce IV performs like a $200 reel. Here’s why.
I put this reel through its paces along a grass line, throwing a white 4″ Zoom Fluke on a weightless keeper hook.
Not only did I land 4 bass (there’s nothing quite like watching bass hit topwater Flukes!), but I really got to test its capabilities when a 3-pounder made a run straight into the lily stems.
This is what I loved about it during the test:
- The HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag System handled that 3-pounder beautifully, with smooth, consistent pressure and no jerky movements
- The Superline Spool let me spool up with thicker braided line and still manage to get a ton of line on it
- 5 total bearings made for a decent retrieve in terms of smoothness (though for even smoother action, I’ll suggest the more expensive PENN Battle IV)
Overall, the PENN Fierce IV impressed me enough to rank it as the best overall spinning reel under $100 (models with 5.2:1 or 6.2:1 gear ratios in sizes 1000-4000).
It’s fantastic and it’s a PENN…what more do I need to say!
Best Saltwater: Abu Garcia Elite Max Spinning Reel
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why I Chose It
Many budget reels fall apart in saltwater conditions. The Abu Garcia Elite Max was different.
I was impressed by how many premium features they packed into this well-built spinning reel while keeping it under $100.
The Elite Max outperformed other budget reels in the casting department. The patented Rocket Spool Lip Design worked flawlessly – I watched the line flow smoothly off the spool with noticeably fewer rebounds off the spool wall.
Add in 7 corrosion-resistant ball bearings, and you’ve got solid protection against saltwater intrusion.
Drag is usually where budget reels cut corners. However, the Elite Max’s carbon drag system impressed me with its high-end feel and sound – something you typically only find in pricier models.
That said, I think what really makes this reel shine for saltwater use is its durable carbon body and larger sizing (30).
While perfect for inshore fishing, note that the size might be overkill for bass fishing. If you’re targeting bass, consider the Pflueger President in sizes 20 or 25 instead.
Overall, the Abu Garcia Elite Max performs like a much more expensive reel. I find it to be an excellent choice for saltwater anglers on a budget.
Best Ultralight: Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why I Chose It
Some anglers make one critical mistake with ultralight reels: choosing a reel that’s too big for the rod.
After testing the Pflueger President, I discovered why size matters – trying to force a normal spinning reel onto an ultralight rod almost always ends in disaster because the reel outweighs the rod.
At just 6.2 pounds for size 20, the President is built specifically for lightweight applications. During my testing, I paired it with a 6’8″ Medium action Abu Garcia Veritas rod and worked the bank with a Rapala Ultra Light Shad.
When a 1.5-pound largemouth made a deep run, the 7 lb. drag screamed for about 5 seconds before I could start turning the handle. It handled the fight beautifully.
The casting impressed me – smooth operation with no bail wire hiccups. Line flowed freely off the spool, letting me consistently land within two feet of the bank (which led to that nice bass).
It reminded me of Pflueger’s pricier Patriarch Spinning Reel, though the Patriarch does offer more drag and smoother retrieval with its 11 ball bearings.
One note: After taking a wave over the bow of my boat, the reel made a temporary grinding noise (like it had sand in it) that disappeared once it dried out.
Not a big deal, but worth mentioning.
As a bonus, the graphite construction makes this reel cold-proof, so it can also double up as an ice fishing reel.
Overall, when it comes to ultralight applications targeting bream and bass, I feel the Pflueger President offers exceptional value.
Most Versatile: Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why I Chose It
Right out of the box, the Shimano Sedona FI was one of the lightest reels I tested, and its rigid construction impressed me – when I twisted the handle against its normal motion, there was no play or noise that would indicate a weak body.
I took the 1000 model bass fishing, rigging it with a red Rebel Crawfish to take advantage of its 5.0:1 gear ratio. Working the crank horizontally along the shoreline, I caught four bass, with the biggest hitting two pounds.
When that fish made its run, the drag performed smoothly, though I did need to make a quick adjustment using the perfectly placed top knob.
The Sedona made noticeably long casts without any line twists or jams.
One minor note: the bail closes with the slightest touch when open – I accidentally knocked it with my knuckle mid-cast. If this concerns you, the Shimano Nasci FC, which I also tested, offers a more resistant bail.
What really sets this reel apart is its range – available in sizes 1000 to 8000, it’s equally at home on freshwater bass or offshore saltwater trips.
Overall, I can say that the Shimano Sedona FI was hands down the most versatile reel I used on during my test.
Best for Bass: Lew’s KVD Spinning Reel
Specs
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Why I Chose It
After fishing with it all morning, I feel the Lew’s KVD Spinning Reel may be the most complete spinning reel for bass fishing.
It’s packed with features that really stood out during my test – from the high-end soft EVA handle knob and tough aluminum body to a whopping 10 ball bearings that deliver an incredibly smooth retrieve.
I fished with the size 200 model along 1.3 miles of shoreline (yes, I drained my trolling motor battery) and landed 7 bass.
The real test came when a 3.5-pound bruiser crushed my MiniMax Chatterbait. The 14 lb drag system handled the fight beautifully, letting me guide that female bass right to the net.
The buttery-smooth retrieve (reminds me of the Daiwa Fuego LT) makes this reel a joy to fish. It comes in three sizes (200, 300, and 400), all featuring a 6.2:1 gear ratio – great for most applications though perhaps a little slow for cranking.
All in all, whether you’re just starting out or have been fishing for years, the KVD performs well above its price point.
Testing Procedure
The private lake where I held my test provided me with a lot of different fishing situations including deep drop-offs, sand bars, submerged logs, and lily pads.
But more importantly, it was stocked with big bass because that is the result of a stern size limit of 18 inches.
I figured I would need to test the drag system on these reels and these 5+ pound fish would be the perfect fish to do it.
During my time on the water I specifically focused on these qualities that each reel possessed:
- Construction: Finding a well built reel for under $100 can be a challenge. During my test, I examined each reel and ranked each one according to the material used to make it and how well the reel is put together.
- Drag System: Here is where a lot of manufacturers cut corners. Having a strong drag system is important. Not only does a great drag help with reducing line breakage, it also gives the angler an advantage when tiring out those big bass.
During my weekend I kept a keen eye (and ear) on the drag systems especially when those big fish made hard runs.
- Ball Bearings: A true sign of a high-end reel is how many ball bearings it has. Generally, the more bearings a reel has, the smoother the retrieve.
I tested out these budget reels to find which ones excelled in the retrieve department.
- Weight: When it comes to spinning reels, the weight of the reel is very important. You don’t want the reel throwing off the balance of the rod that you are using.
During my test, I checked all the reels to see if they matched up to their specified weights.
How to Choose a Spinning Reel Under $100
When choosing a spinning reel under 100 bucks you’re going to have to focus on the most important features. Ball bearings, drag, and body construction.
Ball Bearing Systems
Typically the more ball bearings that are inside the spool, the smother the reel is going to be. However, if the bearings are made of cheap material, that’s not always going to be the case.
A good starting point is at least 4 bearings.
Look at what the bearings are made of and go from there. High quality material like stainless steel is what you are looking for when choosing a spinning reel with a good ball bearing system.
Drag System
The drag system is easily one of the most important parts of any fishing reel as it will likely be the make-or-break factor that determines whether you’re going to get that big bass in the boat.
Make sure the reel offers a quality front drag, as well as rear drag. A smooth, consistent drag pull is important for tiring big bass.
This is where manufacturers often try and cut corners so inspect that max drag spec and try to get a reel with a max drag of at least 11 lbs.
Construction
Just because a reel’s under $100 doesn’t mean it has to be made of cheap material.
The best spinning reels on the market are going to feature a full-metal construction including a side plate and anodized gear that protects you against saltwater.
You’ll also see a lot of reel manufacturers use phrases like “Hagane body” or “G-Free Body.”
These are basically fancy and trademarked ways for them to say that their body is made using all metal, it’s locked tight, so nothing gets in, and it won’t flex or bend when you put excess pressure on it.
These are all important factors to consider.
Final Thoughts
During my test of numerous spinning reels at the trophy lake, I found some really solid reels that were all under $100.
While there were a lot of tough choices, I feel I ended up with a list that will help point you in the right direction as far as choosing a spinning reel under $100
So let’s review our top pick!
For the best spinning reel overall, I chose the PENN Fierce IV. It was an outstanding reel and led the pack when it came to material makeup, smoothness, and max drag.
While the PENN Fierce IV won overall, you really can’t go wrong with all the reels mentioned in this guide.
Give them a try and tell me what you think! I’d love to hear from you!
