SPINNING REELS LISTS
Updated regularly




This page is my answer to the most frequent question I receive, which is "what is the best....". "Best" is a subjective term, so these are what I personally believe to be "the best" and you are urged to do your own research. The score given is based on my own formula for judging reliability, structural strength, longevity, ergonomics, aesthetics, features, and build quality, each making up a different portion of the total score according to importance. For instance reliability is the biggest portion of the score, while aesthetics is the smallest. The list covers reels from all over the world and is not  limited to what's available in the USA or Europe, hence there would be brands you've never heard of. I will update the lists frequently, and as always, you are welcome to contact me with any questions or thoughts.




Latest Changes:

* Fin Nor Sportfisher (AKA Biscayne) is gone from the sub-$100 table for being discontinued. Penn Fierce climbs up to #5.
* The Quantum Cabo 100/120 appear on a couple of tables.
* The 2010 Saltiga is gone because it's discontinued. Only reels in current production appear on the lists.
* The Spheros SW appears on a couple of lists.
* Added a new table for best budget long cast reels.
* Penn Battle is off the under $100 table as it's been discontinued.
* Shimano Power Aero Fliegen TD is gone from the long cast table for being discontinued.










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Best general use saltwater reels under $100
Rank
Reel
Score/100
#1
Daiwa SS Tournament
47
#2
Fin Nor Lethal (40/60/80 only)*
46
#3
Banax SX
43
#4
Daiwa Black Gold
38
#5
Penn Fierce
31
* Size 100 is a completely different reel

Best general use saltwater reels $100 to $250
Rank
Reel
Score/100
#1
Shimano Spheros SW
70
#2
Shimano Stradic FJ
69
#3
Quantum Cabo (60/80 only)
65
#4
Penn 704Z
60
#5
Fin Nor Offshore
46

Best budget long cast reels
Rank
Reel
Score/100
#1
Shimano Ultegra XTB CI4+
65
#2
Shimano Ultegra XSB CI4+
62
#3
Daiwa Windcast Z
49
#4
Daiwa Windcast X
45
#5
Daiwa Crosscast X
40

Reels I do not recommend

Penn Conquer  (Discontinued)
Named "Penn Atlantis" in the UK

DAM Quick Royal / ATC Astromac

Ajiking Wahoo
Also named "Tuff Tackle Sniper", "Black Marlin BM6500-BM9500", "Latitude SDS Pariah 10000", "XT Dogtooth Terminator", "Eldorado Senturi 16000SSW"

Ryobi Carnelian
Also named "Kewl Forge", "Grauvell Kona Molokai", "Tubertini AP Power"

Best budget offshore reels
Rank
Reel
Score/100
#1
Quantum Cabo 100/120
81
#2
Fin Nor Lethal 100
80
#3
Shimano Saragosa SW
73
#4
Shimano Spheros SW
70
#5
Tica Talisman
68

The Finest Offshore Spinning Reels in the World
Rank
Reel
Score/100
#1
Daiwa Saltiga Expedition
97
#2
Daiwa Catalina /Isla
88
#3
Penn Torque
84
#4
Quantum Cabo 100/120
81
#5
Fin Nor Lethal 100
80

Best long cast reels
Rank
Reel
Score/100
#1
Shimano Aero Technium Mgs XSB
Drag version of the JDM Super Aero Kisu Special Compe Edition
90
#2
Shimano Aero Technium Mgs XTB
84
#3
Shimano Aero Technium XTC
79
#4 (tie)
2013 Daiwa Tournament Surf 45-QD
76
#4 (tie)
Shimano Aero Technium XSC
76