The Best Baitcasting Reels
When fishing for larger lures, a baitcasting reel is needed for anglers. It is important to people where light line spinning reels don’t simply cut it. If you have the perfect baitcasting combo, you will be able to control your lure properly and allow you to pinpoint the placement of the lure. It is also easier to pull slouches out of deep water.
The best baitcasting reels? Among the best baitcasting reels in the market today are Shimano SLX 150 XG, Pflueger President XT, KastKing MegaJaws, and KastKing Speed Demon. They vary from price range, comfortability, and ultra-fast reel for professionals.
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In this article, you will be able to find some of the best baitcasting reels under a specific budget. These baitcasting reels will allow you to get your fishing skills on the next level. Check them out.
How Baitcasting Reel Works?
For those people who are wondering about the usage of a baitcasting reel as well as how does it work, you have landed to the right place.
While some fishermen are against the use of baitcasting reels and they choose to use the regular fishing method, a lot of professional anglers say that they prefer to use it.
To simplify what is baitcasting reel, it is a reel where you put on top of the casting rod that consists of a braking system, a spool tension knob, and a drag. The mechanism is pretty straightforward and the same in all reels.
However, there might be some modifications specifically made for left-handed anglers, right-handed anglers, or even low-profile and round versions.
To give you more knowledge about how baitcasting reel works, here are some of its features:
Drag And Braking System
When you tighten the drag part of the mechanism, you regulate the tension on your rod while fighting for fish. On the other hand, the braking system is similar to the braking system of cars.
It is responsible for the rotation speed of your spool when casting. If you are new to the idea of baitcasting, you might want to get familiar with the feel. Once you get used to it, you will find it easier to work on more brakes.
Spool Tension Knob
The spool tension knob is responsible for adjusting the spool speed. It is kind of like a braking system but on a higher level. If you want to pursue being a professional angler, you need to be familiar with this type of mechanism.
Though there are exceptions for level-wind because it is optional. Using your thumb is a good practice to distribute the line.
Still, controlling the brake, drag, and mastering the spool tension needs a lot of practice, and it separates the beginners from the professionals.
Top Baitcasting Reels
Now that you got an idea of how baitcasting works and the elements behind it. It is time to figure out which one is the best to get when looking out for baitcasting reels.
Here are some of the baitcasting reels you can choose from their usability to their price range. You might find something that will suit your taste and your budget.
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel
When you decide to get a baitcasting reel and looking for some affordable but reliable reel, this Piscifun Torrent is the perfect choice for you. It has a very low-profile, high-speed feature, and is silent at the same time.
You can catch any fish using this reel that can weigh up to 18 pounds.
It is a very durable product that can last for the years to come. Though there are some anglers, who are complaining about its spool tension know because it somehow doesn’t click well.
And it is time-consuming to maintain its shape. Other than that, this is a pretty fantastic choice if you are looking for a lower price reel.
Some features of this product include a carbon fiber drag and climate-resistant gears that are made of brass. It also comes in 5:3:1 and 7:1:1 gear ratio that is perfect for right-handed people and left-handed people, respectively.
It has over 30 inches of line retrieval, and it weighs only 8 ounces.
KastKing Royale Legend II
KastKing Royall Legend II is one of a kind with a smooth-looking and a very sturdy reel. It is a fantastic choice for anglers to look for a good reel that can have a good pitch jig and burning baits at a very high speed.
KastKing offers a wide variety of accessories that works well with them. It offers a budget-friendly price that gets the job done.
You just need to be careful with the reel, as many anglers who use this product reveal that to get the maximum performance, you need to oil it. You need to oil it before using it all the time to work well and serve for long.
Some features available in this product include a braking system made of a cross-fire eight magnet button. It has a double bearing pinion gear technology and has a CNC aluminum spool.
It only weighs for about 7.2 ounces and has a 17.6 pounds of drag. It also comes in 5:3:1 and 7:1:1 gear ratio that is perfect for right-handed people and left-handed people, respectively.
KastKing Royale Legend/Whitemax
KastKing Royale Legend/Whitemax is a top-grade that is built with a master baitcasting reel. It is very cheap and offers a great solution to fishers and anglers out there.
With more practice, you will be able to achieve and boost your accuracy. You will be able to feel the rod in your hands much better than any other type of reels.
When doing practice, you need to teach yourselves using guides from the magazines or search for a tutorial online. Just be mindful of setting your magnets properly before starting to practice with this reel.
Once you’re all good, you will realize that this is the perfect getaway for baitcasting fishing.
Some of the highlighted features include a low-profile design and a high-speed 7:0:1 gear ratio. It only weighs 7.7 ounces and has 17.5 pounds of drag. You can pick from two colors in a version for left-handed users and right-handed users.
Shimano SLX 150xg
If you are looking for a baitcasting reel that offers more value, this Shimano SLX is perfect for you. Shimano’s SLX 150XG is only a few dollars under $100, and it gets the job done and offers excellent performance.
It has a nice casting distance and cranks smoothness capability that few anglers are looking for. Also, it is a high-quality product that is getting a lot of buzzes this year because they are one of the best baitcasting reels under $100.
Some of the highlighted features include a 150 PowerPro line capacity and a metal reel body. It has six pins VBS adjustments and a low-profile reel. It has 3+1 ball bearings, and the drag is about 12 pounds.
Lew’s Mach Crush Speed Spool Baitcast Reel
The Lew’s Mach Crush Speed Spool Baitcast Reel is a slick-looking and sturdy reel. It is known to be the best reel for ergonomic baitcasting. This Lew’s product is an excellent choice for looking for a fantastic cast and retrieving it in your spool.
When you see it, it will give an excellent first impression. It fits perfectly in your hand, and it weighs perfectly. Make sure to oil it properly to prolong its usability.
Some highlighted features include a 10-bearing system and double-shielded ball bearings. It also has a zero reverse one-way clutch and a side plate for quick release.
It has a very lightweight spool 32mm aluminum, and a Winn Dri-Tac handle. It can also get up to 200 yards of a pool that contains a 20-pound braided line.
Pflueger President XT
If you are annoyed with backlashes and some bird nests, this Pflueger President XT will take care of that for you. As long as you have the dedication to practice, it has everything you need to become a professional angler who loves baitcasting reel.
The casting is pretty well done, and you can fight huge fish that can weigh up to 15 pounds. It won’t be that easy in your first try, but as long as you keep on honing that skill, you’ll be surprised by this product.
Some features include a 9-bearing system and have a low-profile. It comes with a 7:3:1 gear ratio, and it is made from stainless steel with an aluminum frame. It only weighs 7.4 ounces, the drag is 12 pounds and can hold up to 170 yards of line.
You can also find an adjustable magnetic brake system.
KastKing MegaJaws
Another KastKing made it on this list, and this time, it is the MegaJaws. This product is also under $100, and it offers smooth, fasts, and rests comfortably in your hands.
It feels like it became an extension of your hands, which is why this is a special kind of baitcasting reel. It has an adaptable spool tension that makes it easier to fine-tune the reel. This product is the perfect reel for you if you are looking for high-end quality performance.
Some of the highlighted features include a funnel-shaped line and a low-profile frame. It also has some aluminum handle that contains rubber knobs. It has a total of 8 magnets and 11+1 double shielded bearings. The drag is 17.6 pounds, and it comes in 4 different colors.
Piscifun Phantom Carbon
Piscifun Phantom Carbon baitcasting reel is known for its accuracy, tightness, and precision. They are very affordable compared to another professional baitcasting reel.
They perform quite well and will give you the performance you can get from its low-standpoint price.
It has very comfortable handles that are firm and nice to your palm, and it can also be adjusted. It might require some time, but once you can fine-tune it, it will be the best and smoothest reel you ever cast.
Some highlighted features include dual brakes and a premium carbon fiber frame. It has a 17 pounds drag and a 7:0:1 gear ratio. The reel consists of a 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings and has a dynamic 6-pin centrifugal and magnetic brakes.
It is very lightweight and only weighs 5.7 oz.
Kastking Speed Demon
This KastKing reel is famous for its reasonable price, and it offers an extra fast baitcasting reel. Just the name speaks for itself. It can go fast with a gear ratio of 9:3:1. It is very precise, smooth, and sturdy.
It is a must-try if you are looking for an affordable reel that gets the job done.
Some highlighted features include a 12:1 shielded ball bearings and a 3-disc carbon fiber star drag system. The drag is over 13.2 pounds and suits any lines up to 20 pounds. You will be able to enjoy its 115mm handle and an overall weight of 8.3oz.
Abu Garcia Black Max (BMAX3)
Abu Garcia Black Max is the perfect choice for beginners. It is a must-try for people who are just new in baitcasting reels or whoever wants to get into it. This product offers smoothness, a useful casting feature, and plenty of drag.
With only limited and consistent practice, you will get the hang of it. Just one thing to note here: BMAX3-L and BMAX3-C are units made for left-handed anglers. Be careful to pick the right one that works for you.
Some of the highlighted features include 4-stainless ball bearings and a low-profile reel. It also comes with a power disk and MagTrax brake system and a 6:4:1 gear ratio.
It can hold over 80 yards of line with 30 pounds mono and over 110 yards with braided 30 pounds line. It is 18 pounds of maximum drag and comes in black and red colors.
Advantages Of Baitcasting Reels
When planning to be a professional angler, it is essential to know that high-quality spinning reels and baitcasting reels should be your top priority. There are many ways and techniques you should know that works best when used with a baitcasting combo.
Heavier Line
When talking about the baitcasting reel, the spool’s axis of rotation is usually perpendicular to the rod guides. It means that the line comes off directly through the line guide and goes straight to the rod guides.
It makes it easier to use heavier lines, either it is a 10 -20 test on average and heavier catches. Just take note that an excellent baitcasting setup should be able to cast lures from a quarter to 1oz and more.
Less Line Twist
The most common enemy of good casting is the line twist, and spinning reels often get a line twist. Baitcasters spool the line perpendicular to the axis of the spool.
It means that the only line twist imparted to your line will only be coming from your lure. It usually happens when fishing soft plastics.
Longer Casts
Baitcasters can easily outcast spinning gears, and this happens when paired with the right rod. The line comes directly off the spool going straight out of the rod guides.
It is compared to the uncoiling of the outfit of the spinning. You can’t really beat the bait caster for bombing hard baits and jigs.
More Power
If we compare this product to spinning reels, bait casters have more power because of their spool design and layout. The spool works perfectly together with the handle and gears.
For this reason, the reel can apply more power and torque. Another reason for it is because the handles are mounted straight to the reel frame. There is no lever arm to cause more flex when reeling a big catch.
More Control
Using baitcasting reel combos, it provides more casting control compared to spinning gear. It is because you control it from a distance and speed of your lure by thumbing the spool when you perform a cast.
Once you’re able to master it, you can achieve higher accuracy when it comes to your casts. It gives you the authority to place your lure exactly where the fishes are.
Conclusion
To conclude, professional anglers believe that using baitcasting reel is better than other lures because it enhances their reliability and can better adjust their casts.
Not to mention that baitcasting can offer a more advanced braking system, allowing it to provide better fishing experience. Its advanced braking system is what makes it different from an ordinary spin-cast reel.
Even though this type of reel requires a lot of practice, all you need to do is to be consistent and practice every day.
If you are looking for the best baitcasting reels, you can have a wide range of products to choose from. To end up with the right one for you needs, make sure to know the characteristics of an effective and high-quality baitcasting reel.
Check out the items from the list of baitcasting reels that are available above to find the perfect one for your needs and start your angler journey.
