Finding the best fishing gear is essential for each and every fisherman. This value certainly applies to casting reels, as they tend to be slightly more complicated than their spinning reel counterparts. With regular practice, mastering the art of these reels can be incredibly fulfilling, and can tremendously improve overall technique.
Casting reels are typically sought after for two principal components: precision and strength. By their nature, these reels are meant to provide increased control over each and every cast, allowing anglers to control speed, distance, and accuracy.
Not only do they provide a more accurate cast, but they can also handle heavier line weights and even heavier baits. For anglers who are after larger and stronger fish, casting reels are often the reels of choice. Their enhanced strength and control are ideally suited to handle even the largest species of fish.
For this type of reel model, strength and precision go hand-in-hand, and the best casting reels will combine the two to provide a thorough and precise fishing experience.
Table of Contents
5 Top-Rated Casting Reels
Looking at highly reviewed casting reels is an efficient way to determine which models and components work best. To aid anglers in the search for the best reels to invest in, our review has compiled a listing of the best reels currently on the market.
- Abu Garcia REVO SX
- 9 stainless steel ball bearings
- X2-Craftic alloy frame
- D2 Gear System
- Ergonomic handle design
- Avet 5.3:1 Lever Drag Reel
- 8 stainless steel ball bearings
- Exclusive cast-control system
- Increased strength and corrosion resistance
- Smooth performance
- Pflueger Patriarch LP
- Instant anti-reverse bearing
- Ultimate Brake System
- 20 lb. max drag
- Double anodized aluminum spool
- Lew's Speed Spool Reel
- 10 stainless steel ball bearings
- Zirconia line guide
- Diecast aluminum casing
- Stainless steel zero-reverse clutch
- Abu Garcia Classic
- 6-pin centrifugal brake
- 3 Ball Bearing System
- Carbon Matrix drag system
- 5.3:1 Gear Ratio
These reels have generated high numbers of positive customer reviews and tend to offer an overall combination of
1. Abu Garcia REVO SX Low Profile Baitcast Reel
Abu Garcia is continuously improving the way that reels are made, and the REVO SX model is the perfect example of enhanced features can enhance even the highest technology. This professional grade reel provides maximum durability through the X2-Craftic alloy frame, increasing corrosion protection.
The handle side plate is constructed from C6 carbon, which helps reduce overall weight without sacrificing strength. In fact, this model is up to 27% lighter than the previous generation of REVO casting reels.
With all-around lighter construction, the Abu Garcia REVO SX helps prolong time spent on the water without straining hands and wrists. The enhanced D2 gear design is a key factor to what makes Abu Garcia casting reels so valuable and sought-after.
Gears are not only more efficient, but they are also more durable, promising long-lasting use of Abu Garcia casting reels. With a 6.4:1 gear ratio, speed, and strength are two main components of the Abu Garcia REVO SX casting reel, making this model stand far ahead of similar reels.
2. Avet 5.3:1 Lever Drag Conventional Reel
The Avet Lever Drag Conventional Reel is a superb example of how performance and durability can naturally accompany casting reels. The frame, spool, and
The eight stainless steel ball bearings give this Avet casting reel a silky smooth performance while simultaneously increasing casting distance.
Their exclusive
3. Pflueger Patriarch LP Baitcast Reel
This low-profile reel from Pflueger is in high demand, coming with an array of positive reviews. It isn’t difficult to see exactly why this model has won so many high ratings. With ten double shielded stainless steel ball bearings, this reel model comes with inherent speed and smooth release for each and every cast.
Their patented and fully adjustable Ultimate Brake System combines magnetic and centrifugal brakes to provide nearly limitless cast control.
The rigid aluminum frame is coated in titanium to ensure ultimate durability throughout the life of the casting reel. Additionally, the double anodized aluminum spool provides excellent protection against corrosion and harmful wear and tear.
At 10.4 ounces, this reel is large enough to carry substantial strength without causing excess strain on the fishing rod. For those looking to lure in larger species of fish, the Pflueger Patriarch LP Baitcast Reel is a perfect option.
4. Lew's Speed Spool Baitcasting Reel
As one of the original manufacturers of low-profile casting reels, Lew’s is making a sizeable comeback with their new and improved reel lineup. The Speed Spool is one of the top-rated reels, due to its enhanced speed and precision for pitching and flipping.
Weighing only 7 ounces, the Speed Spool is one of the most durable and lightweight designs available. With a 6.8:1 gear ratio, the 10 stainless steel ball bearings work hard to make sure that each and every cast is as quick and accurate as possible.
With custom SoftTouch paddle knobs, Lew’s Speed Spool model enables anglers to spend more time out on the water without sacrificing comfort. The spool tension adjustment knob and the Magnetic Control System work together to ensure that tension and braking are formed to individual specifications.
5. Abu Garcia Classic Baitcast Reel
Not only is the Abu Garcia name a classically trusted name in casting reels, but the Abu Garcia Classic Baitcast Reel perfectly employs the traditional round casting reel design. The lower gear ratio and the Carbon Matrix Drag system both ensure that this reel will work much harder than other models, bringing in each and every fish, regardless of running power.
The 3-bearing system and the anti-reverse system work together seamlessly to ensure that each fish is properly hooked and snared, making for a much smoother retrieval.
All in all, the Abu Garcia Classic Baitcast Reel is a heavy-duty rendition of a tried and true classic design, making it one of the best round design reels throughout the past few decades.
Buying Guide for Casting Reels
No matter what type of reel you choose, there are a few particular qualities to keep in mind when looking for the best casting reels. Make sure to consider the following elements:
Reel shape
Though round reels have been the traditional shape of choice, casting reels are now often manufactured in a low-profile, or an oval, shape. Some estimates suggest that there are 12 low profile reels sold for every round reel. The main difference between the two is that round reels tend to veer towards being more technique-specific than the low-profile reels.
Round reels are also geared to handle heavier fish, so the type of fishing and species of fish will also help determine whether a classic round reel or a low profile reel is right for you. In contrast, low-profile reels are better designed to increase speed and line pickup for movements like pitching and flipping. If higher speed and fluidity are top priorities, you’ll want to focus on low-profile casting reels.
Gear ratio
Higher gear ratios in a reel will increase the overall speed for casting and
Higher gear ratios are classified as being between 7 and 8, typically falling somewhere around 7.2:1 and 7.6:1 ratios. One of the highest gear ratios for casting reels is a 9:1. If speed is an important reel function, you will want to look for higher gear ratios, as gears support
Spool size
For casting reels, spool size works in concert with the gear ratio, determining how many inches of fishing line can be brought in through each spool revolution. The greater the spindle revolution, the more line is brought in. In turn, larger spools can fit greater amounts of fishing line, so paying attention to the spool size can significantly impact speed.
Additionally, spool size can also contribute to the overall weight of the reel. If larger spools aren’t made with lightweight components, they can really weigh down the entire reel. Depending upon the rod, a heavy reel can create imbalanced weight, causing early fatigue and strain on muscles and joints. Keep in mind that gear ratio and overall weight can be largely affected by the spool size.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a traditional round or a modern low-profile design, casting reels offer enhanced benefits that other reels may not. These reels are perfect for the angler who values having precision and technique without sacrificing strength.
One of the best methods to finding the best reels is analyzing the top-rated casting reels on the market. By taking customer reviews and specific components of each model into account, you will be well-prepared in choosing the best reel for you.
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