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How to Choose a Spinning Reel? – 5 Crucial Factors to Consider

How to Choose a Spinning Reel
Written by Simon Michel
Last Update: July 24, 2023

Modern times have witnessed numerous inventions and innovations. Ultralight spinning reels are certainly one of them. Spin fishing with ultralight gear has extended the fun to catch fish and made it a plain sailing task. These spinning reels are very essential for lightweight fishing lines and casting lightweight lures. They are mostly used for small panfish species. But they can also be used to attract large fish species. If you are a thrill loving person, you can pick the ultralight reel to deal with large game fish.

Do all the features of ultralight spinning reel match your requirements? If yes, you should definitely get yourself one. But before you do so, let us help you know how to choose a spinning reel. We have mentioned below some factors that you can consider to choose a spinning reel which has ultralight gear:

How to Choose a Spinning Reel

1. Body

The plastic or graphite composed body is basically available in the market. There can be a mixture of graphite or aluminum ally as well. It protects the gear and hence keeps the gear aligned by giving the body the ability to stop flexing when under stress. It helps the funnel of the cranking power to the spool and gear. Also, make sure that the body is made of corrosion-resistant materials, especially when choosing an inshore spinning reel.

Spinning Reel body

2. Gear ratio

Gear is mainly the ratio of spinning reel that is measured by the number of turns the rotor will make per one turn. Although, higher gear ratio is good for using ultralight reel, it applies less power in the reel. An ideal gear configuration ratio is around 5:1.

Spinning Reel gear ratio

3. Spool

Line retrieval speed can also be assumed by the size of the spool which means the larger a spool is the more it can hold line and more it can lay down line quickly. Ultralight reels have specific limit of size of the spool that usually can hold around 100-125 yards of 4lb monofilament. Design also matters as it helps significantly in casting.

Spinning Reel spool

4. Bearings

Bearings ensure smooth operation of reel by supporting internal gear mechanisms. Bearings work by providing friction and eventually allowing the moving parts to lock up. But, you should also take the quality and durability of the bearings into account. In case of ultralight reels, 1-3 bearings are fine.

Spinning Reel bearings

5. Drag system

Drag system needs to be well-functioned even it is used for lighter lines or ultralight reels. It needs to run smoothly for fishing up past 1-2lbs.

Spinning Reel Drag system

Since we are committed to help you choose spinning reel, we would not end the articles with the factors only. So, here we have provided with a list of brands and their features to let you know about top-notch ultralight spinning reels:

6. Shimano Sedona

Shimano SE2000FE Sedona Spin Reel

  • 2000 size
  • 165 yds of monofilament
  • 9lb of front drag
  • Weight: 8.6oz
  • Inexpensive

Shimano Sedona

Abu Garcia

Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

  • 2×10 model reel line
  • Weight: 7.5oz
  • Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system
  • 10lbs of drag
  • 110 yards of 6lbs
  • HCPR stainless steel bearing
  • 2:1 gear ratio and 30”retreival rate
  • Expensive

Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Daiwa Spinning Reel

Daiwa D-Spin Spinning Reel

  • Two models: 500(5.90oz) and 1000(6oz)
  • Graphite frame and machined aluminum bail
  • Black graphite body and aluminum components
  • 500 model: 100 yards 4 lbs test monofilament
  • 1000 model: 120 yard 6 lbs test monofilament
  • 9:1 gear ratio and line retrieval speed 21.4”
  • Affordable

Daiwa Spinning Reel

Okuma Avenger Spinning Reel

Okuma AV-10b

  • Construction: Corrosion resistant graphite material
  • Weight: 6.5oz
  • Good for small fish fishing
  • High retrieval speed with 5.0:1 gear ratio
  • 110 yards of 4lb mono and 70 yards of 6 lb mono
  • 5lbs of max drag

Okuma Avenger Spinning Reel

Pfluegar President Spinning Reel

Pfluegar President Spinning Reel 20x and 25x model

  • Graphite body and rotor
  • Aircraft grade aluminum arm, bail and spool
  • 2:1 gear ratio
  • Line retrieval rate: 20x model 20.7 and 25x model 22.4 inches
  • 100 yards of 4lb test and 100 yards of 6lb test
  • Affordable

Pfluegar President Spinning Reel

Now that you have understood about the factors and the well-reputed ultralight spinning reels models, we hope you would not face any trouble to choose spinning reel. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get that perfect utralight spinning reel for you!

About the author

Simon Michel

The plight of life sometimes takes you to extremes of nature and guess what, you learn the best lessons in your most difficult times. As a keen sea explorer with several years spent in yachts business, I had damn busy schedules throughout 13 years of my career. I used to free my mind from my mundane days in the sea with extreme fishing expeditions when this became not just a fun activity, but a life saver. You could say, I employed most types of fishing techniques but nothing felt better than fly fishing. That drew my whole attention for a good number of reasons. I mean, it’s an amazing feeling when you are in a light mood with buddies munching snacks and casting the fishing road. I look forward to making the most of my leisure time with this fantastic sport.

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