Closed face reels have been a topic of debate among beginner and professional anglers. Some argue they’re inadequate and useless; others oppose saying that they’re actually quite convenient.
Several aspects factor in the process of choosing the suitable reel, not that there’s a right or a wrong choice. However, whether you support using closed face reels or not, you shouldn’t dismiss their benefits and functionality.
Like all products, some can be good and some bad. So, how do you get the good ones? Let’s look at how they work and how to get the good ones according to your needs.
Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Material | Weight | Ball Bearings | Warranty |
| Zebco 33 Platinum | CHECK PRICE | Stainless Steel | 0.7 pounds | 4 stainless steel and a GlideLine ball bearing | 1 year |
| Zebco ZO3 Spincast Fishing Reel | CHECK PRICE | Blend | 0.83 pounds | 5 ball bearings | 1 year |
| Zebco Omega Pro | CHECK PRICE | Aluminum | 0.66 pounds | 5 bearing system | 1 year |
| Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel | CHECK PRICE | Graphite | 0.35 pounds | 4 bearing system | 1 year |
| Pflueger PRES 10SCX President Reel | CHECK PRICE | Aluminum | 0.82 pounds | 5 bearing system | None |
| Pflueger President Spincast Reel | CHECK PRICE | Aluminum | 0.8 pounds | 4 ball bearings | None |
What Are Closed Face Reels?
A closed face reel is basically an easily operated spinning reel where its mechanics are internally housed. They’re also known as spin-cast reels.
The internal housing of the mechanics helps the product overcome issues like resistance in baitcasting structures and snare and line twist problems that are usually the main issue with closed face reels.
When throwing the bait, the line is thrown from a spindle that’s attached to the rod, making the bait itself somehow lighter. Thus, it’s preferred chiefly by beginners.
Closed face reels are designed using little spools that have comparatively smaller line capacity. The small design is to make them more comfortable and convenient to hold and use.
Although that doesn’t go well with long-distance projecting or deep-sea fishing, or big fish, such restrictions go pretty well with newbies who are primarily still practicing.
On the one hand, closed face reels are especially good for a calm fishing session in one area and smaller fish. On the other hand, open face reels are more reliable when it comes to fish that are quite heavy and open sea fishing.
The Best Closed Face Reels Review In 2023
Since there are many options on the market, you might not want to browse through everything to get the right reel.
So let’s take a look at some of them and see why they might be good options for you.
1. Zebco Platinum Spincast Reel – Overall Best
It’s no secret that Zebco holds some of the best collections when it comes to closed-face reels. Out of the ones we reviewed so far, this would be our favorite choice. Let’s see why.
The amazing Zebco Platinum Spincast offers a unique no-tangle design. It features a dial-adjustable drag and QuickSet anti-reverse; this helps with a solid hookset when you catch the fish.
The platinum spincast reels come with an all-metal body and a stainless steel cover. It has a strong build that can withstand frequent usage. Although it comes equipped with only 4 stainless steel bearings, it has a glideLine ball bearing which reduces friction and allows accurate retrieval.
The Zebco 33 Platinum is quite an excellent choice if you want to go after fish of various sizes. What’s more, it features an ambidextrous hand retrieve and comes equipped with a pre-spooled 10-pound fishing line; this is definitely a great help with the bigger fish.
The brand Zebco has been a trusted trademark in fishing kits since the 1950s. All its products have a 1-year warranty against any manufacturing or material defects.
Pros
- Easy and flexible usage
- Exquisite Durability
- Smooth design
- A reliable bearing system
Cons
- It’s not recommended for heavy lines (more than 10 lbs)
Final Verdict
The Zebco Platinum spincast reel is ultimately one of the best options out there. It’s an all-rounder that will enhance your fishing experience, whether in seawater or freshwater. Overall, in the fishing world, it equals excellence.
2. Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel – Best Mechanism
Zebco Omega Pro is one of the most highly rated closed face reels. Its high durability, decent design, and mechanism elevate it through the ranks of similar products.
One of the significant aspects of this reel is that it comes with a 10-pound Zebco fishing line which is pre-spooled. It also has an extra fascinating Dual-Paddle handle and a smooth thumb button for easy casting as the button is soft-touch.
The Omega Pro features an instant anti-reverse mechanism to ensure securing your fish making the whole fishing process smooth. The reel is equipped with seven bearings, a left/right hand retrieve, a 19-inch retrieve rate, and all-metal gears, making it quite durable for constant use.
The reel is especially good for heavy fish. With a mono capacity of 85/10, it makes the perfect tool for your prized fish are bass, striper, catfish, etc. The versatility of its usage also allows more accurate angling and release. It also has dial-adjustable disk drag and comes with an extra spool.
The reel is also warranted for one year against workmanship and material defects. What’s more, the product comes with an additional Omega 3 Sz Sc reel 6Bb+1 and a spare spool box.
Pros
- Dual-Paddle handle
- Instant anti-reverse mechanism
- An impressive 19-inch retrieve rate
- Great with heavy fish
Cons
- A bit pricey
Final Verdict
To sum up, the Zebco Omega Pro is worth the bit of extra cash you’d pay. The extra reel it comes with ensures you’ll always have a backup in case of any emergencies. Not only will you be sure you have a decent kit, but you’ll also be confident you’ll get a smooth performance.
3. Zebco ZO3 Spincast Fishing Reel – Best for Aiming
Yes, Zebco again, but the ZO3 spincast reel has a prominent angling and aim capacity. If there’s a fishing competition and you want to stand out for your aiming, this one’s for you.
This closed face reel comes pre-spooled as well and with the same 10-pound Zebco fishing line. The consistency in the aspects of such features is what allows for smooth, comfortable, and easy fishing experiences.
It features a similar mono capacity of 85/10, making it reasonably practical with bigger fish and improving angling and aim.
It also features seven bearings. A 16-inch retrieval rate, flexible dual-hand retrieve, and all-metal compartments ensure the durability of the reel with frequent use. The reel comes with a one-year warranty as well.
Pros
- Strong reel for big fish
- Flexible dual-hand retrieve
- Durable all-metal design
- 16-inch retrieval rate
Cons
- A bit expensive
Final Verdict
While a bit more pricey than other options, the Zebco ZO3 spincast reel is quite practical and handy. What’s more, it can help improve aiming and angling. It’s highly recommended for experienced and professional anglers.
4. Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel – Budget Choice
This specific model of Zebco product comes in several sizes, colors, and around nine models. It’s most prominently commended for its flexibility.
The body is made of lightweight graphite, which is one of the preferred materials for closed face reels, and allows you to use the reel flexibly and regularly.
As with other Zebco products, the reel is ambidextrous and offers a smooth retrieve experience. What’s more, it has the same efficient anti-reverse with a built-in electronic bite alert, MicroFine dual adjustable drag, and a light build.
The significant aspect of this reel is that it comes spooled with 100 yards of a 10-lb Cajun line. Additionally, the all-metal gear and dual ceramic pick-up pins grant durability, smooth retrieval, and abrasion resistance.
Pros
- Comes in various sizes
- Lightweight
- Ambidextrous, smooth use
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not recommended for targeting big fish
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Zebco 33 spincast reel is highly recommended for beginners. The reel also works perfectly if you target small fish. If you want to pay less and still have a decent, practical kit, then this is the one for you.
5. Pflueger Reels Spincast PRES 10SCX President – Easy Option
One of the more excellent models of closed-face reels out there that Pflueger offers is characterized by its lightweight and easy handling.
The reel is made of aluminum which is one of the best materials for reels. It can withstand rust and corrosion during frequent saltwater contact and you’ll find most reviews confirming that.
The reel is also suitable for a left/right hand to retrieve, comes in multicolor, and weighs around 0.8 pounds. Moreover, it has a metal handle and rubber knobs.
The material from which the bearing is made is stainless steel, which makes it durable for heavy usage. The strong build of this reel makes it highly recommended for intense fishing trips and big fish.
Pros:
- Five bearing System
- Aluminum frame and core
- Dual titanium pins
- Instant Anti Reverse
- Spool applied drag
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a warranty.
Final Call
The Pflueger PRES 10SCX is one of the simple options out there that offers an easy fishing experience. This one is also for bloggers who want to have an aesthetically pleasing kit; it really comes in pretty colors.
6. Pflueger President Spincast Reel – Honorable Mention
Another decent Pflueger reel that’s worth considering is the president’s spincast reel. Although a bit pricey, it’s a high-end reel that would suit your needs. It doesn’t come in multicolor; however, it’s pretty practical to use.
The build is also made from aluminum to be used heavily and catch bigger fish. What’s more, it’s lightweight, which makes the fishing process much smoother than heavier reels.
The consistency of having stainless steel as the bearing material emphasizes its practicality and capacity for heavy and regular usage. Besides, it features ambidextrous use, as with most closed face reels.
Pros
- Four ball bearings
- Instant anti-reverse bearing
- Strong aluminum frame
- The ported aluminum front cone
- Aluminum handle with soft-touch knob
Cons
- A bit expensive
- It doesn’t come in multicolor
Final Verdict
Another recommendation for professional and experienced anglers, the Pflueger President is durable and reliable. The all-metal body ensures it can withstand heavy use, and the material blend can resist rust and corrosion.
Read also: The 5 Best Spinning Reels Under $50 in 2023
What Do You Want in a Closed Face Reel?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a closed face reel. You’ll want to make sure that your kit has the right size, is made of durable material, and can withstand saltwater.
It’s essential to keep these factors in mind to ensure you’ll get the kit that suits you. Keep in mind where you fish, what kind of fish you’re after, and your level of experience. Some of the aspects of the reels can vary in their convenience based on these factors.
Just so that you wouldn’t have to read through endless manuals or wordy articles, you can take a look at the summarized overview below on what matters when buying a closed face reel.
Size
The size of the reel you choose depends entirely on how you plan to use it, how frequently, and the size of the fish you’re after.
A light line and a small reel are perfect for light use and small fish. A bold line and a big reel are sufficient for heavy usage and bigger fish, although it can cost a bit more.
Alternatively, you can get the best of both and get a medium-size reel. It’ll be enough for regular fishing and small and medium fish.
Rust and Corrosion Resistance
Although resistance to rust and saltwater corrosion are vital factors in choosing a reel, you might find some reels are easily eroded.
To avoid that, you’ll want to make sure that your reel is made out of a material that can resist corrosion and rust regardless of frequent contact with seawater. The top choice for such material is aluminum, as its properties allow it to withstand heavy usage and avoid corrosion.
If you don’t want to pay a lot of money, however, you can opt for a medium option. You won’t have to compromise much if you go with reels made of an alloy that combines aluminum and graphite.
Durability
The quality of the reel you get is very significant, especially that of the body of the reel. Making sure your reel is durable can even save you the hassle of rust and corrosion.
It’s generally preferred to have your reel’s body made of aluminum, graphite, or a mix of both. Both materials are strong enough to make a high-quality reel.
If you’re after overall strength and durability, then aluminum would be the proper choice. Yet, if you prefer flexibility, lightness, and easy handling, then your best option, though a bit less durable, would be graphite.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best closed-face reel ever made is a matter of personal preference and can depend on the intended use. However, some highly regarded models include the Zebco 33, Daiwa Goldcast, Pflueger President, and Shimano Sienna, each with their own unique features and benefits. The best reel for you will depend on your fishing style, preferred species, and budget.
A closed face reel is good for beginners or those who prefer a simple, easy-to-use reel. They are typically used for freshwater fishing and are great for targeting smaller species, such as panfish, trout, and bass. They are generally more compact and lightweight than other types of reels, making them easy to transport and use for extended periods. Closed face reels are also known for their simplicity and ease of use, making them a great option for kids or those new to fishing. They are not as powerful as other types of reels and may not be suitable for larger or more powerful fish species.
A closed face reel is also known as a spincast reel.
Final Words
If you consider the critical aspects you need in a kit, along with how, where, and how frequently you fish, you’ll undoubtedly have a good kit on your hands. Although closed face reels aren’t always the first option for anglers, they can surely come in handy.
The brands and models mentioned above are the most highly rated and recommended closed face reels on the market. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing and are a complete newbie, you should be able to grasp a little how they work and what to pick.
No matter which one you end up going with, you’ll undoubtedly have a wonderful experience. The overall smoothness and practicality that closed face reels offer can make even newbies easily catch a lot of fish. If you’re a professional, you’ll find it easy to pick the right one.