Beginners always find themselves overwhelmed by how vast the fishing world turns out to be. It’s important to find the proper gear to help them get started, or else they never truly will.
Spincast reels are beginner-friendly, affordable, virtually problem-free, so they’re a no-brainer for beginners. If you’re interested in learning about the best spincast reels, what makes them the best, and how to choose them, keep on reading.
Comparison Table
Product | Gear Ratio | Mono Capacity (LB/YD) | Weight (ounces) |
Zebco 33 Gold | 4.1:1 | 120/10 | 9.6 |
Zebco Omega Pro | 3.4:1 | 85/10 | 10.6 |
Pflueger PRES10SCX President | 3.4:1 | 145/4, 90/6, 70/8 | 9 |
KastKing Brutus | 4.0:1 | 10/160,12/130 | 9.88 |
KastKing Cadet | 3.1:1 | 6/140, 8/110, 10/100 | 7.4 |
Why Do You Need to Buy a Spincast Reel
Almost every angler out there has used a spincast reel at least once. Read more if you’re curious about the reasons why it’s so popular.
Affordable
Anglers on a budget know how easy it is for costs to pile up when you take all of the fishing gear into consideration. So, they find themselves looking for gear that’s easy on the wallet, and that’s okay.
Spincast reels are excellent when you don’t have enough to splurge or don’t want to but still want a good-quality reel that gets the job done.
Beginner-friendly
Fishing can sound a bit too complicated to beginners, which leads them to lose the motivation to learn any further. All these different types of rods, reels, lines, baits, lures, and techniques can overwhelm the best of us, which is understandable.
So, if you’re a first-timer that wants something easy to use, there’s no reel that’s more beginner-friendly than a spincast. It’s an enclosed reel where you press a button to release or lock the line. Also, the drag adjustment mechanism puts you in control of how much resistance the fish will feel.
Thanks to spincast reels being simple, small, and lightweight, anyone can use them and have a good time fishing.
No Tangles
One of the most common topics in the fishing community is line backlash, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens.
When it comes to spincast reels, you don’t have to think about this problem at all. The closed-face design of spincast reels simply prevents line tangling or backlashing. Plus, it reduces the fatigue that other types of reels cause after long-term use.
The 5 Best Spincast Reels in 2024
Here is a selection of the best spincast reels on the market that stands out in terms of quality, performance, and price.
1. Zebco 33 Gold – Best Overall
If you’re just dipping your toes in the water of fishing, there’s no better reel on the market than the Zebco 33 Gold.
One of the first things that many spincast reels fail at is using good-quality materials, but this is where Zebco 33 succeeds. It has a graphite frame that is both lightweight and durable. While many competitors use plastic gears that don’t last over a year, this reel has all-metal gears. So, overall, the reel feels solid.
Yet, you’d be happy to know that although it’s too sturdy, it’s comfortable to carry. Thanks to the ergonomic design of the rubber knobs, its use will be effortless. Another welcome addition to the Zebco legacy is the right/left-hand retrieve, which allows users to switch however they like.
The MicroFine adjustment drag control prevents the line from breaking or backlashing. The instant anti-reverse feature puts you in control of when the reel can turn backward and when it can’t.
Not to mention, this affordable reel comes already pre-spooled with a 4-pound Cajun line, saving you money and time so that you can jump straight into fishing.
However, you should keep in mind that the Zebco 33 Gold isn’t for heavy-duty fishing. You’re welcome to use it for trout and common carp, but you shouldn’t use it for anything that’s too heavy.
Pros:
- Affordable
- The instant anti-reverse system helps anglers back-reel
- All-metal gears
- Right/left-hand retrieve
- MicroFine adjustment drag control prevents line breaking
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not for big fish
Final Verdict
The Zebco 33 Gold reel stands out with its high-quality materials, lightweight construction, and innovative technologies.
2. Zebco Omega Pro – Best for Bass
Most spincast reels are notorious for not being able to handle professional use, and they’ve come to only be associated with children and beginners. However, the Zebco Omega Pro reel is proof that there’s a spincast reel for everyone, including seasoned anglers going after trophy fish.
Since it’s made for veteran use, it reflects its purpose through the material. Forget about the plastic gears that attract consumers with their cheap prices; this reel comes with all-metal gears so that you can go after bass in full force.
Thanks to the machined aluminum covers, solid-brass pinion gear, anodized aluminum spinner head, aluminum helical-cut worm gear drive, and 7 stainless steel bearings, this reel outlasts its competitors.
Despite all of the sturdiness, this reel is actually 20% lighter than the standard Omega. The soft-touch, thumb-button design makes it convenient and comfortable to use on long fishing days. Fortunately, it has a right/left-hand retrieve, letting you switch the retrieve depending on whether you’re right- or left-handed.
The triple-cam, dial-adjustable disk drag guarantees smoother operation, while the instant anti-reverse enables you to be in control at all times.
Yet, we can’t ignore the price tag. This is not a fishing reel for when you’re on a budget, but it’s definitely a worthy investment. Plus, it saves you money by coming pre-spooled with a 10-pound Cajun line.
Pros:
- Right/left-hand retrieve allows you to fish with either hand
- Instant anti-reverse
- Sturdy construction
- Triple-cam, dial-adjustable disk drag
- 20% lighter than the standard Omega
Cons:
- Expensive
Final Verdict
The Zebco Omega Pro reel is the ideal one for bass fishing, thanks to its premium components and advanced construction.
3. Pflueger PRES10SCX President – Reputable Brand
Pflueger has been around since the 1800s, experimenting, inventing, and reinventing new technologies every day. In fact, the brand seems to always hit the mark when it comes to spincast reels, especially the Pflueger PRES10SCX President reel.
While the reel is pretty affordable, its construction is quite impressive. It has 5 corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings, making it more forgiving on saltwater fishing than others.
Moreover, it comes with an aluminum frame, core, pins, and handle, proving its devotion to being lightweight and portable yet sturdy and long-lasting.
Like every reel that’s worth your time, it balances durability with comfort. Thanks to the soft-touch rubber knob and ergonomic handle, you’ll have a pretty strong yet comfortable grip on the reel. Say goodbye to finger fatigue!
Furthermore, the Pflueger PRES10SCX President reel prides itself on the instant anti-reverse feature that excludes all line play. The thumb-adjustable disc drag system is a pretty impressive feature that helps you fight fish efficiently. The affordable reel comes pre-spooled as well.
Nonetheless, its flaw is how large the cover is compared to the body, which can make fitting it on the rod a bit problematic at first.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Instant anti-reverse
- Corrosion-resistant bearings
- Aluminum frame, core, pins, and handle
Cons:
- The cover is too large for the body
Final Verdict
The Pflueger PRES10SCX President reel employs good-quality construction that’s a result of a reputable brand doing what it does best.
4. KastKing Brutus – Budget Choice
The KastKing Brutus reel is a premium yet affordable reel that proves that you don’t have to compromise on quality to pay a good price.
First things first, the incredibly affordable reel has a graphite frame, which makes it lightweight and portable yet strong enough to get the job done. It also has double-shielded stainless steel bearings to keep things going smoothly.
For your own comfort, the handle is reversible, and the rubber grips are secure, durable, and comfortable. The instant anti-reverse mechanism allows you to use the quickest hook sets and retrieve the line fast. The affordable reel also comes pre-spooled with a 10-pound line.
One of the biggest issues that make pros reluctant to use spincast reels is their limited line capacity. However, the KastKing Brutus reel prides itself on having 33% more fishing line capacity than competitive push-button reels.
That said, while this reel has many advantages, we wouldn’t call it the most durable one on the list.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 33% more line capacity than other push-button reels
- Right/left-hand retrieve
- Instant anti-reverse
Cons:
- Not the most durable
Final Verdict
The KastKing Brutus reel is the best reel at its price point. It’s well-made and comfortable. It also does the job better than more expensive competitors.
5. KastKing Cadet – Best for the Kids
If you’re planning on a fishing trip with the family and want the young ones to join the fun, it’s better to lend them a reel that’s suitable for their physique and level of expertise. The KastKing Cadet reel is best for young anglers.
Let’s start by saying this reel is the most affordable one on the list so that you can buy one for each little family member. Its graphite frame beautifully balances portability and durability. This is also mirrored in the stainless steel bearings.
In terms of comfort, the reel is quite generous. The low-profile design it adopts allows any small-handed angler to use it with ease. Also, the PVC knobs give the user a secure yet easy grip. Plus, the reel comes pre-spooled so that your fishing trip can start immediately.
It has a predictable downside, though, which is that it can’t handle big fish. Instead, it’s meant for light to medium use.
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Low-profile design
- PVC knobs
Cons:
- Not for big fish
Final Verdict
The KastKing Cadet reel is the perfect choice for young anglers who want to dip their toes in the water. It’s affordable, portable, durable and above all, can hold up to the clumsiest hands.
How to Pick a Spincast Reel
Whether you’re a beginner searching for a reel that’s easy to use or a pro that wants a spare one, there are things to consider whenever you buy a spincast fishing reel. Here are the most important features.
Compatibility
One of the first things that you need to ensure before you buy a fishing reel is that it’s compatible with your fishing rod. In fact, a reel is useless when it’s not paired with the right rod.
It also needs to be able to handle the line that you’ll put in it. If the line is for heavy use, while the reel is for light use, you’ll have to tell your reel goodbye.
Simply put, a balanced set of fishing gear is the first step to successful fishing.
Materials
It’s important to consider what the reel is made of and how durable the materials are. Always look for all-metal or mostly-metal constructions. You want something that’s lightweight but not plastic and cheap. Some brands are known for using more durable materials than others, even at affordable prices.
Materials also matter when it comes to comfort. If you plan to fish for hours on end, your hands should be comfortable. Does the handle have practical knobs?
Saltwater vs. Freshwater
Saltwater corrodes fishing gear and its components much faster than freshwater. So, if your reel isn’t made specifically for saltwater, and you expose it to saltwater repeatedly, it won’t last as long as it should.
Look for corrosion-resistant materials if you’re planning on sea fishing. However, if you only fish in freshwater, any type of reel will last just the same.
Bearings
Bearings give you an idea about how smooth a reel will perform with its number and quality. The more bearings a reel has, the smoother it’ll perform because bearings minimize friction. As a rule of thumb, never get a reel with less than 3 bearings.
More importantly, you need to ensure that they’re made of good-quality material because the reel depends on them functioning well. Anti-rust bearings are essential, especially if you’re fishing in saltwater.
Gear Ratio
Gear ratio refers to the number of times a spool revolves every time you rotate the handle. For example, a reel with a 3.4:1 ratio revolves 3.4 times every time you rotate the handle.
As you can see, the higher the gear ratio, the faster that a spool revolves. The right ratio depends on the type of fishing you do. If you do some high-speed saltwater fishing, your needs will dramatically differ from someone who does slow-speed freshwater fishing.
Final Thoughts
We hope that our article has been helpful and informative. It’s important not to settle for less than the best spincast reel that you can find. Here are the highlights on our list.
The Zebco 33 Gold deserves the top spot because it balances an affordable price with versatile construction and practical technology.
Next in line, the Zebco Omega Pro proves to be a worthy companion on the quest for the trophy bass. It has an all-metal construction, operates smoothly, and feels comfortable.
Finally, the Pflueger PRES10SCX President is the brand’s best spincast reel with its signature corrosion-resistant components and excellent drag system.