The best baitcasting reels have a high-speed gear ratio of 6.5:1 or more, a minimum of 10 lb max drag, at least 5 ball bearings, and weigh less than 8 ounces.
The Shimano Curado is my top choice because of its backlash proof digital braking system. It features many of Shimano's latest technologies including a Hagane alloy body, micro module gears, Cross Carbon fiber drag system. It is ideal for anglers who want premium performance without spending a fortune.
I judge each reel personally based on its performance, durability, cost, value for money, and comfort based on my own testing experience. I have tested these reels using my insight from over a decade of angling experience.
I’ve taken the time to narrow down the many selections currently for sale into this list to help you select the one that’s just right for your needs.
Shimano Curado Baitcasting Reel
- Digital Braking System
- Backlash-Proof
- Cross Carbon Fiber Drag System
- Hagane Alloy Body
Abu Garcia Revo Toro Baitcast Reel
- High 25 lb Max Drag
- Extremely Tough Design
- High-Power Model
- Oversized EVA Grip Handle
Lew's Team HyperMag Speed Spool
- High Speed Model Available
- Adjustable Braking System
- Extremely Lightweight Design at 5.4 Ounces
- High 20 lb Max Drag
Table of Contents
1. Shimano Curado DC
- I Have Owned This For Over 10 Years and Still Love It
- Superior Digital Braking System
- I Enjoy the Smooth Casting and Retrieve
- Extremely Durable Design
- Cross Carbon Fiber Drag System
The Shimano Curado DC made serious waves when it hit the market a year ago. This reel was one of the most highly-anticipated products on the market in recent years as it offered anglers with virtually everything they could want in a low-profile baitcaster.
“DC” stands for Digital Control, meaning the Curado DC utilizes a digital braking system that is designed to function at a much higher level than most other types of digital braking systems as it monitors the speed of the reel’s spool at a whopping 1,000 times per second.
When it was released, the Shimano Curado DC was billed as a reel that is ‘backlash-proof,’ meaning anglers wouldn’t have to worry about the prospect of spending considerable amounts of time untangling their lines if the braking system didn’t perform as intended. Once anglers began using the reel, it was said to be as effective as advertised when preventing backlash. This is a major advantage to professional anglers who know that every second they spend on the water is extremely valuable.
What I Like About It
The Shimano Curado DC is a reel that packs in almost everything an angler could want in a bait casting reel for a price that’s relatively affordable considering the internal components that are included. This reel brings to the table a Hagane alloy body, micro module gears, Cross Carbon fiber drag system, X-Ship pinion support and many other items that combine to make it a clear favorite among anglers of all skill levels.
I personally own a Shimano Curado and have used it extensively over the last decade.
Pros:
- Superior digital braking system
- Smooth casting and retrieve
- Extremely durable design
Cons:
- Expensive price
2. Abu Garcia Revo Toro
- High 25 Pound Max Drag
- Extremely Tough Design
- High-Power Model Available
- Oversized EVA Grip Handle
Another model that is an easy addition to this list is the Abu Garcia Revo Toro. Abu Garcia has been in the fishing industry for many years and their headline models have always been some of the most impressive reels on the market. The Abu Garcia Revo Toro is no different as this one offers a high-power model built with an extremely tough and durable design.
It is made with an alloy frame and side plates that help lock out any corrosion that might seep into the interior portions of the 5+1 ball bearing system. The reel would be heavier if the brand didn’t utilize X2-Craftic framing material designed to provide the same toughness you might expect in alloy, but without the added weight.
What I Like About It
The Abu Garcia Revo Toro features a Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag system specially designed to withstand extreme pressure while not impeding this reel’s overall smooth casting and retrieval ability. Anglers who prefer large handles will love the oversized EVA grip handles with which the Abu Garcia Revo Toro is made.
Pros:
- Powerful drag system at 25 lbs is the highest on this list.
- Extremely tough
- Corrosion-resistant
- Centrifugal brake system
Cons:
- Larger size
- Expensive price
- This heavy reel is over 13 ounces compared to most other reels in the 7-8 ounce range.
- It has the lowest retrieve rate at 23 inches per crank which can be difficult to fish with fast moving lures.
3. Lew’s Hyper Mag SLP
- High-Speed Model Available
- High 20 lb Max Drag
- Extremely Lightweight Design at 5.4 Ounces
- Adjustable Braking System
Lew’s has been at the top of the fishing industry for several years when it comes to producing some of the best fishing reels. Their Lew’s Hyper Mag SLP is easily one of my favorite baitcasting reels. It packs many high-profile features and components that combine for an exceptionally smooth experience.
The reel is crafted using magnesium construction material around its frame, giving it a much lighter feel than other reels without sacrificing much durability. Professional anglers have taken a keen interest in this model as it is exceptionally lightweight and provides a higher level of sensitivity than other materials.
What I Like About It
The reel is made with a 7.5:1 and 8.3:1 gear ratio, ideal for anglers looking for a faster retrieve. This makes the Lew’s Hyper Mag SLP perfect for use with various soft plastic rigs that anglers sometimes want to fish along the bottom faster than normal. The reel features a centrifugal braking system that can easily be adjusted, an audible tension clicker, and double-shielded ball bearings.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at under 6 ounces compared to the other reels in the 7-8 ounce weight range.
- Fast gear ratio
- Smooth casting and retrieve
- Adjustable braking system
Cons:
- Expensive price
4. Shimano Chronarch MGL 150
- Gold Standard for Lightweight Baitcasters
- 8+1 Ball Bearings
- SVS Infinity Braking System
- Smooth, Adjustable Drag System with Dartanium II Washers
If you’re relatively familiar with the Shimano brand, you might not be surprised that we added a second model from this company in the top half of my list. The Shimano Chronarch MGL 150 has a reputation that precedes itself as one of the best overall baitcasting reels on the market, particularly for bass fishing.
The only downside to this is that it is priced slightly higher than the other options. However, the price is not likely to be an issue for highly-skilled anglers who are aware of their investment when purchasing a product like this.
The Shimano Chronarch MGL 150 features the brand’s new carbon-composite frame capable of delivering outstanding durability while being much more lightweight than the usual aluminum or graphite material that is more commonly used. This model comes with the X-Ship gear system designed to be more powerful than most other fishing reels on the market today.
What I Like About It
This fishing reel also features a very smooth drag system equipped with Dartanium II washers. This drag system can be easily adjusted on the fly during a fight with a sizable fish, which can be quite an advantage for anglers who find themselves locked in a struggle with a larger-sized game fish.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- SVS Infinity braking system
- Smooth, adjustable drag system
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Daiwa Tatula CT
- T-Wing Levelwind System
- Lightweight Aluminum Frame
- Anti-Reverse Capability
- Extremely Lightweight at Under 7 Ounces
- Magforce-Z Braking System
Update July 2023: At ICAST 2023, the new Daiwa Tatula 100 Baitcasting reel was released. This comes with Hyper-drive design and an A7075 aluminum spool to reduce the weight and increase casting distance.
The Daiwa brand has been producing great quality baitcast reels for decades. The Daiwa Tatula CT is a much more affordable model than the first four options on my list, but it still offers many premium features that seasoned anglers will look for in a solid reel setup.
This is a fantastic baitcasting reel for the money and a great option for beginners.
This model is surprisingly durable considering its low-profile, lightweight body construction made from an aluminum frame. The internal components are just what most anglers are looking for as the Daiwa Tatula CT offers instant anti-reverse capability and a 7+1 bearing system which is said to be exceptionally smooth.
What I Like About It
Anglers have noted that this fishing reel seems to deliver a more accurate casting experience, which is mostly due to the brand’s inclusion of the T-Wing Levelwind system that is designed to allow for casts that are longer and more accurate than most other models. This is ideal for anglers who might want a high-quality reel that won’t necessarily cost a small fortune.
The Daiwa Tatula is Bassmaster angler Seth Feider’s preferred casting reel.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Longer, more accurate casting
- Smooth ball bearing system
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not corrosion-resistant so make sure you give it a thorough flush with freshwater after use.
6. Lew’s Tournament Pro Speed Spool LFS
- Side Tension Control Knob
- 11 Bearing System
- 6.4 Ounce Lightweight Design
- Powerful 20 lb Max Drag
The Lew’s Tournament Pro Speed Spool LFS is very similar to the brand’s other model, the Tournament MB. However, this particular option is another one that’s designed to be a bit lighter, as well as offering anglers with a more speedy retrieve thanks to a higher gear ratio. The Lew’s Tournament Pro Speed Spool LFS lives up to its namesake as the LFS portion of the branding stands for Lighter, Faster, Stronger.
This reel offers more ball bearings than most other Lew’s models, which gives it an incredibly smooth casting and reeling feel that professional anglers consider to be among the best that Lew’s has to offer. Factor in that the reel’s lightweight design, and it’s easy to see why so many skilled anglers like to use this reel for lures and setups that often require them to quickly reel in slack and keep their lure moving across the water to maintain a fish’s attention and entice a strike.
What I Like About It
This reel also has some impressive features like the Pro Speed Spool which offers a Speed Dial that’s built into the side with a tension control knob. Anglers who prefer a lighter reel that gives them as much speed as they need for any range of lures will find the Lew’s Tournament Pro Speed Spool LFS one of the most attractive options currently on the market.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Faster gear ratio
- Speed adjustment
- 11-bearing system
Cons:
- No Cons
7. Okuma Cerros
- 9+1 Ball Bearing System
- Affordable Price Tag
- Solid Warranty
- Smooth Casting and Retrieve
Okuma has grown in popularity in recent years as more and more anglers purchase this brand’s products overseas to the United States and other countries. The Okuma brand has long been known to produce some of the best quality fishing gear and tackle for an exceptionally affordable price. Still, the lower cost doesn’t necessarily mean that this model is of lesser quality than most other baitcasting reels.
The Okuma Cerros Casting Reel offers a 9+1 ball bearing system that is among the smoothest casting and retrieving of any alternative you’ll find priced at under $100. The drag system is also smooth, but it’s not quite as strong as some of the other models on this list, which might be a dealbreaker for anglers who prefer a model capable of fighting larger-sized game fish species.
What I Like About It
The functioning of the Okuma Cerros Casting Reel is said to be incredibly easy and many anglers note that this model feels very much like a premium reel even though it can usually be purchased for less than half of what you might pay for some of the top brands’ headline models.
Pros:
- Smooth casting and retrieve
- Quite durable
- Solid warranty
Cons:
- Drag isn’t as strong as some others on my list
8. Shimano SLX XT
- S3D Spool Technology Reduces Vibration
- Solid SVS Braking System
- S-A-RB Ball Bearing System
- Tough Frame
If you’re a fan of Shimano products, but you find yourself trying to stay within a more reasonable budget when shopping for a decent baitcasting rod, the Shimano SLX XT is the ideal choice for you. This model has nearly all of the same type of premium-quality features and components that Shimano is known for their baitcasting reels, but you won’t have to break open the piggy bank to get your hands on this one.
Bass anglers love this model as it is considered one of the smoothest and toughest at this price point. This one is made with the brand’s famous SVS braking system that helps alleviate most of the anglers’ concerns with backlashing. The S-A-RB ball bearing system is also exceptionally smooth and the rigid Hagane construction frame material is strong enough to stand up to almost anything you’re likely to encounter on the water.
What I Like About It
The Shimano SLX XT can achieve a cast that’s nearly as smooth as the brand’s other premium options thanks to its S3D Spool technology, which is designed to reduce the amount of vibration caused when anglers try to cast the reel with a considerable amount of force.
Pros:
- Tough frame
- Smooth casting
- Solid braking system
Cons:
- Retrieve is not as smooth as other models.
- This reel has the lowest retrieve rate of all the reels which means that you will need to work harder to fish with any fast moving lures. It is better suited for deep diving crankbaits.
9. Abu Garcia Black Max
- One-Piece Graphite Material
- 4+1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- MagTrax Braking System
- Solid 18 lb Max Drag
For anglers looking for a solid choice that is about as budget-friendly as you’ll find, look no further than the Abu Garcia Black Max. This reel is made to the same high quality standards that other Abu Garcia products are manufactured with and maintains a surprising quality level for a reel priced well below some of the other options on my list.
This model could easily be considered the best budget baitcasting reel on the market today. The frame is made from a one-piece graphite material that’s surprisingly tough. The 4+1 stainless steel ball bearing system offers plenty of friction dampening technology and creates a smooth casting and retrieving experience that anglers of all skill levels will likely appreciate.
What I Like About It
This model’s MagTrax braking system helps to guard against the possibility of anglers easily backlashing their line. It doesn’t feature the same premium-level braking systems that other models on my list have. Nevertheless, this reel is a solid addition to my list and certainly won’t disappoint anyone hoping to find a good, affordable baitcasting reel.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Smooth casting
- Decent braking system
Cons:
- Some durability concerns related to internal components
10. KastKing Royale Legend GT
- Shielded 5+1 Ball Bearings
- Two Gear Ratio Options
- Ideal for Fast Moving Lures
- Lightweight Design
Rounding out my list is the latest version from KastKing. This brand has recently grown in popularity as anglers who prefer to stick within a reasonable budget have continually found that the KastKing brand is one to be respected in the fishing industry for its solid quality and reputable customer service.
What I Like About It
The KastKing Royale Legend GT is a respectable addition to my list, but most anglers would be shocked if they used the reel before seeing the price tag. Many anglers report that the KastKing Royale Legend GT fishes like a premium-quality reel and offers the same exceptionally smooth feel they often seek.
The shielded 5+1 ball bearing system delivers a smooth casting and retrieval experience, while the magnet fiber braking system does its job without much fuss. The only concern most anglers have about the KastKing Royale Legend GT is its durability. However, there are plenty of reasons for anglers to view this reel as perfect for beginner anglers.
Pros
- This is one of the most affordable reels on my list and is packed with features. I believe it is one of the best value for money options on the market.
- It has a very high retrieve rate at 32 inches per crank, which is suited for fast moving lures.
- It also has the most ball bearings at 11+1.
Cons
- I don’t feel like it has the highest durability and you may find some damage or loss of performance over time.
How We Rate Products
Russ Egan and Donny Karr have over 40 years of combined fishing experience. We know the difference between a high-quality reel and a poor alternative.
I thoroughly review all products to measure their performance, durability, and value for money. I conduct bench and field testing to check how the product performs. Each reel is tested for at least 8 hours, with a full test taking 2 weeks. This testing results in an overall score that I give to all products. All metrics are scored out of 5.
Performance
The performance score is how well this product fulfills its primary purpose. Does it have all the features and optional extras you need to catch the target species? I also interview expert anglers on their experience to build a more comprehensive view of the performance under multiple conditions.
I take all reels down to my local freshwater lake for bass, or inshore fishing off the beach for redfish.
- Test 1: I confirm that the max drag meets the manufacturer’s specifications using a calibrated scale.
- Test 2: I test the maximum casting distance using a 1.0-ounce lure.
- Test 3: I test the accuracy by casting 10 times into a 3 ft diameter circle at 30 yards.
- Test 4: I check the versatility and the ability to handle multiple uses by field testing with 3 different lures and baits, by actually going fishing.
Durability
Durability refers to how long the product will continue functioning. I twist, bend, and break all the products to check their longevity. This score is for the construction materials, the workmanship quality, and the servicing requirements. There are also bonus points for manufacturers’ warranty.
For products I can’t test for long enough, I also consult experts who have been using them for decades to judge their longevity.
- Test 5: I pull it apart to check the grease and oil levels, how difficult it is to maintain, and whether sand or salt has deposited after use in saltwater.
Value for Money
The final aspect of the scoring system is the price or, more specifically, the value for money. Value for money is a comparison against the closest alternative products, both by the same manufacturer and other brands.
Overall Score
Finally, I average the three scores of performance, durability, and value for money to give the overall score of each product reviewed.
To see more details, please read the complete guide on how I test and evaluate fishing products.
Baitcasting Reel Buyer’s Guide
When browsing through the many different brands and models of baitcasting reels currently available in today’s market, there are a few key components and characteristics that you should always keep an eye out for to ensure you’re getting a solid product that won’t let you down.
Benefits of Using a Baitcasting Reel
Baitcasting reels have been around for many decades, and companies producing these specialized fish-catching machines have been increasingly making better and more efficient models yearly. In general, baitcasting reels are made to give the angler greater accuracy and control over their cast, as well as their retrieve and several other factors.
In addition to being able to cast farther with baitcaster reels, anglers can also have much greater levels of control concerning the speed with which their lure is retrieved. Most professional anglers find that a baitcasting rod and reel allows them to more easily jerk the rod tip without slack in the line and produce the types of jerking or darting motions with crankbaits and swimbaits that are so often able to entice a fish to strike.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is considered among the most important aspects of a baitcasting reel, or any other type of reel. Most professional and other competitive anglers consider a reel’s gear ratio to be indicative of its ability to handle retrieves, as well as provide an edge when fighting an especially large species of game fish that require an angler to rely heavily on the toughness of their equipment and its ability to give them an advantage.
The gear ratio refers to the speed at which the reel’s spool rotates with the individual turns of the handle. The gear ratio is indicated in a format g:1 where g refers to the number of cycles the spool will make for each full revolution of the handle. A higher gear ratio means you’ll be able to reel in more line with each turn of the reel’s handle.
A wide variety of gear ratios can be more advantageous to anglers using a certain type of lure or rig, or fishing for specific types of game fish that might require a faster retrieve than others. You’ll find that some of the most common gear ratios in baitcasting reels are generally 5.4:1 or 6.4:1, both capable of being highly versatile in retrieving anything from crankbaits to slow-moving plastic lures.
Suppose you’re just getting started in the world of fishing. In that case, I recommend that you stick with one single gear ratio to help you gain a better feel and understanding of the amount of line you can take in with one single revolution of the handle. Once you’ve become more acquainted with this number, you’ll be able to more readily feel and understand just how much a higher or lower gear ratio will affect the overall retrieve of your rig, depending on the type of lure you’re using.
A lower gear ratio is commonly used for lures like a large spinnerbait, deep-diving crankbait, or even an A-rig. This is mainly because the reel’s gear ratio will keep you from reeling too fast and causing too much of a variation in the speed of your lure, which can turn away a fish that might be following a crankbait or spinnerbait deep under the surface. Many professional anglers also prefer these low gear ratios for fishing in heavy cover when they might need to pull a fish out of brush or another type of debris quickly to avoid being tangled in a mess and losing the fish.
It’s advisable to use a higher gear ratio for lures that will require you to reel in a bit of slack during your retrieve, especially if you’re trying to maintain a faster speed. This is important for using with lures like topwater frogs, or various kinds of soft plastic lure setups that will be bounced across the bottom.
Braking System
One of the most easily misunderstood concepts of a baitcasting reel is the braking system. This is mostly because other types of reels don’t incorporate a braking system, so anglers who are more accustomed to using a spinning reel or other type of setup will not be familiar with braking systems and how they play a role in the overall performance of your gear.
One of the most notorious characteristics of a baitcasting reel is its susceptibility to being backlashed. This is also called a variety of other terms like bird’s nest, and tangles, but the overall concept is simple—the reel will become backlashed when an angler makes a cast and doesn’t properly time his or her efforts to stop the spool from spinning with their thumb. Failing to stop the spool in time will allow it to continue spinning freely, emptying off large amounts of fishing line that will compile at the opening of the reel where the line feeds off the spool.
This can be a huge frustration for anglers as a backlash can take several minutes to untangle. In the worst cases, you’ll be forced to cut the line and spend even more time working to free the knotted line before again tying on your lure and making another cast.
I have spent enough time trying to undo a serious air knot tangle that I am a big fan of modern designs with braking systems.
Brake systems on modern baitcasting reels can be made from four main types of components that include:
- Manual
- Magnetic
- Centrifugal
- Digital
If a baitcasting reel has no braking system, you can rest assured that you’ll spend more time dealing with backlashed line as there is virtually no room for error when stopping the spool on each cast. A premium model will offer anglers a quality braking system that can recognize when the lure has made contact with the water, which will then cause it to slow the spool down to varying degrees.
I personally prefer a reel that has a digital braking system as they are more capable of recognizing the moment a spool needs to be slowed down to help avoid backlashing their line. However, centrifugal and magnetic braking systems can also adequately slow a spool’s rotation to avoid the dreaded bird’s nest.
Spool Size
Just as with any other type of reel, it’s important to consider the size of the spool when it comes to a baitcasting reel. A larger spool will essentially allow you to use heavier line while smaller spools are generally considered better for shorter casts. The spool diameter and depth dictate the line capacity.
Most anglers who use techniques like flipping or pitching around docks and other types of structure rely on smaller spools as they can more easily control the accuracy of each cast.
Ball Bearings
Most anglers know that a reel must have ball bearings to smoothly operate and prevent as much friction as possible during each cast and retrieve. Ball bearings are essential in baitcasting reels, just like in spinning reels. A good rule of thumb is that the more ball bearings a reel has, the smoother its operation.
I also pay close attention to the methods used in producing the ball bearings of a reel as some brands might try to cut corners by using cheaply-made ball bearings in their reels instead of the more costly bearings that will guarantee a smoother cast and retrieve.
Construction Material
One of the most important characteristics I consider when seeking a quality reel is the specific type of material of the frame. Usually, baitcasting reels will be constructed from graphite or even aluminum material. I believe both types of frame composition will provide adequate strength and durability, ensuring it can stand up to the elements and even the toughest fighting fish when the time comes.
However, selecting a baitcasting reel made of a cheaper material that often includes plastic components should be a serious concern for anglers looking to purchase a tough, reliable reel that won’t easily be broken under immense pressure. Graphite frames are more lightweight than aluminum material, so you must understand the differences if you’re in the market for a more lightweight reel for catching smaller game fish species.
High-quality materials also require less maintenance such as cleaning.
Handle Size and Material
One of the most overlooked parts of any reel is the handle. Some anglers might assume that the handle plays a relatively small role in the overall performance and comfort level of the reel. Still, experienced fishing enthusiasts know that the size and material of a handle can make a big difference in the overall feel in your hands.
I personally prefer a larger handle since it allows me to get a faster grip so they can begin reeling in their lure, or setting the hook on a fish – I do have large hands though. This is especially important for baits; you don’t want to sit idle in the water once you’ve made your cast. However, some anglers like to have a smaller handle, which is more comfortable when reeling.
This is a characteristic that comes down to an angler’s preference, and it might take a good bit of time before you’ll better understand the type of handle size and material you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Finding a solid baitcasting reel might seem daunting initially, but following the tips and suggestions I’ve provided in this article, you should be off to a great start. Many choices are available on the market today, so select one you feel confident with—even if it’s a relatively more affordable model. All the reels on my list will certainly do their job and last many years when cared for and used properly.
Based on my field testing, the best baitcaiter reel is the Shimano Curado DC, due to its price, performance, and build quality.
If you are still looking for more reels, check out the Piscifun Torrent, Abu Garcia Revo SX, or Kastking Rover.
