The best spinning rods are extremely durable, have a wide range of actions and powers, have a comfortable non-slip grip, and corrosion-resistant guides, such as the Ugly Stik GX2.
I judge each reel personally based on its performance, durability, cost, value for money, and comfort based on my own individual testing experience.
| Image | Features | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| 9.4 | Check Latest Price on AmazonCheck Latest Price on Bass Pro Shop |
Best Value for Money  |
| 9.1 | Check Latest Price on AmazonCheck Latest Price on Bass Pro Shop |
Best Premium Rod  | St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod
| 8.8 | Check Latest Price on Amazon |
Table of Contents
1. Ugly Stik GX2 – Best Spinning Rod
- Solid Construction Yet Lightweight
- Comfortable EVA Handle
- Graphite and Fiberglass Combination
- Stainless Steel Guides
- The Handle Can Be Too Thin for Large Hands
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Convenient weight in one hand
- Solids parts
- Easy to store and carry
Cons
- The handle can be too small for large hands
Verdict:
2. Ugly Stik Elite – Best Premium Spinning Rod
- Comfortable Cork Grip
- Graphite/Fiberglass Composite
- Virtually Indestructible
- Ugly Tuff Guides
- Small Grip Above Reel Seat for Applying Pressure
Pros
- Suitable for jigging
- Very durable for everyday use
- Manageable weight for casting
- Able to handle large fish
Verdict:
3. Shimano FX – Best 2-Piece Spinning Rod
- Aeroglass Blank Construction
- 2 Piece for Easy Transport
- Reinforced Oxide Guides
- Sturdy and Sensitive
- On the Heavy Side
Pros
- Extra durable with good construction
- Firm grip
- Comfortable to use with a nice balance
- Easy to use and cast
- Suitable for most situations
Cons
- Can be on the heavy side when you hold it in one hand
Verdict:
4. Cadence CR5 – Best Value for Money Spinning Rod
- Cork and EVA Handle
- Fuji Reel Seat
- Stainless Steel Guides
- Lightweight and Strong
- The Rod Butt Can Be Too Long and Get in the Way
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- High-quality construction
- Easy to carry and store
Cons
- High maintenance and needs to be looked after with care
Verdict:
5. Okuma Celilo Graphite Trout Rods
- Stainless Steel Reel Seat
- Aluminum-Oxide Guides
- Comfortable Cork Grip
- Graphite Composite Blank
- Shipping Can Be Poor
- Very Long Below Reel Seat
Pros
- The perfect trout rod
- Suitable for almost any conditions
- Good at casting and retrieving
- Highly sensitive
- Easy and comfortable to carry
Cons
- The shipping process can be poor
Verdict:
6. St Croix Premier Spinning Rods
- SCII Graphite Material
- Premium Cork Handles
- Fuji Reel Seat
- Flex-Coat Slow Cure Finish
- More Expensive
Pros
- Very sensitive and durable rod.
- Has outstanding hook-setting power.
- Suitable for use with different types of lures.
- Has a lot of length options and power.
- Firm grip cork handle.
Cons
- Little pricey.
- Does not look that attractive.
7. Fiblink 3-Piece Spinning Rod
- Corrosion Resistant Aluminum Alloy Reel Seat
- Flexible, Lightweight, and Sensitive
- Affordable Price Tag
- Make Sure You Clean the Individual Pieces Thoroughly
Pros
- Fits into your bags or suitcase
- Flexible, lightweight, and sensitive
- Suitable for surf fishing
- Corrosion resistant
- Affordable price
Cons
- The pieces may be stuck sometimes if not maintain properly, like, detach, clean, and oil regularly.
8. EAT MY TACKLE Sabiki Spinning Rod
- Lifetime Warranty
- Light, Stiff, and Sensitive
- Stylish Design
- Can Be Too Stiff at Times
- Lack of Length Options
Pros
- Stiff and sturdy rod for handling worst fighting fish.
- Looks great and modern.
- Light, stiff and sensitive.
- Two pcs rod for easy portability.
- Offer lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Not long enough.
9. Shimano Trevala Spinning Saltwater Rod
- Designed for Jigging
- Fuji Aluminum Oxide Guides
- High-Density EVA Grips
- Split Grip Handle
- More Expensive Than Alternatives
- I Prefer Cork Grip Handles
Pros
- Made of high-quality materials
- Offers excellent performance that could reach any professional angler’s expectation
- Sensitive rod for fast action
- The splits grip style handle for offshore conditions is excellent
- High-density EVA foam grip
Cons
- Little pricy
10. Penn Carnage III Spinning Rod
- Great for high-speed vertical jigging
- No slip foregrip
- High quality and efficient rod
- Nice looking durable construction
- Little expensive
- The order I received was packed very loosely and I was worried that it would arrive broken but it didn’t
Pros
- Great for high-speed vertical jigging
- No slip foregrip
- High quality and efficient rod
- Nice looking durable construction
Cons
- Little expensive
- The order I received was packed very loosely and I was worried that it would arrive broken but it didn’t.
Spinning Rod Buying Guide
There are a few factors you should be considering to get going with the journey and make a better decision at the end of the day. It’s important to mull over each of these criteria. Please don’t neglect the basic requirements that almost any angler would need to have in their spinning rod.
Action
The action means the amount of bending a rod can do. Obviously, you’ll have to put pressure on the tip for that. Now there are rods that would vary from slow action to fast action. Parabolic is the term used for slower action rods.
This feature helps you to have better sensitivity and faster control for hook setting.
Most of the time a fast action rod is preferable for fishing because the faster power would help to set the hook faster.
Taper
Taper actually is a synonym for action to many folks. However, this term also determines the thickness of the wall of the blank. The blank where a lower amount of material is available would give a better bend. These are the familiar case with the best spinning rods.
Power
The best spinning rods should have good lifting power. This ability is usually known as the power of a particular rod. The rod that would say it includes a lot of backbone is usually greater in power.
Image Source: fix.com
The power is most of the time measured as heavy, medium-heavy, and medium. It’s sort of connected to line strength. The powerful lines with heavy ratings would be better to hold more weight. While the ones that are less in power rating would be able to withstand less weight lifting.
You should depend on the type of water environment you would be fishing in. This condition would usually determine what type of power you need in your rod. Thick or heavy water usually needs stronger rods. On the other hand, clear and open water needs thin and hard to notice lines.
The Reaction Ratio
The ability of a rod to flex below the weight and release the inner energy in the casting task has a connection with responsiveness. A completed rod actually is a result of a lot of layers of a different material. This really affects the ability to respond.
The most basic rule is to remember that a rod that has less weight would respond faster. The more the modulus of a rod the better energy-saving energy the rod would have. This later would help the rod to give a precious casting result when trying on a lower trajectory.
Transportable (telescopic, 1 piece, or 2 piece)
Of course, it is all about preference what piece suits you most? Also, I figure out quality will vary slightly with the style of the rod. However, if you ask, then I must admit telescoping, and 2pcs are way convenient to carry. But if you feel 1pcs is best for you, go for it.
Material of Construction
Graphite
No matter if we are talking about the lightest spinning rod or a heavy version, most rods will surely have this very common material in them. It is known as graphite. Recently, graphite is made at high temperatures. It’s completed with two major processes. There are some best cheap spinning rods as well that would go through this process.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a popular material used in so many tools. It’s been around for construction from the late 50s. The soft toughness that glass construction gives is the reason behind its popularity. Rods use this as well for better quality. So good cheap fishing rods will also include fiberglass along with graphite and others.
There are various anglers who love a fiberglass rod for activities such as crankbaits. Basically where you need to have a medium to slow action will require a fiberglass construction for better results.
The finest rod for spinning reels would usually have a variety of elements to make different layers of fiberglass as well as graphite. The most fascinating thing about this excellent material is that it shows off its toughness, sensitivity and weight. Best rods in the market use this material along with others.
There are also rods made from other materials such as bamboo that are great for float rods.
Quality Guides
A guide is a metal frame with a ceramic ring. It connects the line to the rod. The guide quality often varies according to price and rod type. This ring often depends on the fishing rod quality and suitability. There are so many best budget spinning rod that includes quality guides made of aluminum material.
A great guide gives less friction with better smoothness on the surface with the line. It helps to have a longer cast and fewer friction problems. We all know the huge issue of heat killing the fishing line.
Look for rods that include more guides. It might cost more but the results will include better bent, consistent balance throughout the length, and properly utilize of power. It would help greatly to fight huge fish.
Reel Seats
The reel seats are basically the place that holds the reel. It comes in many variations depending on the price. Most anglers would like seats that are made of graphite. Don’t get a low-quality rod that would lack a plastic cushion inside the hoods. These types of seats often rust and cause a stain on your reel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IM6 and IM7?
These are actually the graphite name produced by a Hexcel. This is a measurement used to refer to graphite by other companies as well. It would help you to compare the quality of the material in general. Both types are used to make good-quality spinning rods. However, the IM7 rod is better in quality than the IM6.
What is Modulus?
Modulus is a term that is used to understand the strength of graphite material in a rod. It usually tells about the stiffness you can have in a particular rod. It is a measurement unit that will decide which rod would be a more premium choice for a certain activity. However, this is not the only feature to judge a rod. There are other things needed as well to ensure the finest performance as well as durability of a rod.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best spinning rods then there is a lot you need to be careful about. But throughout your purchasing journey, you need to be conscious of your instinct. Your instinct will best tell you what you need and what you don’t.
I have also written some more buying guides into more specific rods that might be better suited to your needs:
- Budget Spinning Rods
- Bass Spinning Rods
- Walleye Spinning Rods
- Trout and Redfish Rods
- Ugly Stik Fishing Rods
So when you are confused even after knowing the basics and all essentials, think more. Always keep in mind that it’s the best thing to choose a spinning rod that will maintain your basic requirements. A fancy one might end up being pricey and also less manageable.
There are also some great rods made by G Loomis and Abu Garcia that didn’t make my top 10 but are still solid options.
