10 Best Baitcasting Reels of 2020
The baitcasting reel may not be the most beginner-friendly type of fishing reel. But it is by far the most accurate and efficient type. Especially for big game fishing.
It has a very smooth drag and excellent gear ratio making it fast to retrieve your line. Best, the spool is usually bigger allowing it to host a longer line for long-distance or deep sea fishing.
In addition, the baitcasting reel provides you with a lot of control and versatility in both freshwater or seawater. If you are on the market for the best baitcasting reel, we have exactly what you need!
We hand-picked a few highly reputable models and give you our impressions below. Let's see how well those reels perform and if they are worth the money!
You can also read other product reviews of fishing reel , fly reel , spincast reel , spinning reel , spinning reel under $100 , saltwater spinning reel , rod and reel combo .
10 Best Baitcasting Reels – Review
|
Product Name |
Gear ratio |
Max drag |
Material |
Rating
|
Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. KastKing Royale Low Profile Baitcasting Reel |
7.0:1 |
17.5 lbs |
Aluminum |
4.3 |
|
|
2. Piscifun New Torrent Baitcasting Reel |
7.1:1 |
18 lbs |
Aluminum |
4.5 |
|
|
3. Piscifun Perseus Low Profile Baitcasting Reel |
6.3:1 |
18.5 lbs |
Carbon Fiber |
4.4 |
|
|
4. Abu Garcia BMAX3 Baitcasting Reel |
N/A |
18 lbs |
Graphite |
4.6 |
|
|
5. Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Reel |
7.1:1 |
N/A |
Graphite |
4.5 |
|
|
6. Sougayilang 12 Stainless Steel Bearing Baitcasting Reel |
7.0:1 |
18 lbs |
Graphite |
4.8 |
|
|
7. KastKing Spartacus Plus Baitcasting Reel |
6.3:1 |
17.5 lbs |
Aluminum |
4.5 |
|
|
8. Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reel |
Variable |
13.2 lbs |
Aluminum |
4.6 |
|
|
9. KastKing Stealth Baitcasting Reel |
7.0:1 |
16.5 lbs |
Carbon Fiber |
4.1 |
|
|
10. Sougayilang Low Profile Carbon Baitcasting Reel |
7.0:1 |
17 lbs |
Aluminum |
4.2 |
1. KastKing Royale Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
Photo: KastKing
- Max drag: 17.5 lbs
- Gear ratio: 7.0:1
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 7.5 ounces
The KastKing Royale baitcasting reel has an excellent price to performance ratio. This unit is made from an anodized aluminum that comes in 2 color tones giving this reel an attractive and professional look.
Moreover, the spool is heavy-duty and high performance. It's an excellent model for fishing in the open. Further, its gear ratio of 7.0:1 makes it very easy to reel the line quickly and easily. In short, this spool will do exactly 7 revolutions for every handle turn.
For a smoother experience when casting, the KastKing Royale comes with no less than 12 ball bearings in a sealed spool. Therefore, it is protected from the outside and will be durable.
Moreover, the braking system is superior when compared to other models as it uses both a centrifugal and a magnetic brake system to prevent backlash as well as promote a smoother fishing experience.
All in all, if you need one of the best baitcasting reels for the money then we highly recommend you check out the KastKing Royale as it is an excellent all-rounder.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Piscifun New Torrent Baitcasting Reel
Photo: Piscifun
- Max drag: 18 lbs
- Gear ratio: 7.1:1
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 8 ounces
For more versatility, the Piscifun New Torrent is a baitcasting reel that comes as both a right-handed and left-handed unit depending on user choice.
The spool is made from heavy duty aluminum which is very durable and long-lasting. The only downside is that some parts are made of a graphite composite which is less tough than aluminum. However, this model can definitely be used for a big game tournament as it is high performance.
Moreover, the gear ratio of 7.1:1 is one of the best we have seen in a baitcasting reel as the fastest for line retrieving. The ball bearing system inside the spool is self-lubricating and very efficient providing the user with a smooth drag.
To make it even easier to use, the magnetic dial-in knob provides a constant tension in the line thus helping prevent birds nest formation in the spool.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Piscifun Perseus Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
Photo: Piscifun
- Max drag: 18.5 lbs
- Gear ratio: 6.3:1
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 8 ounces
The Piscifun Perseus is basically a different variant to the Piscifun New Torrent we have reviewed above. This reel has a smaller gear ratio of 6.3:1 which is not as good as the New Torrent but still adequate for a baitcasting reel, especially in freshwater.
Moreover, the body of this model is made from carbon fiber which is a lightweight and tough material. However, it does not make it any lighter than the previous model above as both weigh 8 ounces. To make it more heavy-duty during big game fishing, the handle is made from aluminum that will not break when cranking or fighting.
The general fishing experience with this Piscifun Perseus baitcasting reel is very smooth as it uses a series of gears and 6 ball bearings for a smoother drag and brake.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Abu Garcia BMAX3 Baitcasting Reel
Photo: Abu Garcia
- Max drag: 18 lbs
- Gear ratio: N/A
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
Abu Garcia makes one of the world's best baitcasting reels that money can buy. The BMAX3 is a budget-friendly offering from this brand that sports a low-profile and stylish design.
It is quite effective and accurate since it uses a performing brake system called MagTrax that provides the user with a lot of versatility during casting, fighting, as well as retrieving. Essentially, it uses a series of stainless steel ball bearings that give this baitcasting reel a smooth drag.
Moreover, the user has the ability to buy different variants of this baitcasting reel to suit individual needs.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
Photo: Abu Garcia
- Max drag: N/A
- Gear ratio: 7.1:1
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 7.4 ounces
As its name suggests, the Abu Garcia Pro is a professional model and intended for heavy-duty usage as well as big game fishing. It can equally be used for winning tournaments.
At the heart of this Pro baitcasting reel, you get the trademarked MagTrax brake system that is present in almost all Abu Garcia fishing reels. Additionally, it has a power disk system that employs a series of ball bearings that gives this reel a smooth drag.
To make it durable and long-lasting, the spool of this baitcasting fishing reel is made from a double anodized aluminum. The only downside is that the frame is built from a graphite composite which scratches easily. However, for the price, it is hard to get a better model.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Sougayilang 12 Stainless Steel Bearing Baitcasting Reel
Photo: Sougayilang
- Max drag: 18 lbs
- Gear ratio: 7.0:1
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 7.6 ounces
We have encountered Sougayilang before. This manufacturer specializes in cost-effective fishing gear solutions. Consequently, this Sougayilang baitcasting reel is a budget-friendly model that despite its fairly low price still sports decent features.
There are 12 ball bearings in this reel that provides it with a superior braking system. For more versatility, there are up to 9 brake settings that can quickly and easily be adjusted with one hand. Additionally, the 3 carbon fiber discs give this unit a very smooth drag.
But where this model really shines is in its excellent gear ratio of 7.0:1 which makes it quite fast for retrieving the line. Furthermore, due to the efficient design, you will have no problem with backlash as long as the line is tensioned properly.
All in all, despite being a fairly affordable baitcasting reel the Sougayilang delivers a superior fishing experience for the money.
Pros:
Cons:
7. KastKing Spartacus Plus Baitcasting Reel
Photo: KastKing
- Max drag: 17.5 lbs
- Gear ratio: 6.3:1
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 8.1 ounces
The KastKing Spartacus Plus is quite similar to the KastKing Royale we have reviewed above. With one major difference, it has a smaller gear ratio of 6.3:1 which shows that it is slower than the latter.
Additionally, the handles have been refreshed and they now use a cork-based material that is more comfortable and heavy-duty. Since this is a sealed model, there are 12 corrosion-resistant ball bearings working inside that makes the drag smoother.
It is a little heavier than the KastKing Royale baitcasting reel and in our opinion, the Spartacus is an inferior product. There are superior baitcasting reels for the money in this review.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reel
Photo: Daiwa Tatula
- Max drag: 13.2 lbs
- Gear ratio: Variable
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: N/A
The Daiwa Tatula is a popular baitcasting reel that is used by many professionals during tournaments. It sports a carbon drag that is very smooth and is superior brake system that provided with excellent accuracy.
The spool in this model is quite big allowing it to accommodate a long line. The drag and brake system in this model is smooth and despite the relatively low maximum drag of 13.2 lbs, it can still be used as a high-performance and big-game baitcasting reel.
Moreover, the user has a lot of versatility as this model comes in various sizes and gear ratios to accommodate individual needs.
Pros:
Cons:
9. KastKing Stealth Baitcasting Reel
Photo: KastKing
- Max drag: 16.5 lbs
- Gear ratio: 7.0:1
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 5.98 ounces
The KastKing Stealth baitcasting reel is mostly about accuracy than anything else. It has a smaller maximum drag of 16.5 lbs when compared to other models, but is still performing enough for big game fishing.
There is a dual brake system in this model that further promotes accuracy when casting. Moreover, the carbon fiber frame makes this baitcasting reel extremely tough and durable. Interestingly, the frame is also 20% lighter than aluminum but just as strong and long-lasting. Indeed, the KastKing Stealth is the lightest baitcasting reel we have in this review at only 5.98 ounces.
Further, due to the 12 ball bearings used in this reel, the drag is very smooth offering the user with a superior user experience. Finally, the gear ratio of 7.0:1 makes this a very fast baitcasting reel that can quickly and easily retrieve a long line.
Pros:
Cons:
10. Sougayilang Low Profile Carbon Baitcasting Reel
Photo: Sougayilang
- Max drag: 17 lbs
- Gear ratio: 7.0:1
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 6.98 ounces
Finally, this Sougayilang model is a top-rated baitcasting reel especially considering its highly attractive price. It has an excellent build construction from both graphite and aluminum and sports a dual magnetic brake for accuracy and control.
What we like about this baitcasting reel is its gear ratio of 7.0:1 which shows that it is fast to retrieve a line. Therefore, it can comfortably be used for big game fishing, deep-sea fishing or general-purpose fishing. In short, it is an excellent all-rounder.
In terms of operation, this model is fairly easy to operate and it is also quite smooth due to its self-lubricating ball bearing mechanism. To make it more long-lasting, the spool is sealed and the ball bearing anti-corrosion.
If you are on a tight budget or you do not want to spend too much on a baitcasting reel then we recommend this Sougayilang baitcasting reel as it has a lot to offer in terms of user experience and features.
Pros:
Cons:
Baitcasting Reel vs. Spinning Reel
1. Baitcasting Reel
The baitcasting reel looks more complex and has more parts than a spinning reel. Evidently so, it is also more difficult to use, especially for those who don't have much experience with this reel.
But in a skilled hand, the baitcasting reel is superior to any other type of fishing reel as it is more efficient, more accurate and can be cast at a long distance.
Therefore, this type of reel is ideal for game tournaments as well as big game fishing in the open.
Advantage:
- More accurate and more control over casting
- The spool is bigger and contains more line allowing it to cast over longer distances
- Heavy-duty fishing reel offers better cranking during big game fishing
Disadvantage:
- More difficult to operate than a spinning reel
- More prone to backlash
- Due to the longer line, it is more difficult to control. Especially when a lighter bait is used
2. Spinning Reel
The spinning reel is the most popular type of reel. This type of reel sits inline with the rod direction and it contains only 1 large handle and a large metal bail that serves as a braking system. Moreover, the spinning reel is very easy to use and has a small learning curve.
Our advice is simple.
If you have never used a fishing reel before, the spinning reel is what you want to buy first. This is a great fishing reel to gain some experience before moving on to more sophisticated types like the baitcasting reel.
Advantage:
- Easy to use. Beginner-friendly.
- Versatile. Can be used to catch a wide range of fishes
- Can be used with live bait
Disadvantage:
- Spool is small and thus the line it can accommodate is shorter than in a baitcasting reel
- Line can easily twist because of "line memory"
- Not as accurate as a baitcasting reel
How to Buy the Best Baitcasting Fishing Reels
1. Brake
The braking system is important in a baitcasting reel as it helps prevent backlash. If you don't know what backlash is, it is simply a term used to describe a spool that continues to turn despite your catch has stopped moving. What this does is add "memory" to your line which then becomes entangled. A brake help prevents all that.
There are several types of braking systems:
- Centrifugal: A centrifugal brake system will use pins found on the side plate of the spool to stop the spool from turning. To engage the braking system, you simply have to push the pin out.
- Magnetic: The magnetic brake is more sophisticated and uses magnets inside the spool to adjust the speed of the spool. In general, magnetic brakes offer a smoother brake and drag.
2. Ear Ratio
The gear ratio dictates to the speed of the reel. Some common gear ratios that you will find in baitcasting reels are 5.4:1, 6.4:1, and 7.1:1.
The first set of numbers in the gear ratio means the number of revolution the spool does with one complete turn of the handle. As an example, a reel with a gear ratio of 7.1:1 does 7.1 spool revolution in one turn.
The higher the gear ratio, the more line you can retrieve. Therefore, the higher the gear ratio the higher the speed of the reel actually is.
3. Bearing
The bearing system is what makes the drag smooth. Basically, it is a set of at least 2 ball bearings that regulates the motion of the spool.
Some models have more than 2 ball bearings but that does not necessarily mean that they are better. For maximum efficiency and smoothness in your drag, keep an eye out for terms like "sealed bearings" or "shielded".
This means the ball bearing system is sealed from the outside and will maintain its efficiency for a long time. Additionally, most sealed ball bearing systems are also self-lubricating for even more efficiency.
4. Frame
The frame of the reel usually comes in 3 different materials.
- Carbon Fiber
- Graphite
- Aluminum
Carbon fiber is a very lightweight and tough material. Essentially, carbon fiber is 20% lighter than aluminum and has the same durability as the latter.
A graphite frame is usually found in budget baitcasting fishing reels. It is not as tough as carbon fiber or aluminum. Graphite also scratches more easily so we recommend a graphite frame only if your budget can only afford a graphite frame model.
Aluminum is the best frame material. It is fairly lightweight, tough and durable making it last a very long time. Most heavy-duty baitcasting fishing reels are built from a solid aluminum frame.
5. Tension adjustment
The tension adjustment in a baitcasting reel is basically the knob located at the side of the spool. It engages the braking system on the line such that the line always has a tension on it, even when the catch has stopped moving.
This feature is important so as to prevent birds nest formation or your line getting entangled. Ensure that the tension knob is clearly marked and easy to access with only one hand for ease of use.
Conclusion
There is only one technique that will make you good at using a baitcasting reel and that is practice. It can be an intimidating fishing reel with a somewhat steep learning curve. But once you master it, you will find that it is much more efficient and accurate than a spinning reel. Especially for big game fishing.
If you have still not found a good baitcasting reel yet, we recommend that you read our review one more time.
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10 Best Baitcasting Reels – Review
- 1. KastKing Royale Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
- 2. Piscifun New Torrent Baitcasting Reel
- 3. Piscifun Perseus Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
- 4. Abu Garcia BMAX3 Baitcasting Reel
- 5. Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
- 6. Sougayilang 12 Stainless Steel Bearing Baitcasting Reel
- 7. KastKing Spartacus Plus Baitcasting Reel
- 8. Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reel
- 9. KastKing Stealth Baitcasting Reel
- 10. Sougayilang Low Profile Carbon Baitcasting Reel
- Baitcasting Reel vs. Spinning Reel
- How to Buy the Best Baitcasting Fishing Reels
- Conclusion
