Fishing reel rating: review of the best popular models of 2020

The modern assortment makes it easy to choose the best fishing reels that are perfect for different fishing styles: from freshwater fishing to sea "hunting".   

By their design, all models are also quite diverse: you can choose primitive models or give preference to professional devices that can independently cope with playing trophies. 

In general, all coils consist of the following elements that can be found in both budget and more expensive models: 

• The body part with the axis on which the drum (spool) with handles rotates. 
• On the body part you can see the foot for fixing the reel to the selected rod. 
• Also, the developers use a braking device  

The reels are designed for line winding from 30 to 400 m. 

Types of reels for spinning

The best spinning reels are devices that allow you not only to store the necessary supply of fishing line, but also help the fisherman to easily cope with the process of playing the coveted trophy.  

There are three main types of spinning models: 

• Inertial coils. It is in these structures that the largest number of characteristics from the first wooden fishing reels have been preserved. They are quite difficult to operate, and therefore are designed exclusively for experienced fishermen. Such reels are perfect for fishing in large currents, as they are able to give the line very quickly.  
• Multiplier coils . The presented models are inertial advanced designs with a gear system and a gear ratio from 3 to 7. Despite the fact that they are actively used for seawater, they also found their application in freshwater reservoirs.  
• Spinning reels . These are the modern and most suitable models for spinning rods. During casting, the line comes off freely and smoothly, without rotating the spool. In addition, the risk of "beard" formation is eliminated.   

Best twitching reel

When choosing a reel for twitching fishing, you need to give preference to the power with a strong main pair. Indeed, as a result of minor jerks, the device lends itself to large shock loads.  

TOP spinning reels for twitching looks like this: 

1. The Shimano Sustain reel is a premium series that has been designed with the Shimano Stradic in mind. The design includes a reliable New Magnumlite graphite rotor, the developers used a durable G Free Body, the center of gravity was shifted to the handle.  
2. The Shimano Vanquish 19 reel is a modern 2019 model. For even and smooth operation, the manufacturer used two innovative systems at once - Micromodule II and Silent Drive. The set of gears and housing were made entirely of aluminum alloy, which is characterized by durability and high strength.  
3. The Shimano Ultegra reel is complemented by a fully waterproof Coreprotect body made from durable XT-7 material. Thanks to the shifted center of gravity, the developers managed to achieve the perfect balance in the operation of the reel.  

Best carp reels

The carp reel must be as reliable as possible and made of high quality materials. After all, she has to cope with heavy loads, since carp is a rather heavy fish.

The most popular reels that are actively used in the field of carp fishing:

• The Brain Apex Double Baitrunner reel is a model that is perfect for lovers of carp and feeder hunting. It is characterized by: soft and smooth running, uninterrupted operation of the rocker gear, the presence of 6 ball and 1 roller bearings. The presence of a baitrunner system eliminates the possibility that the carp will pull the tackle into the reservoir. The metal spool is supplemented with a round spring-loaded clip for a secure fixation of the line.  
• Coil Shimano Ultegra XTD - model complemented by a matte body, represented in black. It was created using XT-7 composite material. The innovative X-Ship system is responsible for the smooth operation of the entire device, which also provides the necessary tractive effort. The absence of backlash is guaranteed by 4 ball bearings S A-RB, made of stainless material. Despite the fact that the reel does not have a bytrunner system, the manufacturer used a friction brake with a simple adjustment - Instant Drag.   

Jig Coil Rating

All jig coils can be conditionally divided into two large groups - traction and high-speed. The former are great for hunting trophy predators when heavy jigging gear is used.  

The rating of the most popular jig reels includes the following models: 

• The Daiwa 17 Exceler LT reel is a good spinning reel designed according to the well-known LT (Light & Tough) concept. The compact body is made of carbon fiber material that houses the new Tough Digigear gear. It has an increased tooth size by 25% 
• Shimano Twin Power reel - the model has a compact rotor made of aluminum alloy, endowed with the necessary reserve of rigidity. The main pair was developed using the X-Ship concept, which allowed it to be more resilient.  
• Катушка Shimano Nasci ‒ отличное решение для борьбы с трофейными экземплярами. Это стало возможным благодаря применению высокопрочного привода из холоднокованого алюминия. Надежный корпус выполнен из композитного материала XT-7. Использование 4 шариковых и 1 роликового подшипника способствует качественной работе всего устройства.  

ТОП катушек для ультралайта

Основная задача ультралайтовой катушки ‒ оставаться удобной для работы с легкими видами приманок. Такая конструкция не должна утяжелять снасть, нарушать ее баланс или ухудшать показатели чувствительности спиннинга. 

В последнее время самыми известными стали две ультралайтовые модели: 

• The Daiwa 17 Fuego LT reel was developed using the popular LT concept to make it as comfortable and light as possible. Despite its low weight, the carbon material of the body provides extra strength to the entire structure. With the Mag Sealed system, first-class contamination protection has been provided.  
• Reel Shimano Stradic CI4 + - ultralight model has a housing designed with carbon-fiber material. The design is equipped with an updated rotor with a one-piece bail of the line guide, which significantly reduces the initial inertia values, ensuring the sensitivity of the entire tackle.  

Best Feeder Coils

A well-chosen feeder reel is responsible for maintaining the necessary balance and maintaining the functionality of the tackle as a whole.

TOP of the best feeder models :

• The Brain Scout is a budget power model designed for bottom fishing with heavy rigs and rigs. At the heart of this mechanism, the developers used an S-shaped rocker. 8 ball bearings are responsible for an easy and soft stroke, and 1 roller for a backstop. 
• The Okuma Ceymar reel is a versatile model that is great for feeder and spinning hunting. The spinning reel uses 7 ball and 1 roller bearings. Additionally, there is a high-quality Japanese clutch system with oiled felt discs. The body has been designed with a graphite material that resists corrosion.  
• Okuma Custom Black Feeder CLX Reel - In this model, the rotor and body are made of graphite material. The developers have created the gears of the main pair using brass on high-precision CNC equipment. Therefore, during work, all kinds of problems or jamming are excluded. Also, the set includes two spools made of aluminum alloy: one shallow and the other deep. 

TOP budget reels for spinning

In the process of buying spinning reels, you need to pay special attention to the cost of the models presented. Many fishermen want to choose high-quality models at affordable prices, which in their technical characteristics will not differ from expensive devices.  

There are three most popular models:

• The Daiwa 17 Legalis LT reel is a powerful and lightweight construction thanks to the popular LT concept. The redesigned housing is made from Carbon Light Material Housing, where a brand new Tough Digigear gear has been used. Additionally, the device includes a hollow AirBail, a lightweight AirRotor and a set of 6 bearings. 
• Daiwa 18 Ninja LT reel - LT technology was also used here, the developers used the innovative Tough Digigear transmission, which was previously relevant for more expensive reels. The friction brake is smooth and soft, and its braking force has been increased to 12 kg. The main rotation units are equipped with 4 ball and 1 roller bearings. 
• The Shimano Nexave reel is a model that stands out for its high power ratings, even with an increased gear ratio. The smooth running of the reel is due to three stainless steel ball bearings. The front friction brake is easy to adjust and allows the fisherman to handle captured specimens with ease.  

What is the best fishing reel to buy in 2020

Our ranking list contains a wide range of reels for different fishing styles. All of them differ in their pricing policy, a set of certain characteristics, properties and advantages. 

However, there are several general criteria for the correct choice of coils:

• It is important to pay attention to the peculiarities of a certain method of "hunting", to the bait that you plan to use. If the fisherman prefers to actively experiment on the pond and work with different types of lures, then it is best to purchase a universal reel - a spinning model.  
• An important criterion is the fish for which the "hunt" has been announced. For example, with a high-speed device with a small gear ratio, you will not be able to catch a trophy specimen.
• Fisherman's experience is another important criterion. Beginners need to give preference to budget models, since after one or several seasons they will have to change their own inventory.  

Taking into account such features of the selection of the reel, each angler will easily select the most profitable option for himself.