Top 10 Best Spinning Reels under $150 Rated and Reviewed

Spin fishing is one of my favorite forms of fishing. I seem to be at my most relaxed with rod and reel in hand. However, my ultimate goal is to get a fish on the end of my hook, and I need the best equipment. I am going to be searching out the best spinning reel under $150 in this article.

We want something that gives us the perfect cast every time, as well as smooth action. If you are looking within the $150 budget, we should be able to find a reel to suit. It should also be possible to find a few extra bells and whistles in this price range.

Penn SQL50LW Squall LevelWind

Ever see a video of someone take in a simply massive trophy fish and wish that could be you? Well, now it can be. With a little expertise and the right equipment anyone can take in massive trophy fish on their own. The key is to have a reel and rod combo that can handle the fantastic forces that massive fish put on them during the fight. You need a reel with enough power and durability to withstand the force of a massive fish pulling on it while also being able to bring it to the boat. That is why PENN designed their Squall reel.

The Penn SQL50LW Squall LevelWind is specifically designed to engage in serious saltwater fishing. It is equipped with a solid graphite body and bronze central pinion for ultimate strength. In a trolling reel like this, it is all about the drag system which is why PENN designed a special drag system for this reel. The HT-100 carbon drag system is self greasing and self cooling so you can focus on the fight without worrying about your reel heating up or gunking up. Now you can get the big catch too with the Squall Trolling Reel by PENN.

SHIMANO Ultegra Spinning Fishing Reel

Shimano is back with another masterpiece. The SHIMANO Ultegra Spinning Fishing Reel is a spinning reel specifically designed to hold up under the toughest conditions. Sometimes spinning reels get a bad rep for being too open and too prone to corrosion. That is why many people only use them for basic freshwater fishing. Now, Shimano has crafted a spinning reel designed to hold up under the harshest conditions so you can get a reel you love without the worry.

This all starts with Shimano’s unique water-resistant technology that keeps water away from the reel during use. Saltwater is highly corrosive and they have done everything they can to minimize the damage it can cause boosting the longevity and usefulness of their reel. Combine that with their proprietary HAGANE gearing and their X-Ship technology and you have a powerful and versatile reel that is ready for anything. The X-Ship tech reduces friction within the reel meaning you can use it harder, faster, and longer without worrying about internal wear. The HAGANE gearing provides long-lasting, strong, and durable performance. If you think you knew spinning reels, think again. Check out Shimano’s revolutionary changes to their classic reels and you won’t be disappointed.

Penn 1338221 Battle II 6000 Spinning Fishing Reel

To the serious angler, fishing isn’t just a passtime, its a fight. The best fish, the tastiest catches and the ones that live on in legend don’t come easily. It requires a battle. That is why Penn has created the Penn 1338221 Battle II 6000 Spinning Fishing Reel. Named aptly for the powerful battles that the biggest fish give the toughest of anglers out on the water, this reel is designed to haul in the biggest catches without breaking a sweat.

The Battle II is a high range spinning reel ideal for conquering big saltwater game fish. Everything about this reel has been designed with the harsh conditions of a saltwater fishing environment in mind as well as the large fish that you want to catch. It has a powerful, yet smooth, carbon drag system that gives you the chops to reel in the big ones. They will tire out long before you do. A five stainless steel bearing system offers smooth cranks and a strong anti-reversal action that keeps you in control at all times. As an added bonus, the reel looks great. There is nothing prettier than a modern, gold, and black, sleek spinning reel sitting below the perfect rod. She is a beauty.

Okuma Cedros High Speed Spinning Reel

Do you like spinning reels but don’t like how they perform sometimes? Do you like how they look and feel but can’t stand how slow they can be? OKUMA knows that there are people out there who want to use a spinning reel but can’t get over those issues which is why they created the Cedros High Speed Spinning Reel. This reel is designed to be a high performance spinning reel capable of doing everything you need it to.

It features a precision dual force drag system, a proprietary elliptical oscillation system, and a hydro block water tight drag seal. These things combine to create a modern, durable, powerful reel that will make you fall in love with spinning reels all over again. Throw in a sharp looking bail line, anodized finishes, and a rugged body and you have a spinning reel that can compete with the best of them.

PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Fishing Reels

The PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Fishing Reels are a line of performance reels by the makers at PENN Fishing. These reels come in fifteen different configurations. This means that no matter what kind of rod and reel combo or what kind of fishing you are doing, they have a quality reel that will work for you.

This reel looks amazing with anodized gold and black finishes but it performs even better. With strong CNC machined central gears and pinions with powerful HT-100 carbon drag washers, this reel is ready for the biggest fish fights. No matter what size or capacity you choose, you are getting quality and proven designs and technology from PENN.

SHIMANO CAENAN A, LowProfile Baitcasting Freshwater Fishing Reel

SHIMANO CAENAN A LowProfile Baitcasting Freshwater Fishing Reel is a quality, palm ready, low profile baitcasting reel. This modern reel has all of the little features you look for in a comfortable low profile baitcasting reel. It features a 7.2:1 gear ratio which is powered by their High Efficiency Gear System which ensures powerful smooth cranks every time. Also, It has an impressive retrieval rating of 30” per crank which will make sure times between casts are as short as possible.

The reel also includes other modern features like EVA grips, aluminum handles, a sleek 4+1 stainless steel bearing system, and Shimano’s proprietary variable brake system. This means the reel is excellent for palm casting, cranking, retrieval, and comfort giving you a complete baitcasting reel for an affordable price. Throw in 11lbs of drag and a measly 7 ounces in weight and you have a reel that can fit into your arsenal easily no matter what the situation.

Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

Made by Abu Garcia and available in four unique and powerful configurations the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel is a fantastic piece of kit. This reel combines modern design functions and computerized engineering to craft a highly effective piece of gear for the modern angler. Most of the modern players have a lot of experience in the market but Abu Garcia takes it a step further by combining their years of experience with computerized designs. This pairing ensures the best gear ratios and matrix drag system creates one of the most efficient reels ever made.

You will have to try it for yourself to get the full effect of these fine tuned upgrades but you will notice the difference right away. Every piece and part of this reel was highly designed and tested to be durable, lasting and efficient so you can focus on the thing you love the most, fishing.

Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

Get a spinning wheel that looks sharp, performs sharp and will hold up to the elements. There are a lot of cheap and inferior reels out there on the market that are made with inferior parts and substandard materials that simply will not hold up and will not perform the way the modern angler demands. That is why Daiwa created the Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel. Not only can this reel handle the toughest fish, but it can also handle the toughest conditions. It was made for rigorous use in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

This reel is made from corrosion resistant materials. Saltwater will kill unprepared gear faster than anything else out there. It is made from hard black anodized aluminum, includes sealed bearings, and has a waterproof drag system. All of that means the corrosive saltwater will stay off the most important components of your reel while harmlessly splashing off the casing. It also includes an infinite anti-reverse system, gives a respectable 28” per crank, and will look great on any rod. Daiwa has been making quality reels for years and the Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel is just another addition to this proud tradition.

Penn Clash II Spinning Fishing Reel

The Penn 641-1366179 Clash Spinning Fishing Reel tops the online retail lists and for good reason. This is a high quality reel from a high quality manufacturer. PENN has been creating excellence in angling gear for many years and they continue to outdo themselves in terms of high grade service. This is a great looking reel designed with the sharp angler in mind. There are a derth of low quality spinning reels on the market trying to get your attention, cut through the noise and get a reel that just works.

The Penn 641-1366179 Clash Spinning Fishing Reel has all of the bells and whistles you require out of a modern spinning reel. First, it looks great. The bail is solid, it looks modern and is made with quality colors and anodized materials. Second, it has all of the quality parts and pieces you deserve including CNC machined gears, a full metal body, 9 stainless steel ball bearings and an HT-100 carbon drag system offering supreme durability and power. This reel is small, lightweight, and fits in your hand and on your rod perfectly.

Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel

Pflueger takes pride in crafting highly engineered and amazingly designed fishing reels for the modern angler. They ensure that every feature, every part, and every decision is of the highest caliber and well thought out. That is why their Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel is such an amazing piece of equipment. It looks well designed, it feels well designed and by the time you use it you will be convinced that this reel is a great piece of equipment.

Unlike many of its competitors, the Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel uses a unique magnesium based frame instead of traditional aluminum or graphite. This is the lightest possible frame available and the difference can be felt immediately. It is super light and comfortable in your hand.

It has a powerful carbon drag system, a 9+1 stainless steel bearing system for smooth operating and carbon handles for lightweight comfort which completes a thoroughly modern and excellent reel. The handles even come with EVA handles for the highest possible level of comfort. The spool is designed to take the toughest braided line available today and you can tie the braid straight into the spool saving you time and hassle in setting up. Put all of this together and you get a durable reel you love to use and be proud to own.

Best Spinning Reel under $150

If you are going to drop over $100 on a fishing reel, it better be good. At least, that’s what we hope when we go to make an investment of that size. You are going to want a powerful reel, a reel that will last, and one that can do the things you want it to do. Every reel is going to be different and every angler is going to have different needs so overall best is going to be slightly different for everyone. However, we can identify some unifying factors when it comes to choosing a high quality fishing reel.

We are looking for power, durability, quality of materials, and scope of use. In truth, there are many, many fishing reels on the market, and there are some great ones for a lot less than $150. It all depends on what you want out of your reel.

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel

PENN Battle II Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel, Size 6000 (BTLII6000), HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 25lb, 6 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers

• PENN BATTLE II SPINNING INSHORE REEL: The PENN Battle II offers aesthetically pleasing design, durable performance and an attractive price point as just a few of the many reasons why so many anglers fish this reel.
• DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Full metal body, sideplate and rotor help to maintain precision gear alignment in the toughest battles. Features a sleek Black/Gold/Smoke design.
• SMOOTH, EFFICIENT GEARS: Recovers at the rate of 41" | 104cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.6:1. Right/left handle position for all anglers. Size 6000 reel.
• 6 TOTAL BEARINGS: The Battle II fishing reels feature 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings plus one instant-anti-reverse bearing, providing fast hook-ups.
• HT-100 FRONT DRAG SYSTEM: Built with carbon fiber drag washers for a max drag of 25lb | 11.3kg, this system will exhaust the fish without wearing you down. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 335/15 230/20 210/25. Braid Capacity yd/lb: 490/30 390/40 335/50.

$179.00

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The Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is a reel that checks off all of the boxes that we are looking for. It is durable, it is high quality and it has a useful and versatile tacklebox to pull from. This is a reel that is designed for hardcore saltwater use. The features they have added in order to make it effective at tackling the biggest saltwater fish are the same features that elevate it above the rest of the competition. If you are looking for a stalwart reel with the power and chops to get the big job done then look no further than the Penn Battle II Spinning Reel.

Ready For Battle

Aptly named, this reel by Penn is ready to do battle. It was specifically designed to try and tackle the largest fish in the sea. Most reels are designed for your typical bass, pond fish, and other common freshwater fish. The Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is designed to land those heavy hitting fish found offshore. It is designed to allow you to handle the tuna, salmon, and other large quality fish out there.

This level of quality is achieved first by the caliber of materials used. The Battle II Spinning Reel features a full metal body, full metal side plate, and rotor and, a heavy duty aluminum bail wire offers exceptional durability during use. It features a six, sealed, stainless steel ball bearing system with instant anti-reversal bearing in place already. The bearings are sealed to ensure that they stay fresh and loose during use so you never lose that valuable smooth cranking motion that you need to haul in the biggest catches.

It also features an HT-100 carbon drag system that is adjustable, flexible, and powerful. Penn has greased the drag washers with a proprietary lubricant that makes sure that the drag system continues to perform with each use without fail. This all comes with a standard 6.2:1 gearing ratio with a marked spool for easy refill and spooling. As with all good modern reels, it is ready to take braided line straight out of the box.

Built to last

Saltwater is highly corrosive which is why each component in the Battle II is designed to be used together and designed to hold up to the damaging power of saltwater for a powerful, sleek reel that will not buckle under pressure. Many lower quality reels are not designed for repeated or continual saltwater use and will quickly gum up, slow down, and eventually break down. Not so with the Battle II.

At the end of the day, we spent extra money on quality. There are a lot of cheap products that perform well for a short period of time but we are looking for a reel that goes that extra mile in performance.

It Also Looks Great

As an added bonus, this reel also looks fantastic. Some reels are trying to change the paradigm and add in flashy colors and odd trims to make them stand out. The Battle II stands out on its own due to its superior performance but it also looks super sleek and super sharp. It has that mesmerizing spinning reel body and spool in a matte black with gold anodized trim. It will catch the eye of any angler and will look great under your rod, no matter what your setup is.

Yes, the Penn Battle II Saltwater Spinning Reel checks all of the boxes we are looking for out of a modern spinning reel in this price point and is one of the best, if not the best, spinning reel out there for this price.

Best Spinning Reel under $150 Buying Guide

We are going to give a quick overview of some of the most important factors when it comes to buying a spinning reel. There are a few key points to look out for and what we used to pick our best list. We are not going to give a full blown rundown of each but the right information allowing you to make the right purchase.

Overall housing quality

Something to think about is the build quality as you will want your reel to last your years not just a few seasons. All the build reels on our list have a great built quality I would say most in this price range will. I would only say be careful if you are buying a brand you have never heard about, this is the main component and if this fails your reel is finished.

Reel size

The size of your spinning reel will have a number of factors that is affected. First being the comfort element too large and you may find it cumbersome and the same goes if the reel is too small. The second being the line you want to carry on your reel. A smaller reel will only have a small spool and will only allow you to carry a smaller amount of line. If you are hunting bigger fish and are using something like 10 pound test this will be thick and will fill your spool quickly.

Gear ratio

You may have seen numbers like 6:1; this is your gear ratio. The first number is how many times your spool turns. The second number is how many turns on the handle to achieve the first number. So for our 6:1 example for every turn, your spool will turn six times. So the larger the first number, the faster you will retrieve your line back onto the reel. The smaller the number, the slower this will be to achieve.

The drag system

If you are targeting larger fish you will want a drag system. The drag system can be on the front of the reel on the spool or at the rear of your reel. You adjust the tension so when the fish pulls the line runs free this will stock line breaks.

Ball bearings

The ball bearing is something that is going to put a price on your reel. The more ball bearings that you have in your reel the smoother the reel will feel when you retrieve your line. Bearing does make a big difference to the overall enjoyment of using a reel, this is why the manufactories make a big deal about them.

Conclusion

We hope you agree that we have put together a comprehensive guide on finding the best spinning reel under $150. Our recommendations are the best we could find within the budget, and we have given our number one choice. This budget will provide you with an excellent reel that will feel great and last you years of happy fishing.

We have another three guides for spinning reels first being the Best Spinning Reel Under $30 second going up in budget Best Spinning Reel under $50 or a bigger budget Best Spinning Reel under $100 to help you find the perfect reel.