Our Top Pick:
Lancelot Spinning Reel by KastKing
★★★★★
Best Value:
Fishing Reel by PLUSINNO
★★★★★
Editor’s Choice:
Pro Max Spinning Fishing Reel by Abu Garcia
★★★★★
For fishing enthusiasts and experienced anglers, finding the best spinning reel under $50 for their rod for comfortable and efficient fishing is crucial for the successful catch. Many factors contribute to choosing the best spinning reel for fishing, and it is always best to choose sturdy, reliable options for successful fishing trips, every time.
Related article: Best Ultralight Spinning Reels
| Table: Best Spinning Reel Under 50 | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Price |
| #1 Lancelot Spinning Reel by KastKing | Check Price » |
| #2 Fishing Reel by PLUSINNO | Check Price » |
| #3 Pro Max Spinning Fishing Reel by Abu Garcia | Check Price » |
| #4 Avenger Spinning Reel by Okuma | Check Price » |
| #5 Spinning Reel by Shimano | Check Price » |
| #6 Wrath Spinning Reel by Penn | Check Price » |
| #7 Spinning Reel by Cadence | Check Price » |
| #8 Sienna Spinning Reel by Shimano | Check Price » |
| #9 Pursuit III Spinning Reel by Penn | Check Price » |
| #10 Fishing Spinning Reel by Sougayilang | Check Price » |
| #11 Brutus Spinning Reel by KastKing | Check Price » |
| #12 Fishing Spinning Reel by Magreel | Check Price » |
Best Spinning Reel Under 50 Reviews
#1. Lancelot Spinning Reel by KastKing
This superb spinning reel by KastKing is one of the best-rated ones available in the market. The durable, yet the lightweight product has smooth drag, and best-suited for fishing in freshwater, for powerful and large fish, like crappie, trout, bass, walleye and catfish with ease.
Product Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel, brass, graphite and zinc alloy
- Gear Ratios: 5:1 – 4.4:1
- Maximum Drag: 12 – 17.5 pounds
- Product Weight: 8.7 -13.1 ounces
- Monoline capacity: 8/330 10/270
- Braided line capacity: 30/185 40/150
Why we recommend this product
KastKing spinning reel is sturdy, lightweight, and durable and suitable for freshwater use. It has extremely smooth drag, making it suitable for all types of freshwater fishing for amateurs and experienced anglers, alike.
Pros
- Powerful and sturdy, although lightweight in design
- Strong, tough, yet smooth drag for efficient fishing
- Suitable for beginners, amateurs, and experienced anglers alike
Cons
- Ball bearings seize up after a few uses
- The line can twist with very large fish
Tip: Customizable for different sizes, as the series starts with 2000 to 5000, for varying requirements.
Info alert: This spinning reel is meant only for freshwater use.
#2. Fishing Reel by PLUSINNO
The fishing reel by Plusinno is one light, sturdy with a smooth drag that makes reeling in a catch effortless and easy. The spinning reel is superior in quality and attractive design and one of the best spinning reels under 50; this is highly sought-after, due to its fantastic performance which has proved its worth time and again.
Product Specs
- Materials: Aluminum, and graphite
- Gear Ratios: 5.2:1 – 4.9:1
- Maximum Drag: 12 – 17.5 pounds
- Product Weight: 8.5 -11.9 ounces
- Line capacity: (0.18- 370) – (0.40 -180)
Why we recommend this product
The Plusinno fishing spinning reel is touch and study, with attractive design, which makes it is a highly desirable purchase for anglers. It is a customizable reel, with the series starting with 2000, 3000, 4000, for varying requirements. It is efficient and silent, making it comfortable to use for long hours.
Pros
- Attractive and efficient design
- Anti-twist line roller for convenience
- Offers superior drag for successful fishing
- Moderately priced products with superior overall performance
Cons
- It is prone to seizing up
- The reel is not very durable and light
Tip: This can be used with monofilament, as well as, braided lines with a maximum of 12 pounds for the 3000 reel.
Info alert: This spinning reel can be used in saltwater, as well as in freshwater for fishing.
#3. Pro Max Fishing Spinning Reel by Abu Garcia
Pro Max Fishing Spinning Reel by Abu Garcia is smooth and efficient with an attractive and lightweight design with a graphite body. It is extremely accurate and a pleasure to use. It’s small and sleek, with an easy and smooth retrieve and casting, making it a perfect buy for anglers for the price.
Product Specs
- Materials: Graphite body and rotor
- Gear Ratios: 5.1:1
- Ball bearings: 7
- Maximum Drag: 14 pounds / 6.4 kg
- Product Weight: 8.7 -13.1 ounces
- Braid Capacity (yd/lbs): 190/8
- Monoline capacity (yd/lbs): 185/6 – 130/8 110/10
Why we recommend this product
The Max Pro Spinning reel by Abu Garcia is one-of-a-kind, with an attractive and light design, which is durable even with regular use. It is smooth and efficient and can cast further, and more accurately, than most other reels in the same capacity.
Pros
- Smooth casting with extreme accuracy
- Superbly priced for its performance
- Even line lay, due to the slow oscillation of the reel
Cons
Tip: This reel has a front drag with Rocket Line management technology.
Info alert: This fantastic reel can be used by left-handed and right-handed people. The switch can be done easily, without hassle.
#4. Avenger Spinning Reel by Okuma
This spinning reel by Okuma is of superior quality and is performing flawlessly. It is well suited for both left- and right-handed use and provides smooth Japanese oiled felt drag for optimal performance. It is easy to use and carry and comes equipped with Cyclonic Flow Technology to cut down the drying time, for easy maintenance.
Product Specs
- Materials: Graphite body and rotor
- Gear Ratios: 5:1
- Ball bearings: 7 (6BB + 1 RB)
- Maximum Drag: 3 kg
- Product Weight: 195 g
- Mono line capacity (yd/lbs): 0.15/250, 0.20/140, 0.25/90
Why we recommend this product
This Avenger 1000 is one of the best spinning reels under 50. It cast with great accuracy and is easy to reel in. It provides a balanced drag and has a graphite anti-corrosive body for saltwater use as well. Its superior brass pinion gear mechanism coupled with premium Precision Elliptical Gearing system ensures successful fishing trips with this product.
Pros
- The Even Flow roller system ensures there are no tangles while reeling
- Superior Rotor Equalizer system allows even alignments for efficient cranking
- Great gear mechanism enables precision and accuracy with balanced drag pressure
Cons
- The line can sometimes wrap around the bail arms
Tip: This spinning reel is suitable for saltwater as well as freshwater use.
Info alert: This Avenger 1000 is an ultralight reel, with very close line capacity.
#5. Spinning Fishing Reel by Shimano
The Spinning Fishing Reel by Shimano is a unique product with Varispeed and dynamic-balance technology. The dynamic-balance eliminates the wobble and the vibration of the rotor and improves its sensitivity for successful fishing.
Product Specs
- Gear Ratios: 5.2:1
- Ball bearings: 1 + 1
- Maximum Drag: 13 lbs
- Product Weight: 12.5 oz
- Powerpro line cap: 15/265;30/175;50/145
- Mono line capacity: 2/270, 4/140, 6/110
- Line capacity: 10/200
Why we recommend this product
This Shimano product, as usual, delivers in quality and exceptional performance. The easy to use reel is not heavy and is the perfect reel for recreational anglers. It has an anti-reverse technology that allows the anglers to avoid backlash; it also comes equipped with an oval oscillation gear that allows even lines by maintaining consistent spool speed.
Pros
- The Varispeed mechanism offers flawless long-lasting with easy retrieves
- Dyna-balance offers a counterbalance to the rotors, eliminating wobbles and enhancing the sensitivity of the reel
Cons
- The reel gear can fail after a few months of intensive use.
Tip: Not advisable for saltwater fishing.
Info alert: The reel can be switched from left to right hand retrieve.
#6. Wrath Spinning Reel by Penn
The Wrath by Penn is unique with exceptional performance. It is built to be durable and is composed of a corrosion-resistant graphite body, that is easy to carry and use. This reel is perfect for medium to large fish and is equipped with two stainless steel ball-bearing that provides the smoothness while retrieving.
Product Specs
- Gear Ratios: 6.2:1
- Ball bearings: 3
- Maximum Drag: 10 lbs, 4.5 kg
- Product Weight: 10.5 oz
- Monoline capacity: 255/6 175/8 140/10
- Braided capacity: 240/10 220/15 160/20
Why we recommend this product
The Wrath Reels by Penn have anti-corrosive graphite bodies, which are light and sturdy. It comes with the anodized and machined aluminum spool and line capacity rings to enable anglers to get that big catch, flawlessly and efficiently. This is customizable with varying sizes to suit different requirements.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant light graphite body
- Aluminum spool, machined and anodized
- Tough and affordable
Cons
- The reel is heavy and can get uncomfortable for amateurs.
Tip: This reel works well with a 20 lbs braided line.
Info alert: This reel is medium-light and works superbly in saltwater. Rinse thoroughly after each use with fresh water.
#7. Spinning Fishing Reel by Cadence
This is an awesome spinning reel and one of the best spinning reels under 50 that can be customized to varying sizes, as the range is for 2000, 3000, and 4000, as per requirements. It is extremely well made and sturdy, with a carbon composite frame and stainless steel ball bearings. The handle is made from comfortable EVA, perfect for long hours fishing.
Product Specs
- Materials: Carbon composite body with anti-corrosive ball bearing
- Gear Ratios: 5.2:1
- Ball bearings: 3
- Maximum Drag: 9 lbs
- Product Weight: 8.3 oz
- Monoline capacity: 6/160
- Braided capacity: 10/165
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Why we recommend this product
The Wrath Reels by Penn have a anti-corrosive graphite body, which is light and sturdy. It comes with the anodized and machined aluminum spool and line capacity rings to enable anglers to get that big catch, flawlessly and efficiently.
Pros
- Anti-corrosive 8 ball bearings for smooth operations
- Large and ergonomically design EVA handle for long hours of fishing
- Works well for drop shots
Cons
- The bail nut can come loose and has to be tightened frequently.
- Spools extra line towards the back and can cause it to tangle.
Tip: The reel is sold with a 90-days return policy with a full refund.
Info alert: Works well in saltwater, and requires thorough washing and drying after use.
#8. Sienna Spinning Reel by Shimano
The Sienna FE is a premium quality beginner’s level reel, which will not let you down; it is also perfect for use for occasional recreational fishing. Like many other reels on the market, this too comes customizable for different sizes, like 1000, 2500, and 4000. This is created for right-handed users, and cannot be changed to the left.
Product Specs
- Materials:
- Gear Ratios: 5.01:1
- Ball bearings: 1 + 1
- Line retrieve: 24 inches
- Maximum Drag: 9 lbs, 4 kg
- Product Weight: 270 g
- Powerpro line cap: 10/95; 15/85; 20/65
- Line capacity: 2-270 / 4-140 / 6-110
Why we recommend this product
This fantastic reel by Shimano is a pleasure to use for most anglers. It is light to handle and offers a vari-speed line lay. The Dyna-balance technology eliminates wobbles and inconsistencies while reeling in your catch.
Pros
- Prevents untangling, backlashes, and wind-knots with superior propulsion management mechanism
- The innovative design reduces angler fatigue and improves reel balance with m-compact body, and the oscillating gears closer to the rod.
Cons
- The bail arm spring is weak and can cause trouble after some time.
- Makes loud noises while reeling
Tip: This is a sturdy product, best-suited for beginners.
Info alert: 2500 will handle the following pound tests:
- 8lb test at 140yrds
- 10lb at 90 yards,
- 12lb at 75 yards
#9. Pursuit III Spinning Reel by Penn
The Pursuit III is composed of an anti-corrosive graphite body along with stainless steel ball bearings and carbon steel drag washers. The Pursuit III range meets varied requirements with different reel sizes. The 2500 spinning reel, casts smoothly and efficiently, resulting in successful fishing each time; however, the range consists of 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 8000 for different capacities.
Product Specs
- Materials: H-100 carbon fiber drag washers, aluminum, and stainless steel
- Gear Ratios: 6.2:1
- Ball bearings: 5
- Line retrieve: 33 inches
- Product Weight: 9.8 oz
- Monoline capacity: 255/6 175/8 140/10
- Braided capacity: 240/10 220/15 160/20
Why we recommend this product
This reel is well-priced for its superior performance, with an option for a left or a right-hand retrieve. It has carbon fiber drag filters, perfect for catching large fish efficiently, and does not require a reverse mechanism due to the superior rubber gasket that keeps the line in place at all times.
Pros
- Streamlined for saltwater use with corrosion-resistant graphite body
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag washer for battles with the big fish in the saltwater
- Marked line capacity rings for convenience
- No reverse required as the rubber gaskets keep the line in place.
Cons
- The bail can sometimes slam shut while casting
Tip: This spinning reel by Penn is tailor-made for beginners for saltwater fishing.
Info alert: The reel comes equipped with a Superline spool.
#10. Fishing Spinning Reel by Sougayilang
This fishing spinning reel is strong and efficient with true value for money. It sports a superb gear and drag systems to ensure powerful performance. It is light with a hollowed frame, which ensures comfort while fishing all day long.
Product Specs
- Materials: carbon fiber drag washers, aluminum, and stainless steel
- Gear Ratios: 5.5:1
- Ball bearings: 13 + 1
- Product Weight: 14.4 oz
- Line capacity: 10/190, 12/160, 14/130
Why we recommend this product
These reels are attractive and durable with premium quality parts and a precise gear mechanism that allows instant stop, with anti-reverse bearing for smooth operations. It is also well suitable for long hours of fishing, with computable EVA handles for better grip.
Pros
- Anti-corrosive ball bearing for smooth casting and reversing
- Comes along with an extra free spool
- Perfectly compatible with saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Cons
- Perfectly compatible with saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Tip: Not easy to reach customer service for replacements.
Info alert: It is advisable to use a braided line or 10 lbs of monofilament, as it is very stiff and can unwind easily.
#11. Brutus Spinning Reel by KastKing
Beautifully designed with light and durable body, the KastKing Brutus spinning reel is affordable and sturdy. It has a graphite frame and comes in various sizes ranging from 2000 to 5000, suitable for freshwater use.
Product Specs
- Materials: Graphite body, aluminum, stainless steel, and brass
- Gear Ratios: 5.0:1
- Ball bearings: 4 + 1
- Maximum drag: 12 lbs
- Product Weight: 7.6 oz
- Monoline capacity: 6/400, 8/300
- Braid line capacity:20/320, 30/170
Why we recommend this product
This spinning reel is best suited for accurate long casts with an aircraft-grade machine aluminum spool. Zinc alloy and brass pinion deliver perfect and silent performance with a multi-disc drag system to stop instantly.
Pros
- Prevent unspooling while storage with a line keeper
- Expect smooth retrieves and efficient casting
- Inexpensive with superior performance
Cons
- The retrieve is slower than expected
Tip: This is compatible with an ultra-light rod.
Info alert: It may be used for light saltwater fishing, although it requires thorough washing and drying before storing.Info alert:
#12. Fishing Spinning Reel by Magreel
This spinning reel by Magreel is comfortable to use and executes beautifully each time. It is easy to cast and retrieve and comes with fantastic drag system, suitable for medium to large fish. It is suited for both left and right-hander with fantastic control for both.
Product Specs
- Materials: Graphite body, aluminum, stainless steel, and brass
- Gear Ratios: 7.1:1
- Ball bearings: 10 + 1
- Maximum drag: 17.6 lbs, 8kg
- Product Weight: 13.4oz
- Line capacity: 4/220, 6/140, 8/110
Why we recommend this product
Durable and sturdy with strong, high-intensity graphite frame and CNC aluminum alloy handle. These are suitable for large fish and comes in varying sizes to suit different requirements. The spool spins effortlessly, and is moderately priced, with outstanding delivery each time.
Pros
- Superior weight-bearing capabilities with CNC-premium machine spool
- Comes with a spare plastic spool
- Rubber knob for a comfortable grip while fishing
Cons
- The line can stall sometimes while reeling
Tip: The retrieve is interchangeable from the left to the right.
Info alert: It may be used for light saltwater fishing, although it requires thorough washing and drying before storing.
Buying Guide for the Best Spinning Reel Under 50
These are some of the best rated spinning reels with exceptional performance. It is easy to get confused, however, the main factors to consider are discussed below, so that you can make the best choice, within your budget.
Bearings
Ball bearings are one of the most important factors while selecting the reels. This is because the quality and speed of the rotations are defined by the number of ball bearing present in the reel. With a higher number of ball bearings, smoother and better performance can be expected hardly any discomfort during the long hours.
Drag
Another crucial factor for selecting the best reels is the drag. The drag is the force of resistance; the line will be release if the force of the fish is greater than the drag that the line can resist. Therefore, the right drag is essential for different types of fishing. For larger fish, the drag has to be higher than when fishing for smaller fish.
Casting
The casting distance is also important as the line has to effortlessly be released, and should not slow down, as it unspools. With a long cast, there is minimal lip friction, which allows for sure and accurate casting for long distances.
Durability
Another key factor is the sturdiness and the durability of the reel. A heavy-duty reel is preferred as it can last for years with minimal maintenance. The quality of the materials matter; composite reels are considered to be superior compared to the aluminum reel, which is heavier and more difficult to wield.
Our Verdict
As per research and customer reviews, the Lancelot Spinning Reel by KastKing is the top choice for a spinning reel and is the best spinning reel under 50. It offers reliable and superior performance every time. The reel is best suited for all types of freshwater fishing and offers excellent drag for a fantastic experience. The reliability of the reel is such that, it is a great piece of equipment for a novice, amateurs and expert anglers alike for a fulfilling fishing experience, without hassle.
More related articles: Penn Torque II Spinning reels review • Best surf spinning reel for distance • KastKing Summer & Centron spinning reels review
