For a fisherman, there is nothing more satisfying than owning a perfectly performing spinning reel. It doesn’t matter how low your budget is, you can always get a perfect reel even with less than 50 dollars.
Being the angling enthusiasts that I am, I have had my fair share of the best in the fishing reel industry, with each reel featuring something unique that sets it apart from the rest.
A fishing enthusiast who would love to own a highly performing spinning reel is guaranteed of a better fishing experience.
I did my research on the best spinning reel under 50 dollars, and I came up with this list. The reviews covered here will guide you through the best affordable reels, and will direct you into making the correct choice of spinning reel.
Contents
- 1 Why You Need a Spinning Reel
- 2 What To Consider When Buying The Best Spinning Reel Under 50
- 3 Top Ten Best Spinning Reel Under 50 Reviewed Below
- 3.1 1. Penn Pursuit II Spinning Reel PURII4000
- 3.2 2. Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel
- 3.3 3. Daiwa Revros REV2000H Spinning Reel
- 3.4 4. Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel
- 3.5 5. Piscifun Viper II Spinning Reel
- 3.6 6. Penn Pursuit II 3000 Spinning Reels
- 3.7 7. Penn Pursuit II 6000CP Spinning Reels
- 3.8 8. Okuma Fishing Tackle SPa-10 Safina Pro Spinning Fishing Reel
- 3.9 9. Abu Garcia Cardinal S5 Spinning Reel
- 3.10 10. Mitchell 308-C Spinning Fishing Reel
- 4 Final Verdict
Why You Need a Spinning Reel
- Spinning reels are easy to use
- They make angling more enjoyable
- They last longer
- Increase chances of catching fish
What To Consider When Buying The Best Spinning Reel Under 50
Not everybody who wants to buy a new spinning reel knows what to go for or what to look for in the product. With proper guidance, even those who are less informed in the spinning reel industry can make a good choice. This part is meant to guide you into choosing the best spinning reel to meet and serve your special angling needs and desires.
Line Capacity
The spinning reel can handle a minimum light weight of up to 2-pound tests and can even cast very light lures, especially when matched with the proper rod. Larger spinning reels designed for bigger salt and freshwater fish species can handle even the heaviest weights of line.
All reel spools contain a line capacity indication, which will guide into choosing the right spinning reel. Typically, you find this information on the spool, but you will also find it listed in the technical data.
Reel Size
Choosing the most appropriate reel size is not a difficult task, as long as you can determine the size of fishing line you intend to use. The lighter the line you want to use the smaller the reel needed. Determining the right reel size is influenced by the type of fishing you intend to indulge in.
Typically the size of the reel is proportionate to the reel’s ability and the amount of fishing that it can handle. Once you get a reel with the correct size, you are guaranteed of a satisfactory fishing experience.
Speed vs. Power
Gear ratio defines how fast you can retrieve line, and the amount of cranking power you have, gear ratio can sometimes be an issue depending on the species that you are targeting with your reel, though it is more an issue of your fishing style. When you find a fishing reel that qualifies in both of these qualities, then you know you have the right reel.
Reel Body
Reel body is made of aluminum, graphite, or a combination of both. Aluminum is stronger than graphite. Therefore, reels with aluminum bodies are stronger and they last longer. Aluminum body also exhibits less flex. Graphite, on the other hand, is lighter. It is also less corrosive than other materials is why graphite spinning reels are best used for saltwater fishing.
Top Ten Best Spinning Reel Under 50 Reviewed Below
With proper choosing procedure, you will be able to find the correct spinning reel for your unique fishing needs. This list contains the best spinning reels under 50 dollars.
1. Penn Pursuit II Spinning Reel PURII4000
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Penn spinning reels are known for their uncompromising quality and admirable performance in the water. This is one of the company’s most innovatively designed product, with numerous advanced features.
Penn Pursuit II features a lightweight graphite frame, rotor, and sideplate, which explains its general lightweight nature that makes it feel comfortable you in the hands. You know the importance of lightweight nature of a reel to an angler.
You get to control it with easy during a fishing action so that the chances of your moves bearing fruit is enhanced a great deal with its ported handle Shank that helps reduce twist from casting and retrieve hence saving your time and energy in the process.
It features Infinite anti-reverse that conveniently eliminates backplay and enhances the general performance of the reel as a result. And to eliminate any chances of wobbling during the retrieve, the Dyna-Balance counterbalances the rotor to enhance smoothness and sensitivity. You will love the longer casting distances that you get with this reel.
The Machined and anodized aluminum spool is responsible for this longer casting distance while it also prevents wind knots and backlashes from forming, hence saving you the energy and time you could have spent correcting such situations.
Penn Pursuit II PURII4000 Features
- Infinite anti-reverse
- Lightweight graphite rotor, frame, and sideplate
- Ported handle shank
- Aluminum spool
- Approved to be used in saltwater
2. Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel
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This reel is a true champion of the water, with a design and performance that leaves no chance for any fish in any water. It has been re-engineered and updated to provide improved performance.
The components are also enhanced and still offer the same long-lasting durability and functioning the Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel is acquainted with. The spinning reel offers improved styling, while its body gives a sturdy base of operation.
Despite all these innovative features, it remains lightweight, with eight stainless steel ball bearings that facilitate consistently fluid casts and retrieves. There is no way you are not going to appreciate the quality of this reel, especially since it makes things easier for you to maximize your angling experience.
Every single part of this reel is designed with utmost thoughtfulness, for a better, and more convenient fishing. The Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel is perfect for saltwater and inshore fishing because it is corrosion resistant, while it also features a strong and sturdy stainless steel main shaft and other components, which in turn contributes to its general durable nature.
No matter how much strain you put on it with constant fishing activities, this reel will stand the test of time. The front drag system contains stainless steel felt washers that are perfectly oiled, and they put the pressure on fish, staying smooth throughout its range.
Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Features
- Sure-click bail
- Gear ratio 5:0:1
- Instant anti-reverse one-way clutch bearing
- Machined anodized aluminum spool
- Aluminum handle
3. Daiwa Revros REV2000H Spinning Reel
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There is nothing about this reel that would justify its small price. This is one of the best deals a fisher can find. From the exterior qualities to its incredible performance, this reel offers everything a fisher can wish for in a fishing equipment of its kind.
It features air rotor for greater sensitivity and lighter weight. It has an eight bearing system that is designed to provide smooth casting and retrieves and to enhance the totality of the reel’s performance.
Many times, anglers fail to know what look for in a spinning reel, but with a little guidance from someone who has had some experience with the product, I would recommend this spinning reel to anyone who doesn’t want to miss the catch.
Besides, it is an elegant piece of innovation that does not break or wear off easily. Once you buy this reel, you are guaranteed maximum fishing experience and enjoyable fishing moments. Once the fish is caught, there is no chance for escape.
To allow for a more comfortable use and operation, the reel is made to be lightweight, and every component is perfectly engineered in place to contribute to its entire incredible performance.
Daiwa Revros REV2000H Features
- Digigear digital gear design
- Abs aluminum spool
- Eight bearing system
- Air rotor offer lightweight and greater sensitivity
- Composite body
4. Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel
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The Daiwa Mini System Minispin is designed for anglers on the move since it is lightweight and easy to transport. With compact tackle setup, this reel comes its hard case. This case makes it ideal for stowing in luggage, keeping under a car seat, or backpacking.
It is a reel with a smooth ball bearing drive and a multi disc drag system that makes it one of the best reels you can find under 50 dollars. Other innovative features of this reel include GyroSpin balancing and Twist-Buster line twist reduction.
Because of its strong natures and thoughtful storage quality, this reel has a long lasting durability. It means that you are not only guaranteed flawless castings and retrieves, but also longer years of satisfactory fishing adventures.
The ultra-compact hard case that is designed with built-in tackle compartments plays a crucial role in ensuring the reel is always in its best shape every time you go out fishing.
Your chances of catching fish are enhanced by the quality of the reel you poses, and that is why you can be sure to make a big catch with this excellently designed reel. If you are looking for the best reel that you can carry with you whenever you want to go with it, Daiwa Mini System is extremely portable.
Daiwa Mini System Minispin Features
- Ultra-compact hard case
- Limited manufacturer’s warranty
- Matching 4.5 foot, 5-piece ultralight rod for 2-6 lb test lines
- Smooth ball bearing drive
5. Piscifun Viper II Spinning Reel
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With its proven technology, this reel gives you an on-the-water edge any time. Piscifun Starry Spinning Reel combines reliability and performance to provide efficiency in the water, so much that the chances of failure are significantly minimized.
Some of its most innovative features include the excellent slow line lay oscillation system that offers better control regardless of the type of line that you are using. It boasts a rigid aluminum body which provides utmost durability.
With the six high-grade stainless steel bearings and one roller bearing, corrosion protection is enhanced as well as the smooth drags that it necessitates. It features carbon drag system that ensures smooth, consistent drag pressure all through the entire drag setting.
This spinning reel is logical to argue that it has a superior ergonomics, and its lightweight carbon handle with EVA knobs ensures this.
It also has a durable bail system that fits in well with all the other numerous innovative parts and components. When you add everything up, sleek design, precision engineering, and cutting-edge performance, you get one heck of a spinning reel.
Unlike in the past when you could only find the unpredictable reels that would snap in the middle of a crucial catch, this state-f-the art real is a true emblem of innovation and technological advancement in the spinning reel world.
Piscifun Viper II Spinning Reel Features
- 6.2:1 High Speed Fishing Reel
- Carbon fiber drag system
- 6-washer
- Consistent pressure
- Lightweight carbon handle
- Eva knobs for superior operation
6. Penn Pursuit II 3000 Spinning Reels
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Penn is an excellent choice for anglers who need a live liner reel for catching live bait or drifting cut-bait in the current. It gives every reason to consider it your best option. There are two things that are for sure with this classy and elegant spinning reel.
It is a more efficient substitute to many expensive models in the market. It is a unique fishing equipment with front and rear drag function for you if you are looking for a superior quality for inshore and offshore bait spin fishing.
The Penn series is known for its best carbon fiber drags, wonderful drag system, and high technology, which are some of the reasons why it is considered a top quality spinning reel by angling enthusiasts out there.
You also get to enjoy the convenient left, or right-hand retrieves exchangeable. As if that isn’t enough, it has auto return features together with castability, less backlash, better line lay, less friction on the line, wind knots or tangles.
Some would find it ridiculous to buy this reel at under 50 dollars, especially due to its high-quality components and innovative features. No deal can be any better that what this reel offers at such a minute price.
Penn Pursuit II 3000 Features
- High quality components
- Lightweight corrosion resistant graphite body
- Infinite anti-reverse structure
- 4+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearing
- Computerized balanced rotor ensures wobble free retrieves
- Aluminum spool for fewer line tangle and better casting
- Classic front and rear drag
7. Penn Pursuit II 6000CP Spinning Reels
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Have you ever looked at a spinning reel and got attracted just by the way it looks? Not every reel that attracts you performs as much as it looks. The Penn Pursuit II 6000CP Spinning Reels is a great value, loaded with lots of innovative features yet it doesn’t even cost much. You are guaranteed satisfying angling experience with this cast and retrieve champion.
There is nothing to worry about when you have this reel in your fishing equipment collection. It provides smooth performance with its 4+1 shielded stainless steel bearing system.
Penn Pursuit II 6000CP Spinning Reels is a high powered reel with a superior carbon fiber drag system that offers amazing stopping power of up to 20LBs. It features a hardened metal main shaft together with a perfect mesh drive gear that gives it maximum fish fighting power. No matter how much the big fish is fighting at the end of the line trying to break away, it won’t succeed as long as this is the reel in use.
If you love fishing, you need a lightweight spinning reel like this, with narrow graphite frame design, computer balancing system, as well as a high performance all in one compact spinning reel. It means your fishing moment will never be the same again.
Every moment spent in water will pay off in the best ways possible. No fish is exempted from the wrath of the Penn Pursuit II 6000CP Spinning Reels, no matter how small or big, and no matter how aggressive it might be.
Penn Pursuit II 6000CP Features
- Elegant design
- Smooth performance
- Machine anodized aluminum spool
- Line capacity rings
- Lightweight structure and materials
- 4+1 shielded stainless steel bearing system
8. Okuma Fishing Tackle SPa-10 Safina Pro Spinning Fishing Reel
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This model has for sure come with numerous advanced qualities. Apart from the most evident quality which is the elegant outer appearance, this reel functions smoothly and offers stress-free use in both freshwater and saltwater fishing. It is light, smooth and powerful, and it also comes with the free spare spool.
Some of the most admirable qualities and innovative features include corrosion resistant graphite body, 4 stainless steel ball bearing, computer balanced rotor and a precision elliptical gearing system. Not every spinning reel can offer so much in a single compact design without compromising its eligibility and durability like this reel does.
It has flawless, lightweight graphite body with carbon black finish and is corrosion proof. This spinning reel can stand the test of time and performs better than many more expensive spinning reel models. This spinning reel has interchangeable left and right-hand handle that makes it even easier to use and maximizes your chances for clinching a catch.
If you haven’t tried this reel out, it is worth trying out. I would recommend it to any serious anglers who only want the best out of their fishing experiences. Even better still, the reel is extremely durable and can last long if taken good care of.
Okuma Fishing Tackle SPa-10 Safina Pro Features
- Nice finish that is corrosion proof
- Corrosion resistant smooth ball bearing
- Precision Elliptical Gearing System
- 4-stainless steel ball bearings
- Computer balanced rotor equalizing system
9. Abu Garcia Cardinal S5 Spinning Reel
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This reel might look simple from the outside but the truth is that it has some of the best features you can ever find in a modern spinning reel. It has a sleek design that would drive any fishing enthusiast into buying it even before they can tell how accurate it is in catching fish.
When it comes to the size of fish that it can catch, and the level of enjoyment it can bring to a Fisher, it qualifies to be called a fishing monster. Some of the most notable features include 3+1 ball bearings and roller bearing.
That number of bearings might sound few until you experience the smoothness that this reel offers. You will enjoy smooth drags and retrieves in a way that you might have not before. It also features twist Buster line twist reduction so that it doesn’t waste your time and energy that you’d rather use in fishing.
The result is a spinning reel that you can depend on to deliver only the best. It has machined aluminum spool, which is why it is strong and flexible so that it can handle different types of fish and water.
Abu Garcia Cardinal S5 Features
- Machined aluminum spool
- High quality components
- Lightweight graphite body and rotor
- Comfortable handle
- Micro-click front drag adjustment
- Slow oscillation
10. Mitchell 308-C Spinning Fishing Reel
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Did you know that the first modern spinning reel was a MITCHELL? This is a reel for the next generation, and you have the opportunity to enjoy using an advanced version of the common spinning reels that most of us are used to.
This innovatively designed spinning reel doesn’t look or perform like anything that would cost you less than 50 dollars. You will enjoy the smooth drags and stress-free casting and retrievals. It comes with some amazing components and abilities so that it performs like a true equipment of the future.
Besides its amazing fish catching abilities, the Mitchell 300-C is an elegant piece of innovation that would impress any classy Fisher out there. I and my fishing buddies are all using this model, and everyone in the group has their reasons why they love this spinning reel.
I love the way it is strong and sturdy. It is lightweight and durable in a way that it suits its function in the best way possible. Casting has never been easier and retrieving as smoother that what we get from many other models. This is an advanced version of the modern spinning reels.
Mitchell 308-C Features
- Eight bearings with instant anti-reverse for smoother operation
- Multi-disk system provide constant drag pressure
- Innovative bail Halo
- Superior strength
- Advanced polymeric body
- Aluminum handle
Final Verdict
You need nothing but the best spinning reel for your fishing experience. All these reels are designed to provide the best performance any angler would love to achieve. They are made from the best materials, weigh less, and are extremely durable.
On top of that, the reels provide a high fishing performance considering their low price. Compare the features of the best spinning reels under 50 that I have covered above, and I’m sure you will get one that matches your budget.