Baitcasting Reels

Best Budget Baitcaster Reel Under 50$,100$,150$ and 200$

best budget baitcaster for money
Written by John Carter

A lot of gear and fishing reels are available in the market, but the main thing is which kind of reel is remained best for me and made me successful in the fishing journey. Here I am going to review the best fishing reels that are designed with the latest technology.


Baitcaster is the best choice for all kinds of fishing, but most high-performance baitcaster is expensive. But some best budget baitcaster available in the market performed very well; after testing hundreds of reels, we chose some best baitcaster reels for the money.

Our Top Picks

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Daiwa, CC80 Casting Reel
Daiwa, CC80 Casting Reel
  • Weight:6.9oz
  • Gear ratio:7.5:1
  • Bearing system:4 ball bearings +1 roller bearing
  • Drag capacity:15pounds
Premium Pack
Abu Garcia BMAX3 Low Profile
Abu Garcia BMAX3 Low Profile
  • Gear ratio: 6.4:1
  • Weight:0.68pounds
  • Bearing system: 4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing
  • Drag power:20pounds
Top Pick
Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reel
Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reel
  • Gear ratio for right hand orientation:7.2:1
  • Gear ratio for left hand orientation:6.5:1
  • Weight:9ounce
  • 6+1 ball bearing

Best Baitcasting Reel under 50$

There are some cheap baitcasting reels for sale for under 50$. These are the latest brands reels on the best budget. Choose one of the best cool baitcaster according to his requirement. 

1. Daiwa, CC80 Casting Reel

Daiwa is the most expensive brand, but we find out one of the best bait caster reels under $50.CC80 Casting Reel is one of the best baitcast to the Daiwa brand. Both left and right-handed models are available in the fishing market with a high gear ratio (7.5:1), five-ball bearings system, and 15lbs drag pressure.

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Daiwa, CC80 Casting Reel
9.7/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Weight:6.9oz
  • Gear ratio:7.5:1
  • Bearing system:4 ball bearings +1 roller bearing
  • Drag capacity:15pounds
  • Orientation: both left and right-handed
  • 22mm spool diameter
  • 99mm large handle

It is the best choice for all kinds of anglers. Low weight, easy to use, and low price make it the perfect reel for beginners, kids, and young. The high gear ratio reduced its time retrieval and made it perfect for long-distance fishing.

best budget baitcasting reel under 50$

Due to its low weight, you can use it for a long time.32mm double anodized aluminum spool and 99mm swept handle makes it more accessible and comfortable. Side plate and the body designed to give it a new look like an expensive brands.

Pros
  • CB5 is a Suitable reel for both orientations (left and right-handed) anglers.
  • 15lbs drag pressure makes it the best baitcaster for bass and heavy fishing.
Cons
  • Not suitable for saltwater fishing.
  • A low-bearing system somehow affects its performance.

 2. Cadence Fishing CB5 Baitcasting Reels

It is another Cadence brand fishing reel for under 50$. Cadence is the new baitcasting brand that makes the best baitcasting reel.CB5 baitcaster is the latest brand of Cadence available on the best budget. This one is the best baitcaster reel for the money.

Most Durable
Cadence Fishing CB5 Baitcasting Reels
9.5/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Drag pressure:20pounds
  • Gear ratio:6.6:1
  • Bearings:7 ball bearings +1 anti-reverse bearing
  • Weight: 1.7oz
  • Monoline capacity:12lbs/120yds
  • Braided line capacity:30lbs/140yds

It is coming with 90 days risk-free trial. Suppose this brand did not seem satisfied after purchasing, then you can change it any time before passing 90 days. Seven double-shielded stainless steel ball-bearing and one anti-reverse bearing reduce casting effort and increase its smoothness on heavy load.

best budget baitcaser for the money and best baitcaster under 50$

The frame structure is designed with the most lightweight graphite material. Eight corrosion-resistant bearings systems make it more powerful and perfect for the saltwater and harshest environment. This brand provides a quick 6.6:1 gear ratio for faster retrieves in the best money value. During the dragging Elegant silver low profile design increase its smoothness and offer high performance.

Pros
  • The CB5 casting reels are composed of Premium Durable Material.
  • Best Lightweight reel under 50$ with fast 6.6:1 gear ratio and great drag capacity.
Cons
  • In the frame structure, aluminum should be preferred instead of graphite material.
  • Due to lightweight, you cannot combine it with a heavy rod.

Best Baitcaster under 100$

There is some good baitcaster reel under 100$. After a lot of research, we find out these best fishing equipment on an affordable budget. After testing, we review the best reels that offer high performance.

1. Abu Garcia BMAX3 Low Profile

Black Max and Max X Low Profile Fishing Reel are the most popular reels. Abu Garcia brand is considered the most popular and trusted brand in the fishing field.

Premium Pack
Abu Garcia BMAX3 Low Profile
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Gear ratio: 6.4:1
  • Weight:0.68pounds
  • Bearing system: 4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing
  • Drag power:20pounds
  • Mono line capacity:12lb/145yd
  • Braided line capacity:30lb/130yd

This low-profile baitcaster is made up of high-quality material, which increases its durability and long lasted. A small bent handle increases its grip strength and maintenance.

 best baitcaster under 100

BMAX3 low profile is designed with stainless steel aluminum material. The frame and side plates are designed with one graphite material to make them lightweight. There are five ball bearings and one roller bearing, in which four ball bearings are made up of powerful stainless steel. It perfumes more durability and smoothness due to the high-quality 6.4:1 gear ratio. A high-quality Mag Trax Brake System gives the anglers more control and accuracy.

Pros
  • High drag pressure with a middle gear ratio make it the correct reel for bass fishing.
  • You can use it with any rod.
  • Best fishing tool for both saltwater and freshwater.
Cons
  • Many newbies face the hardness while using it for the first time. But after using it the first time you became an expert on this equipment.
  • Its weight is 10.2 ounces, making it a heavy baitcast for the kids.

2. Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcast Reel

It is another Lew’s brand, winner of the baitcasting reels. It beat the market at the end of 2018 and appeared as one of the most popular brands in the fishing world. During the testing of hundred reels, this brand satisfied us and lived up to expectations. The frame is built-in with pure aluminum material, making it a valuable reel.

Best Affordable Reel
Lew's Speed Spool LFS Baitcast Reel
9.0/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • 10 premium bearing systems: 9 double-shielded stainless steel and Zero Reverse one-way clutch.
  • Gear ratio: 5.6:1
  • Spool capacity:12lbs/120yd
  • Weight: 0.5pounds
  • Drag capacity: 15lbs

If someone needs a fishing reel for river or polls fishing, then Speed Spool LFS baitcast is the best choice. The most popular reel is available for under 100$. You can buy it for testing or learning purpose.

best saltwater baitcaster under $100

Machined and anodized aluminum 34mm spool and brass gear give it more strength and power during long-distance dragging. The P2 Super Pinion made it a solid reel and increased its smooth operation. In 10 bearing system, 9 double-shielded stainless steel bearings and zero reverse one-way clutch are included. During the cast, the latest features of the Magnetic Control System (MCS) give the anglers more accuracy and control. Coming with 15lbs drag power and different gear ratio (5.6:1 right-hand retrieve only, 6.8:1, 7.5:1).

Pros
  • Lightweight reel which is easy to use.
  • Best Lew’s baitcaster for both saltwater and freshwater.
  • One-year limited warranty.
Cons
  • Not suitable for heavy fish. If your catching has more than 15pounds, it is not perfect for you.
  • Sometimes create noise issues. It happened to me once or twice during bass fishing.

3. Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile

The pro max low profile baitcasting reel from the Abu Garcia brand is one of the best performance and most popular reels, which is available for under 100$. This brand comes with high-quality features in which an 8 ball bearings system, power disk drag system, double anodized aluminum spool, Magtrax brake system, and dura gear brass gear are included.

High Quality
Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Low Profile
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Gear ratio:7.1:1
  • Drag capacity: 18pounds
  • Weight:7.06ounce
  • Bearings system:7stainless steel ball bearings +1 roller bearings
  • Mono line capcity:12lb/145yd
  • Braided line capacity:30lb/130yd

Pro Max baitcaster is the best pick up For freshwater application. Drag performance, brake system, and bearing system are designed with high-quality material that makes it a long-lasted spool. In the end, I wanna say you, if you are looking good reel under 100$ price for regular fishing in freshwater, river or polls then it is recommended.

 best baitcaster for the money

Abu Garcia pro max & max pro is one of the best baitcast that provides anglers performance of a high-end low profile in the middle range of price. The higher gear ratio quality makes it incredibly smooth and makes its casting performance much better.

Pros
  • Smooth drag system
  • Build up with High-quality material
  • Most famous brand reel and favorite reel for the anglers
  • High gear ratio increased casting performance.
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable price
  • Low-profile reel under 100$
Cons
  • Not suitable for saltwater
  • The harshest environment somehow affects its performance.

4. KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reels

Crixus Baitcasting Reels is the most rated baitcaster from the kastking brand. After using this brand reel, I also become a fan of kastking. This brand offers the latest features reel at a mid-range price, which is incredible. KastKing Crixus is coming with high-level features. These features we have never seen in any other reel under this price range.

BUDGET PICK
KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reels
9.1/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Maximum drag:18lbs
  • Gear ratio:6.5:1
  • Ball bearings: 5 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
  • Monoline :(10lb/130yd), braided line:(14lb/90yd)
  • Weight:220 grams(7.7ounce)
  • Available in Both orientation

Only in 7.3-ounce weight, KastKing Crixus is as challenging, strong, and durable as its gladiator name. CNC machined aluminum U-Shaped spools are included in features to improve its higher fishing line capacity and longer casts.

 top 5 baitcasting reels under $100


Let’s discuss some features which make it a fantastic and valuable fishing reel.
In features, Gear ratio 6.5:1, nearly 18 pounds carbon disc drag system, Super Polymer Grips, Carbon Infused Nylon Frame, and 8-pc Magnetic Brake are included. This gladiator provided us with Different colors reels that helped us match wits with his rod color.

Pros
  • Excellent and high-performance gear ratio
  • Acceptable 18 pounds carbon disc drag power
  • High-efficiency brake system
  • Incredible smooth for starfishes
  • High-quality material reel
Cons
  • The size of the spool is small but perfect for young and kids anglers.
  • Slightly line capacity is less than as compared to expensive brand.

5. KastKing Mega Jaws Baitcasting Reel

Mega jaws are the most famous kastking brand reel, with 7 to 10 dollars clearance. If you are trying to find some clearance baitcasting reel, then Mega jaws are available. The various beautiful colors give it a smooth and attractive look. Best colors, high-level features, end-level performance, and low price range make it famous and popular baitcasting in the field of fishing.

Premium Pick
KastKing Mega Jaws Baitcasting Reel
9.2/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • 11 stainless ball bearing + 1 roller bearing
  • Color coded Gear ratio: 5.4:1; 6.5:1; 7.2:1; 9.1:1 (20.2”; 24.2”; 26.8”; 33.9” per turn)
  • Drag power:17.6lbs
  • Weight:8ounce
  • Mono and braid Line capacity: 10lb/128yd, 12lbs/110yds, 14pounds/91yards

It’s loaded with high-performance features like Industry First Color-Coded Gear Ratios from 5.4:1 to 9.1:1, Fishing Reel with 11+1 High-Performance BB, Magnetic Braking System, 17.6 Lbs Carbon Fiber Disc Drag. The high-performance 11+1 ball bearings and 17.6-pound carbon fiber disc drag is evidence of their strength.

cheap baitcaster and cool baitcaster



Models are available at a mid-range price from lower gear (5.4:1) to higher gear ratio (9.1:1). You can pick up any of these brands to your own choice. Fast retrieval is best for long-distance and small fish, and low retrieval is best for bass fishing and heavy fish. For long-distance fishing these gear ratios ((7.2:1; “26.8 per turns”); (9.1:1; “33.9” per turn)) are the best choice. For bass fishing & heavy catching (5.4:1; “20.2per turns”) (6.5:1; “24.2per turns”) these are the best gear ratio.

Pros
  • Great baitcaster on this affordable value
  • Best gear ratio for all king of fishing
  • Good drag capacity
  • More Durable and gives smoothness
  • High-performance bearing system
Cons
  • Slightly heavy in size and weight
  • Some parts of spool take to rust in saltwater

Best Baitcasting Reel under 150$

As the requirement of anglers, we bring up one high-level baitcasting reel under 150$, which is most straightforward in using and user friendly. Check it, analyze according to requirement, and pick the most suitable reel in this price range.

1. Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reel

New brands reel, which looks incredibly sleek due to shine black coding. Shimano is the most expensive brand which has changed the whole fishing world. Shimano brands invented high-quality baitcast, which is perfect for all kinds of fishing men. If you are a beginner, take a start-up with Shimano; if you are a kid, then Shimano low weight spool picks for yourself. A small spool makes it easy, increases maintenance, and decreases its casting effort.

Top Pick
 Shimano SLX Baitcasting Reel
9.5/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Gear ratio for right hand orientation:7.2:1
  • Gear ratio for left hand orientation:6.5:1
  • Weight:9ounce
  • 6+1 ball bearing
  • Monoline capacity:14lb/190yd
  • Drag power:24pounds

 best baitcasting reel under 150


Let’s look at some features available in both orientations with different gear ratios from 6.3:1 to 8.2:1, the best gear ratio for bass fishing. Coming with an Amazing 150 power pro line capacity, 12lbs drag power, and 4 ball bearings, and one reverse direction. It also boasts the magnetic Variable Brake Adjustment (VBS) system virtually eliminates backlashes.

Pros
  • On this pricing range, Shimano SLX provides us advanced brake system.
  • The muscular body structure gives its durability and strength.
  • Packed with high-advanced features
  • HD aluminum frame makes it perfect for saltwater fishing.
Cons
  • Expensive reel
  • Slightly Heavy bait caster for kids

Best Baitcasting Reel under 200$

If you need an expensive bait caster with high performance, then you can pick up this baitcasting reel which is the best baitcast for long-distance, heavy fish, and bass fishing.

1. Lew’s Super Duty 300 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel

A high-end low profile baitcasting reel with advanced features is best for all kinds of anglers. Under 200$ Lew’s Super Duty 300 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel provides us with the latest features. Stainless steel and aluminum material are used in the frame structure, making its corrosion-resistant bait cast.

Expensive Reel
Lew's Super Duty 300 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel
9.7/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Weight:6.9oz
  • Gear ratio:7.5:1
  • Bearing system:4 ball bearings +1 roller bearing
  • Drag capacity:15pounds
  • Orientation: both left and right-handed
  • 22mm spool diameter
  • 99mm large handle

It contains a Wide-reaching line capacity, which increases its capability in the deep sea. I am using it for ultra-deep crankbaits and other heavy lures. I feel it is better for bass fishing. Especially it is designed for those anglers who are love power fishing applications like bass fishing, heavy fishing, frogging, deep cracking, and up to more.

Pros
  • Best choice for heavy bait, extensive line, and oversized fishing
  • In saltwater does not take a rust
  • More line capacity increased casting.
  • High strength and powerful brass gearing
Cons
  • Not suitable for saltwater fishing
  • A low-bearing system somehow affects its performance.

Who to Pick Best Budget Baitcaster (An expert Buying Guide)

In this article, we sincerely reviewed the best budget baitcaster in which we described top brands reel in the range of 50$ to 200$. All of these bait cast reel has different value and performance. Just we recommended all of this reel but two reels are my favorite in which first is Abu Garcia BMAX3 Low Profile, and 2nd one is Lew’s Super Duty 300 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel. The reason for choosing this two-reel is that.

  • Abu Garcia is my favorite brand. I believe that this brand never compromises with the product quality. They offer us more than our expectations, and they produce a low-profile reel. Usually, Low profile bait casts are easier to use and lightweight.
  • 2nd I chased Lew’s Super Duty 300 Speed Spool Baitcast Reel because it is the latest version. I always tried to pick up the newest version tool because it loaded with high-quality features.

Choosing the best gear ratio for your baitcasting reel is important for ensuring a successful fishing experience. Too high of a gear ratio and your reel will be difficult to control; too low of a gear ratio and you won’t be able to maintain enough speed to bring in larger fish.

To find the best gear ratio for your needs, start by considering the size of the fish you are targeting and the weight of your bait. Heavier baits require more speed to bring in, so you’ll need a reel with a higher gear ratio for those situations. If you’re targeting smaller fish or using lighter baits, then you can get away with using a reel with a lower gear ratio.

There is no one perfect answer for choosing the best gear ratio for baitcasting reels; it’s important to tailor it to your own specific needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best baitcasting reel for you will depend on your own personal preferences and fishing needs. However, some baitcasting reels are definitely better than others, and there are a few features that you should look for when choosing a reel.

First, consider the size of the reel. If you plan to use it for larger fish, you’ll need a reel with enough power and size to handle them. Next, think about the materials used in the construction of the reel. It’s important that they be high quality and durable, so they can withstand frequent use.

Finally, consider the price. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a reel, but you also don’t want to skimp on quality.

Baitcasting is a fishing technique that has been around for many years. It is said that baitcasting is better than spinning because it allows for more control over the lure and provides a more accurate cast. However, some anglers believe that spinning is a more effective technique for catching small fish. a baitcasting reel is a great choice for big and heavy fish. Spinning reels is the perfect choice for beginners.



About the author

John Carter

Hi, I'm John and living in Florida. I'm a well-known writer and known to be the author of most of the articles published on various fishing reel sites. I am an avid fisherman and expert when it comes to fishing reels. I'm also a part-time lecturer in the university and conduct classes on fishing reels and fishing rods.

1 Comment

  • You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve truly read something like that before. So good to find somebody with genuine thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is required on the web, someone with a little originality!