We decided to cut through the chase and reviewed the top 7. As you’ll see these spincast reels each have their own unique specialties:
The Zebco Omega ZO3PRO Spincast Fishing Reel is for anglers looking for advanced features which are easy to configure.
If you’re looking for a spincast reel that works well in saltwater and sandy locations, check out the PENN Spinfisher V Spinning Reel.
The Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Reel is suitable for anglers who want smooth, consistent operation.
The Quantum CSP40PTSE Cabo Spin Reel is for you if you want a heavy duty inshore reel.
Are you looking for a reliable 7-bearing spincast reel? Read our review of the Zebco Omega Z03 Spincast Reel.
The Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel is for new anglers or those who are into light tackle fishing.
If you’re after professional quality spincast reels, the Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Reel may be what you need.
Top 7 Reviews of the Best Spincast Reel For The Money In 2017
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1. Zebco Omega ZO3PRO Spincast Fishing Reel
The ZO3PRO is a good candidate for the best Zebco spincast reel thanks to its 7 bearings, providing it with superior performance. Designed mainly for freshwater, it can also be used for saltwater if you rinse after each use.
As spincast reel reviews point out, the ZO3PRO can be set up for left and right hand users, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for long periods.
Its triple cam, multi-disk system gives it a smooth drag, and cover is aircraft aluminum grade and very durable. With its 3X positive pickup and oscillating spool, the ZO3PRO is easier to use compared to other spincast reels.
The all-metal gears makes the ZO3PRO extra solid, and the ceramic line guide should help anglers. Setting up is quick and easy and the motion is smooth regardless where it is used.
The reel includes a couple of test spools, one 10 lb. and another 6 lb. There are two reel handles included too, one round and the other flat. Finally, the spool moves nicely up and down so the line is evenly spread out.
- For left and right handed users
- Gears are all metal
- Very little backlash
- Smaller than similar spincast reels
- Instructions not too clear
2. PENN Spinfisher V Spinning Reel
The Spinfisher V makes our list of the best spincast reel owing to its reliable performance in various kinds of sandy and saltwater conditions. The Spinfisher V is also solidly built and can handle heavy duty use.
Its bail wire is aluminum, and its rotor, sideplate and body are all metal, indicative of its durability. What makes this one of the best spincast reel for saltwater is its sealed HT-100 Slammer drag system.
With the Slammer you get a smooth drag, and its friction ramp ensures there’s no early bail trip. Premature bail tripping is common when casting so this is a convenient feature.
The Spinfisher V is equipped with five stainless steel bail bearings for fluid cranking. The Spinfisher V also has an anti-reverse backing for easier operation.
There’s no need for backing with its superline spool, and it’s watertight too. What this means is you can use the Spinfisher V and not worry about water getting into the drag system or gearbox.
The Spinfisher V handles surf well and its metal body remains aligned even when loaded. Even if you’re pulling a heavy fish you get support and leverage.
- Easy to use
- Smooth cranking
- Excellent drag
- Needs oiling for optimum performance
- Has occasional backlash
3. Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Reel
Abu Garcia spincast reel reviews have given the Pro Max good feedback, and that’s understandable given its features. Its aluminum spool is double anodized for optimum performance.
The Pro Max gives you additional strength while still being light, and its Magtrax Brake System ensures braking pressure is always the same. There are models for left and right handed users, and they share many of the same features.
The Pro Max uses the Power Disk Drag System so drag is smooth and reliable. What makes this one of the best spincast reel for the money is it reliable performance. Even with regular use the performance doesn’t change.
With its Dura Gear brass gear, the Pro Max has a longer lifespan than most spincast reels. This means you can use it in different conditions and still get the same performance.
While not perfect, the Pro Max spincast reel is suitable for anyone who’s interested in fishing. Casting is smooth and it is ideal for bass and other fish. The Pro Max also works well with various lures including crankbaits and jerkbaits.
- Smooth operation
- Brake pressure is consistent
- Drag performance is smooth
- Retrieval is not always smooth
- Feels a bit small
4. Quantum CSP40PTSE Cabo Spin Reel
The Quantum Cabo compares favorably to the best micro spincast reel when it comes to performance. It is easy to configure and the reel works well in different bodies of water.
This is one of the best spincast reel for bass fishing and it is also appropriate for lake and pond fishing. The Quantum is also solidly built and can withstand a lot of punishment. The reel also holds up well for inshore fishing, and the casting is smooth and consistent.
The brake pressure is reliable and it is just the right size, not too big or small in your palm. The reel has also been designed with anglers of different user levels in mind. It has the advanced features long time anglers want, but it is easy enough for first timers to use.
The Quantum reel’s smooth performance is complemented by its light weight. Even with extended use it’s not going to tire your hands. Construction is solid and makes retrieval easy.
Quantum is known for their quality reels, and this ranks among the best. For beginner or advanced users this is a good reel.
- Smooth cast
- Consistent drag
- Easy to configure
- Some spool line adjustment needed
- Sometimes makes noise in saltwater
5. Zebco Omega Z03 Spincast Reel
One of the best spincast rod and reel combo today, the seven-bearing Omega offers smooth and reliable performance for new and long timer anglers. Its thumb button is sealed rubber for more comfortable use.
When someone asks what is the best spincast reel, the bearing is one of the things that’s usually checked as it affects performance. The Omega has stainless bearings and its gear drive is very smooth.
Its spool system allows for rapid change, and the pickup pins and line guide also improves handling and usage. With an 85 yard, 10 lb. line weight capacity, the Omega is ideal for angling and fishing in different locations.
The reel has aluminum covers and these are aircraft grade quality. The metal parts are all heavy duty and can handle a lot of punishment. It is a little heavy but not too much that it affects your handling.
The bearings keep the reel smooth and quiet and the drag is easy to use. Its ceramic pins also allow you to cast this at a distance. For lakes, ponds and other bodies of water, the Omega will do.
- Stainless steel bearings
- Excellent anti-reverse action
- Worm gear drive is very smooth
- More suited for freshwater than saltwater
- Handles inserts are plastic
6. Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel
The Omega Pro is right up there in any talk of the best saltwater spincast reel for beginners and those into light tackle fishing. The reel has 85 yards of 6 lb. Cajun Red line pre-spooled for your convenience.
Its 3 4:1 gear ratio and anti-reverse clutch improves handling, and the ceramic pins lets you cast for an extended range. The stainless steel bearings are very smooth, and its aluminum spinner head is solidly built.
Like other Zebco reels, its spool system allows for quick changes. You can also configure the reel for left or right handed use. There’s even a spare spool included for your convenience.
The Zebco Pro reels are ergonomic and comfortable to hold. They also provide you with optimum leverage for retrieving heavy fish. The handles are also designed to work with lures that pull hard.
If you’re looking for a light rig then the Zebco Pro is what you’ll need. Even if you haven’t used any of this before, the instructions are easy to follow.
- Easy to set up
- Aircraft grade aluminum caps
- Reliable anti-reverse clutch
- Not for heavy tackle fishing
- Drag wheel location could be better
7. Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Reel
Daiwa spincast reel reviews have been positive and we have to agree. This is a professional quality reel with the body made from solid metal. With its oscillating spool you get pinpoint winding, and its drag is among the best for spincast reels.
The Goldcast also has a solid ball bearing drive and the premium line has been pre-wounded. Unlike other spincast reels you can retrieve with your right or left hand on the Goldcast. Daiwa reels are known for their rugged built, and the Goldcast lives up to that tradition.
The bigger than average aperture leads to better casting, and the multi-disc drag is very smooth. While the Goldcast is built like a rock it is still light. Being able to cast for long distances is another advantage the Goldcast has over other reels.
Line digs are reduced by the spool oscillation and works fine with different setups. The handle is comfortable so even if you fish for long periods you won’t tire.
For beginners, the Goldcast is a good choice as it is light and easy to fish with. Even if you’re new to angling, the feature set is not intimidating.
- Reversible handle
- Reliable mechanism
- Good build
- Jams up the lines occasionally
- Instructions could use improvement
How to Choose a Best Spincast Reel
The best ultralight spincast reel is not the most expensive, but rather the one that has the features you’re looking for and suited for the type of activity you’re doing.
Spincast reels are suitable for live bait and light lines, or if you don’t want the live bait harmed. With that in mind, we can look at the other factors you should consider.
Where are You Going to Fish?
The best spincast reel only works in waters where it is designed for, so think of where you’re going to fish.
If you’re fishing in saltwater, get a spincast reel that’s designed for it. Look for quality spincast reels with rustproof ball bearings. Some reels are designed for both freshwater and saltwater, and you can use those too. But never use a freshwater reel in saltwater as it won’t last.
What are You Going to Fish?
The fish species dictates the line size and amount you will have to use.
If you’re going after sailfish, tarpon, muskie and other aggressive offshore fish, you’ll need a spincast reel with a long run line. The drag system must also be capable of dealing with the heat.
Bearings
Any product claiming to be the best spincast reel ever made must have quality bearings. Quality bearings make a spincast fun to use, durable and don’t vibrate. Avoid poor quality bearings as they’re noisy and won’t last.
Usually a reel with several bearings is a good sign, but you should always choose quality over quantity. It is better to have a spincast with few high quality bearings than one with several poorly made bearings. If you want smooth retrieval, good bearings are a must.
Good bearings is important in freshwater, but it is an absolute must for saltwater. Saltwater is hard on reels so you’ll want to invest in bearings to avoid corrosion.
The difference between low quality and high quality bearings is the materials used. The process used to make the bearings also play a part.
The top reel brands use special alloys so the bearings are more durable, smoother and resistant to rust. Stainless steel is the most commonly used but others add chromium so it is more resistant to corrosion.
The top spincast reels also extra anti-rust properties built in as well as lubricants to prolong lifespan. All of these features lead to smoother retrieval.
Construction
Look for spincast reels that can handle torque made aggressive fish. You’ll also want a light reel: fishing for hours can be tiring if you’re working with a bulky reel.
The top reels are mostly, if not all metal. Some even use specially made alloys so they’re even lighter. This is the reason why some reels have drilled out parts.
Machining
Quality machining results in tighter tolerances. The tighter the tolerance the better the bearing seats. It also leads to a longer bearing lifespan, smooth cranking and reduced wobbling.
If you hold a reel and notice the handle or spool moves when you pressure the the shaft, it’s not properly machined. If you’re going to fish regularly, you will want a well-machined reel.
As for power vs. speed, this will be determined by the gear ratio.
- For fast retrievals go with 5.5:1 gear ratio, or 6.3:1
- If you want more power, a ratio like 4.1:1 or lower is the better option.
What are Bails?
This refers to the system which releases and wraps the line on the spool. There are different types of line release. Some are manual, while others have a trigger which is linked to the bail. There are also some reels which allow you to cast without line contact, great if you are uncomfortable with regular methods.
Conclusion
As we explained earlier, choosing the best spincast reel can be overwhelming for a first time buyer. Hopefully with these reviews you now know what spincast reels to buy as suits your requirements.
Aside from reviewing the products individually, we also compared them head to head. After a thorough comparison we picked the Penn Spinfisher V as the winner A lot of its good qualities have already been pointed out, but we have to add a few more here..
Compared to other spincast reels, the Spinfisher V performs better in saltwater locations. The other thing we like about this spincast is how convenient it is to use. Its performance is also consistent and dependable. Cranking is steady and you can count on the Spinfisher V for smooth casting.
What it comes down to is this; if you’re after the best spincast reel for bass, trout and other fish, any of those spincast reels will do. But if you’re that little extra something, more versatility, durability and style, the Spinfisher V is a good bet.
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