If an angler is just discovering the world of spinning fishing, or was forced to take a long break, then immediately after choosing a spinning blank, he will need to choose a spinning reel.
You can’t rush in this matter, since successful fishing largely depends on correctly selected gear and equipment. The range of reels produced on the market is not limited to simple and cheap or expensive and multifunctional options.
Everyone will be able to choose a suitable model according to their needs and capabilities and install it on a spinning rod. To do this, you need to know several features and rules.
The quality of the cord laying indicates the quality of the spinning reel
What reels are used on spinning rods: pros and cons of models
You can find various spinning reels on sale. It is difficult for a beginner to understand the features and nuances. You need to know what options exist, take into account the positive and negative aspects of each of them.
Types of spinning reels that can be purchased:
- Inertial - are a classic. Used in sport fishing. They have increased sensitivity. Disadvantages: not suitable for beginners, require experience and skills in handling equipment.
- Inertialess – used for installation on 90% of spinning rods. It is easy to customize to suit the characteristics of a particular spinning rod; various types are available for sale. Cons: the diversity of the model range will require certain knowledge and skills when choosing a specific model.
- Multiplier – reinforced type coils. Can be used for catching large fish, used in large bodies of water and when spinning in the seas.
The fisherman himself decides which reel to choose for a spinning rod; for beginners, perhaps, it is worth choosing the inertia-free options. It is recommended to take into account the type of reservoir, fishing experience and type of fish. The spinning parameters also influence the selection of the reel.
How to choose the right fishing reel
Before purchasing a spinning reel, you should pay attention to a number of characteristics.
The type of reel is chosen depending on the type of fishing to be done. All coils can be divided into the following types:
- inertial (or bobbin): with a gear ratio of 1:1, used for spinning or fly fishing;
- multipliers: inertial reels with a reverse gear ratio, used for catching large fish;
- inertia-free: can be used for spinning fishing and fishing with a float; their features are high reeling speed and the ability to cast over long distances.
It is better to choose a reel that has a spare spool, especially if you fish in different ways. Ideally, one should be graphite and the other metal.
All models are divided by spool volume into the following sizes: 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, etc. The lower the value, the lighter the reel, and vice versa. Explanation of the marking: for example, a spool with a size of 2000 means that it can hold 100 meters of fishing line with a diameter of 0.2 mm. A reel with a spool capacity of 1000, holds 100 m of fishing line, with a diameter of 0.1 mm. The best option would be to buy a reel with a 1500–2500 spool.
Spools can be made from:
- metals are very strong, reliable, and their surface is almost perfectly smooth, which reduces friction;
- graphite is an expensive option that has the same advantages as metal, but at the same time they have less weight;
- plastic is an accessible and inexpensive, but not very durable option - usually such spools become unusable after one fishing season.
The coil itself is usually made from either metal or plastic. The first option is more expensive, heavier, but at the same time durable and reliable. Plastic products are cheaper, but less durable.
The average weight of the reel varies from 200 to 500 g. It is important that the weight of the reel is in balance with the characteristics of the spinning rod: action, dough, length. The more powerful the tackle, the heavier the reel you should purchase.
The strongest materials for gears are bronze and brass. It is also possible to manufacture from an alloy of zinc and aluminum. Cheap models can be metal only on the outside, but made of plastic on the inside - such gears are very unreliable and quickly fail.
An important parameter is the gear ratio - it is a ratio indicating how many revolutions the spool makes per revolution of the handle. Depending on this indicator, the following coils are distinguished:
- power - with a small gear ratio 1:3–1:4.6. They are used for spinning fishing for catfish and pike;
- universal - with an average gear ratio of 1:4.6–1:5.2. They are suitable for spinning fishing with fast or medium retrieve;
- high-speed - with a high gear ratio 1:5.2–1:6.2. They are used as a float rod; they are not intended for catching large fish.
What to look for when choosing a spinning reel
In the selection process, you need to take into account the size of the reel, gear ratio, number of bearings, and the design of the line guide. The general options to choose from will be:
- Smooth ride.
- Availability, quantity and quality of bearings.
- Spool size.
- Switching the line handle.
- Handle type.
- Friction brake.
- Reel weight.
It is advisable to choose the front brake in an inertialess reel for spinning, as it is more sensitive.
The dimensions of the reels are a parameter that is one of the most important values when initially choosing a meat grinder or multi for spinning tackle. The selection in this case takes into account the type of gear. Different types of spinning reels are suitable for different brands of tackle. The balance indicator depends on the size of the coil.
When assembling a spinning rod, ideal balance is important - the index finger in front of the stand for attaching the reel to the blank: the spinning rod does not fall towards either the tulip or the butt
The correct setting of the spinning rod should be such that the handle does not overweight or deviate in one direction or another when placing a finger in front of the leg that attaches the reel to the blank.
You can determine what size spool you need by taking into account the power and length of the spinning blank. The universal size is considered to be 2000-3000 according to Shimano. For powerful spinning rods (for catching large predatory fish), reels of size 3000-4000 are suitable. When catching catfish up to 5000.
For ultralight gear, a reel spool rating of 500-1500 is suitable.
Reel size and amount of line that can be wound onto the spool
Different types of fishing reels are made using different materials. If metal is used to make the spool, the structure will be strong and durable, but its weight will increase. When assembling such gear, you can use a braided cord.
Plastic can be recommended for beginners. This material wears out quickly and does not withstand mechanical stress. You can only use fishing line in such a reel.
Aluminum is a lightweight and quite durable material. It can be chosen when you need to purchase higher quality spinning reels. Such models are lighter, making it easier to find balance when assembling gear.
The total weight of the reel is determined by its size and material. For long-term fishing, it is best to purchase models of multipliers or meat grinders made of lightweight materials. If you use one of the inertia-free models, then you need to remember that if the rod is long, then a light-weight option is not suitable.
There are special recommendations on how to select spinning reels, taking into account the type and weight:
- Inertial – up to 180 grams.
- Inertia-free -190-250 grams
- Multiplier - 240-800 grams.
Beginners can watch a video on how to choose a reel based on weight and other parameters:
Gear ratio of the main pair of gears
The gear ratio of the main pair of gears also needs to be taken into account when choosing the type of coil. The peculiarity in this case is as follows: the higher the indicator, the faster this element of gear will be. Experienced fishermen recommend choosing options for spinning rods where the number does not exceed 5.2-5.4:1. Otherwise, the speed of exhaustion will be high, but the traction will not become worse.
The gear ratio affects how much line will be pulled out per revolution of the reel handle.
Another indicator that needs to be taken into account is the number of bearings. It is believed that a good spinning reel should have a large number of these elements. The indicator is associated with smoothness and ease of movement.
Number of bearings
Experienced fishermen indicate that the optimal figure is 6-8 bearings, since a larger number will not affect smoothness, but will cause an increase in the weight and price of the reel. Such indicators are optimal if you use an ultralight spinning reel, a universal version for medium spin, or a powerful jig version.
Friction clutch
When thinking about choosing a spinning reel, you need to consider the type of friction brake. A high-quality element of gear is necessary regardless of the weight of the caught fish.
It is necessary to pay attention to such an indicator as the location of the adjusting screw. According to this indicator, the tackle is divided into options with front or rear adjustment. Each of them provides the opportunity for quality fishing. The choice depends on the individual preferences of the fisherman. Plus, according to some anglers, the front drag is more sensitive than the rear type.
Line roller
Another point that you need to look at when selecting a suitable option is which line roller is installed.
The important parameters here are the design and the material chosen for production. The design of the roller determines its ability to work with braided cords and its resistance to mechanical damage and shock. A low-quality roller will require replacement after 3-5 fishing trips, as it will be cut through with braid.
Braid winding quality
When considering different types of reels, you need to pay attention to how the method of winding fishing line or thin cords is implemented. Here you need to remember that even and high-quality laying without visible defects (lumpy, dips, the presence of cones) increases the ease of use of the gear during active fishing.
Type of fish
You also need to select a reel based on what kind of fish you are going to catch. Experienced fishermen point out that spinning fishing for predators (perch, trout, chub) is possible using small varieties of wobblers, spinners, and microjig baits. In this case, the optimal solution would be to use spinning reels. Spool parameters 1500-2000 according to Shimano.
It is best to choose an option with a front friction brake, a gear ratio of about 5.0:1. 6-8 bearings should be installed.
If fishing involves a larger predator - pike, pike perch, large perch, then a multiplier or a power spinning reel of 2500-3000 Shimano can be used.
This option is also suitable for catching pike perch or asp and fishing using medium and large spoons, wobblers or silicone baits.
Selection by test
In order to avoid mistakes in the coil selection process, it is recommended to take into account the blank test indicators. Below is how to select a reel for a spinning rod using the test (table):
| Spinning test indicators | Tackle (dimensions) |
| Up to 5 g | 500 |
| 10-15 g | 2000 |
| 30-40 gr | 2000-3500 |
| 40-70 gr | 3000-3500 |
If the weight of the spinning rod exceeds 70 grams, then the reel should be selected with a Shimano spool rating of 3000-4000.
If you choose a reel model with a Shimano 2000-3000 spool, it should have 6-8 ball bearings. It is best to choose an option where the main pair of bearings is made of cold forged material.
It is recommended to give preference to a sensitive friction brake. For large fish species, you need to choose a powerful reel. If you purchase a power version, then there should already be 8-10 bearings (for a large predator).
It is best to choose a model that has a powerful friction brake with front adjustment. An additional advantage will be the presence of mechanisms that ensure high-quality laying of the fishing line.
Rating of spinning reels
Inertial coils eventually go out of production. But experienced fishermen of the old school continue to use them. They were replaced by new types - multiplier and inertia-free. They make it easier to cast bait. There is a large selection of similar products on the Russian market. But even in this assortment you can buy models that are distinguished by excellent characteristics and ease of use. The rating of the best spinning reels was compiled taking into account the following parameters:
- Popular with professional fishermen and amateurs;
- Comparison of quality, performance properties and cost;
- Smooth ride. This parameter affects the even winding of the fishing line;
- Spool parameters and weight;
- Comfortable handles and no problems when using them;
- Friction brake. This element is used when hunting for large fish.
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the quality of the products. Reviews about a specific spinning reel left by experienced fishermen are important.
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Rating of the best spinning reels: top 20 reels of different types
Our rating of spinning reels for 2021:
- Ryobi ECUSIMA 3000.
- Shimano Nexave RC 1000.
- VOLZHANKA Fortune 3000.
- DAIWA Sweepfire.
- Kaida Differ.
- Shimano Biomaster FB 1000.
- DAIWA Ballistic LT 2500D XH.
- RUBICON Alkazat.
- RYOBI Virtus.
- VOLZHANKA Meteor 3000.
- Daiwa Exceler 100H.
- SHIMANO Caius A.
- KOSADAKA Absolut.
- GRFISH Black Sea.
- KOSADAKA SIERRA.
- SHIMANO CURADO 201 IHG.
- Abu Garcia Revo MGX-L LP.
- Banax Kaigen 500XP.
- DAIWA Tatula SV TW.
- Okuma COLD WATER CW-303D.
Each person decides for himself which reel is best for the spinning rod that he already has. All of the listed reel models are durable, reliable and comfortable. Differences occur in technical parameters, for example, the materials used or the number of bearings.
TOP spinning fishing reels Shimano and Daiwa:
Criteria for choosing a spinning reel
When choosing a reel to equip a spinning rod, anglers take into account:
- what material was used in production;
- size and weight;
- timber capacity and spool material;
- how the fishing line is laid;
- gear ratio indicator;
- the presence of a friction brake;
- price.
It is wrong to focus only on the cost of the reel, because durability also depends on its reliability, which means whether you will soon have to spend money on purchasing this accessory again. Experienced fishermen recommend buying time-tested models (even more expensive ones) that will last for many years and thus even provide savings.
Expert opinion
Vladimir Poltoranin
Fisherman - expert
You can recommend a trusted fishing store, which offers a huge (more than 2000) selection of various reels and accessories for them. Models from leading world-famous brands are presented (Shimano, Rapala, Daiwa, Gladiator, Abu Garcia, Lagoon, Trolling Master, Maximus, Siweida, Aqua, Ryobi, DAM, MOPPING, Mikado, Spro, Okuma, WFT, Penn, Tica, Black Side , Kaigen, Mitchell).
With such an assortment, it’s easy to choose, compare and buy while sitting on your couch.
Weight
Modern spinning reels are made from:
- metal;
- plastics.
Plastic products are placed on light or ultralight spinning rods so as not to weigh down the delicate tackle and not reduce its sensitivity. Heavier and longer spinning rods (2.4-3.00 meters) are equipped with reels with a metal body and spool; if used correctly, they are more reliable and durable.
A metal spool is also preferable for long-distance casting, because the line glides better along the smooth sides.
The weight of a particular model directly depends on the material of manufacture and metal products are heavier than plastic ones. A lightweight reel is preferable for a spinning angler who makes several hundred bait casts over the course of a session.
But the reliability of plastic models is very doubtful, and there is no need to talk about durability, so you have to sacrifice convenience for the sake of reliability and quality. Metal parts of the structure weigh more, but are more durable and reliable, so lightweight reels are used on the most delicate models of spinning rods.
Weight is not the main selection criterion, although it must be taken into account.
Spool size and material
The size of the spool (line capacity) of a spinning reel is also not the most important criterion, because even the 1000th spool will fit 100 meters of fishing line or cord with a diameter of 0.1 mm. This length of the base is enough not only for long casting, but also for comfortable landing of fish, even if you have to play off the line on a heavy trophy.
Expert opinion
Vladimir Poltoranin
Fisherman - expert
Many anglers prefer to use non-stretchable braided lines, which have advantages in strength over monofilament. Accordingly, the diameters of such braids are smaller, while maintaining the breaking load, and the large size of the spool is not so important.
The diameter range of spools for spinning tackle is from 1000 to 3000, the optimal size is 2000–2500, for lines with a diameter of up to 0.25 mm. It’s good if the kit comes with an additional spool, because then the angler gets a backup option with a fishing line of a smaller or larger diameter. When using braided fishing line, it is useful to have a spool with monofilament in stock, because fishing conditions change, and you have to experiment with baits.
Important elements of spinning reels are line handles and rollers. When casting the bait, the bow is opened, allowing the line to come off freely. After the bait is immersed in the water, the bow closes, and the fishing line must fall exactly onto the roller, then the winding will be uniform and there will be no breakage when reeling in.
Gear ratio
The gear ratio is the number of revolutions of the spool in relation to one revolution of the handle. The higher this indicator, the more revolutions the spool makes per revolution of the handle. It is clear that the higher the gear ratio, the faster the line is wound onto the spool; for high-speed models this figure is 1/6 or higher.
High-speed reels are chosen for fishing with light spinning rods, the remaining options are for power and universal models.
About bearings
The smooth running of the spool largely depends on the number of bearings on the reel axis (and not their total number). Some fishermen believe that the more bearings, the smoother and more reliable the mechanism. But this is not so and it is much more important that the line roller be equipped with a bearing and, most importantly, the bearings must be of high quality.
Therefore, before purchasing, it is advisable to find out not only the number of bearings, but also their locations. This information is in the passport for the reel, which comes with the package.
Installing a reel on a spinning rod
When a reel is purchased, beginners have a question about how to install a suitable model on a spinning rod. There are no difficulties here:
- You need to unscrew the fastener.
- Insert a suitable reel into the special mount (holder located on the handle).
- You must then tighten the ring so that it tightens the base of the coil.
- Tighten tightly so that the coil does not deviate to the sides.
Care must be taken not to strip the thread during the tightening process. In 90% of cases, this element is made of ordinary plastic. After studying this video, it will become clear how to equip a spinning rod with a reel in a few minutes:
⑨ Yumoshi MG spinning reel
Rating: 4.8 Price: from RUB 1,055.89
up to
RUB 1,631.01
Go to store This is a budget reel with front and rear brake. The body and most of the parts are made of metal, making the product quite reliable and durable. The model range is represented by reels with bearings ranging in size from 2000 to 5000. Depending on the volume, the weight of the product varies from 260 to 410 g. Thanks to 11 bearings, the mechanism operates softly and smoothly.
Advantages:
- has a metal spool and body;
- well lubricated;
- good adjustment of both brakes;
- braid as a gift.
Flaws:
- The box may arrive crumpled, this does not affect the operation of the coil, but it may not be suitable for a gift.
Buy on AliExpress.com
Storage and transportation
In order to ensure maximum safety of your gear, it is recommended to purchase a cover for a spinning rod with a reel.
In most cases, inexpensive spinning reels do not come with additional accessories for storage or movement.
Even a good reel can be sold without protective covers, so experienced fishermen recommend purchasing in advance covers and special accessories for reels, lines, hooks and other equipment that may be useful when fishing.
Tips for choosing a spinning reel
On the shelves of fishing stores you can see a huge variety of spinning reels. The number of companies producing fishing reels number in the hundreds and each manufacturer has a large product range. Outwardly, they are all very similar to each other, and it will be quite difficult for an unprepared fisherman to make the right choice. In fact, everything is not so complicated, you just need to know what to look for when choosing a reel. The material from which it is made, as well as the design solution inside the reel itself, have a direct impact on the reliability and their technical characteristics.
The difficulty of choosing a spinning reel lies in many nuances, which we will discuss in more detail below. Knowing all the intricacies of both the device and the operation of the coil, the choice will be very simple.
The first thing you need to remember is that you are choosing a reel for a fishing rod, and not vice versa! And it is selected based on the fishing conditions and the fish you plan to fish for.
Tips and tricks
According to reviews from customers, experienced fishermen and professional athletes, even a spinning reel from Aliexpress can last a long time. You should not immediately purchase an expensive copy if you do not yet have enough experience. First you need a simple and lightweight reel.
Its main parameter is reliability. Before choosing a reel, you need to inspect several copies. Attention will need to be paid to how the line layer works. To do this you will need to make 4-5 revolutions. This will help determine how smooth the move will be and how the tension occurs.
Another recommendation is to carefully read all the features indicated on the packaging. In most cases, the manufacturer provides advice on purchasing additional accessories and initial setup. Sometimes it is necessary to install only certain models on the form in order to obtain maximum comfort. Universal advice - if a person purchases a reel for the first time, it is better to go to a store or place an order on the website under the guidance of an experienced fisherman.
It is necessary to wind the fishing line (cord) onto the reel under load. It is best if the cord is damp. In this case, installation will go quickly, it will lie smoothly, and no bumps or irregularities will form. Before you begin the main winding process, you need to pass the line through the first ring. The reel itself should be securely fixed to the butt in the reel seat at this moment.
④ DIWEINI spinning reel
Rating: 4.8 Price: from 842.13 rub.
up to
RUB 1,648.50
Go to the store This reel is made of stainless steel. The internal fittings, handle and wire loop are made of metal, which adds strength and reliability to the product. The model range is represented by devices with spools ranging in size from 2000 to 7000. Depending on this indicator, the reel can withstand a weight of 5–8 kg.
The metal gears in this device are characterized by high wear resistance and rigidity, therefore they are durable and almost not subject to mechanical damage. And the all-metal handle is waterproof and comfortable to use.
Advantages:
- completely metal product;
- does not make noise, the spool does not create unnecessary friction;
- has a durable body;
- compact size.
Flaws:
- For best performance, it is necessary to additionally lubricate after purchase.
Buy on AliExpress.com
