Anyone who has spent hours and hours casting a spinning rod appreciates lower weight and a compact size. But when a big fish turns up the heat, a spinning reel has to muster the power to respond. Fortunately, the next generation of lightweight spinning reels feature design and technology to prevent corrosion and damage with beefed-up components and silky smooth drag for years of reliable performance.
PENN Clash II
In addition to a carbon fiber drag, CNC-cut gears, the water-resistant Clash II has a super-slow oscillating rotor with ball bearing line roller that lays line on the spool so it leaves the reel faster for longer casts with a light lure.
PENN Pursuit V
The new Penn Pursuit V is a reasonably priced reel designed for versatility and reliability. HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers and a 4-sealed stainless ball bearing system ensure smooth and reliable performance. The graphite body is corrosion resistant, and the spool is braid ready.
Okuma Safyre
Okuma recently released its new Safyre spinning reel as a crossover for inshore anglers who also fish freshwater. Available in sizes 1000 to 5000, a machine-cut brass pinion gear increases torque and durability, a multi-disc Carbonite drag provides consistent stopping power, and IPX3 splash protection and other corrosion-resistance technologies make it ready for the salt.
Okuma Inspira ISX
Inside the Inspira’s all-metal body, the small reel packs oversized gears, protected pinion and clutch and stainless-steel bearings. With sizes down to 2000 and priced around a hundred bucks, the Inspira ISX also packs a great value.
Shimano Twin Power XD
With a Magnum Lite rotor used in the robust Twin Power series body, the Twin Power XD harnesses the technologically advanced features Shimano is known for into a reel that allows precise control and sensitivity for working lures as well rigidity for strength and water resistance for durability.
Shimano Saragosa SW A
Features like a water-resistant body, carbon drag and shielded stainless steel bearings make the Saragosa SW A virtually bulletproof. On the inside, the pinion gear is supported on both ends with low-friction bushing and a large cold-forged main gear provides cranking strength usually found on more expensive reels.
Daiwa BG MQ 2500-H
In addition to a long list of saltwater-ready features, Daiwa’s BG MQ most unique technology is the super low-friction grease on the drag washers. When a fish takes off, the drag engages smoothly and quickly applies even and steady pressure to the line.
13 Fishing Axum
A sealed rotor, corrosion proof ball bearings and ceramic line roller eliminate common failure points on the new 13 Fishing Axum. The soft and grippy cork reel knob is comfortable for long days finesse fishing.
Quantum Cabo
The new Cabo is Quantum’s flagship reel. It’s the only reel on the market at this price point that’s fully sealed (drag and gearbox) to IPX8 standards. If features machined gears for more and smother cranking power, best-in-class max drag with a consistent curve and a slow oscillating spool in the 2500-5000 models for better line lay and casting distance.
Quantum Merit
The Merit is a reasonably priced inshore reel that’s sealed to respectable IPX6 standards and features the same drag system as Quantum’s flagship spinning reel, the Cabo. It’s a budget-friendly option that remains a high-quality spinning reel in performance and durability.
Quantum Strive
Quantum stepped into the saltwater market a a couple years ago with the Strive. This lightweight marvel features 11 seals for water resistance, with a smooth carbon fiber drag system housed in a sturdy aluminum frame for bantamweight rigidity.
