Whenever you go fishing, you want to be armed with the best gear that will enhance your success and enjoyment of the sport. If you want an easy to use first reel or a versatile all-around reel, fish using lighter lures or live baits or want a reel for finesse techniques, a spinning reel is perfect. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to acquire a great reel and you don’t have to settle for below par quality and performance just because you’re on a tight budget. There are outstanding affordable spinning reels that rival the more expensive models.
We have compiled and reviewed the very best spinning reels under 50. They are well built using top-notch materials, have premium features, and they deliver a smooth performance out on the water. Whether you’re a freshwater angler, looking for a bass pinning reel, or want a surf fishing reel under 50, there’s an appropriate option for you below! If you find it hard to decide what model suits you best, our buying guide will simplify the choosing process.
OUR TOP PICK
Penn Pursuit II & III
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Excellent reel for inshore saltwater fishing as well as freshwater angling
- Thick aluminum bail wire offers leverage and strength.
- Instant anti-reverse bearing
- Powerful yet smooth drag system
- Lightweight yet sturdy and durable build
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Max Drag: 25lbs
Bearing Count: 4+1
EDITORS CHOICE
Pflueger President
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Seven bearings deliver silky smooth action
- Braided fishing line ready spool
- Corrosion resistant graphite frame and stainless steel bearings
- Sleek reel with a gorgeous finishing
- Sealed drag system against water and particles intrusion
- Lightweight and durable graphite construction
Reel Size: 20
Weight: 7.4 oz
Bearing Count: 7
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
BEST VALUE
KastKing Summer and Centron
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- The best spinning reel under 50 in terms of value for money
- Very well constructed with a good weight to it
- Nine quality ball bearings
- Powerful drag system
- Instant one-way anti-reverse bearing
- Precision machined pinion gear
- Attractive finishing with a two-tone spool
Reel Size: 500 to 5000
Weight: 13.9oz
Bearing Count: 9 +1 BB
Max Drag: 17.5lb
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Okuma Ceymar Lightweight
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- The perfect size for finesse fishing techniques
- Powerful oiled multi-disc felt drag system
- Fluid bearings with seven ball bearings
- Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
- Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
- Lightweight blade body design
- Comfortable, ambidextrous EVA handle
- Long distance casting performance
- 1-year limited warranty
Reel Size: C-30
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
Bearing Count: 7BB + 1RB
Line Capacity: 145yd-8lb
SHIMANO Sienna FE
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Innovative design for a more balanced and comfortable feel
- Suitable for freshwater and inshore fishing
- Casts long distance with minimal backlashes and wind knots.
- Instant anti-reverse technology ensures no back play
- Dyna-Balance rotor and smooth drag system ensures a super smooth action
- Sturdy and durable build
Reel Size: 1000 to 4000
Bearing Count: 3BB + 1RB
Pflueger Trion
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Fluid ball bearing system composed of seven bearings
- Consistent oil felt drag system
- On/off instant anti-reverse bearing
- Machined and double anodized aluminum spool
- Threaded main gear design eliminates play in the handle
- Lightweight and durable graphite and aluminum construction
- Corrosion resistant body and bearings
Reel Size: 30
Weight: 10.4 ounces
Bearing Count: 6BB + 1RB
Mitchell 300
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Established reputation for durability and flawless performance
- Anti-corrosive and durable yet lightweight advanced polymer build
- An innovative Bail Halo design that strengthens the rotor and improves line management
- 8 bearings with an instant anti-reverse bearing
- A strong and consistent multi-disk drag system
Reel Size: 300
Weight: 9.9oz
Max Drag: 14Lbs.
Bearing Count: 7+1
Gear Ratio: 5.8:1
Braid Cap: 14/210
Mono Cap: 12/180
Cadence CS4 Ultralight
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Carbon composite frame
- Strong and durable featuring premium material and components
- 8 corrosion resistant bearings
- Smooth cast and retrieve actions
- Powerful and smooth drag
- High gear ratio for fast retrievals
- Lightweight and with an ergonomic EVA handle
- The opportunity to give back
- One-year warranty
Weight: 9.5 oz
Max Drag: 16 lb
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearing Count: 8
Mono Line Capacity: (lb/yds) 8/270, 10/220, 12/160
Braid Line Capacity: (lb/yds) 15/310, 20/260, 30/185
Piscifun Viper II
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Hollow out frame and rotor design
- High speed retrieves with a gear ratio of 6.2:1
- Braid-ready CNC machined aluminum spool
- O-Ring sealed drag knob
- 10+1 double shielded stainless steel bearings
- 3-disc carbon fiber drag system
- Four layers of water and dirt proofing
- Premium quality an an affordable price
- Comfortable high density EVA knob
Reel Size: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000
Weight: 10.4 ounces
Bearing Count: 10+1
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Shakespeare Crusader
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Quality budget spinning real at an unbeatable price
- Ball bearing and anti-reverse with on/off
- A smooth multi-disc drag system
- A strong cold forged aluminum spool for added strength
- Left/right convertible handle
Reel Size: 30
Weight: 1.81 pounds
Gear Ratio: 5.5:1
Bearing Count: 1
Mono Capacity YD/LB: 190/4 140/6 110/8
How To Choose A Spinning Reel Under $50 – Buying Guide
Determining your budget first narrows down your choices but there are other criteria to consider in order to choose a reel that suits your type and style of fishing and will give you a smooth performance on the water. Have in mind the species you intend to catch and where you intend to fish and consider the following factors to determine the best spinning reel under 50 to get:
Max Drag
If you hook a big, hard fighting one, you want to have a reel equipped with a powerful drag that can handle the fight. This is especially important if you’re looking for saltwater spinning reels under $50, as your chances of hooking a trophy size fish are high. This is why it is important to find out the maximum drag or fish fighting power a reel gives you.
Gear Ratio
A high fishing reel gear ratio such a 6:1 translates to fast line retrievals. A low gear ratio such a 4:1 will give you more power for handling large catches but it will be slow at retrieving line and it can get tiring. For standard use, you can go for a medium gear ratio of 5:1.
Ball Bearings
The quantity and quality of ball bearings a reel has determine its smoothness. A high number of high-quality bearings makes operation buttery smooth. An anti-reverse function that eliminates back play and ensures solid hooksets is also essential. Stainless steel bearings are the best, as they can resist corrosion.
Material
A graphite or aluminum body is good as both materials are lightweight and corrosion resistant. Some reels in this price range have a high-strength plastic body, which is lightweight, doesn’t rust and is good enough for going after small fish species. Plastic gears or bearings are a big no though. Stainless steel bearings are good as they are strong and won’t corrode, which is very important especially for saltwater fishing.
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Weight
A lightweight spinning reel is comfortable to fish with, even for long hours at a time. The lightweight feel shouldn’t be at the expense of quality though. Use of durable yet lightweight materials such a graphite results in lightweight but strong reels that feel good in the hand. Another aspect of weight to consider is the fishing line weight the reel can handle. You want to be sure that you choose a size that will work well with the kind of fishing line you plan to use.
Quality Construction
You want an inexpensive spinning fishing reel but not at the expense of quality and performance. You want a well designed and built reel that is strong enough to handle repeated battles and will stand the test of time. Pay attention to the quality of materials used and the kind of components the reel has – frame, rotor, spool, bail wire, drag system, gears, bearings and handle – as all these work together to deliver the kind of performance you want.
Warranty
Choosing a top rated budget spinning reel that is well built by a reputable brand increases your chances of getting a good quality reel that won’t present issues at all. A reel that is backed by a good warranty is even better as it gives you peace of mind that if something were to go wrong, the manufacturer has got your back and you won’t have wasted your money.
FAQs
Q: What Is A Fishing Spinning Reel?
A spinning reel is a type of fishing reel that has a fixed spool for fishing line. It is named so as it spins as the line is being retrieved. It can cast very light lures and live bait far away.
Q: Should I Have A Special Rod For this Reel Or Can I Use A Regular One?
You will need a spinning rod as a spinning reel is designed to be mounted on the underside of a spinning rod. If you already have a rod, ensure that the line capacity of the reel matches that of your pole. This will ensure you have a well matched and balanced spinning rod and reel outfit. If you don’t have a rod, make sure you buy one with a power, action and line capacity that matches your reel of choice.
Q: Should I Have A Special Line For Spinning Reel?
There are certain fishing lines that work best for spinning reels and the fishing line you plan to use will also determine the reel to get. When choosing a new reel, check its line capacity rating so you can get a reel that is appropriate for the line weight you plan to use. If you plan to use braided fishing line, go for a spinning reel with a braid-ready spool so you will be able to spool it directly without adding a backing and without experiencing slippage.
Globo Surf Overview
As you can see, there are affordable spinning reels that have a lot to offer in terms of features, quality, and performance. You just have to choose the best budget spinning reel that will suit where and how you fish. Pair it with a well-matched spinning rod of good quality and you will have a winning fishing rod and reel combination. Be sure to take good care of your reel and it will serve you for years delivering incredible bang for you under fifty bucks.
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