A baitcasting reel is an essential tool for anglers that wish to be capable of effectively fishing bigger lures and employing methods that require more than just a light line spinning reel. A great baitcasting reel provides you with great control over your lure, thus allowing you to accurate lure placements, and the ability to catch that trophy fish.
Our guide will aid you in understanding how to select the ideal baitcasting reel, one that will help you apply your favorite methods of fishing with as much efficiency as possible without compromising your pocket.
For people who are beginners of baitcasting, we will include the most significant specifications you need to look for and make the right call for your favorite baitcasting reel choices. If you are already acquainted with these specifications, you can go straight to the top 5 baitcasting reels of 2017.
So keep reading and learn as much as you can from this post. The best spinning reel choice will make a huge difference in your fishing activity.
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I. Benefits of Using the Best Baitcasting Reel
It is our belief that anglers must use both baitcasting reel and also spinning reels to become flexible anglers. There are, however, a lot of techniques as well as lures which are best utilized using a baitcasting combination.
1. Better Control
Baitcasting reels provide you with a greater degree of casting control compared to spinning gear since you could control the speed as well as the distance of the lure by thumbing the spool while casting.
As soon as you become proficient in the use of these reels, you should be able to achieve more accuracy with your casts, letting you place your lure where the fish are.
2. Heavier Line
With baitcasting reels, the spool’s rotational axis is proportional to the guides of the rod, which means that the line will come off through the line guide and towards the rod’s guides.
This would make it more convenient to utilize heavier lines; 10 to 20 lbs of testing on the average as well as heavier lures. An excellent baitcasting setup could conveniently cast lures weighing 1/4 oz - 1 oz, and more.
3. Additional Power
Baitcasters have more capacity for power compared to spinning reels, due to the spool design and layout. The spool becomes aligned with the gears and the handle such that the reel could generate more torque and power.
Also, since the handles here are directly mounted towards the reel frame, there’s no lever arm that would flex while you’re reeling in a fish.
II. How to Choose the Best Baitcasting Reel
There are several factors to consider in choosing the best baitcasting reel but it all boils down to your needs, the kind of fishing you will be doing, and the species of fish you will be catching. Is it saltwater or is it freshwater fishing? Will you be fishing along the beach or on the boat?
There are different varieities baitcasting reels you can select from, but if you want to be specific, you can look for specific features. There are models that are best catching small fish, and there are models that are made for big fish.
There are models that are made for freshwater and models that are meant for saltwater.
So look into the model of the spinning reel was made for and see if they suit your needs. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about doing all the research because we have already done that for you. The next section features the best baitcasting reels of 2017.
Here’s a video that provides tips on How to Select the Best Baitcasting Reel for you:
III. 2017’s Best Baitcasting Reels
1. Shimano 200I Curado RH
The Shimano brandis another first-class baitcasting reel that features a frame and aluminium-made spool. The spool also includes a titanium line guide.
It includes 5 (+1) bearings, together with anti-reverse. It is offered in an all-around 6.3 gear, but there is a slower gear (5.5 to 1) if you are using Deep-diving crank baits or larger baits.
If you are more into pitching and flipping, there is a 7.2:1 gear ratio as well. Also, there are right and left-handed models. There are some unique technologies observed in the Curado; one of those is the “SVS Infinity,” an adjustable braking system. With this, you can indeed modify braking system to the way you like it.
Advantages
- It is extremely light at approximately 7.4 ounces.
- It is very well-made; it can last for several years
- It is available in a high, medium, and low gear ratio, though only the 7.2:1 and the 6.3:1 models include left-handed versions.
- The cast and the drag are very smooth.
- The braking system is of best quality as it’s even adjustable for you to adjust for distance or to reduce backlashes.
Disadvantages
- You may be worried about the limited bearings.
- This has a 12-pound maximum drag.
2. Daiwa Tatula Reels
Offered in various gear ratios, the Daiwa Tatula brand includes 6.3, 7.3, as well as 8.1 to 1. Also, it is offered in both right and left-handed versions.
It is made from aluminum, making it both lightweight and strong.
It utilizes Magforce-X casting brakes, eight corrosion-resistant bearings, as well as a carbon drag system that is very smooth. It includes its exclusive “T-Wing Casting Method” in every the Tatula model.
It utilizes Magforce-X casting brakes, eight corrosion-resistant bearings, as well as a carbon drag system that is very smooth. It includes its exclusive “T-Wing Casting Method” in every the Tatula model.
This includes a line guide, specifically designed to reduce the friction as well as the obstruction over the cast. Simultaneously, you keep a smooth level line once you retrieve and then wind the line on the spool.
This line guide spins up into the cast position, and you have a T-shaped hole rather than a tiny hole for the line to run through the cast. With this larger hole, you can cast even smoother as well as for a much greater distance, because you do not have the tiny hole restricting the line’s flow.
Advantages
- You have numerous alternatives of high gear ratios to pick from, for you to choose the ratio that suits your fishing preferences and methods.
- There is a left-handed variation, so the 1/10 of the angler population’s needs is not overlooked.
- It utilizes magnetic brakes.
- It has loads of corrosion-resistant bearings.
- The drag system is extremely smooth, with a 13-pound maximum drag.
- The weight ranges between 7.6 and 7.7 ounces.
- The T-wing concept allows you to cast farther out; the retrieve is also smoother.
Disadvantages
- It could take a while to familiarize the T-wing design.
- There are not any alternative for lower gear ratios.
3. Abu Garcia Revo SX
Abu Garcia Revo SX is a first-class baitcasting reel, and it is a great example of how with a bit bigger budget you can purchase a truly outstanding reel.
This is an exhibit of exceptional design with its features to match.
The REVO line’s trend is that it is becoming lighter than it was before. That is surprising the way how durable the Revo SX brand is, but the secret here is that the company utilize strong but lightweight materials for the reel. Currently, the latest models make use of C6 Carbon for its side plates.
Also, it’s shockingly compact. Its low profile makes it comfier and more ergonomic. Also, the weight is remarkably low at just 6.7 ounces, so utilizing this all day is not much tiring as the other more substantial reels.
Advantages
- Because of the application of materials like carbon fiber, this is extremely strong but very lightweight. At 6.7 ounces, perhaps, you will never find one as good as REVO SX’ weight unless it is made out of hard plastic.
- With high drag, you are better able to handle even destructive bass.
- The magnetic brake is outstanding as well as a boon for beginners. You have the stable pressure that decelerates the reel. And with a tad practice, you can make precise casts more easily and more consistently.
- The spool can deal with heavy loads and heavy line so that you can target larger fish with the correct tackle.
- Everything works efficiently.
- Also, the compact design makes it extremely easy to handle.
Disadvantages
- Low gear ratio variants are not available.
4. Abu Garcia Black Max
If the great Revo SX is too costly for you, the Black Max Reel could suffice at 50% the cost.
It is still lightweight and compact and offers you consistent performance. And in bass fishing, it is the typical reel for newbies.
This is extremely smooth, regardless of the use of only one roller bearing and four stainless steel ball bearings. The smooth drag is partly due to the use of Power Disk drag system, an excellent product for the product.
It has an impressive maximum drag of 18 pounds; it offers the immediate anti-reverse feature as well. With the brass gear used (Duragear), the gear has an extended lifespan. Also, it only features the 6.4:1 gear ratio. On the other hand, for most folks, this is enough particularly for beginners.
Advantages
- This is an extremely ergonomic design, and it is truly comfortable to handle.
- It is lightweight, but it is strong as well.
- The brake system is excellent, and newbies will love it. You can fine-tune the brake pressure by spinning a knob. And with practice, the reliable brake pressure will allow you to cast accurately constantly.
- It has an 18-pound drag limit.
- It is very affordable.
Disadvantages
- It only utilizes five bearings.
- It comes in one model, and you have stuck with the 6.4:1 gear ratio. Also, there is no version for left-handed folks.
5. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur
The Classic C3 is still available in the market, and it is one of the popular baitcasting reels ever.
Currently, it has been enhanced to the C4 series, which gets the best qualities of the Classic C3 while it also presents new features and technologies.
It is available in a couple of spool sizes, although they all have the 6.3:1 gear ratio intended for excellent all-around performance. Also, it has right and left-handed models. Additionally, the drag material is made out of carbon fiber whereas the spool is constructed from aluminum.
Advantages
- With this reel, operations are very smooth, whether you are casting or you are retrieving your line.
- The gear system is outstanding and functions well.
- It is extremely well-built; expect it to last for several years.
- It is extremely comfortable to handle.
Disadvantages
- It is a tad on the heavy part because the lightest of the series weighs just 9.3 ounces. The heaviest weighs 10.9 ounces.
- This utilizes a six-pin centrifugal brake; good enough for expert anglers. For beginners, it could be too difficult.
Conclusion
You have just read our top 5 best baitcasting reel. These reels have all the attributes of the best items, and you can select from any of them. There’s no absolute answer when it comes to your choice because your choice will come in proportion to your needs.
Among the 5 choices, the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Baitcasting Reel had the most appeal to me. The brand's reputation has long been built on durability, reliability, and performance. You can cast with them like a reel of your dreams and is sure to last several years of tough fishing before you decide to dismantle it for cleaning or get a new unit.
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you think this post is useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends. And feel free to share to us your choice among the top 5 products in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
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