Spinning reels have revolutionized the fishing game. They offer excellent performance and high reliability. A high price does not always guarantee high quality.
Finding cheap spinning reels which are reliable doesn’t need to be a struggle. Ideally, you would want to purchase a product that fulfills your needs but doesn’t break the bank.
Your fishing trip should be about the experience. And a fishing reel that helps you get the most out of it, what you are looking for. Our guide will help you find the Top 10 Best ultralight Spinning Reels under $50, all of which are available on amazon.
Quick Overview- Top 10 Best Ultralight Spinning Reels
- Piscifun Flame – Smooth, lightweight, and powerful reel.
- Piscifun Viper X – High-speed, cost-effective reel.
- Plusinno GE – Ultrasmooth powerful reel with drag system.
- NS Outdoors Spinning Reel – All-purpose smooth reel at an affordable price.
- Penn Pursuit III – Cheap high-quality reel.
- Okuma Ceymar c10 – Plenty of features at a low price.
- KastKing Summer – Ultrasmooth affordable Spinning reel.
- Pflueger President – Lightweight and powerful.
- Piscifun® Speed – Compact and convenient
- Sougayilang Carp – Efficient, solid, and innovative
Top 10 Best Ultralight Spinning Reel under $50 Reviews
I was wondering where you can find the best fishing reels under $50? Here is a comprehensive list of fishing reels that are highly acclaimed, perfect for all-day use, and can make your summer fishing trip a lot more relaxing.
1. Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel – Unique Design Smooth Fishing Reels
This is a popular entry-level spinning reel from one of the newest and most expanding brands, Piscifun.
The narrow hollow graphite body and exceptionally lightweight reel gears make the Piscifun Flame spinning reels easy to use and enjoyable fishing experience.
Product Features
Sharp and modern spinning fishing reels with a unique hollow body, X shape spool, and personalized handle. The 9 quality ball bearings alongside the one roller bearing are perfectly paired with the precision gears.
You will certainly enjoy the buttery smooth performance on this Flame spinning fishing reel. The Piscifun Flame fishing reels offer an astonishing drag power up to 19.8Lb.
There are plenty of great features that have been given to this spin reel. A feature that stands out is the reinforced metal main shaft, high-quality drive gear, precisely machined brass pinion gear, and triple drag washers, which make the angler easily fight with the big fish.
Why chose this product?
The Piscifun Flame boats of a unique hollow body, an X shape spool, and a personalized handle, giving a far more advanced feel than any other spinning reels at this price.
Piscifun is continuously providing the most cost-effective fishing tools. It has a unique spool that can only be found for the higher-end reels. When paired with the red aluminum spool, the matte black body perfectly indicates its name ‘Flame.’
It is better to choose 2000 and 3000 series reels if you are into freshwater fishing, but if you are chasing big fish and other saltwater species, the 4000 and 5000 would be more suitable for you.
Specifications
- 9+1 High-Quality Ball Bearings – Gives the user a buttery smooth cast and retrieve performance.
- Triple Drag Washers
- Anti-Corrosion Zinc Drive Gear
- Unique Spool
- Crisp Click Sound – The high-quality parts were precisely assembled, making the Flame spinning reels have better clicker sound than their competitors.
- Even Line Lay
Pros
- Affordability
- Sturdy
- Braided ready
Cons
- No spare parts
- Low Gear Ratio
One of the most significant factors behind this reel is its affordability. If you plan to buy a spinning reel in the sub $35 region, this is the ideal product available to consider.
Some people complain about its weight, but it’s a do-it type of fishing reel, but it gives high power and max drag for saltwater at this value.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Spinning Reel for Redfish 2021 [Budget Friendly]
2. Piscifun Viper X Spinning Reel – Faster, Stronger, Smoother, and Lighter
This is a super smooth spinning reel on par with other models from Piscifun, which come at a relatively much higher price range. In addition, the double-shielded 10+1 stainless steel bearings offer an incredible smoothness for the Viper X fishing spinning reels.
The reinforced stainless steel main shaft and the Zinc alloy drive gear paired with carbon washers give a smooth and more consistent performance.
Product Features
The Piscifun Viper X spinning reel is made up of a lightning-fast 6.2:1 gear ratio which is almost as smooth as the 5.2:1 in our 500, 1000, and 5000 model.
The product has an Innovative design offering Waterproof Technology, one-way clutch bushing, a one-way clutch plate, a stainless-steel washer, and a shielded stainless-steel bearing that prevents water and dirt from entering the premises.
Why chose this product?
Based on the price range, it is not expected to perform nor be as smooth as the higher-end reel, but amazingly enough, it does.
The product is made up of high-quality graphite material, a new mold technology applied for the Viper X fish reel on frame and rotor. This technology makes the Viper X spinning reels light and stylish while ensuring uncompromised Strength.
Specifications
- Carbon Drag Washers
- Zinc Alloy Drive Gear
- 10+1 Shielded Ball Bearings
- Braid Ready Spool
- O-ring Sealed Drag Knob
- High-density EVA Knob
Pros
- Affordability
- Ergonomic Design
- Super smooth
Cons
- Not very durable
If you’re in the market for a good all-purpose spinning reel under $50, it is highly recommended to check out Piscifun Viper X Spinning Reel.
Recommended: Best Spinning Reels under 100 Dollar [Top 10 Pick 2021]
3. Plusinno GE4000 – Best Combination of Performance and Value Fishing Reel
This is a lighter, smoother, and stronger fishing reel with the best combination of value and performance from the brand Plusinno. Plusinno fishing reels offer great value for their price.
Product Features
The 9 High-Quality ball bearings coupled with an anti-reverse bearing offer a strong drag and braking system, which gives you a silky-smooth, balanced operation for all-day fishing comfort.
The product gives excellent value for its price and makes for an excellent gift for beginners and experienced anglers. It is lightweight and durable.
Plusinno’s fishing reel is manufactured with an ultra-light CNC aluminum spool and a rigid, graphite frame giving you Ultra-high performance in a compact spinning reel.
Plusinno’s fishing reel’s superior drag system offers incredible stopping power – up to 19.8LBS
Why chose this product?
Plusinno GE4000 is an excellent choice for a starter or budget spinning reel; it provides much better quality than other reels in this price range.
The matte black body and gold layering and the new hollow outs designed fishing reel matched to a graphite frame makes the new Plusinno spinning reels a great addition to the collection for their lightness and style.
Specifications
- Sealed Drag System
- Stainless ball bearing
- Graphite Body and Rotor
- Anti-twist line Roller
- Non-slip handle
- Stronger Machined Aluminum Spool
Pros
- Affordability
- Versatile
- Convenience
Cons
- Not suitable for specialized powerful fishing
The Plusinno Spinning reel offers excellent quality for its price. It is very versatile, but it’s essentially a jack of all trades. Even though it is not recommended as a specialized reel, it is ideal for beginner anglers.
4. Penn Pursuit III – Lightweight High – Performance Reel
If you are looking for cheap spinning reels of high quality, the Penn Pursuit III is the right choice due to its lightweight construction and smooth action.
Product Features
The best attribute of the Penn Pursuit III spinning reel is its high-end drag system. Penn Pursuit III is durable and long-lasting. The revolution comes in 6 sizes, starting from 2500 up to 8000.
So there is a size available for nearly every angler’s fishing needs. The Penn has also included their Instant Anti-Reverse system which eliminates any back play.
This is made possible with some really solid instant hookups with 4 shielded stainless ball bearings.
Why chose this product?
This product comes with a high precision gear system, which makes its retrieval performance more fluid than and the competitors have; a performance enhancer and an adjustable easel tool like this should be with anyone who likes to go fishing. it’s a real pleasure to use.
It comes with a high precision gear system, making its retrieval more fluid than that of its competitors in this price class.
Specifications
- Stainless Steel Main Shaft
- 4 Shielded Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- Anti-Reverse System
- HT-100 Drag System
- Braid Rady
- Machined and Anodized Aluminum Spool
- Line Capacity Rings
- Graphite Rotor
Pros
- HT-100 Drag
- Huge Value for Money
- Suitable for all fishing
Cons
- Lack-luster in terms of features
You can expect to get plenty of fishing out of the spinning reel over its serviceable lifetime. It’s a reliable reel on which you can depend for quite a few seasons of normal use.
5. Okuma Ceymar c10 Spinning Reel – Smallest, Lightweight Spinning Reel
Okuma Ceymar c10 provides a lot of features considering its price. It has a unique design and is the smallest in the Ceymar Series.
Product Features
Okuma Ceymar c10 is constructed on a fluid eight-bearing drive system. It provides a smooth and controllable drag. Okuma gives a one-year warranty should something go wrong with the mechanism or the build.
This design of the reel is corrosion resistant. In addition, the aluminum spool gives a solid foundation for monofilament and braided lines, whichever you prefer.
Why chose this product?
This spinning reel is so compact that we think you would probably get the most out of it by teaming it with an ultra-light rod.
The aluminum handle can be customized with knobs that give greater control and comfort when fishing. Its small size doesn’t affect the performance at all. It makes for an attractive setup and is perfect if you’re traveling light.
Specifications
- The powerful, multi-disc drag system
- 7BB + 1RB for ultimate smoothness
- Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
- Precision, machine cut brass pinion gear
- Corrosion-resistant Blade Body Design
- Machined aluminum spool, 2-tone
- C-65 size includes Ergo Grip handle
Pros
- Variety of Strengths/Sizes
- Great Drag System
- Comfortable Handles
Cons
- Low Gear Ratio
The Okuma Ceymar c10 Spinning Reel is one of the most solidly performing spinning reels for its size.
6. KastKing Summer – Lightweight, Ultrasmooth, Affordable Spinning Reel
This KastKing lightweight, the affordable spinning reel is the package deal. With an ultra-smooth 20 lbs. stopper, the Superior Drag System provides excellent value.
It is a great spinning reel for beginners and pros alike and is the gateway to also making an excellent gift for the fishermen in your life.
Product Features
Over time they are loaded with features yet low on price. KastKing Summer/Centron offers the best value.
The product has a narrow graphite frame design and computer balancing system combined with high performing, compact Spinning Reel, making KastKing Summer/Centron an excellent gift for anyone who loves fishing.
KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reel’s Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power at up to 17.5LBs. Summer’s nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing.
Why chose this product?
An excellent spinning reel for beginners and pros alike, this reel also makes a perfect gift for the fishermen in your life.
It holds more lines than competitors’ models that sell for much more. It has an impressively compact size and a smooth drag. Its sturdy and its quality anti-corrosion materials ensure that it will last years.
The reel has a hardened metal shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power giving it ultra-smooth performance.
Specifications
- Stronger CNC Machined Aluminum Spool
- Hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear.
- Nine quality ball bearings.
- One instant anti-reverse bearing.
- Alloy drive gear
Pros
- Variety of Strengths/Sizes
- Great Drag System
- Smooth Operation
Cons
- 6+Low Gear Ratio
- Not as smooth as the “high end” reels
The KastKing Summer is a great spinning reel that will deliver top-notch performance while remaining lighter in weight.
The spinning reel allows you to have an impressive fishing experience with a compact, and durable spinning reel made up of anti-corrosion materials, ensuring that the spinning reel will last you years.
7. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel – lightweight and powerful
The Pflueger Spinning Reel is an affordable powerful spinning reel that is made up of aluminum.
The reel has a professional line roller which helps you avoid breakage and helps create a fishing reel that is ideal for left-hand and right-hand use.
Product Features
The Pflueger has ten ball bearings which are reflected in the reel’s ability to deliver high-quality performance at the best value possible.
Another great feature of the reel is that it is incredibly powerful with a consistent drag power of 2- 3 thousand and it can deliver consistent drag power making it more powerful in comparison.
Another one of the best features of The Pflueger is that the spinning reel is incredibly affordable for the anti-corrosion material used in it.
The ball bearings as well as the zinc material used can be considered as the most useful and effective material used for spinning reels giving the user unparalleled mesh drive and precision.
Why chose this product?
The great value point about the Pflueger is that it is great for professionals and beginners alike. There are many different reels out there that you can use to learn new techniques.
It is also a great tool for fishermen to have. It is also a great present if you are wondering what to get your fisherman friend. The reel has a left/right interchangeable metal handle which gives it an ultra-smooth, stainless look.
The matte black finish is another one of its attractive features. For a fisherman this is a great investment because of how much easier it will be to spin reels and fish once you buy this product.
Specifications
- Strong aluminum body
- Strong metal shaft, stainless steel.
- High-quality ball bearings (10+ ball bearings)
- Lightweight and suitable for extra-long cast
- Interchangeable handle
Pros
- Compact size
- Efficient Drag System
- Comfortable handles, metal functionality
Cons
- Not the lightest reel
- Not from an established brand
The Pflueger is a great spinning reel, delivering top-notch performance as one of the lightweight spinning reels giving users the ability to catch and drag rare fish.
You can have impressive fishing experience whether you are a beginner or an expert with this compact and strong spinning reel.
The matter black reel is made up of anti-corrosive materials that allow you to use a reel for many years at a stretch without any quality issues and defects.
8. Piscifun Speed Fishing Line – Compact and convenient
This Piscifun Speed Fishing Line Spooler Fishing Line Winder is innovative that can help you cast and recast quickly and effectively. The reel has a professional line roller which helps you avoid breakage and helps create a fishing reel that is ideal for left-hand and right-hand use.
Product Features
The Piscifun is a well-engineered reel with a graphite frame that is great for all fishermen to keep in their collection.
The Piscifun has a great reeling and loading ability to avoid tangles, making it great for professional use.
The tool is incredibly lightweight and great for everyday use. The Piscifun has an innovative design that stands out and has an expensive-looking finish. The metallic body and a hollow frame design.
The reel allows you to fish in freshwater as well as saltwater while effectively avoiding line twists and breakage.
Why chose this product?
The great value point about the Piscifun is that it is great for professionals and beginners alike. The reel is made up of high-quality material which gives you the ability to cast smooth lines effectively.
The reel has an attractive build and design making it a must-have for every fisherman. There are many different reels out there that you can use to learn new techniques. It is also a great tool for fishermen to have.
It is also a great present if you are wondering what to get your fisherman friend. The best thing about the Piscifun is how convenient it is to use.
Specifications
- Strong aluminum body
- Strong metal shaft, stainless steel.
- Useful for narrow and wide spools
- Lightweight, allowing an extra-long cast
- Convenient handle and design
Pros
- Compact size and design
- Efficient Drag System with custom sleeves
- High-quality build and functionality
Cons
- Users may be exposed to lead which causes cancer
The Piscifun is a great spinning reel. If you are looking for high-quality performance as one of the lightweight spinning reels. The Piscifun spinning reel gives users the ability to catch and drag fish.
It is great for a fishing experience whether you are a beginner or an expert. The strong spinning reel gives you the ability to cast long-distance lines easily and without any issues. The best thing about the Piscifun is how convenient it is to use.
9. NS Outdoors Spinning Reel – All-purpose smooth reel at an affordable price
This NS Outdoors Spinning Reel is a speedy Fishing Line with an innovative design that you can get at an affordable price.
Product Features
The NS Outdoors Spinning Reel is engineered to deliver efficiency and premium features that allow anglers to easily cast lines. In addition, the NS Outdoors Spinning Reel has a great reeling and loading design that allows you to avoid tangles in the reel.
The reel can be used professionally as well as by beginners to learn new techniques. The NS Outdoors Spinning Reel can be used in different environments and for a variety of fishing styles. You can use it in light tackle freshwater, as well as inshore saltwater situations.
Why chose this product?
The great value point about the NS Outdoors Spinning Reel is that it is designed for professional use. So if you want to invest in one all-rounder tool, this is the one for you.
It can be used in different situations and gives you the ability to learn new techniques. You can easily cast long lines quickly and effectively without having to deal with any tangling.
The NS Outdoors Spinning Reel is an ultralight spinning reel with the ideal design required to catch big fish comfortably and with the necessary speed.
Specifications
- Strong metal body
- Stainless steel incorporated
- Smooth retrieve
- Lightweight reel
- Affordable
Pros
- Compact size
- Lightweight and durable
- Saltwater fishing enabled
Cons
- A bit complicated to use for beginners
The NS Outdoors Spinning Reel is a professional spinning reel offering high-quality performance with the lightest spinning reels.
The tool is built with durability in mind so that you can fish a variety of different fish types and in different kinds of environments.
10. Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reels – Efficient, strong, and innovative
The Sougayilang fishing reel is a great choice for looking for a live freshwater fishing experience.
Product Features
The Sougayilang Is a well-designed reel with a high-quality metal frame that is great for all fishermen to keep in their collection.
The Sougayilang has a great reeling and loading ability allowing you to catch the heaviest bait. It is great for professional use as well.
The Sougayilang has a beautiful design that stands out with an expensive-looking finish. You can give it to a fishing enthusiast and they would love it.
Why chose this product?
The great value point about the Sougayilang is that it can hold and drag the heaviest bait while incredibly light.
There are many different reels that you can use to learn new techniques, but such as reel will be a valuable addition to your collection.
The reel is made up of high-quality material giving you the ability to cast smooth lines and catch fish easily.
Specifications
- Strong aluminum body
- Stainless steel
- Useful for heavy baits
- Lightweight and allowing an extra-long cast
- Convenient design
Pros
- Compact size and innovative design
- Efficient Drag System
- Long-distance cast enabled
Cons
- Size may be too small or some
The Sougayilang is a must-have spinning reel that is just the perfect size for you to take on your fishing trips easily.
The design is incredible and will allow you to make the most of your fishing trip without having any issues whatsoever with casing long-distance lines and tangling. The reel is great for adding to your collection.
How to pick the right Spinning Reel for you under $50 – A Buyer’s Guide
The first thing that comes to mind when buying a spinning reel is the fact that they are user-friendly. Spinning reels don’t necessarily require definite casting techniques. You would have to exert some force when choosing the right spinning reel for you.
The first thing that you need to know about a spinning reel is that the weight of the reel must be balanced so that the casting fishing rod becomes accurate. This will also increase the sensitivity of your rod.
The second thing to know is that you should know about the mechanism to be able to find a suitable reel. Lastly, there is no need to splurge and buy something expensive. The spinning reel can be efficient while being under $50.
1. Material
The material used in making the spinning reel must be adaptable to certain specifications of the fishing experts. For example, if you are fishing in salt waters, the best spinning reel to use is a graphite one as it will withstand the corrosion caused by saltwater.
When using graphite reels you will need to find flex-free aluminum spinning reels, which are great for accurate casting and achieving a flex-free action.
2. Size
The size of the spinning reel is also something you should consider. Ideally, it should range from 1000 to 105000. The spinning reel’s measuring scale can be affected by the length of the rod, the size of the fish, and the weight of the line.
With a 6-7 foot rod, you will be able to find smaller fish. A 1000-3500 sized spinning reels can be considered a go-to option for fishing smaller-sized fish.
The light monofilament line is required to make the most out of this specific size of spinning reels. Therefore, the monofilament will be lighter, allowing a line of 1 to 5 kilograms.
3. Weight
The next thing you should consider is the weight. If your rod is 6-7 foot, you can easily hold it for the whole day. The thing you need is a massive spinning reel that doesn’t hurt your arm, and that means the lighter your spinning reel is, the better.
4. Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are great for reeling the right way. Ball bearings allow you to prevent any friction and back play. This way you can cast smoother than ever before.
The more ball bearings you have, the better your cast is. High-quality stainless steel ball bearings allow you to ensure corrosion to the fullest.
5. Spools
Adopting a spooling style will help you cast in the distance and you need that before picking a gear ratio. Spools will help you cast longer distances without any line entanglements.
You need skirted spools to help you with that as many anglers are looking for just that.
6. Gear Ratio
The great thing about Gear Ratio is that the spool on the spinning reel is perfectly fixed. You will need to wrap lines onto the fixed spool, making it so much easier for you to cast.
If you are sticking to a tight budget, a medium-sized spinning reel is great for determining a gear ratio of 5:1 and so forth. 5 refers to the number of wraps that have been done, and 1 refers to the number of handles that turn.
As a professional, you will need several spinning reels for a variety of reasons allowing you to be aces in different fishing circumstances, especially on a tight budget.
7. Line Capacity
Line capacity is another crucial aspect of picking the right spinning reel for your specific line capacity. The reel you pick must be able to give you longer casts and in that case, the larger line capacity is best suited to your needs.
8. Drag Strength
If you are looking for something special, a rare fish, it will be much more beneficial to you if you pick a powerful spinning reel available under $50 that will withstand the weight of the fish at hand.
If you do not invest in a powerful spinning reel, you risk breakage at the wrong time as the smaller-sized fishes are easier to catch and drag out.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a question regarding spinning reels, fishing equipment, and the like? Check out the FAQs to see some of the best answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding Best Ultralight Spinning Reels.
✅ How to differentiate between a spinning and baitcasting reel?
The difference between a spinning reel and a baitcasting reel is that the former will be more useful to you in the long run as it is a do-it-all option. Spinning reels are ideal for novice anglers which also makes them incredibly affordable. The lightweight lures and lines help you cast long-distance reels effectively whereas the baitcasting reel is great for sitting on top of the rod rather than being used on the side. They can be used for all types of lines such as braided and fluorocarbon as they have more durability when dragged with heavier fish. Whichever reel you end up using, it is important to match the rod and the reel type for maximum efficiency. The baitcasting reels cannot be used with spin rods.
✅ Reel getting rusted, what can I do to prevent that?
Often when fishing in saltwater you will have to rise off the moisture from the fishing equipment as it can corrode and over time cause serious damage to the reel and its components. As saltwater corrodes, you can avoid that by fishing in freshwater which is free from harmful contaminants. Another thing you can do to avoid rusting is drying the reel so that you can use the reel for fishing adventures in the future. There are many different rods and reel cleaning sprays that you can use to fend off the rusting process.
✅ How to determine if a rod or reel is too expensive?
As far as the cost of any equipment especially a spinning reel is concerned, you must consider how much you end up using it. Consider this, the reel‘s cost is correlated to how long you’ve spent using it. There are many budget-friendly options you can opt for ranging from $20 -50. We recommend staying within this budget to find the most durable reels in the market.
Conclusion
You can come across many different options when looking for the best spinning reel under $50. But, unfortunately, there isn’t one best one.
The best option for you will depend mainly on your specific fishing style. Different spinning reels may differ from those great for anglers and others.
Your choice of spinning reels will also be significantly affected by what kind of fish and what kind of water it is in question. The water can affect the strength and durability of the reel and the size and type of the fish.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API