Back in the day, a quality baitcaster reel hardly cost under 100 bucks. Those that did were considered of low quality and not worth, as a replacement to the spinning reel. With the progress of time, it’s not difficult to find a quality bait caster reel that cost under 100.
5 Best Baitcaster Reel Under 100
Based on detailed analysis we have compiled a list of 5 the best bait caster reels under 100, that will offer you the best value;
1) KastKing Royale Legend II Baitcasting Reels
This kastking Royale legend II comes with a light and compact low-profile design. That makes it comfortable for a whole day of fishing. It implements the renowned double bearing supported pinion gear technology that delivers a 35% increase in smoothness under load.
key Features
- 5.4:1 gear ratio and 7.2:1 gear ratio available
- Stainless steel main shaft
- 17.6 lbs of drag
- 8-way magnetic braking system
- Graphite frame and side covers
- 5BB +1BB Double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings
2) Shimano SLX Baitcaster Reel
Definitely one of the best baitcaster reel under 100 is the Shimano SLX. A workhorse that offers solid
key Features
- 6 -ways variable brake system adjustments
- Available in 6.3:1, 7.2:1, and 8.2:1 gear ratios
- 4BB+1RB bearing
- 6.95- Oz in weight
- Max 12-lbs drag
3) Piscifun Torrent Baitcaster Reel
A physically powerful baitcasting reel with unique side plate ports to facilitate easier maintenance for a maximum reel life and performance. It incorporates 4 customer-fit carbon fiber drag washers. That perform better than normal composite washers.
- 18-lbs maximum drag
- 0-10 magnetic brake adjustments
- 5.3:1 and 7.1:1 gear ratio options
- 5BB+1RB bearings
- 8-oz reel weight
- Graphite composite body
4) KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Reel
The super low-profile baitcasting reel will save you a lot of money with its sub-50$ price. At the same time give you years of fishing pleasure. The manufacturer has also ensured it’s not dulled with 5 colors available.
Durability comes in form of hardened aluminum main gears, and a CNC anodized aluminum spool.
Key features
- 7.2:1 gear ratio
- 7BB + 1Lb stainless steel shielded ball bearings.
- 17.64-lb max drag
- Reel weight 6.0-oz
- 5-way magnetic brake adjustment
- Reinforced nylon frame
- Brass main gear.
5) Abu Garcia Revo X Low Profile Baitcaster Reel
The Abu Garcia Revo X is a well-rounded bait caster that will serve you for many years to come. The carbon matrix drag system gives you a smooth and consistent drag for comfortable angling.
Its lightweight tendencies come from a graphite frame and a properly machined aluminum spool.
key features
- 8 ball Bearings
- 7.94-oz reel weight
- 18-lb max drag
- 4BB+ 1RB stainless steel bearings
- Magnetic brake
- 6.6:1 gear ratio.
Best Baitcaster Reel under 100- Buying Guide
These are some of the things to look at when shopping for a bait caster reel;
1. Baitcaster profile
The profile defines the shape design of the bait caster reel. We have round-shaped and low-profile. A low profile resembles an oval shape for reference.
The circular profile is capable of holding more lines and is suitable for tossing larger baits.
The low-profile reel is suitable for lighter baits and most fit for beginners because it’s more ergonomic and allows easier control.
2. Gear ratio.
The gear ratio simply refers to the speed of the reel. Which in turn denotes the number of spool rotations with one crank of the handle.
A higher gear ratio also means that more line is retrieved with a single crank
The Common gear ratios found in reels are; 5.4:1, 6.4:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1.
A 5.4:1 ratio, for example, means that the spool will make 5.4 turns with one crank of the handle.
Higher gears are more suitable for a lighter catch because despite the higher speed they possess less torque.
Lower gears on the other hand have the highest amount of torque and are suitable for a larger catch. This is possible because less effort is put into cranking and more directed to retrieving the catch.
3. Drag
The drag of a baitcasting reel is the tension placed on the line when fighting fish. Most reels have an adjustable drag but a reel drag rating denotes the maximum limit. A 20-lb reel, for example, has a 20-lb maximum drag.
The higher the drag the harder is it for the fish to pull more line. Always understand the size of fish you are targeting and decide on the drag capacity to choose.
A larger drag is suitable for a larger and heavier catch.
4. Braking system
There are numerous types of braking systems that come with baitcasting reels. A braking system’s main function is to reduce the speed of the spool rotation. When casting a lure.
A reason for this is that sometimes the spool spins faster than the cast flies through the air.
The cast, therefore, fails to pull enough line causing a snarl-up of the line. Sometimes referred to as backlash or bird’s nest.
Most reels come with either centrifugal or magnetic braking systems.
The only advantage we can point out with the magnetic braking system is that it is adjusted using a knob. While with the centrifugal, you have to open the reel.
Apart from this, both types of braking are equally good.
It’s also good to note that despite the different brake systems available. Some pro fishermen, still prefer using their thumb over any of them.
5. Frame Material
Most bait caster reels are either made of aluminum or graphite. Aluminum-made reels are more expensive and usually sturdier built.
The graphite on the other hand is cheaper and lighter than the aluminum.
6. Bearings
The bearing of a bait caster is what sustains the rotational movement. Quality should supersede the number of bearings fitted in a reel.
For example, a reel with 12 low-quality bearings performs poorly when compared with a reel comprising 8 high-quality bearings.
‘Shielded’, ‘double shielded’, and ‘sealed’ are some of the words used to point out a high-quality bearing.
Baitcaster Reel-FAQs
Q: Which one should I use between the baitcaster reel and the spinning reel?
Each of the two has its own advantage and a disadvantage that complement each other. We are going to look at the bait caster reel;
Baitcaster reel
Advantage
- Comes in a smaller and lighter packages
- Have greater line capacity
- Have a higher amount of drag
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Complicated to use
- Most do not cater for handedness.
Q: Which is the best reel for a beginner?
A spinning real is easier to use and more appropriate for a beginner. Master using the spinning reel before moving to the intrigues of the baitcaster reel.
Conclusion
A good baitcasting reel can best serve you if you are skillful. As you purchase these products that we have reviewed, consider improving your angling skill for that good catch.
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