Best Baitcasting Reel under 100 $ – 2023 Buyer’s Guide

Last updated on August 18th, 2023

Leonard Friedrich

When it comes to finding the best baitcasting reel under 100 dollars, there are several factors that you need to consider. We’ll walk you through what you have to think of before making a purchase and give you in-depth reviews of the best budget baitcasting reels out there on the market today.

We will delve into key features such as drag, size of the reel, and species targeted while also exploring popular brands like Abu Garcia, 13 Fishing and Kastking. Moreover, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of buying a cost-effective baitcasting reel so you can make an educated decision when picking your next fishing companion.

Lastly, we’ll share expert tips on how to choose the best baitcaster reel under 100 dollars by researching different brands and models, considering your fishing style and needs, as well as testing out various reels before making a purchase. By following our guidance in this post, you’re sure to find a high-quality option that suits both your preferences and wallet.

Editor Picks: Top 5 Baitcaster Reels under 100$

Spinning Reel and Baitcasting Reel on wooden floor: Review of the best baitcasting reel under 100
Review of the best baitcasting reel under 100: baitcaster (right) and spinning reel

Table of Contents:

Key Features to Consider in Baitcasting Reels

When shopping for a good baitcasting reel under $100, it’s important to consider factors such as drag performance, size of the reel, and overall feel. Drag performance is key when trying to handle large fish like striped bass or other species that put up a fight. You’ll want to make sure your reel has enough power and smoothness in its drag system so you can land those big catches without breaking your line.

Size matters when choosing the right baitcaster for your needs. Smaller reels are great for light tackle fishing with lighter lines while larger reels are better suited for heavier lines and bigger fish. Be sure to choose one that fits comfortably in your hand so you can easily maneuver it during fights with large fish.

Overall feel should also be taken into consideration when selecting a new baitcasting reel. Look at how well balanced the reel is between weight and stability – does it feel comfortable? Is there enough spool capacity for longer casts? Does the spool rotate faster than most? Prior to buying, it’s imperative to consider these queries.

When choosing a baitcasting reel, it is important to consider the drag performance for smooth handling of large fish and size based on target species. Advanced technology in affordable baitcasters has come a long way with MagTrax Brake Systems by Abu Garcia, powerful 5 Magnet Braking Mechanisms from Shimano SLX and Carbon Matrix Hybrid Drag System by Revo4 X offering anglers more options than ever before.

A last word on gear ratio: since is a metric that you will come across when choosing a baitcasting reel. Gear ratio determines the speed that a reel picks up line at. So for example a 7.1:1 gear ratio means that the spool of your reel rotates 7.1 times for a single 360 degree turn of the handle.

Key Takeaway: When shopping for a baitcasting reel under $100, it’s important to consider drag performance, size and feel. You’ll want enough power in the drag system to handle large fish like striped bass, plus an appropriate size that fits comfortably in your hand with good balance between weight and stability. Finally, make sure there is sufficient spool capacity for longer casts as well as smooth rotation of the spool when needed.

Best Baitcaster Reel under 100 Review
Best Baitcaster Reel under 100 Review

Best Baitcasting Reel under 100$

Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. Learn more about our review process here. We use so-called affiliate links in this article. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.

Kastking Royale Legend II

Kastking Royale Legend II
Kastking Royale Legend II

Key features:

  • Gear ratio: 7.2:1 and 5.4:1
  • Right and left hand handles available
  • 22.4″/29.8″ pickup per turn
  • Weight: 7.2oz
  • Max drag: 18lbs
  • Ball bearings: 5+1

Why we picked it: The Kastking Royale Legend II is the perfect choice for anglers looking to get a great value baitcaster without breaking the bank. This reel offers an impressive 17.64lbs carbon fiber drag system, Cross-Fire 8 magnet braking system and two gear ratio options (5.4:1 and 7.2:1) that make it suitable for any type of fishing situation you may encounter on your next trip out on the water.

Design & Build Quality: The Kastking Royale Legend II has a sleek, compact design that makes it easy to transport and store in tight spaces while still providing plenty of power when needed. It features an aluminum frame with stainless steel components that are corrosion resistant and provide excellent durability even after extended use in saltwater environments (don’t forget to rinse your gear of course). The handle is ergonomically designed for comfort during long days of casting or retrieving lures from deep waters, making this reel one of the most comfortable options available at its price point. During the test I was positively surprised of this reel considering it comes in at well under $40 – impressive!

Drag System & Gear Ratios: As mentioned earlier, this reel comes equipped with a powerful 17.64LB carbon fiber drag system which provides smooth operation even under heavy loads from large fish species such as bass or walleye. One unique feature about the Kastking Royale Legend II is its Cross-Fire 8 magnet braking system which helps prevent backlash by allowing anglers to fine tune their spool tension settings according to their own preferences – something not found in many other reels within this price range!

This allows anglers who are just starting out with baitcasters have more control over how much pressure they apply onto their lines. And this reel certainly is a great choice for beginners since it won’t break the bank even if you decide to not become a hardcore baitcasting fisherman.

Overall Performance: All things considered, the Kastking Royale Legend II is an excellent option if you’re looking for a quality baitcaster without spending too much money upfront but still getting all the bells and whistles associated with higher priced models. These include adjustable magnetic brakes systems along side powerful drags capable of handling big game species such as muskie or northern pike!

Whether you’re just starting out learning how use these types reels properly or already experienced veteran fisherman looking upgrade hisher current setup without having break bank account wide open then definitely give this one serious consideration before making final decision because chances are you won’t regret doing so anytime soon afterwards either way!

PROS:

  • Fantastic value for money
  • Left and right hand options

CONS:

  • A big heavy duty version would be another upgrade

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT AT KASTKING

Lew’s Speed Spool Lfs Baitcast Reel

Lew's Speed Spool LFS: Best Baitcaster Reel under 100 Review
Lew’s Speed Spool LFS: Best Baitcaster Reel under 100 Review

Key features:

  • Gear ratios: 7.5:1,5.6:1, 6.8:1, 6.8:1 LH, 7.5:1 LH
  • Right and left hand handles available (limited models for LH)
  • 23″ to 31″ pickup per turn
  • Weight: 7.2oz
  • Max drag: 15lbs
  • Ball bearings: 9+1

The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcast Reel is another great choice for anglers looking to get into baitcasting without breaking the bank. At a little higher price point than the Kastking Royale Legend II, this reel has all the features you need in a reliable, high-performance baitcaster at an affordable price point.

Specs: The Lew’s Speed Spool LFS comes with 9+1 bearings and a gear ratio of 7.5:1 (other options available), making it one of the fastest reels on the market today. It also has a line capacity of 120 yards 12lbs which makes it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing applications.

Key Features: One of the key features that make the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS stand out from other budget models is its extreme smoothness that stem from the 9+1 ball bearings made from stainless steel. This material makes the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS as well and a great choice for saltwater environments (in combination with the anodised aluminum spool and brass speed gears.

Additionally, this reel comes with an adjustable magnetic brake system that allows you to fine-tune your cast depending on conditions and lure weight, as well as an ergonomic thumb bar for improved control while retrieving lures or baits. During our test, I became a big fan of the bigger drag knob which makes fine-tuning the drag a lot easier (which can come in handy when fighting a big fish).

A max drag of 15lbs is not quite on the level of the Kastking Royale Legend II but to be honest, in reality I couldn’t feel much of a difference.

Overall Conclusion: All things considered we believe that any beginner fisherman would be hard pressed not take advantage from owning a Lew’s Speed Spool LFS given how much bang they get for their buck! With plenty features designed specifically towards enhancing user experience plus being incredibly lightweight yet still robust enough withstand tough conditions no matter where you decide go fishing next time around make sure bring along one these trusty little workhorses otherwise risk missing out serious fun times ahead!

PROS:

  • Ultra smooth operation
  • Made from extremely durable materials
  • Bigger drag know facilitates fine tuning of the break

CONS:

  • On paper, the max drag could use a little upgrade

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT AT FOX RAGE

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Piscifun Torrent
Piscifun Torrent: Best Baitcaster Reel under 100 $ Review

Key features:

  • Gear ratios: 7.1:1 & 5.3:1
  • Right and left hand handles available
  • 22.8″ & 30″ pickup per turn
  • Weight: 8oz
  • Max drag: 18lbs
  • Ball bearings: 5+1

Why we picked it: The Piscifun Torrent is the right choice if you’re looking for a quality budget baitcasting reel with a strong drag. With a weight of 8oz, this reel is not the lightest in the test, but the little extra weight can help balance your setup, particularly when you’re just starting out with baitcasting reels.

Features: The Piscifun Torrent comes with two gear ratios (7.1:1 and 5.3:1). Both reels feature 5+1 bearings and 18lbs of max drag. The line retrieve is at 22.8″ for the 5.3 version and at 30″ for the 7.1. version. The spool is made of brass and aluminum which ensures durability and strength while also providing smooth casting performance with minimal line twist or backlash issues.

Performance:

In terms of performance, the Piscifun Torrent offers excellent casting distance as well as accuracy thanks to its magnetic braking system which helps reduce line overruns during casts even at longer distances from shoreline structures like docks or bridges where precision is key to success in catching bass or other species of gamefish found in freshwater systems around North America such as walleye, pike and muskie among others..

Overall Verdict:

All things considered, the Piscifun Torrent provides great value at its price point offering solid performance combined with good looks and plenty of features designed specifically for targeting bass species along various types of structure throughout North America’s freshwater fisheries – definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a reliable yet affordable baitcasting reel!

PROS:

  • Quick line pickup on the 7.1:1 version
  • One year warranty is a plus particularly as a beginner

CONS:

  • Not the lightest baitcaster reel in this review

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT ON PISCIFUN

Abu Garcia Revo X Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Abu Garcia Revo X
Abu Garcia Revo X

Key features:

  • Gear ratios: 5.4:1, 7.3:1 and 6.7:1
  • Right and left hand handles available
  • 22″ to 30″ pickup per turn
  • Weight: 7.2oz
  • Max drag: 20lbs
  • Ball bearings: 7+1

Why we picked it: The Abu Garcia Revo X is a fantastic reel that only breaks the $100 occasionally but we still wanted to include it in this review since it is one of my favorite Baitcasting reels in general. This reel packs in plenty of features that make it an ideal choice for bass or walleye fishing.

Design & Build Quality: The Abu Garcia Revo X is designed with an ultra-lightweight carbon frame and side plates making it incredibly light yet strong enough to handle large fish. It also has a machined spool which helps keep the line from slipping during casting or retrieving. The low profile design makes this reel easy to maneuver while keeping your hands comfortable during long days on the water.

Drag System: The Abu Garcia Revo X comes equipped with a powerful drag system that can be adjusted up to 20 lbs of pressure, allowing you to battle larger fish with ease and making it the reel with the strongest drag in this test. This feature also allows you to adjust the drag according to different types of lures and techniques used when targeting various species such as bass or trout.

Gear Ratio & Retrieve Speed: With its 7+1 stainless steel ball bearings, this baitcaster offers smooth operation throughout its gear ratio range from 5.4:1 all the way up 7:3:1 depending on your needs and preferences for certain techniques or species being targeted. Additionally, it offers a fast retrieve speed of up to 30 inches per turn making it perfect for those who like working lures quickly across the surface or deep down below.

Overall performance: Boy, this is a sweet reel. From the ultra smooth operation thanks to the 7+1 bearings to the ultra strong drag, the Abu Garcia Revo X leaves no question unanswered.

PROS:

  • Most powerful drag in the test
  • Very lightweight thanks to the carbon construction

CONS:

  • Performance wise I couldn’t come up with a downside. Price wise this reel only occasionally comes in a less than $100

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT AT ABU GARCIA

13 Fishing – Origin a

13 Fishing - Origin a
13 Fishing – Origin a

Key features:

  • Gear ratios: 6.6:1 and 8.1:1
  • Right and left hand handles available
  • 27.8″ to 34″ pickup per turn
  • Weight: 7.3oz
  • Max drag: 13lbs
  • Ball bearings: 6+1

Why we picked it: The 13 Fishing – Origin a is my top choice when it comes to quick line pickup. 34″ per crank on the 8.1:1 version is insanely good. Hence, if you’re often fishing lures that require a fast retrieve, make sure to check out this reel.

Besides this standout quality, the 13 Fishing – Origin a has a smooth, lightweight design and features high quality components like its 6+1 bearing system, aluminum frame, and adjustable magnetic cast control. The drag system provides up to 13 lbs of power making this reel the perfect choice for targeting bass, walleye, pike and other species in both freshwater environments.

Design & Features: The 13 Fishing – Origin a has a sleek black finish with a soft wide handle which gives it an attractive look that will stand out on any rod or tackle box. The 6+1 bearing system ensures smooth operation during casting as well as retrieval so you can focus on your technique rather than worrying about line tangles or snags from the reel itself.

Performance: This baitcaster delivers exceptional performance no matter what type of fishing situation you find yourself in thanks to its ultra fast line pickup and smooth operation. Whether you’re trying to land big bass or just want some light action trout fishing this reel can do it all without skipping a beat!

PROS:

  • Super fast line pickup
  • Handle is very comfortable even on long days

CONS:

  • While the material of the handle is very comfy, the color is not ideal since the white tends to wear off quickly

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GET IT AT KARL’S

Advantages of Baitcasting Reels

Now that you’ve got a good overview of some of the best baitcasting reels under 100 dollars out there, we want to give you a little more knowledge on baitcasting reels. Baitcasters offer a more precise and effortless cast, as well as higher line capacity for tackling larger fish. They provide superior casting control and accuracy, allowing you to cast further with less effort. Furthermore, they feature a wide range of drag settings which allow you to fight larger fish more effectively than other types of reels.

Tips for Choosing the Right Size Baitcaster:

When selecting a baitcaster reel size it’s important to consider your target species and preferred fishing style. Generally speaking, smaller reels are better suited for light-line applications such as panfish or trout while larger models work well when targeting heavier gamefish such as bass or pike. It’s also worth noting that larger spools can hold more line which is beneficial if you need extra distance on your casts or plan on using braided lines which require greater capacity due to their diameter being thinner than monofilament lines.

Key Takeaway: Baitcasting reels offer anglers superior casting control and accuracy, making them an ideal choice for larger gamefish like bass or pike. When picking a reel size, take into account the type of fish and style of fishing to get the most out of your purchase. All things considered, baitcasters are definitely worth their weight in gold when it comes to recreational fishing.

Conclusion on the Best Baitcaster Reel under 100

To sum it up, finding the best baitcasting reel under 100$ is no easy feat. With so many features and brands to choose from, selecting the right reel can be a challenge. But by considering important factors such as drag, size of the reel and species targeted; researching popular brands; understanding pros and cons; following tips on choosing a good quality product – you should be able to find an affordable baitcasting reel that suits your needs perfectly.

Why You Should Trust Our Expertise

My team and I spend countless hours on the water testing new gear. We never get paid for reviews and only recommend products we believe in. We tell you the honest truth about these products so you can make a solid purchase decisions. By buying through one of the links provided in this article you contribute to the successful operation of our business – thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some top baitcasting reels under $100?

Some of the top baitcasting reels under this price point include the Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel, KastKing Royale Legend/Whitemax Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel, and the Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcasting Reel. Each offers great value for their cost, with features such as high line capacities, smooth drag systems, and solid gear ratios.

Can I get a durable baitcasting reel under $100?

Yes, absolutely. While more expensive reels may offer higher-end materials or features, many baitcasting reels under $100 are still made with durable materials and quality craftsmanship. For instance, the KastKing Royale Legend is known for its robust construction and longevity.

How’s the performance of baitcasting reels under $100?

While these reels might be considered budget-friendly, many of them still offer excellent performance. You can expect features like smooth drag systems, decent line retrieval rates, and reliable braking systems in this price range. However, you may need to maintain them regularly to keep them in peak condition.

Are there any baitcasting reels under $100 suitable for saltwater fishing?

es, there are baitcasting reels under $100 suitable for saltwater fishing. However, it’s important to ensure that they are made with corrosion-resistant materials to withstand the harsh saltwater environment. An example is the Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel, which features a shielded ball bearing system and a reinforced, corrosion-resistant graphite body.

Is a baitcasting reel under $100 suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Many baitcasting reels under $100 are designed with user-friendliness in mind, making them ideal for beginners. They may also include useful features such as adjustable magnetic brakes to help prevent backlash, which is a common issue for those new to baitcasting reels.

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