Nothing beats a good old-fashioned weekend getaway with your angler buddies.
But if you’re new to the pack, there are a number of things you should consider before shopping for an ultralight reel.
There are many types of spinning reels on the market.
If you don’t know your stuff you may up buying the wrong type, and paying too much. Here I will help you buy the best reel for your money.
Table Of Contents
Best Ultralight Spinning Reels
As a beginner, are a lot of technicalities that you need to familiarize yourself with first, so I have narrowed down the top five spinning reels on the market today:
What is an Ultralight Spinning Reel?
Spinning reels are open-faced reels that hang on the bottom side of the fishing rod.
They’re the most popular type of fishing rod among anglers today.
Reels are always situated on the bottom of the rod, unlike the spincast reel that usually sits on top of the rod.
One of the main reasons spinning reels are a popular choice nowadays is that they can be used to cast many different types of bait (artificial lures and live bait). They’re more solid and stable than other reels.
Benefits of an Ultralight Spinning Reel
Another major advantage of using the ultralight spinning reels is their ability to easily handle light line and cast lightweight lures.
They also allow you to fish without experiencing problems, technical or otherwise, so you can easily use the reel to catch a wide variety of fish with much less effort.
Spinning reels also minimize issues such as the line getting tangled.
They’re much easier to maintain, especially since there are no line digging issues.
Spinning reels are very efficient and cost effective.
They are much cheaper than most reels, and a lot easier to use. But, before you get excited about buying the reel that’ll seal the deal for you, let us take a moment to analyze each of the five brands I handpicked for you to start your fishing journey.
Considerations before buying
There are many things to consider before buying the perfect reel.
It’s vital to consider, before shopping for your reel, the type of fish you are after, be it saltwater or freshwater fishing.
Once you’ve established your preferences, we’ll need to start digging deeper into some more technical considerations which will help you get a better picture of what you’re looking for in a reel.
1. Weight
The weight of the spinning reel is one of the first things you’ll want to think about when making your choice.
Fishing can last for long hours and can be very exhausting if the reel you’re using is heavier than what you wanted. A spinning reel should be light and comfortable to use.
It’s also important to know that the weight of the reel has everything to do with the body composition of the machinery itself, which is something we will get into in more detail.
2. Construction
There are many different options when looking for the right pick. The material that’s used to make your spinning reel has a direct effect on its weight and durability.
That being said, there are various options to pick from when deciding on which material would be best when it comes to the construction of the reel; however, it’s vital to know that each material has its share of pros and cons.
Some of the materials used are:
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Magnesium
- Plastic
- Graphite and Carbon Composites
3. Drag System
Simply, the drag system is the gear that helps control the spin rate of your reel. The drag has a series of disks that are connected to the spool.
There are two kinds of drag: the star drag and the lever drag.
Some reels have composite drag systems which are relatively cheaper than carbon fiber, and they’re just as good, but some experts agree that they don’t last as long.
4. Bearings
Bearings are without a doubt an essential part of your reel. They help reduce rotational friction and support the loads as you use the reel.
There are two types of bearings, ball bearing and roller bearing, each have different features and abilities.
Top Ultralight Spinning Reels Reviewed
1. Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel
Okuma Ceymar is an incredible choice for a professional angler and will also be a perfect option for beginners.
With its ultralight, small size it definitely does not lack in quality or strength that is needed for heavy duty fishing trips.
Highlights of the Okuma Ceymar is its affordable price, durability and quality thanks to the graphite body and aluminum handle.
I personally believe that the Ceymar C-30 is the best model Okuma has designed yet.
- Model: Ceymar C-30
- Bearings: 7+1
- Max Drag: 6 kg
- Weight: 232 g
- Line Retrieve: 65.5 cm
- Material: Corrosion-resistant graphite body/zinc handles/aluminum spool
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Warranty: 1 year
Get The Okuma Ceymar Reel on Amazon.com
2. Piscifun Spinning Reel Lightweight Smooth Fishing Reel
This professional reel is designed for both fresh and seawater fishing.
It can withstand everything from a light relaxing fishing trip to an extravagant longer one.
It features a sealed rubber ring in the drag to stop the moisture which makes the drag smoother and more durable than its competitors.
If you’re looking to combine lightweight with durability then the Piscifun 3000 is the best option.
- Model: Piscifun 3000
- Bearings: 9+1
- Max Drag: 6.5 kg
- Weight: 252 g
- Line Retrieve: 66 cm
- Material: Graphite and aluminum spool
- Gear Ratio: 6:2:1
- Warranty: 1 year
Get The Piscifun Reel on Amazon.com
3. Okuma Avenger Lightweight Spinning Reel
If you’re looking for a low-cost spinning reel, than the Okuma Avenger is the best pick for you.
With its reputation of meeting all the basic needs of anglers, it’s another of the popular choices among fishermen.
It has great construction, durability, and price. It comes with a bait feeding system, which is something that gets praised by many of its users.
- Model: AV-40b
- Bearings: 6+1
- Max Drag: 5.8 kg
- Weight: 283 g
- Line Retrieve: 73 cm
- Material: Graphite
- Gear Ratio: 5:0:1
- Warranty: 1 year
Get The Okuma Avenger Reel on Amazon.com
4. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
The KasKing Summer and Centron combines great quality with affordable price.
It’s a perfect choice for newbie anglers or even more technical anglers who want to relax, unwind and enjoy a carefree fishing trip.
- Model: Centron 2000
- Bearings: 9+1
- Max Drag: 5.4 kg
- Weight: 255 g
- Material: Graphite frame design and aluminum spool
- Gear Ratio: 5:2:1
- Warranty: 1 year
Get The KastKing Summer and Centron Reel on Amazon.com
5. Shimano IX Rear Drag Freshwater Spinning Reel
The Shimano IX Rear Drag has an easy to use rear drag that is suitable for all family members, even children. It’s smartly designed to fit everyone and is very smooth and durable.
- Model: Shimano IX000R
- Max Drag: 7 kg
- Weight: 323 g
- Line Retrieve: 4kg – 219m
- Material: Graphite
- Gear Ratio: 4:1:1
- Warranty: 1 year
Get The Shimano IX Reel on Amazon.com
Conclusion
In conclusion, feeling comfortable with a specific ultralight spinning reel differs from one angler to another.
All five brands that I’ve tackled are of great quality, affordable price and provide great comfort for their users especially during long trips.
However, in my opinion, nothing beats the Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel.
To me, it takes the top spot for its excellent reviews, unbeatable quality, lightweight, and pocket-friendly price.
Its flawless smooth lines never ceased to amaze me. So, those of you looking for quality on a budget, I would definitely go with the Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel and not look back.