Nothing feels better than buying new fishing equipment. It is like getting a new toy for Christmas. Deep down inside, we are all kids, only our toys are more expensive these days. Plus, we usually have to buy them ourselves. The rule applies when hunting the best spinning reels under 200.

Best Spinning Reels Under 200 USD

When it comes to fishing reels, you are about to make an important investment. Make sure you get the right reel for the water and fish around you and you will improve your fishing experience, as well as the results.

On the other hand, if you fail to get the right spinning reel for your rod, you will mess up its balance, but you will also lose fish that could have been in your bucket. Simply put, you are wasting your money on something that is not suitable.

You need to consider your priorities and personal needs when about to spend your money. If you are willing to spend 200 on a reel, you are ready to up your game and push it to the next level. Here are some of the top rated units in commerce, as well as the features that impressed me.

Top Spinning Reels Under 200

• Editor’s choice: Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel
• Customer favorite: Quantum Smoke S3 PT Spinning Reel
• Best value for money: Stradic 4000XGFK Spin Reel

Best Spinning Reels Under 200

Editor’s Choice: Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel

The Patriarch model from Pflueger comes with a solid 10 bearing system that ensures a smooth retrieval and literally no friction. It is durable, but fully sealed too – no maintenance required. The 10th bearing is responsible for the anti reverse system.

When it comes to the rotor and body, Pflueger has created a feather light unit. How? While most other brands rely on aluminum, magnesium is not just way lighter, but also relatively stronger, so the final result is even better. The side plate carries the same quality standards. Plus, everything is professionally coated for durability and resistance to corrosion.

The main gear is based on machined aluminum, while the main shaft consists of titanium – light and strong. The handle has also been upgraded – no more aluminum, but lighter carbon. The handle is topped with a comfortable EVA foam knob.

Line management? Flawless. I found out that Pflueger has introduced a slow oscillation system, which works wonders with the line roller. It makes no difference what type of line you use. As for the spool, it features a skeleton design that you cannot even feel – aircraft grade carbon arbor aluminum.

If there is one thing that you can call ordinary for this price range, that is the sealed carbon drag. It does not require any maintenance, but I would still rinse the reel after each use – better to be safe than sorry. It will last for ages.

Pros

• Everything is made to be lightweight
• Titanium and carbon components
• Sealed bearing system
• Extremely smooth

Cons

• EVA foam is not the most durable material in the world

Best price and deal 

What do other anglers say?

“The value for money is exquisite in this one. Get ready for some features and materials that you cannot really find at this price, no matter what brand you are after.”

Click here to get the spinning reel.

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Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel

Weighing just under six ounces, this spinning reel from Pflueger is one of the lightest units in this segment and can successfully beat most of the competition. Many of its parts are based on magnesium, such as the rotor, side plate and actual body. This way, Pflueger has managed to get rid of all the unneeded weight.

The outcome of a lightweight profile goes in two directions. First, you got a proper balance on your rod. Second, you can handle it for a long period of time with no strain on your hands. I almost let this lightweight design fool me. Once I started using the reel, I was impressed with its durability and performance in both saltwater and freshwater.

Furthermore, Pflueger has designed the drag system with carbon fiber, which kills the weight and improves the durability. The carbon inlay drag knob system can reduce the weight by around 30%. It is perfectly sealed, so there is no maintenance required. The noise is almost inexistent, while the smoothness will impress you. I still recommend giving it a rinse, especially after using it in saltwater.

The reel comes with nine bearings and a roller. They are all built to resist corrosion for longevity. This kind of system adds to the smoothness and will even improve your line casting capabilities. I found the retrieval to be flawless too.

How about the spool then? Amazing! Double anodized and able to resist corrosion! You guessed – it is based on aluminum. Machine ported sidewalls add to the lightweight design, but without sacrificing performance and strength. A few rubber rivets guideline as you retrieve it, so there is no need for backing.

Last, but not least, let me introduce the slow oscillation gearing system, which ensures the line goes back without twisting or entangling. This kind of system prevents the fast and uncontrolled movement of the reel.

Pros

• Lightweight and durable materials
• Ergonomic handle for extra comfort
• Great line retrieval performance
• Superior 10 bearing system

Cons

• Sometimes, the line might get caught inside the ball roller due to the tight gap meant to guide it

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“The reel is light and I really enjoy the twisted handle knob. I mostly use it for bass and it works wonders.”

Try it out here.

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Lews Custom Pro Speed Spinning Reel

Lews is one of my favorite names on the market when it comes to spinning reels with great value for money. Its reels go in multiple directions and target more price ranges. If you are after something under 200, expect to find a few high end features that you would normally get in more expensive units. So, how about the Custom Pro Speed reel?

This unit brings in some of the most advanced features in the brand’s portfolio. You get a lightweight unit with a reliable performance. The side plate and body are made of aluminum, which makes this reel feel like a feather. It is lightweight and comfortable to use, but more importantly, you can use it for hours with no issues at all – plus, it is less likely to affect the balance on your rod.

The reel comes in more sizes and models. Some of these models come with an integrated flush, as well as a draining port. This kind of system eases the maintenance – not that you need too much of it anyway, but it also helps with the natural lubrication.

Apart from the aluminum, Lews has used lots of stainless steel. The main shaft is based on it, not to mention the screws. When you first look at it, the reel looks rough and rugged. Once you grab it, you will be surprised by how light it is. As for the spool, enjoy the anodized aluminum unit that leaves no room for mistakes. The handle is made of aluminum and features a knob that will surprise you. It carries the Winn Dri-Tac technology, which guarantees extra control.

Now, I know what you want to know more about… Is it really smooth? Will it ease your job? Yes and yes. The Custom Pro Speed reel comes with a 12 bearing system – 11+1. Bearings are made of stainless steel. The system is durable, but it is so smooth that you will need a day or two to get used to it. At first, it will feel like there is something wrong with it.

There is also a zero reverse one way clutch bearing – all sealed for durability, a C60 carbon skeletal rotor with an aluminum bail wire and high strength speed gears. The Speed Lube technology is self explanatory – everything is well lubricated for a smoothness out of this world.

Pros

• Lots of innovative technologies in its design
• Durable and lightweight materials
• Exceptional smoothness
• Easy and automatic lubrication

Cons

• The screw at the end of the rubber handle feels a little fragile

Best price and deal 

What do other anglers say?

“I decided to spend a bit more on a reel, as I felt stuck. This is probably the best reel I have ever used. Great quality and amazing smoothness.”

Check it out here.

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Customer Favorite: Quantum Smoke S3 PT Spinning Reel

Quantum’s S3 is practically the third series of a world renowned reel that has never let anglers down. The new reel comes with new engineering and technologies for a better performance, as well as more attractive looks. With this new upgrade, the entire line from Quantum has been modified for better results.

The frame is made of one piece. While most reels in this segment consist of two pieces, this uni body design adds to the stability and rigidity. The unit is likely to last for ages, while internal parts are well kept together and balanced.

This change is so slightly implemented that looking at this reel, I cannot really tell which part is the uni body and which part is added with cosmetic purposes. Everything looks well put together and that is a plus in my opinion.

Other than that, the spinning reel has a classic spool – at least in the overall appearance. The handle is well designed, while the knob makes the difference. You can tell there is an upgrade the first time you use it. It is based on EVA foam, so it is really comfy to hold and use.

The foam – along with other materials used for the reel – contribute to its lightweight profile. The unit barely weighs eight ounces, but I have to tell you – it feels much lighter as you hold it.

The reel works with most rods. I matched it with a classic ARK unit and the balance was flawless. I guess it is all because of the weight.

The titanium bail opens up with no effort at all and holds well as you cast. As for the retrieval, you will get anywhere between 21 and 32 inches per rotation, depending on the size. The design is solid and the gears are smooth, so you have a great performance.

Pros

• Visible upgrades from the previous version
• Great casting performance
• Impressive retrieval rates
• Comfortable EVA foam knob

Cons

• EVA foam knob does not feel extremely durable

Best price and deal 

What do other anglers say?

“This is one of the smoothest reels I have ever had. It is my primary option these days, it is a great buy!”

Give it a try here.

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Best Value For Money: Stradic 4000XGFK Spin Reel

I was quite familiar with Shimano’s quality and the Stradic 4000XGFK did not disappoint. The reel is not just good looking, but it is also quiet and seems to last for ages. Based on the size, the retrieval rate ranges between 31 and 41 inches. This is only a size, as the FX is available in more sizes, with 5000XGFK being the largest one.

The Hagane body is one of the features that drew my attention in the first place. The unit is rigid and solid. It can easily take all kinds of shocks and still be able to maintain its integrity. It is not 100% metallic, but most of it is. In other words, it is precision engineered for extra smoothness.

This kind of build is more common in expensive Shimano products, but it seems the manufacturer has managed to implement it in reels under 200 as well – happy days.

Shimano has relied on Hagane for its gears as well. They are precision cold forged and – I will be perfectly honest here – they provide the smoothest retrieve performance I have ever had, especially when there is a heavy fish at the other end. The difference is not noticeable at first, but once you get a fish.

The X-Ship array of features is not to be overlooked either. One of them involves placing the pinion gear as close as possible to the middle of the drive gear. It is responsible for more power being sent from the handle. In terms of stability, the A-RB roller bearings will not quit on you.

It is worth mentioning the Coreprotect technology too (all weather water resistance), the G Free body (extra weight and balance) and the large stainless steel bail. Propulsion Line Management is another important feature that will help while you cast, while the drag quality is visible when you get a large fish.

Pros

• Hagane technologies for extra performance
• Exceptionally smooth X-Ship gear system
• Propulsion line management
• High rigidity rotor

Cons

• No switch for anti reverse

Best price and deal 

What do other anglers say?

“This is one of the most complete and cost efficient reels, no doubt about it. You would expect such features in a reel that costs twice. I would definitely recommend it.”

Try it out here.

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Quantum Cabo PT Spinning Reel

To be honest with you, I was initially drawn to the beautiful design of this reel. But as you dig deeper, you will be surprised by its capabilities. Let me start with the SCR (some special type of alloy) side cover and body. This type of material is mostly used for marine engines, so it will probably last you for a lifetime.

When it comes to the rotors, smaller sizes come with carbon fiber composite options, while larger sizes feature the same SCR alloy. The eight bearing system is based on another unusual material – a mix of ceramic, stainless steel and polymer. I find it hard to describe, but it looks so smooth and solid.

The reel can take lots of weight – based on the size – mostly because of the carbon fiber washers in a stack. A few washers made of stainless steel are introduced in between for more reliability. The bail system is not to be overlooked either – titanium.

In terms of line management, the roller works wonder with the titanium bail for exquisite smoothness. It will not really make the difference when it comes to small and peaceful fish, but you will tell how advanced it is when you deal with fast fish like tuna.

Finally, let me mention the Saltguard 2.0 corrosion protection too, as well as the heavy duty gears and the knob. Smaller sizes come with fixed knobs, while larger models allow some flexibility – you can remove and replace the knob with a larger one if you require more power.

Pros

• Impressive drag
• Superior water protection
• Unique materials that will make the difference
• Very smooth retrieval

Cons

• Not 100% sealed

Best price and deal 

What do other anglers say?

“A bit anxious at first with all those materials that I have never heard of, but a bunch of positive reviews convinced me. It is my favorite reel now.”

Check it out here.

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Final Words

As a short final conclusion, you do have some impressive spinning reels under 200. It is a bit overwhelming, I know. Each of the above mentioned models comes with a few features that stand out in the crowd. But at the end of the day, it is up to you to learn how to prioritize.