Spinning reels come in all kinds of sizes, shapes and prices. When it comes to the price, you want as much value for money as possible. At the end of the day, you want a good rapport for price and quality. After all, the most expensive reel is not necessarily the best for you. But on another note, you do not really want the cheapest one. The good news is you can browse the best spinning reels under 50 and find some great deals.

Best Spinning Reels Under 50 USD

Ideally, you need to look for top rated items. These reels come from top notch manufacturers with a good reputation. If they work for thousands of customers, they probably work for you too. Make sure you pick a reel based on the types of water you fish in, as well as the type of fish you go for. So, what options do you have?

My quick overview: Top Spinning Reel Under 50

• Editor’s choice: Quantum Optix Spinning Reel
• Customer favorite: Okuma Alaris Spinning Reel
• Best value for money: KastKing Summer And Centron Spinning Reels

Best Spinning Reels Under 50

Editor’s Choice: Quantum Optix Spinning Reel

I bought Quantum’s Optix reel as a replacement for a cheap reel that came with my rod. It was alright, but not really the best. This unit comes with a graphite frame design, as well as an adjustable front drag. I was surprised by its smoothness.

The reel comes with an aluminum spool. It is strong and durable, but it will also face corrosion. You also get a continuous anti reverse function. The single handle can be collapsed for convenience. I looked closer to figure out why it was so smooth – it has two ball bearings and a roller bearing.

The reel goes up to 27 inches per revolution, while the internal bail trip ensures a long and consistent use. What makes this reel so special? It feels sturdy and durable. It is not expensive and it does not come with any bells and whistles, but it does what it is supposed to do.

Moreover, the reel is lightweight and will not affect the center of gravity of your rod. It will not change the balance, so I got used to it in no time.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Durable and sturdy construction
• Collapsible handle for convenience
• Lightweight design

Cons

• The screw holding in the bail wire will need screwing every now and then

Best price & deal

What do other anglers say?

“You simply cannot go wrong with this reel… Excellent value for money!”

Check it out here.

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Shakespeare Contender Spinning Reel

Shakespeare Contender Spinning Reel could be the best fishing reel under 50 if you want value for money. It will give you an excellent performance on water without having to sell a kidney. So, what makes this reel so well rated?

I felt quality the moment I touched this reel. It feels heavier than average, but it is less likely to put too much pressure on the rod. I got used to it after a day or so. It has a metallic built and a cold forged aluminum spool – its strength is flawless, especially for this price range.

The spool is ported, which reduces the weight a little. On the other hand, the bail wire is oversized. It carries the Magna quality standards and will never quit on you. Anyway, it makes no difference if you are left or right handed – the handle is convertible.

Last, but not least, it is worth mentioning the on and off anti reverse system. Plus, to top everything up, this reel does look good. It looks expensive, so you will probably get a few compliments from fellow anglers.

Pros

• Incredibly strong and sturdy
• Durable and likely to take lots of wear and tear
• Handle can be converted for left or right handed anglers
• Good value for money

Cons

• Might take a day or two to get used to it

Best price & deal

What do other anglers say?

“This is the strongest spinning reel in my collection. Love it!”

Check it out here.

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Shimano Nexave Spinning Reel

Nexave used to be a simple spinning reel – great quality and great price. These days, it is more like a collection, yet the classic Nexave is still out there in commerce. Probably the best fishing reel under 50 from Shimano, this unit looks good, feels good and provides great performance.

The front drag spinning reel can be used for a plethora of applications. It is my primary choice when it comes to freshwater fishing, especially if I go out without a certain type of fish in mind. This reel is general and will work on zander, pike, trout and perch, among many others.

Shimano has implemented three ball bearings. They are all made of stainless steel. The reel is extremely smooth – I cannot describe how good it feels to bring fish back to your boat. Plus, the drag is adjustable and can help you handle large fish with no issues at all.

Last, but not least… I will be honest with you. I got this reel for the price and the brand. We all know Shimano is a top player on the market and for this price, you simply cannot go wrong.

Pros

• Lots of adjustability
• Durable materials in its composition
• Suitable for all kinds of freshwater fish
• Looks expensive and luxurious

Cons

• Not the best choice for a professional angler

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“This is by far one of the most versatile spinning reels out there. Trust me, you cannot fail with it.”

Check it out here.

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Abu Garcia Orra S Spinning Reel

Abu Garcia Orra S Spinning Reel is one of the least impressive spinning reels as you look at it. It looks alright – shiny and nice, but there is nothing to draw your attention right away. Terrible misconception! The moment I started using it, I felt in love with it. It is one of my main reels these days.

The reel is likely to last forever. Look after it and you will probably be able to leave it to your kids. It features lots of stainless steel parts, so it is incredibly resistant to corrosion. Just wipe it clean every now and then and you will love it.

There are more varieties of this reel, mostly based on its size. At the same time, you can adjust it and make it suitable for both right and left handed people. It takes a few seconds to get the job done. As for its performance, it is smooth and amazingly easy to use when it comes to fighting large fish.

The reel weighs just over 10 ounces. It is a bit heavier than other units in this range, but I did not experience any problems. It takes a day or so to get used to it – not such a big deal.

Pros

• Good value for money
• Impressive resistance to corrosion
• Great for both left and right handed people
• Available in multiple sizes

Cons

• It might take a day to get used to it

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“Probably the most durable reel I have ever owned. It is still one of my top options.”

Check it out here.

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Customer Favorite: Okuma Alaris Spinning Reel

Okuma has designed the best fishing reel under 50 if you want high end features at an affordable price. The new design is fashionable, but it also brings in some amazing technologies and an exquisite strength. Plus, its smoothness is wow! Literally… It features four stainless steel bearings.

The reel comes with multi dish drag washers – Japanese quality that beats pretty much any other manufacturer. You have a quick set anti reverse bearing and the world renowned CFR (Cyclonic Flow Rotor) technology.

The reel is made with quality materials. The pinion gear is made of brass – precision machine cut. The body and rotor are based on graphite, which is strong and lightweight, but also durable. Besides, graphite is excellent against corrosion.

The handle is metallic, while the spool is made of machined aluminum. The stainless steel bail wire comes in to complete a perfect reel. What else can you ask for?

Pros

• Top notch materials for pretty much any part
• Most parts are built to resist corrosion
• Lightweight, but strong and durable
• Superior technologies for performance

Cons

• Drying the line in the spool may produce a slight whistling noise at times

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“I love the possibility to dry line. This is definitely an innovation. You will love it.”

Check it out here.

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Lews Laser Speed Spin Spinning Reel

Lews Laser Speed Spin Spinning Reel is relatively new when compared to other reels in this price range. To me, a new reel is about extra performance and new technologies. It is not a general rule, but it certainly applies here. The body is based on rugged graphite for durability and less weight, as well as corrosion resistance.

The eight bearing system – 7 and 1 – is extremely smooth. I would say it was a bit smoother than I thought and way smoother than other reels I used, so it took me a few hours to get used to it. Casts and retrieves are consistent, but also easy and fluid.

I am pretty sure lots of people will buy this reel for its skeleton design. Lots of parts are visible. The weight is kept low, while the unusual look makes it stand out in the crowd. There is lots of aluminum in its design. Besides, it has a Speed Lube for consistent performance regardless of the weather conditions.

Last, but not least, it makes no difference whether you are left or right handed. The reel can be adjusted within a few seconds only.

Pros

• Beautiful skeleton design
• Materials that can resist corrosion
• Lightweight profile
• Incredibly smooth

Cons

• So smooth that most users will find it a little unusual

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“I bought the reel for its looks, but its performance is not to be overlooked either. I truly recommend it.”

Check it out here.

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Okuma Avenger Spinning Reel

You cannot really go wrong with an Okuma. It is one of the top manufacturers out there and the high quality standards make the difference. There are no bells and whistles, but just the features you need for a professional fishing experience. The Avenger reel makes no exception from these rules.

The reel comes with an elliptical gearing system. It is made to be precise, so you cannot go wrong with it. The cyclonic flow rotor is designed to reduce the friction when casting. What does it mean? I could cast around 25% farther. Accuracy? No problems at all. Plus, this kind of system maintains the line and increases its life. Forget about corrosion too.

The multi disc drag system carries the Japanese quality standards. It is oiled and ready to go out of the box. As for the smoothness and overall performance, the seven bearing system will not let you down. Other great features include the quick set anti reverse roller bearing.

When it comes to the actual build, you can count on precision machine cut brass pinion gear and graphite for the rotor and body. Graphite is lightweight, but resistant to corrosion as well.

Pros

• Durable materials that can face corrosion
• High quality Japanese standards
• Smooth and resistant
• Good system to protect the line and improve accuracy

Cons

• No fancy bells and whistles or high end features

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“It is one of my favorite spinning reels. I use it as a backup, but there are days when I grab it as my favorite reel of the day. A+”

Check it out here.

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Daiwa Revros Spinning Reel

Daiwa’s new best fishing reel under 50 is built to draw attention and compliments. Your fellow anglers will most likely give you some good words about it. It looks good and it comes with a great performance, but it also provides excellent value for money.

The design is not everything though. Daiwa has implemented a few technologies like Digigear or an air rotor, not to mention the ABS aluminum spool. Practically, it has a few high end features that you are less likely to find in this price segment. The air rotor is responsible for an extreme sensitivity – I warn you, it feels a bit weird at first – and a lighter weight.

From other points of view, the reel is above average in this range. You have an eight bearing system – 1RB and 7BB – and a composite body. The rotor and body cover are also based on composite – great for the weight, but also durable.

Now, let me get back to the air rotor design because it is truly an innovation in this category. It requires less volume than a classic rotor, but it also weighs around 15% less. It features a unique shape that will clear all the unnecessary weight. Moreover, it distributes stress in an even manner.

Pros

• Lots of unique innovations
• Excellent value for money
• Impressive sensitivity
• Lightweight and durable

Cons

• So sensitive that you will need a few days to get used to it

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“Daiwa is a great player on the market and I have owned more reels from this brand. The Revros is the icing on the cake – great product.”

Check it out here.

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Pflueger Trion Spinning Reel

Available in a few different sizes, this reel is well known for its reliability. In fact, Pflueger is popular for a series of innovations and the durability of its reels. It is made using top notch materials and features six stainless steel ball bearings.

You have instant on or off anti reverse bearing, as well as a solid spool that will never let you down – based on machined aluminum and double anodized. The handle is also made of aluminum and comes with a soft touch knob at the end.

There is one thing that makes this reel stand out in the crowd. The main gear design is threaded. In other words, it has the ability to eliminate all the play in the handle – a common problem in fishing reels, especially in this range.

As if all these were not enough, the reel is good looking and will bring you a few compliments from fellow anglers.

Pros

• Comes in multiple sizes
• Durable and reliable materials
• No play in the handle
• Good looking

Cons

• Sometimes, it feels like the anti reverse does not kick in at all

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“I have had two reels from Pflueger – this is by far the best value in fishing.”

Give it a try here.

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Best Value For Money: KastKing Summer And Centron Spinning Reels

You can get KastKing’s best fishing reel under 50 in a few different packages. You can get the Summer or Centron style, but you can also opt for a few different sizes – whatever is more suitable for your favorite fish or rod.

The value for money is excellent, as the price is low and the unit is high powered. You get a superior drag system that can bring fish up to 17.5 pounds. The main shaft is based on hardened metal, while the pinion gear is precision machined.

The frame is quite narrow and based on graphite, which adds to the balance and keeps the weight down. The performance will not quit on your either – nine ball bearings and a sturdy anti reverse bearing for a smooth experience.

Last, but not least, the reel also comes with an attractive finish that will prevent light damage.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Lightweight graphite frame
• Smooth performance
• Lots of power for its size

Cons

• Requires regular cleaning after each session to prevent corrosion

Best price and deal

What do other anglers say?

“It looks great, feels good in your hands and spins smoothly for its price.”

Give it a go here.

Final Words

In the end, choosing best fishing reel under 50 is often a matter of personal preferences. Small details can take you in one direction or another, but overall, it is up to you to figure out what you need. Make this choice with your needs in mind too.

Mark my words – take your time and do not rush. Know what kind of waters you fish in and what types of fish you normally go for. Knowing such things will make your decision a breeze.