Anyone who has spent hours and hours casting a spinning rod appreciates lower weight and a compact size. But when a big fish turns up the heat, a spinning reel has to muster the power to respond. Fortunately, the next generation of ultralight spinning reels feature design and technology to prevent corrosion and damage with beefed-up components and silky smooth drag for years of reliable performance.
PENN Clash II
In addition to a carbon fiber drag, CNC-cut gears, the water-resistant Clash II has a super-slow oscillating rotor with ball bearing line roller that lays line on the spool so it leaves the reel faster for longer casts with a light lure.
Okuma Inspira ISX
Inside the Inspira’s all-metal body, the small reel packs oversized gears, protected pinion and clutch and stainless-steel bearings. With sizes down to 2000 and priced around a hundred bucks, the Inspira ISX also packs a great value.
Shimano Saragosa SW A
Features like a water-resistant body, carbon drag and shielded stainless steel bearings make the Saragosa SW A virtually bulletproof. On the inside, the pinion gear is supported on both ends with low-friction bushing and a large cold-forged main gear provides cranking strength usually found on more expensive reels.
Daiwa BG MQ 2500-H
In addition to a long list of saltwater-ready features, Daiwa’s BG MQ most unique technology is the super low-friction grease on the drag washers. When a fish takes off, the drag engages smoothly and quickly applies even and steady pressure to the line.
13 Fishing Axum
A sealed rotor, corrosion proof ball bearings and ceramic line roller eliminate common failure points on the new 13 Fishing Axum. The soft and grippy cork reel knob is comfortable for long days finesse fishing.
Quantum Strive
Quantum is back in a big way with the introduction of the Strive. This lightweight marvel features 11 seals to be waterproof to IP standards and beyond, with a smooth carbon fiber drag system housed in a sturdy aluminum frame for bantamweight rigidity.
