This is the line of baitcasting and spinning reels we tested for 2016. You’ll find an Editor’s Pick, Great Buy, and two Super Saver Selections for both categories, along with all the additional reel charts that you can find. we tested. In addition to the new flagship rods and reels, this year we asked manufacturers to also submit their most economical equipment for review in our new “Super Saver” category. Entries were blind tested side by side with top of the line rods and reels. You can find a preview of the test, including this year’s notable features and our testing methodology, here. You can find the 25 rods we tested here.

BAITCASTING REELS

13 Fishing
Notion C
EDITORS CHOICE
Note: 94.9 / $ 229 / 13fishing.com (photo above)

▶ Gear maker 13 Fishing has moved to the forefront of reel packs for casting bait, which is no surprise given the company’s reputation for making quality products. The $ 229 Concept C is the latest example, offering a velvety cast and boot with a nice rugged appearance.

The Concept C is built on an 8 + 1 bearing driveshaft powertrain made of stainless steel. A six-way centrifugal cast control allows users to cast chunk-sized baits on a continuously adjustable system. By backing up on the reel’s double casting controls, the reel goes from a creamy softness to an icy slick. Users will quickly find that their casting distance is only limited by their ability to fine tune these commands.

The reel is an ergonomic delight suitable for both big paws and delicate mittens. The thoughtful handle features cork knobs that provide a better feel of lure action than EVA.

13 Fishing Concept C Baitcasting Reel through OutdoorLife

At 6.1 ounces, the Concept C might be considered small, but no matter how much load our test team put on the spool, we couldn’t tie it up – it spun perfectly.

It’s a strong candidate for the salt / fresh cross, but its 100 yard, 12 pound line capacity can limit your target species.

Bass Pro Shops
Bionic Plus
BIG PURCHASE
Note: 92.4 / $ 79 / basspro.com

▶ Bass Pro Shops has a very successful business model of offering quality, feature-rich merchandise at a reasonable price. The distinctive Candy Apple Red Bionic Plus does the trick in spades – an accessory-packed bait-casting reel for under $ 80.

Unexpected high-end features include dual graphite side plates; the one-piece lightweight aluminum frame; double casting controls; and a truly backlash-free instant anti-reverse for safer starting power.

Bionic Plus’s dual-brake cast control system (which uses both magnets and centrifugal braking) works flawlessly, allowing the user to set the right amount of spool resistance for most baits.

Bass Pro Shops Bionic Plus Baitcasting Reel through Outdoor living

Soft, oversized, ribbed knobs for your cranking pleasure are a good grip when hands are sticky or wet. The bearings provide sufficient smoothness, while a thumb rest on the horizontal wind mechanism helps prevent hand fatigue during prolonged winding sessions.

The Bionic Plus is available in 5.3: 1, 6.3: 1, and 7.0: 1 gear ratios, perfect whether you want to winch widebody crankbaits, jumping jigs, or creeper bait.

lew laser mg

Lew
MG laser
SUPER ECONOMY
Note: 89/79 $ / lews.com
▶ The Laser MG offers anglers a plethora of features for a paltry $ 79. This discreet performer has dual-flow controls, both traditional friction and externally adjustable magnetic. Users are able to reduce backlash while waving even the smallest of baits. We really appreciated the “free” and “max” labeling on the magnetic adjustment dial, simplifying the direction in which to compose the casts.

Eight bearings and a well-meshed gearbox smooth out the start, while a 7.1: 1 recovery ratio gobbles up 31 inches of line per revolution. The characteristic wide-gap contoured grip is still the best in the industry for power and comfort.

Lew’s Laser MG Baitcasting Reel through OutdoorLife

An ergonomically designed palm plate fits well in the hand. This is especially important when trying to achieve a smooth cadence with jerkbaits and other finesse lures. Bottom line: It’s hard to imagine improving on this reel, given its low retail price and solid features.

13 Fishing
Creation
SUPER ECONOMY
Note: 88.1 / $ 119 / 13fishing.com
The Inception is 13 Fishing’s first entry-level reel. Oddly enough, we found our $ 119 (8 rolls) Inception to be almost as smooth as the Concept C, winner of this year’s Editor’s Choice award.

The spool has a matte gray finish that you will love or cringe. Available in 6.6: 1 and 8.1: 1 gear ratios, the Inception is well suited to most freshwater missions. Its low profile is perfect for casting crankbaits or burning wake baits – whenever reel kicking offers an advantage.

13 Fishing casting reel through OutdoorLife

The six-way centrifugal brake system, which needed tweaking to be perfect, is housed under the kick plate. With 12 pounds of drag adjustment, the Inception pays the line smoothly, unheard of on an entry-level bait launcher.

graphic

REELS

abou

Abu Garcia
Revo MGX
EDITORS CHOICE
Note: 94 / $ 299 / abugarcia.com
▶ The Revo MGX represents Abu Garcia’s first foray into the high-end spinning market. If their goal was to create a sensation, they succeeded. A massive 11 stainless steel bearings, plus a roller bearing, keep internal tolerances tight, allowing the MGX to spin with delightful ease.

Abu Garcia Revo MGX spinning reel through OutdoorLife

Additional functionality is provided by a well-geared gearbox, which features fully machined (un-stamped) components. Equally impressive are the carbon frame and rotor, which are light in weight but surprisingly free of flex. While the use of carbon is not unique to spinning reels, the real technical feat is achieving this level of stiffness.

A spare high capacity spool is included, increasing the payload of the line for those who wish to venture into the salt. The flat carbon handle and milled spool save weight, making the MGX ideal for all-day use. The MGX is not cheap. However, if you are looking for a quality reel, one that promises a lifetime of flawless performance, give the MGX a try.

salt attacker cabelas

Cabela’s
Salt Striker
BIG PURCHASE
Note: 91.5 / $ 99 / cabelas.com

▶ While the nickname “salt” implies a saltwater reel only, the Striker is suitable for lakes, streams, bayous, or any place where fish congregate. Built for Cabela’s by Daiwa, the Salt Striker offers great features for a good price.

The aluminum frame is strong, even under the heaviest loads, and was a real plus when working with heavy or large baits, or trying to control large fish.

Cabelas Salt Striker Spinning Reel through OutdoorLife

The skeletonized rotor eliminates weight while letting the reel spin gently but without unwanted wobble. This also serves to minimize user fatigue and provides a sharper cadence when working broken lures, such as jerkbaits, with a contraction and start cadence. A large loop of wire and an oversized line roll handles the line neatly, without tangling or kinking. And you can easily find the large brake knob in the heat of the moment. The payout for drag is surprisingly smooth for such a value conscious coin. The oversized paddle-style button is one of the most comfortable we’ve tested, and its large capacity spool is perfect for line-taking applications.

Lew
T200
SUPER ECONOMY
Note: 84.2 / $ 79 / lews.com
▶ Another Lew’s blockbuster, the 8-bearing T200 is a sane reel that’s sure to appeal to fiscally responsible anglers. The construction is tight, promising years of trouble-free operation. The rigid aluminum frame was bulletproof in large part thanks to the stainless steel shackle system, which eliminates the issues found on many other cheaper spinners.

Lew’s T200 Spinning Reel through Outdoor living Inside, a solid brass pinion gear and sturdy stainless steel main shaft promise long life. The carbon-Teflon multi-disc drag system handled large saltwater fish with no problem. At first glance, the T200 seemed like a reel for less than serious bass. However, the T200 proves to be a worthy companion for anyone looking for performance at a reasonable price.

quantum accelerator

Quantum
Butterfly TH20
SUPER ECONOMY
Note: 82.5 / $ 59 / shop.zebcobrands.com
▶ The Quantum Throttle TH20 is packed with features: 11 stainless steel bearings (10 + 1), a stainless steel main shaft and a solid aluminum frame.

A dual anodized spool promises corrosion resistance, while a nifty braid tape allows for hassle-free line winding. An oversized multi-disc drag system provided plenty of fish stopping power.

Quantum Throttle TH20 Reel through OutdoorLife

A carefully designed graphite rotor spins smoothly, balancing the reel well. Ergonomic niceties include the grip and an oversized drag knob that easily adjusts in the middle of battle. We also liked the comfortable high profile bail wire.

pinwheel diagram

Photographs by Nick Ferrari; Videos of Jared Serigné