A baitcaster can make the difference between landing your trophy fish and spending all day without even so much as a nibble. If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these fishing necessities, check out this list of the 7 best baitcaster under $100.
If you’re in the market for a high-quality baitcaster but don’t want to break the bank, you have lots of great options available to you. We’ve rounded up our top seven favorite baitcasters under $100 here today to help you find the right model for your needs.
Top 3 Baitcaster Under $100:
PISCIFUN TORRENT BAITCASTING REEL 18 LB: Baitcaster Combo Under $100
- Durable industrial-level design
- Low-profile design for more versatile angling
- Amazing price
KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND II: Baitcaster Under $50
- Comfortable to use for a prolonged period
- Sturdy and durable
- Great pricing
KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND WHITEMAX: Baitcasting Reel Under $100
- Smooth casting and retrieve
- Long-lasting product
- Reliable centrifugal and magnetic brake system
If you’re looking to buy a baitcaster reel, but don’t want to spend too much money, you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of good options in the $100 range. You’ll find them across several different price ranges, and they all perform quite well. To help you find the best of these cheap baitcasters, we created this guide that features seven of the best under $100 as well as some additional recommendations if you want to spend more or less than that on your new reel.
Let’s face it, fishing can be quite expensive, especially if you’re serious about it and want to buy the best equipment you can afford. If you want to save money, or if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to buy the most expensive equipment out there in order to catch fish. The 7 Best Baitcasters are some of the best bargain-priced baitcasting reels available today! If you haven’t tried baitcasters before, now might be the time to give them a shot!
- Our Recommendation For The Best Baitcaster Under $100
- PISCIFUN TORRENT BAITCASTING REEL 18 LB: Baitcaster Combo Under $100
- KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND II: Baitcaster Under $50
- KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND WHITEMAX: Baitcasting Reel Under $100
- SHIMANO SLX 150XG: bBfs Baitcaster Reels
- LEW’S MACH CRUSH SPEED SPOOL BAITCAST REEL: Economy Baitcasting Reel
- PFLUEGER PRESIDENT XT: Kastking Royale Legend
- KASTKING MEGAJAWS: Baitcaster For Beginners 2022
- Summary For Best Baitcaster Under $100
- Frequently Asked Questions
- In Conclusion
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to baitcasters, but not all of them are created equal. If you’re in the market for the best baitcaster, you’ll want to consider these five top-rated options first. Each of these has its own unique pros and cons, so you’ll need to evaluate your own fishing needs and personal preferences before making your final decision.
Quick Shopping Tips:
When it comes to fishing, baitcasting reels are known for their speed and power. As a result, it’s always a great idea to invest in a baitcaster as they’re also one of the most versatile types of fishing reel. With that said, not all baitcasters are created equal. In fact, there is quite a bit of variety when it comes to baitcasters; however, there are some characteristics that you should look out for when purchasing your first or next baitcaster. For example
Reel profile
There are two types of baitcaster reel profiles: low profile and round profile. Things like gear ratio and line capacity are impacted by the profile, so it’s important to understand their differences. Low profiles are very popular with bass anglers and have a very natural feel. Round profiles are best if you’re looking for a very low gear ratio and big line capacity. They’re great for big baits and pulling in heavy fish.
Brake Systems
If it weren’t for the brake system on a casting reel, there would likely be a massive bird’s nest in every experienced anglers’ spool. A bird’s nest, or backlash, occurs when the line flies off a spool quicker than a lure can carry it. With nowhere to go, that line simply builds up into a nasty knot inside of a spool, resembling what looks like a bird’s nest.
This unfortunate event can happen to even the most experienced of anglers, but the frequency and severity of it are dramatically reduced by a quality brake system. Not even the best baitcasting reels under 75 dollars will totally stop the spool from spinning when a lure hits the water, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still useful. Brake systems serve a simple purpose, which is to stop the spool from over-rotating. This can be accomplished with a variety of designs, but the most common are magnetic, centrifugal, and mechanical.
Magnetic
Magnetic brakes work by gradually slowing down a spool by applying a magnetic force to it. Small magnets inside of a reel can either be moved closer or further away from a spool, to adjust the speed at which the line comes off. Adjusting the magnets to be further away from the spool lets it spin more freely, whereas adjusting them to be closer to the spool dramatically slows it down.
Centrifugal
Centrifugal brakes operate with a series of brakes that activate when centrifugal force is applied. Once a lure is a cast, centrifugal brakes operate in direct proportion to the amount of force applied. Casting with great force allows the brakes to apply great amounts of pressure. Whereas casting with a small amount of force hardly activates the brakes. So just putting extra oomph into a cast won’t do much with centrifugal brakes, as they simply act with proportion to force.
Mechanical
The third and final variant of a braking system is termed – mechanical. Mechanical brake systems work by applying a consistent level of pressure to a spool. Unlike magnetic or centrifugal brakes, a mechanical brake will apply the same amount of force from the beginning of a cast to the very end.
In order to find the perfect amount of force, an angler simply must tighten the brake to its maximum potential, hold the rod and lure above ground, and back off on the brake system until the lure hits the ground. Once this is done, the mechanical brake continues to apply the same amount of pressure cast after cast.
Weight
The heaviness of your reel impacts the kind of rod you can pair it with. Because many affordable baitcasters use graphite, they tend to be pretty lightweight. You’ll want to use these light reels with a lightweight rod so the balance is even. If the reel is too heavy for the rod, it’ll be harder to cast.
Our Recommendation For The Best Baitcaster Under $100
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Best Pick | Check Price | |
Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Budget Pick | Check Price | |
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PISCIFUN TORRENT BAITCASTING REEL 18 LB: Baitcaster Combo Under $100
Best PickThe PISCIFUN TORRENT BAITCASTING REEL 18 LB offers a sturdy, 18-pound drag setting that’s adjustable by hand. Thanks to its stainless steel shaft and ergonomic reel handle, you can count on durability—and you don’t need to worry about corrosion, as it comes with an anti-rust mechanism. It also features lightweight graphite body construction and a seven-ball bearing system that’s made of stainless steel for smooth operation when casting.
This Piscifun Torrens baitcasting reel is our top choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has a smooth, responsive retrieve that makes you feel as if you’re casting effortlessly even though it’s under fifty dollars. Next, it holds enough line to catch any predator fish in your local waters. Finally, it comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty against defects—which means that if anything goes wrong with it, they’ll replace it!
A baitcasting reel is a good way to go when you’re fishing on a budget. The Piscifun Torrent fishing reel, for example, offers an impressive 18-pound drag capacity and includes six stainless steel ball bearings. The 7+1 gear ratio provides precision when you need it most, allowing you to make accurate casts at long distances. It even comes with its own carrying case, which makes it easy to take your gear on the go.
Pros
- Durable industrial-level design
- Low-profile design for more versatile angling
- Amazing price
Cons
- Spool tension knob that doesn’t click well when tightened down
KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND II: Baitcaster Under $50
Staff PickYou don’t need to go far on a fishing forum or Reddit thread to find anglers singing their praises for the KastKing Royale Legend II. At around $85, it’s easy to see why: It’s one of the best baitcasters available at any price. Not only is it affordably priced, but its lever drag system is rock-solid, and its seven ball bearings give smooth casts every time.
With a sturdy design and a smooth mechanical reel, KastKing has managed to produce an excellent caster for very little money. The frame is made of aluminum alloy and will stand up to wear and tear better than most. The rubber handle provides great grip, even when your hands are wet. If you’re looking for a good entry-level rod with all of the features at a low price, you can’t go wrong with KastKing Royale Legend II.
This baitcaster costs around $70 and it’s by far one of our favorites. The build quality is outstanding, and when paired with a good rod it will deliver fantastic results every time. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable to get started with, then consider giving Kastking a try! We think it’s an excellent entry-level model for someone who wants to catch more fish.
Pros
- Comfortable to use for a prolonged period
- Sturdy and durable
- Great pricing
Cons
- Camshaft sprocket is a little cheap and can break after months of extensive use
KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND WHITEMAX: Baitcasting Reel Under $100
Budget PickIf you’re looking for a baitcaster that will get you fishing in no time, look no further than KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND WHITEMAX. This lightweight, smooth-casting machine is ready to hit your favorite lake, river, or pond in less than five minutes. You won’t find many other baitcasters on the market that offer such great quality and durability at such an affordable price.
When it comes to baitcasting, you can’t go wrong with a KastKing Royale Legend. It’s easy to use, well-built and will last for years of fishing. This is an excellent option for anglers who are new to baitcasting or looking for a casual reel. At less than $90 (sometimes less than $50) on Amazon, it can’t be beaten.
The ROYALE LEGEND has a multitude of different options for easy tuning. KastKing’s quick Fire II retrieves at 13.1 inches per turn, which is perfect for average-sized baits. The ROYALE LEGEND also comes with six bearings (six!) and uses a dual ball bearing design that moves more smoothly than other cheaper baitcasters on today’s market.
Pros
- Smooth casting and retrieve
- Long-lasting product
- Reliable centrifugal and magnetic brake system
Cons
- Not a very good spool tension knob unless you set it to the highest setting
SHIMANO SLX 150XG: bBfs Baitcaster Reels
For a bargain-basement price of about $70, you can’t go wrong with SHIMANO SLX 150XG. While it doesn’t have all of the advanced features of pricier baitcasters, it is a great way to get started in bass fishing. It also looks really sharp on any boat or shoreline.
As far as low-cost baitcasting reels go, you can’t beat Shimano’s SLX 150XG. A solid choice for anglers looking to spend less than $200 on a new setup, it casts well and has ample storage capacity. Weighing in at around 5 ounces and measuring 6.6 inches in length, it’s also fairly compact.
For many anglers, looking for a good baitcaster can be a daunting task. There are tons of different brands, weights, colors and all sorts of other specifications to choose from. But when it comes down to it, there is one choice that rises above the rest: The Shimano SLX 150XG. This is what makes it our number-one pick.
Pros
- Great durability and sturdiness
- Slick look and design
- Excellent value
Cons
- Sealed-type bearing that doesn’t allow you to remove the seal
LEW’S MACH CRUSH SPEED SPOOL BAITCAST REEL: Economy Baitcasting Reel
This is one of my favorites. The reel has a decent level of technology. It’s not too techy and it’s pretty easy to operate, but you can cast quite far with it and bring in a lot of fish because its drag system allows for a steady retrieve. If you are looking for something that’s reliable and able to withstand years of abuse, try out LEW’S MACH CRUSH SPEED SPOOL BAITCAST REEL.
Why it’s one of our favorite baitcasters for under $100. The Mach Crush Speed Spool is fast and smooth, which makes for a good day on the water. It features 6-point cranking power, as well as a reliable anti-reverse bearing that prevents backlash for easier and more accurate casting. This spinning reel comes with a lifetime limited warranty against manufacturer defects.
The Lew’s Mach Crush Speed Spool has a number of features that make it stand out from other baitcasting reels, including its lightweight aluminum body and high-speed 7.0:1 gearing ratio. It’s suitable for medium to heavy casting weights and is particularly good for short-line jigging applications.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Slick design
- Great casting distance and control
Cons
- It starts to get noisy after extensive use
PFLUEGER PRESIDENT XT: Kastking Royale Legend
If you’re looking for an affordable baitcaster that can handle just about any fishing situation, look no further than PFLUEGER PRESIDENT XT. With its convenient QuickFire II feature, you’ll have total control over your reel to make quick changes on-the-fly without fumbling through complicated adjustments or mucking up your line. You can also use it in saltwater environments with its corrosion-resistant design.
No, it isn’t a natural baitcasting reel from Italy or France. It is instead a top-quality fishing reel made in sunny South Carolina! If you need one of these reels in your collection, you don’t have to be as rich as Paris Hilton to afford one either! And, quite honestly (no pun intended), I really couldn’t find anything negative about these reels either -even though I looked hard.
This baitcaster is one of Pflueger’s premium products and gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The drag is sturdy and smooth, while it has a strong frame that’s capable of holding many line sizes at once. It even comes with a built-in foregrip! And, despite being one of Pflueger’s most advanced products, it won’t break your bank.
Pros
- Long-lasting product
- Compact and lightweight
- Comfortable to use due to the soft-touch knob
Cons
- Retrieve and casting can get a little rough if you don’t maintain your reel the right way
KASTKING MEGAJAWS: Baitcaster For Beginners 2022
The KastKing MegaJaws is a budget baitcaster that’s built to last. With no internal components, such as ball bearings or anti-reverse clutches, you’re sacrificing power, precision, and longevity. However, because it features an oversized gearbox and a brake system that reduces reel inertia by 50 percent, it still casts better than many other models in its price range.
KastKing has put together a solid baitcaster with strong machined parts and quiet performance. I’ve had one for five years and it still works like a champ. The only thing I can really say about it is that after five years of use, it’s still my go-to baitcaster. It’s affordable too, at less than $80—not bad for something that will last you as long as it will.
With an ergonomic design, beautiful color and amazing ability to cast large baits far, KastKing MegaJaws is a force to be reckoned with. With high-quality ball bearings for smooth casts and a variety of gear ratios to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another baitcaster that matches its performance.
Pros
- Great price
- Stylish design, reminiscent of shark jaws
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Becomes rough and crunchy over time
Summary For Best Baitcaster Under $100
| Design | UNDER 100 | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick | Check Price | |
Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Check Price | |
| Check Price | |
| Check Price | |
| Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Baitcast Reel?
As I mentioned before, there are versions for right- and left-handed people. In addition to that, you can purchase Round and Low Profile baitcasting reels. The round reel is suitable for heavier and longer lines. It also allows you to use larger pieces of bait. It’s great for catching bigger fish like salmon, steelhead, pike, and muskies. Low-Profile, on the other hand, is made for more ergonomic fishing because it’s much more comfortable for your wrists. I prefer this reel for crappie and bass catching. Some other things to consider in baitcasting reels are frames, spools, ball bearings, line guides, and the gear ratio.
What Gear Ratio Is The Best For Fishing?
here common ratios for baitcasting reels are 5.4:1, 6.4:1, and 7.1:1. There is also hyper-fast stuff with a 9.1:1 ratio. The first two numbers (5.4, 6.4, 7.1, and 9.1) represent the number of spins the spool can make per reel handle turn. What does that mean in practice? In simple terms, it means that with the higher ratio, you get more lines from the same amount of spinning you do.
Are There Any Downsides Of Baitcasting Reels?
They have a steep learning curve. Expect to devote some time to stop backlashes from occurring. Additionally, they are typically more expensive compared to other types of reels.
In Conclusion
The best baitcaster under $100 is the Piscifun Fishing Reel with a 6.2:1 casting ratio, 4 stainless steel bearings, and an anti-reverse bearing. With a 6.2:1 casting ratio, it has a great capacity for the price. With a durable aluminum body, it is built to last and has a quick anti-reverse feature.
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