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For anglers looking to get better control over their casts, the best baitcasting reel is needed. Today, we’re going to introduce you to the top 10 reels to make your search easier. We reviewed and ranked some of the finest models for baitcasting. And we’re confident there’s one for your fishing needs.

But before we get started, we’d like to share a couple of our favorite picks. These baitcasting reels stole the show with their exceptional build-quality and performance.

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Abu Garcia’s Revo SX took the top spot as best overall. This low-profile reel is lightweight and easy to handle, giving you the control you need in the water. It’s one of the more popular reels among anglers, and for good reason. It’s a little pricey, but you can’t beat its performance.

KastKing’s Royale Legend is an excellent pick thanks to its stellar drag and control. It’s slightly heavier than the Revo SX, but we didn’t think it impacted its performance. Best of all, the Royale Legend can be nabbed for a fraction of other premium baitcasters.

Top 10 Best Baitcasting Reels

Now that you’ve seen the top 2 entries, let’s look at them in greater detail. We’ll also show you 8 other excellent reels. From professional grade to budget-friendly, we have plenty of options for your needs.


1. Abu Garcia Revo SX Review - Best Overall

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  • Great for beginners
  • Smooth casting
  • Lightweight
  • Attractive
  • A bit pricey
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Abu Garcia’s Revo SX is a well-rounded reel that is perfect for pros and beginners alike. The first thing that stood out to us is the Revo SX’s incredible build-quality.

Carbon and alloy make up its construction, delivering a sturdy yet lightweight performer. Anyone can pick up this reel and feel right at home.

It is incredibly comfortable to use, offering smooth casting and excellent braking. It makes a great entry-level for those just learning the ropes.

We also love the ergonomic design of the Revo SX. This lends to its stellar performance, giving you the control you need over your casts. The drag is great, and the quality is top-notch.

It’s a bit of a costly investment. But you’re getting a reel that is sure to last for years to come. It delivers excellence all across the board. You won’t be disappointed.

Features

  • 7 x 5 x 3 inches
  • 24-pound drag
  • Brass gear
  • 8 ounces

Ease of Use

The Abu Garcia Revo SX is easily one of the most user-friendly reels we reviewed. From its lightweight body to its smooth operation, this one is a winner all-around.


2. KastKing Royale Legend Review - Best Value

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  • Smooth casts
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Precise
  • Lower-build quality
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Don’t let the low price fool you. KastKing’s Royale Legend is a champion through and through. You’re getting a lightweight and versatile baitcaster that is an absolute breeze to use.

At just a little over 7 ounces, this reel makes an excellent companion out on the water. Its casting is smooth and precise – everything an angler needs for great results.

The dual-braking system works really well, making this one a great choice for anyone who is serious about landing a catch. We like that its versatility allows for comfortable casting. You certainly won’t get tired using this reel.

Our only concern is that the materials aren’t the most durable. But considering its affordable price, this is to be expected. Just be sure to take care of it, and it should serve you well for a long time to come.

Features

  • 10-level brake system
  • 17.5-pound drag
  • Graphite frame
  • 7.7 ounces

Ease of Use

We love the lightweight construction and smooth operation. Beginners would do well to invest in this affordable option. It’s easy to use and casts smoothly.


3. Shimano CURADO DC Review - Best Left-Handed Reel

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  • Excellent build-quality
  • Accurate casting
  • Lightweight
  • Smooth
  • Expensive
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Shimano is a name synonymous with high-quality fishing equipment. The CURADO DC is no different. You’re getting a solid performer that uses some of the finest components in its construction.

For lefties, there isn’t a better baitcaster around. The CURADO DC is everything you could want out of a reel. It offers some of the smoothest casting you’ll find, making this a worthy investment for serious fishing.

We appreciate the lightweight body, too. At just a little over 7 ounces, it’s very easy to handle. Not once did this reel fail us in our testing.

It’s important to note that this model is rather pricey. Be ready to fork over a decent sum of money if you want to invest in this reel.

But considering the stellar build-quality and exceptional performance, it’s worth the price. You certainly won’t have to worry about replacing this reel any time soon.

You’re also sure to improve your game with the CURADO DC. Is it costly? Sure, but it definitely gives you your money’s worth. For what is quite possibly the best left-handed reel on the planet, you won’t be disappointed with the CURADO DC.

Features

  • 4-setting braking system
  • Cross carbon drag
  • 11-pound drag
  • 7.8 ounces

Ease of Use

For all you lefties out there, this is the best baitcaster in the biz. If comfort and control are important to you, the CURADO DC delivers on both.


4. Shimano Chronarch MGL Review - Best Build-Quality

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  • Incredible casting
  • Smooth reeling
  • Lightweight
  • Well-made
  • Expensive
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Shimano gets the nod once again, this time going to the Chronarch MGL. This beast of a reel is made to last thanks to its high-quality craftsmanship and build-quality.

Shimano doesn’t disappoint, as the Chronarch MGL is one of their finest reels to date. The Magnumlite spool delivers some of the smooth performance we’ve ever felt.

And the SVS Infinity system provides some of the best drag around. You’ll never struggle with reeling again if you invest in the Chronarch MGL.

As expected, you’re going to pay a handsome sum for this beauty. But when you consider that you’re investing in a baitcaster that will last for years, it’s worthy of the high price tag.

Features

  • 9-bearing system
  • SVS Infinity drag
  • 11-pound drag
  • 6.5 ounces

Ease of Use

Truly one of the easiest reels we reviewed. Motion is smooth as silk and casting feels effortless and weightless. At just over 6 ounces, you’re getting one of the lightest reels for baitcasting. Just be ready to pay for this quality.


5. Shimano Citica Review - Best for Distance

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  • Excellent distance
  • Smooth casting
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • A bit pricey
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Shimano makes another appearance, this time with the Citica. This popular entry has served many anglers well thanks to its longevity and performance.

It’s only a little more than 7 ounces, giving you a reel that is lightweight and well-balanced. Casting feels really smooth, and it’s incredibly accurate.

The build-quality of this reel ensures that you’ll get plenty of use out of it. We like the distance this baitcaster delivers upon casting.

The braking system feels solid, and it’s comfortable in its operation. It’s a little on the pricey side, though. So consider your options when looking for the right reel.

That being said, those who want distance would do well to invest in the Citica. Coming from Shimano, you know you’re getting quality.

Features

  • SVS Infinity braking system
  • 5-bearing system
  • 12-pound drag
  • 7.5 ounces

Ease of Use

This is an all-around great performer on the water. Pros and beginners alike will appreciate the construction of the Citica. It’s comfortable and reliable, with attention to detail that will serve you well.


6. Daiwa Tatula CT Review - Quietest Casting

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  • Smooth casting
  • Great quality
  • Durable
  • Quiet
  • Narrow T-aperture
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The Daiwa Tatula CT is a reasonably-priced entry that delivers where it matters. It’s lightweight and easy to control, giving you the freedom you need to fish with authority.

Casting is effortless and smooth as silk. The control you feel when using this reel cannot be overstated. Your casting is accurate and lands with precision.

We appreciate the drag on this model, too. If you often have trouble with large catches, the Tatula CT makes an excellent companion.

If you prefer a quiet reel, the Tatula CT will win you over there, as well. Its noiseless operation makes it one of the quietest reels we reviewed.

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on a premium baitcaster, you’ll find this reel to be somewhere in the middle.

Features

  • 5.9 x 3.2 x 5.9 inches
  • 13.2-pound drag
  • Aluminum frame
  • 7.4 ounces

Ease of Use

Quiet, smooth, and precise. What more could anyone want out of a baitcaster? It’s well-built, too. So you’re sure to get your money’s worth with this investment.


7. 13 Fishing Concept Z Review - Most Innovative

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  • Quality components
  • Innovative design
  • Attractive build
  • Lightweight
  • A little pricey
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This attractive baitcaster features a modern appearance that will appeal to the younger crowd. This direction serves the Concept Z well, as it makes use of modern technology, as well.

The biggest departure from the norm is a lack of traditional ball bearings. In their place are polymer bearings that deliver some of the smoothest performance around.

We also like the distance the Concept Z provides upon casting. An aluminum frame is in place to give the reel its lightweight construction. Our tests showed it to be as sturdy as it is light.

At only slightly over 6 ounces, it’s light as a feather. This goes a long way in adding to the reel’s exceptional comfort. We found it to reduce fatigue, allowing us to fish longer and more effectively.

It’s a little costly, but not any more than other premium reels we reviewed. It’s definitely worth the price of admission. You’ll be pleased if you decide to invest in it. You’re getting a well-designed reel that performs just as well as it looks.

Features

  • 6-way braking system
  • Aluminum frame
  • 22-pound drag
  • 6.4 ounces

Ease of Use

The Concept Z proved to be a pleasant surprise. It’s built really well and offers some of the best distance we got during casting. The high price tag and unique look might turn away some anglers. But once you’ve tried it, you’ll be sold on its performance.


8. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur STX Review - Best for Catfish

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  • Good for catfish
  • Great quality
  • Lightweight
  • Smooth
  • Inconsistent drag
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Abu Garcia’s Ambassadeur STX is one of the few round baitcasters we reviewed. It made the list due to its solid build-quality and exceptional performance. We appreciated this reel’s delivery, as it is truly comfortable to use.

This professional-grade reel uses a multi-disk drag for some of the smoothest casting around. Those who need a hand when reeling in large catches will appreciate the assistance this reel provides.

It has a really good weight to it, making it a great choice for beginners. It is also quite sturdy, ensuring that you’re getting a reel with longevity. We’re quite fond of the lightweight construction. It goes a long way in giving you a comfortable experience.

The only potential issue we came across was the drag. As great as it is, it’s not always reliable. But the price is very reasonable and the quality is high. The Ambassadeur STX is definitely worthy of your consideration.

Features

  • 4.7 x 4.7 x 2.8 inches
  • 4 ball bearings
  • Multi-disk drag
  • 6.4 ounces

Ease of Use

We like the smooth casting and lightweight body of Abu Garcia’s Ambassadeur STX. We just wish the drag was more consistent in its performance.


9. Piscifun Torrent Review - Best Budget Reel

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  • Excellent quality
  • Smooth casting
  • Comfortable
  • Affordable
  • Occasional backlash
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Piscifun’s Torrent is a worthy contender that made the ranking because of its high quality. Its components are resistant to corrosion, and the Japanese Hami brass gears are highly durable.

Those looking to invest in a baitcaster that will serve them for years to come will want to look into this one. The stellar craftsmanship certainly gives this reel an edge of its competition.

Casting is smooth and responsive, allowing you to land with precision. It has a nice balance to it, as well. We really appreciated this, as it helps with the overall operation of the reel.

What is even more surprising is the low price. You’re getting a well-crafted reel for a fraction of what premium models cost. Even better, you’re getting a reel that delivers premium results.

If you want a baitcaster you can trust to see you through each fishing season, the Torrent is a solid buy. And when you factor in its low price, what have you got to lose?

If nothing else, it makes a great backup reel to keep with your tackle. But once you’ve used it a few times, you’ll likely want to stick with it. The Torrent quickly became a favorite, and was used well after testing was over.

Features

  • 5.1 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches
  • Japanese brass
  • 18-pound drag
  • 8 ounces

Ease of Use

The incredible craftsmanship that went into this reel is evident from the moment you pick it up. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bargain.


10. Lew's Tournament MP LFS Review - Best Lefty Runner-Up

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  • Excellent braking
  • Lightweight
  • Great drag
  • Smooth
  • Pretty pricey
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Don’t worry fellow lefties, we haven’t forgotten about you. If the Shimano’s CURADO DC is too rich for your blood, you should consider Lew’s Tournament MP LFS. It’s not the most affordable entry, but it is certainly worthy of its price tag.

This baitcaster has excellent drag and comes in at a great weight. At just under 7 ounces, it’s a breeze to operate. If you’re trying to lighten your load, you’ll be quite pleased with the Tournament MP LFS.

Its performance is fantastic, as well. Casting is smooth and effortless, delivering accuracy when you need it most. We found this reel to greatly reduce strain and wrist fatigue. A winner all the way.

The durable frame ensures this reel will withstand lots of use. If you want a baitcaster you can rely on, the Tournament MP LFS is worthy of your consideration. It’s pricey, but nowhere near as expensive as the CURADO DC.

Features

  • 4.3 x 5.7 x 2.9 inches
  • 10-bearing system
  • 20-pounds drag
  • 6.9 ounces

Ease of Use

This reel feels great. Its solid build-quality and stellar performance ensures that you’re getting a reliable baitcaster. The cost is reasonable when you consider that this reel should last you for years.