What to look for when choosing a fishing reel
Performance characteristics that matter when choosing:
- Gear ratio. It is characterized by the number of revolutions of the spool that it makes in one stroke of the handle. The value divides the coils into power (the first gear ratio is up to 4.65), universal (from 4.6 to 5.5), and high-speed (from 5.5). Among the best on AliExpress, mainly high-speed models are presented.
- The size and material from which the spool is made. This indicator is indicated when choosing a brand from 500 to 7000; the larger the brand, the thicker the fishing line can be used, which means the greater the holding power. The strongest spiers are aluminum; there should be at least two of them in a set (one for replacement).
- Coil material. The metal version is stronger, the plastic version is lighter.
- The number of bearings affects the smooth operation, the operation of the mechanisms becomes more stable.
- Line bender. Uniform winding of the fishing line is one of the most important conditions for ease of use. It should not be gathered in loops or wound around one section of the bobbin. Even distribution of the fishing line is the key to its safety and durability of the reel mechanism.
See also: 7 best backpacks for hunting and fishing
Based on customer reviews, you can see how well the reel performs in operation, whether there is any play, whether the motion is smooth and whether the line is wound evenly. Before you finally choose this fishing accessory, you need to make sure that it is suitable for the conditions in which it will be used and what kind of fish you plan to catch.
When choosing, you should not focus on the brand; the quality of less famous reels is no worse, but the price may differ several times. We've rounded up 12 of the best fishing reels in the budget price range that get the job done without breaking the bank.
Fishing reels from Aliexpress which company is better to choose
The trading platform was created by the Chinese public company Alibaba Group, so most of its products are represented by companies from China. The appearance of products from manufacturers in other countries is due to the high popularity of the site. The rating of fishing reels includes models from the following companies:
- Kastking is an American company that produces various fishing products. The products quickly gained popularity among users. To maintain their quality and reduce the price, the owners moved production facilities to China. Only durable materials are used in production, which reduces the risk of breakage during intensive use. The range is represented by mechanisms that are suitable for amateurs and experienced fishermen.
- Linnhue - a Chinese brand produces 14 types of fishing accessories, among which spinning accessories are in great demand. They are valued for their build quality, low price, and ease of use.
- Shimano is a Japanese company and is the largest manufacturer of bicycles, fishing equipment, tackle and ammunition. The company's products have captivated not only amateurs, but also professionals with their quality. For the markets of each continent, the brand's products are presented in a separate catalog.
- Mounchain is a manufacturer of sports and leisure goods from China. The company's popularity was brought by earplugs for swimming, spinning reels, and hiking backpacks.
- Daiwa is a Japanese corporation that produces sports equipment for cyclists, golf and tennis players, and fishermen. The brand's products are associated with innovative technologies and original design. The policy is based on the principle: “Devices should be a joy to use.”
- SeaKnight is a Chinese fishing tackle manufacturer. The main thing for the company is customer trust, so its products are highly reliable. Engineers introduce innovative technologies into products that have been tested by fishing in real conditions. The brand's goal is to provide a complete solution for fishing enthusiasts anywhere in the world.
- Leo is a company from China that produces various equipment, clothing, and accessories for tourism, recreation, and fishing.
- Fish King is a Chinese brand of fishing products from AliExpress. The company's product range includes 50 types of products. Fishing floats, hooks and reels are in demand.
- Fulljion is another Chinese company that offers inexpensive but high-quality products for fishermen on Aliexpress. Its products are highly rated by Russian users. For experienced fishermen, the range includes premium models.
- Sougayilang is a manufacturer of professional fishing gear from China. His products are highly reliable and reasonably priced. According to the owners, they are suitable for any fisherman.
Rating of fishing reels from Aliexpress
The element of the spinning rod affects the comfort of its use, the casting distance of the bait, and the speed of retrieving the catch. It is recommended to buy the accessory together with the fishing rod, which will allow you to immediately evaluate its quality and the operation of each mechanism. According to the principle of operation, they are divided into inertial and inertial. There is also a separate species, which is a symbiosis of the above types. When purchasing a model, it is better to consider various factors. The selection of nominees for the review was made taking into account the following characteristics:
- Type;
- Size;
- Material;
- Weight;
- Power;
- Capacity;
- Gear ratio;
- Presence and type of friction brake;
- Quantity and quality of bearings;
- Price.
The technical parameters of the reel must correspond to the characteristics of the spinning rod. Only a harmonious combination of all elements will allow you to get a good catch. In the top, the nominees are divided into 2 categories according to the type of device. Below is a description, pros and cons of each model.
Which fishing reel is better to buy from Aliexpress?
When choosing a gear, experts advise taking into account the fishing method. Inertial ones are suitable for lovers of fly fishing or using spinning rods. For the second option, an inertia-free model with a high rewinding speed is also suitable. But when using them, the line often twists, which does not allow you to completely immerse yourself in your favorite activity while fishing. The following recommendations will help you choose among the best fishing reels from Aliexpress:
- For fishing with a float, the high-speed model Kastking Spartacus/Spartacus Plus is suitable;
- Fans of large fish are advised to buy a SeaKnight Spinning Reel RAPID power reel;
- The best price-quality ratio would be the Sougayilang fyl5/6 mechanism;
- Among inexpensive fishing reels, the Fulljion FL242 is considered the best;
- The most reliable model is Shimano Sienna Fe.
- For lovers of winter fishing, the Fish King model is suitable.
The pleasure of fishing can only be obtained by purchasing a high-quality mechanism. Experienced fishermen do not recommend taking cheap models, because they are less reliable. Before choosing, you need to read reviews about the model, clarify its pros and cons. These issues are discussed in our rating.
Inertia coils
The simplest and cheapest fishing reels (not to mention professional fly fishing models). At the moment they are used mainly for fishing with a rod, for winter fishing or fly fishing.
Reel for winter ice fishing HD-68
317 rub.
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
The reel is good, there is a friction clutch, a reverse lock, the red button slows down a little, it arrived quickly, in general you can take it.
Aluminum inertia reel Fairiland FW17I01
981 rub.
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
The move is easy. The stopper is thin, for medium-sized fish (large ones may bend slightly and cause the reel to spin). The spool is not processed very well (but in non-critical places - internal holes). The inner diameter is too small, the fishing line will be rings.
Ice fishing reel Weihefishing EPC_FHG_104
220 rub.
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
Cool reel! The clutch is working. True, a little less than expected, but still 100% satisfied. I definitely recommend it!
Fishing reel for fly fishing PROBEROS
RUB 2,437
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
The reel is good quality, but I couldn’t take it apart to change the spool, it’s quite difficult; it’s easier to just buy another one. Addition:
I bought 7-9 for 6 because of some comment that the coil was small and it turned out with an accuracy of one turn. I found out how the spool is disassembled, it is very inconvenient, the tendrils inside are attached to the pin. That's why I ordered another one, but this time it was smaller. The photo shows a reel with a grade 7 cord laid.
High quality fly fishing reel Maximumcatch ECO 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8WT
RUB 2,025
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
Quite a decent reel for the money. I haven’t actually checked it yet, so I’m writing based on what I could understand by turning it in my hands) A normal alloy, strong, not too heavy. There is a slight smell of Chinese, there are small defects in the paint in the form of spots and dots, but it is not noticeable to the eye. The brake is good, one-sided (always rolls at the same speed), adjustable smoothly, up to a full stop. What surprised me was that the coil initially lacks lubricant, and as I understand it, this coil doesn’t need it at all (which is generally great, you can wash the coil without much fear). Overall, I can recommend it for the price; I didn’t find any significant disadvantages with the reel.
Inertia-free
In such models, the spool does not rotate during casting and does not exert its inertia on the fishing line. The design is quite simple, versatile and popular among novice fishermen and experienced professionals. The presented rating of spinning fishing reels from Aliexpress in 2021 includes several popular models.
LINNHUE
pros
- price
- metal spool
- folding handle
Minuses
- small gaps
VIEW ON ALIEXPRESS
Budget option for entry-level spinning fishing. Thanks to the metal body and spool, it can withstand loads of up to 8 kg. The design protects the reel mechanisms from external influences. The handle is moved to the other side. Perfect for catching fish from natural freshwater reservoirs.
Spinning reels
Perhaps the most popular type of fishing reel at the moment. They are quite versatile and are used for almost all types of fishing. When casting, the line winds up freely, without rotating the spool. This in turn minimizes the risk of beard formation. So a spinning reel is also a good option for beginner anglers.
spinning reel SHIMANO SIENNA – 1000FG/2500FG/4000FG series
RUB 3,511
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
The reel is good, but the sienna is not the same. The previous version is more assembled, even on the bushings. The whole point is in the articulation of the main pair and the handle. Now they are connected only due to the square axis, like in cheap plastic reels. As a result, there was play in the handle, no matter how tightly it was screwed. The instantaneous brake and clutch work well. I haven't checked the winding yet. In my opinion, it is better to add five hundred wooden ones, and take a katana - there is still the old connection between the handle and the head. Fast delivery. Gift - scissors.
LINNHUE budget reel with metal spool
715 rub.
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
Made entirely of metal, the main reel is metal, the spare reel is plastic, the handle is comfortable, the quality is quite decent, for amateur fishing you don’t need more. I'll take the second one.
Original SHIMANO CATANA reel
RUB 3,413
Aliexpress
as of 07/01/2021 05:16
Review:
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