Best Spinning Reels

For me, the Spinfisher VII is the spinning reel that does the most things well. It has a full metal body with IPX5 sealing, so it shrugs off rain, spray and salt, and the CNC-machined brass main gear keeps the retrieve smooth under load.

The HT-100 drag gives steady pressure through a fight, and the size range covers everything from light lure work to the rocks, with the 3500 a good fit for most UK lure fishing.

It's ideal for someone who fishes pike and perch lures through the winter, then spins for bass and mackerel off the rocks in summer. Next to the Caldia LT, it gives up some weight, but the metal body and IPX5 sealing make it the tougher choice once salt water comes into it.

To be fair, it's heavier than some lighter reels, and it's best not to fill the spool right to the rim with fine braid. For one reel that handles fresh and salt water, though, I think it's the one to buy.

The Caldia LT is a light, premium lure reel built around Daiwa's ZAION V monocoque body, with MagSeal to keep water and grit out. The sizes run from 165g up to 240g, which is light for a reel this well built.

The AIRDRIVE rotor, spool and bail give it a refined, responsive feel, and the ATD Type-L drag is designed to soften a fish's first run. The new 5000 steps up to an ATD Tough carbon drag for big pike and bass.

Which size should you go for? The smaller sizes from the 1000S suit a light drop shot or perch rod, where a low weight makes the most difference, and the bigger ones suit pike and bass lure rods. Next to the Legalis LT, you're paying extra for MagSeal and the monocoque body, and for me, that matters most if you fish the salt or a wet, gritty bank.

So, what's the catch? It's a big spend next to a Ninja or Prorex. If you fish lures most weekends, though, I think it's a superb reel to own.

The Slammer IV is Penn's heavy-duty saltwater spinning reel, with a full metal body and sideplate, IPX6 sealing on the body and spool, and a CNC-cut brass main gear.

The sealed Slammer Dura-Drag is seriously strong, with 13.6kg on the 3500 and 18.1kg on the 5500, and it runs on 8+1 stainless bearings with a hydrophobic line roller bearing.

Shore anglers chasing bass in rough water, spinning for pollack off the rocks or casting big metals and plugs will get the most from it, because that's where the drag and sealing really earn their keep. Next to the Spinfisher VII, it's the stronger, more heavily sealed reel, with IPX6 rather than IPX5, but the Spinfisher is the better all-rounder if you fish fresh water too.

To be fair, it's heavy at 394g for the 3500, so it's not a reel for flicking small lures all day. For bass and bigger fish off the rocks, though, I think it's hard to beat.

The Battle IV is a saltwater workhorse that makes a great lure reel too. The metal body and sideplate keep the gears lined up under load, and Hydro Armor seals help keep rain and spray out.

The CNC-cut gears give a smooth retrieve, the 4000 picks up 37 inches per turn, and the HT-100 carbon drag stays consistent through a long run. Sizes run from 1000 to 10000.

On a pike lure rod, where a big fish can test the drag, it's a great match, and it's just as happy on the coast for bass and mackerel. So, Battle IV or Spinfisher VII? The Spinfisher adds IPX5 sealing, while the Battle IV is the cheaper way into a metal-bodied Penn, and it's a far heavier-duty reel than the Fox Rage TR.

To be fair, it's heavier than a graphite reel of the same size, and it still needs a rinse after salt water. For a tough, metal-bodied reel at a fair price, though, I think it's great.

The Rage TR is a light predator reel built for working lures all day. It has a magnesium alloy body, a carbon-reinforced rotor and a CNC-machined aluminium drive gear, and the 1500 weighs just 220g.

The 10+1 ball bearings keep it smooth, the 1500's 6.2:1 suits quick, reactive lures while the 2500's 5.1:1 gives more control, and the spool has a rubber grip band, so braid goes straight on without backing.

If you fish drop shot a lot, the 1500 is the size to go for, and the 2500 steps up for bigger soft baits and light pike work. It's lighter and more lure-focused than the Penn Battle IV, while the Daiwa Legalis LT costs less and has a 4000 size for pike and bass.

To be fair, the cork and EVA handle won't suit everyone, and some would like a faster 2500. For drop shot and light lures, though, I think it's a cracking reel.

The Legalis LT is the reel I'd point anyone towards if weight matters. Its Zaion V body is light but strong, and AIRDRIVE design gives the rotor very little starting resistance, so it feels responsive when you're working lures.

Line lay is excellent straight from the box, which helps with fine braid, and the ATD Type-L drag and Tough Digigear make for a smooth reel under load. The 4000 is a great all-round size.

The 4000 suits pike lures, light bass fishing and even float fishing on bigger rivers, and the smaller sizes suit perch and drop shot. Next to the Savage Gear Thoriz, it's the more refined freshwater reel, with excellent line lay for fine braid, but the Thoriz has sealed bearings and a sealed drag if you fish the salt more often.

To be fair, there's no MagSeal, and the felt washers may need servicing over time. For a light, mid-priced reel, though, I think it's brilliant.

The Thoriz is a crossover lure reel for anglers who split their time between freshwater predators and sheltered saltwater marks. It's made to match Savage Gear's SG4 rods, with a K-Alloy body and GRC rotor for a rigid platform.

It has 7+1 sealed stainless bearings, carbon drag washers and a Hydro Sealed drag, and the tapered spool lip helps casting distance and cuts down wind knots. The smaller sizes suit perch and zander, the bigger ones pike and light bass.

Anyone who already fishes a Savage Gear SG4 rod will find it a natural match, and it suits lure anglers who move between the river in winter and the estuary in summer. Is it worth the extra over the Daiwa Ninja LT? If salt water is part of the plan, yes, as you're getting sealed bearings and a sealed drag.

To be fair, it isn't a heavy beach or offshore reel. As a mid-priced lure reel for fresh and inshore fishing, though, I think it's top value.

The Ninja LT is one of the most versatile reels you can buy for the money, and it's as at home on a float rod as a lure rod. The DS4 body and AIRDRIVE parts keep the weight down, and it has a machined aluminium handle and Tough Digigear.

The 2500 suits float fishing and drop shot, while the 4000 handles spinning with medium to large lures, and the ATD Type-L drag stays smooth on bigger fish.

For me, it's the reel to suggest to someone who fishes a bit of everything, from float fishing for roach and chub to spinning for pike and drop shot for perch. It isn't sealed like the Savage Gear Thoriz, so rinse it well after any salt water, but it covers more styles of fishing for less money.

To be fair, the latest version has lost its metal line clip and button-fold handle. As a reliable all-rounder at a great price, though, I think it's hard to beat.

The Prorex X is Daiwa's budget predator reel, and it borrows plenty from the dearer reels. It has a DS5 body and AIRDRIVE rotor, a redesigned solid AIRDRIVE bail, Tough DIGIGEAR and an aluminium handle.

The LC-ABS Longcast spool and Twist Buster III help casting and line lay, and the ATD Type-L drag gives steady pressure. Sizes run from LT2500 to LT4000-C, with a 6.2:1 LT3000CXH for quick retrieves.

For pike, zander and bigger lures, I'd look at the LT3000CXH and LT4000-C, while the LT2500 is better for perch and smaller soft baits. Next to the Ninja LT, it's more of a dedicated predator reel, and next to the Okuma Ceymar HD, the Daiwa drag and AIRDRIVE parts give it the edge if you mainly fish for predators.

It has 5 bearings, so it isn't as refined as the Caldia LT. For predator lure fishing on a budget, though, I think it's great.

The Ceymar HD is a good-value spinning reel in three useful sizes, 2500A, 3000A and 4000A. The 2500A and 3000A weigh 235g and the 4000A 273g, which is light for the money.

The 2500A and 3000A have a 5.3:1 ratio and up to 6kg of drag, while the 4000A goes to 9kg for bigger fish. The 3000A holds 200m of 0.25mm mono, plenty for most lure fishing.

The 2500A suits perch and light lure work, the 3000A is a good middle ground for zander and chub, and the 4000A has the extra drag for pike and bigger fish. How does it compare? It has more bearings than the Fox Rage Warrior, with 7+1 against 4+1, while the Daiwa Prorex X is the step up if you want a dedicated predator reel.

To be fair, it isn't as refined as a dearer Daiwa or Penn. For an affordable, light lure reel, though, I think it's great value.

The Rage Warrior is a beginner's lure reel made to pair with Fox Rage's Warrior rods. It comes in 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 sizes, from 202g to 274g, all with a 5.2:1 ratio.

It has 4+1 bearings, a smooth front drag and an oversized line roller to help line lay, and each size holds 150m of braid.

For me, buying it with a Warrior rod is pretty much the easiest way to get a matched first setup. The 1000 and 2000 suit perch and light lures, the 3000 and 4000 handle bigger soft baits and spinners for pike, and next to the Shimano FX FC, it has more bearings and a 1000 size for light perch fishing.

To be fair, it's a basic reel, and spare spools are extra. For someone starting out with lures, though, I think it's great, and it keeps the cost of a first lure setup down.

The FX FC is about as cheap as a decent spinning reel gets, and it's still a proper Shimano. It has an aluminium AR-C long-cast spool, Propulsion line management and a roller clutch, in 2500, C3000 and 4000 sizes.

It's made for fresh and salt water, and the XT-7 body keeps it simple, so there's very little to go wrong.

Who's it for? Juniors and beginners after a first rod and reel, or anyone who wants a spare to keep in the car. The 2500 suits float fishing and small lures, the C3000 is a good all-round size, and the 4000 suits spinning for mackerel and bass from the shore. It costs less than the Fox Rage Warrior, though the Warrior has more bearings.

To be fair, with 2+1 bearings it's basic, and you'll feel the difference next to a Ninja LT. For a first reel or a spare, though, I think it's hard to argue with.