Top 5 BEST Spinning Reels in 2025

We’ve mentioned it before, but we feel ultralight rods and reels are some of the most versatile fishing combinations an angler can have for multiple species. And a good ultralight rod paired with the best ultralight reel you can afford will give you a combo that works for a wide variety of fish and can throw lures your other rod and reel combos cannot throw. And an ultralight rod’s action and power are mostly to blame for that. However, even for large fish, your ultralight combo is a formidable challenge if you have a spinning reel of the right size that can handle light line well and drags very smoothly.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2025-02-03 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 BEST Spinning Reels in 2025

1.SHIMANO VANFORD FA 500

Last update on 2025-02-03 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

A few years ago, Shimano introduced the Vanford spinning reels to the market. In the summer of 2024, they revealed the Vanford FA series, an upgraded version of one of their best-selling spinning reel releases (review). With an amazing 7 ball bearings, silky smooth drag, 5.6:1 gear ratio, and 27 inches of line pickup on each handle turn, the 500 size reel provides one of the smoothest operations you will find in an ultralight reel.

This is by far my favorite ultralight reel, and I have been using it for months. I have had no trouble using it for trout fishing with 1/32 and 1/64 ounce jigs and 8 foot ultralight rods. I’ve captured a lot of panfish, large crappie, and trout as well as several smallmouth bass, white bass and other fish as well. It is so effortless to turn the handle and the drag starts easily and runs smoothly for worry-free fights with good fish.

The handle on the Vanford A and the Stradic are almost identical, as is the body size and shape. The performance of these reels on the water is also eerily similar. And I’m glad that’s the case, really, since that means nothing really was lost along with the Stradic name.

What’s new on the Vanford are mostly improvements under the hood. An upgraded MGL (Magnumlite) rotor is one of the key differences. The new rotor is made from the Ci4+ material, which makes it 25% lighter than others, according to Shimano. 

This tech, as well as several other features, has trickled down from high-end reels in the more affordable Shimano reel lineups, like the Twin Power and Stella. In doing so, Shimano has packed a lot of really advanced tech into a fairly affordable reel that is as capable as any other I’ve found for targeting bass with finesse techniques. 

One new feature that you can see from the outside of the Vanford is the Anti-Twist Fin. This flexible polymer fin near the line roller has been added to help maintain line tension and help the reel spool more evenly. 

2.PISCIFUN VIPER X 500

Last update on 2025-02-03 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Even though this reel is older, we haven’t yet found a better deal on an ultralight reel. I have seven of these reels for fishing bluegill/red ear, crappie, and trout. They are incredibly smooth, and they frequently go on sale for between on Amazon. They are therefore, in our opinion, among the greatest deals on ultralight reels. We must thus continue to suggest it until a better value reel is produced. These reels have literally helped me land thousands of fish. They simply function. I’ve been doing some for five seasons now.

I’ve now fished with Viper X spinning reels in sizes 1000, 2000, and 3000, and I enjoy each one. Even when using light line for crappie fishing, the 2000 is arguably my favorite. Light lures are simply better cast from a larger spool. Your line’s coils are looser, and removing it from the spool doesn’t take as much effort. Therefore, I can get a jig to go much farther on a 2000 spool than a 1000 spool if I’m shooting it under cover. A 3000 spool over a 2000 spool is the same.

There are 120 yards of 8-pound line on the 2000 reel. Both braid and mono will work just as well on the braid-ready spool. The zinc alloy and reinforced stainless steel main shaft I’ve now fished with Viper X spinning reels in sizes 1000, 2000, and 3000, and I enjoy each one. Even when using light line for crappie fishing, the 2000 is arguably my favorite. Light lures are simply better cast from a larger spool. Your line’s coils are looser, and removing it from the spool doesn’t take as much effort.

’ve always liked to keep a bunch of line on my reels but some of the new-age casting reels on the market are really beginning to cut down on their line capacity. It seems as if it’s all about being the smallest and lightest these days, but I don’t want to make a long cast and feel my backing knot.

While this reel has a small and lightweight HD aluminum frame, 13 Fishing didn’t sacrifice line capacity to achieve it. Fortunately, the Concept A2 allows for 25% more line capacity without increasing the overall size of the reel. 

3.LEW’S SPEED SPIN CRX 100

Last update on 2025-02-03 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

With the CRX, this is a more recent offering from Lew’s. The 100 size reel has a 5.2:1 gear ratio, weighs 6.6 ounces, and has a 90-yard capacity for 6 pound line. It has a good drag, is braid ready right out of the box, and fishes very smoothly thanks to its nine ball bearings. This graphite reel has a single piece of aluminum bail wire and is constructed on a C40 carbon rotor.

This is a good little reel. This braided reel has performed well. It has the best styling we’ve seen on a Lew’s spinning reel and casts nicely. Since they have always been excellent at creating bait, we love that they have been producing some really nice spinning reels in recent years.

The Lew’s Speed Spin CRX 100 is a budget-friendly ultralight spinning reel designed for finesse fishing. Built with a lightweight graphite body and rotor, it offers a comfortable and balanced feel, making it ideal for long fishing sessions targeting panfish, trout, and small bass. The reel features a 7-bearing system (6+1 stainless steel bearings) that ensures smooth retrieves, reducing friction and making reeling effortless. With a 5.2:1 gear ratio, it provides a good balance between retrieval speed and power, allowing anglers to effectively handle small lures and light lines. The multi-disc drag system offers consistent performance, preventing line breakage while fighting fish, and the braid-ready aluminum spool eliminates the need for backing when using braided lines.

In terms of performance, the Speed Spin CRX 100 delivers a smooth and reliable operation, making it a great option for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The casting distance is decent, thanks to its well-designed spool and line lay system, which helps prevent tangles and improves accuracy. However, while the reel performs well for smaller fish, it lacks the power needed to handle larger species due to its limited drag strength. Additionally, some plastic components in the body and rotor, while lightweight, may not be as durable as aluminum-based designs. Another drawback is its lack of water resistance, meaning it’s best suited for freshwater fishing rather than saltwater environments.

Overall, the Lew’s Speed Spin CRX 100 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable, lightweight, and smooth ultralight reel. It’s perfect for finesse applications, offering great value for its price. While it may not have the premium materials or advanced sealing of higher-end models, it remains a reliable and user-friendly option for freshwater anglers.

4.BASS PRO SHOPS MICRO LITE ELITE 5

Last update on 2025-02-03 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

It’s difficult to omit this veteran performer from the list because they are so good at what they do. At 5.2 ounces, this is most likely the reel you want to consider if you’re searching for something lightweight. With a smooth drag and a smooth retrieve, it balances incredibly well on an ultralight rod. It has six pounds of drag, a 5.2:1 gear ratio, and seven bearings. For white bass, crappie, panfish, and trout, it has been another reliable performer.

The Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Elite 5 is an ultralight spinning reel designed for finesse fishing, particularly for targeting species like panfish, trout, and small bass. With its lightweight aluminum body and rotor, this reel is built for durability without adding unnecessary weight, making it comfortable for long fishing sessions. The double-anodized aluminum spool enhances its strength while reducing weight, and its machined aluminum handle with a soft-touch knob ensures a comfortable grip. Equipped with a 5-bearing system (4+1 stainless steel bearings), the Micro Lite Elite 5 delivers smooth retrieves, reducing friction and allowing for a more fluid cranking experience. The 5.2:1 gear ratio provides a balanced retrieval speed, making it well-suited for finesse applications where control is key.

Performance-wise, the reel excels in smooth casting and retrieval, with a design that minimizes line twists and tangles, ensuring a frustration-free fishing experience. The multi-disc drag system provides consistent pressure, which is crucial when fighting small but spirited fish. Additionally, the lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for pairing with ultralight rods, allowing for better sensitivity and responsiveness. However, while it performs exceptionally well for small fish, the drag system has a lower max drag, limiting its ability to handle larger, hard-fighting species. Another potential downside is the lack of a fully sealed system, meaning it’s best suited for freshwater environments rather than saltwater use.

Overall, the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Elite 5 is a fantastic ultralight spinning reel for anglers who enjoy finesse fishing. Its lightweight construction, smooth performance, and affordability make it a great option for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. While it may not have the high-end features of premium reels, it delivers excellent value for the price, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking to enhance their ultralight fishing experience.

5.ABU GARCIA REVO MAX SX 750

Last update on 2025-02-03 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Max SX 750 is Abu Garcia’s most recent ultralight reel. This reel has a 6.1-ounce weight, a 5:1 gear ratio, and a 100-yard capacity with 4-pound line 7 ball bearings. Compared to other ultralight reels, it has a tall, narrow profile, but it operates smoothly during both the drag and the retrieve during a fight.

Because of its Rocket spool and line management design, I feel like the line comes off the reel really well when I fish it with light braid for panfish and trout. Additionally, its V-Rotor system allows the reel handle to be turned without the need for pressure.

The Abu Garcia Revo Max SX 750 is a compact and lightweight ultralight spinning reel designed for finesse fishing, making it ideal for targeting panfish, trout, and smaller bass. Built with an aluminum body and graphite rotor, it offers a balance between durability and weight reduction, ensuring long-lasting performance without fatigue during extended fishing sessions. The machined aluminum spool enhances strength while maintaining a lightweight profile, and the Everlast™ bail system improves durability and longevity. Featuring a 6-bearing system (5+1 stainless steel bearings), the Revo Max SX 750 delivers smooth retrieves and precise handling, reducing friction and providing a refined cranking experience. With a 6.2:1 gear ratio, it offers a faster-than-average retrieval speed, making it efficient for quick lure presentations and line management.

In terms of performance, the Carbon Matrix™ drag system ensures smooth and consistent drag pressure, which is crucial when fighting light-tackle fish without risking line breakage. The reel is also braid-ready, allowing anglers to spool braided lines without the need for a mono backing, making it versatile for different fishing techniques. Additionally, the compact design makes it an excellent match for ultralight rods, offering great sensitivity for finesse applications. However, while the reel excels in smoothness and speed, it has limited max drag power, which makes it less suitable for larger species or heavy-cover situations. Another minor drawback is that, despite its solid build, it lacks a fully sealed system, meaning it’s best suited for freshwater environments rather than saltwater use.

Overall, the Abu Garcia Revo Max SX 750 is a high-quality ultralight spinning reel that combines smooth operation, fast retrieval, and durable construction. It’s a great choice for finesse anglers looking for a lightweight, reliable, and efficient reel. While it may not have the high drag power of larger reels, it performs exceptionally well for ultralight fishing applications, offering great value and performance in its category.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE BEST ULTRALIGHT REELS

When you fish ultralight combos, you are usually using very light lures. This means you will be using light lines and you will need the reel to do certain things very well to avoid breaking off fish or not being able to feel your lures action very well or detecting baits.

The first thing is you need a very low startup inertia on the handle when you turn it. Because the lures are so light you need the handle to turn effortlessly without sticking and without any added pressure. Because that reel handle is how you feel the weight of your lure and detect a lot of feedback. So if the reel handle interferes with your retrieve you will have issues.

The other thing you will require with a good ultralight reel is a quick starting, smooth drag system. You don’t want your drag to stick or take too much pressure to start letting line out or you could suffer a break off when a fish decides to surge at the last second. You need the drag to start quick and be smooth throughout with out and stutters and catches.

The last thing you want is good line management. Using light lines, I often joke, can be much akin to fishing with spider web. If the wind gets up it can be a nightmare to contend with. But a good reel with a good spool design and good lip design on the spool makes for better casting and less hassles with your fishing.