Best Composite Fishing Reels of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Composite fishing reels are a popular choice among anglers due to their lightweight and durable construction. These reels are made with a combination of materials such as graphite, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, which provide strength and flexibility while keeping the weight down. They are ideal for fishing in both freshwater and saltwater, and come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different fishing techniques. Many composite reels also feature advanced drag systems and smooth casting abilities, making them a top choice for serious anglers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fisherman, a composite fishing reel is a great investment for your next fishing trip.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 1
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
FAVORITE White Bird Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 3
FAVORITE White Bird Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Composite Fishing Reels

Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel

BLR60FA
Blue
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 60 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Lightweight Composite Body, TRU Balance Rotor, 5.2:1 Gear Ratio, Blue, Clam Packaging

The Quantum Blue Runner spinning fishing reel is a reliable performance reel constructed with balanced and smooth casting, expertly crafted materials, and versatile use. It features a strong and lightweight composite body, TRU Balance Rotor, 5.2:1 gear ratio, and a QuickSet anti-reverse technology for solid hookset. The reel is perfect for catching heavy species and can hold up to 160-yards of 65-pound braided line.

What We Like
Changeable right- or left-hand retrieve
QuickSet anti-reverse technology for solid hookset
Corrosion-resistant finish to protect the reel in both freshwater and saltwater
#TOP 2

Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel

BLR80FA,,BX3
Blue
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 80 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Lightweight Composite Body, TRU Balance Rotor, 4.1:1 Gear Ratio, Blue, Clam Packaging

The Quantum Blue Runner Reel is a high-performance spinning fishing reel that offers balanced and smooth casting. It features a forged and machined aluminum spool, a strong and lightweight composite body, and a TRU Balance Rotor, which ensures extreme smoothness and precise alignment within the reel. With a changeable right- or left-hand retrieve and QuickSet Anti-Reverse technology, this reel provides reliable performance by creating a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish. It is also equipped with a 4.1:1 gear ratio, front-adjustable drag, and corrosion-resistant finish, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. With a mono line capacity of 245/25 yds/lbs and the ability to hold up to 275-yards of 65-pound braided line, this reel is versatile and ideal for catching heavy species. The Quantum Blue Runner Reel is backed by a 5-year warranty, ensuring its rock-solid protection and long-lasting performance.

What We Like
Balanced & Smooth Casting
Reliable Performance
Expertly Crafted Materials
#TOP 3

FAVORITE White Bird Spinning Reel

FAVORITE
WBR2000
Multi
One Size
FAVORITE White Bird Spinning Reel Cover
FAVORITE White Bird Spinning Reel | Ultra Smooth Fishing Reel with Lightweight Carbon Composite Body

FAVORITE White Bird Reel is a top-notch fishing reel that offers a gear ratio of 5.2:1, ensuring smooth operation. With 5 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, it provides stability and control while fishing. The instant anti-reverse feature prevents the reel from turning backward, enhancing your fishing experience. Its lightweight carbon composite body makes it easy to handle, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions. The skeletal rotor design adds durability and strength to the reel, making it a reliable choice for anglers of all levels.

What We Like
Smooth operation
Stability and control
Lightweight and durable
#TOP 4

Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel

21-13513
Blue
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Quantum Blue Runner Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 40 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Lightweight Composite Body, TRU Balance Rotor, 5.2:1 Gear Ratio, Blue, Clam Packaging

The Quantum Blue Runner Reel is a versatile and reliable spinning fishing reel that is perfect for any fishing trip. With its balanced and smooth casting, you will experience extreme smoothness and precise alignment within the reel. The changeable right- or left-hand retrieve and QuickSet Anti-Reverse technology ensure a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish. Constructed with expertly crafted materials, this reel has a corrosion-resistant finish to protect it in both freshwater and saltwater. It also has a front-adjustable drag with a max drag of 14-pounds, providing quick access to make adjustments while fishing. With its mono line capacity and ability to hold braided line, this reel is suitable for catching medium species such as walleye, bass, and saltwater fish. Enjoy rock-solid protection with a 5-year warranty against defects in workmanship and/or materials. The Quantum Blue Runner Reel is engineered for real-world performance, ensuring it will work as hard as you do, year after year.

What We Like
Balanced & Smooth Casting
Reliable Performance
Expertly Crafted Materials
#TOP 5

Quantum Strategy Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 10

SR10A.BX3
Silver/Gold
Quantum Strategy Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 10 Cover
Quantum Strategy Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Lightweight Composite Body and Rotor, TRU Balance Rotor, EVA Handle Knob, 5.2:1 Gear Ratio, Silver/Gold

The Quantum Strategy Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 10 features a balanced and smooth casting with TRU Balance rotor, a reliable and performance with Continuous Anti-Reverse clutch technology, and expertly crafted materials with EVA handle knob and a lightweight composite body and rotor. It has a versatile use with the ability to hold up to 205-yards of 8-pound braided line, and a rock-solid protection with a 5-year warranty.

What We Like
Smooth and precise alignment within the reel
Changeable right-or left-hand retrieve
Lightweight composite body and rotor provide all-day comfort

Pflueger Trion Inline Ice Fishing Reel

TRIINT
Multi
Inline'
Pflueger Trion Inline Ice Fishing Reel Cover
Pflueger Trion Inline Ice Fishing Reel

The Pflueger Trion Inline Ice Fishing Reel features a 3+1 bearing system that provides a smooth operation, a free-spool trigger system for one-handed use, a composite frame that is both strong and lightweight, cold gear lube for use in extreme conditions, and an oil felt drag system that is easy to adjust. This reel is perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts who want a reliable and efficient reel to catch their favorite fish.

What We Like
Smooth operation with 3+1 bearing system
Convenient one-handed use with free-spool trigger system
Strong and lightweight composite frame
#TOP 7

13 FISHING Descent Inline Ice Reel

D2-2.7-RH
Black
One Size
13 FISHING Descent Inline Ice Reel Cover
13 FISHING - Descent - Inline Ice Fishing Reel - 2.7:1 Gear Ratio - Right Hand Retrieve (Gen 2) - D2-2.7-RH, Black

The 13 FISHING Inline Ice Reel offers a range of features that enhance your ice fishing experience. With its composite construction, this reel is built to withstand the cold and rigors of ice fishing. The five ball bearings provide smooth operation, making it easier for you to reel in your catch. The instant anti-reverse feature ensures that you won’t lose any fish after a bite. Additionally, the dead stick spool clicker alerts you when a fish takes the bait, giving you the advantage to react quickly. These features combine to make your ice fishing sessions more productive and enjoyable.

What We Like
Durable composite construction
Smooth operation
Instant anti-reverse
Dead stick alert
#TOP 8

Mavrk Fly Fishing Stinger Comp Manual Reel

M
Stinger
multicolor
Mavrk Fly Fishing Stinger Comp Manual Reel Cover
Mavrk Fly Fishing Stinger Comp Manual Fly Fishing Reel Lightweight Nylon Composite Black Out Finish with Tracer 62 Euro-Nymph Line Leader Designed in California

The Mavrk Fly Fishing Stinger Comp Manual Fly Fishing Reel is designed in California and features a lightweight, durable, and compact design, making it ideal for stalking remote river trout. The reel improves euro-nymphing techniques, reduces shoulder fatigue, improves casting and rod sensitivity, and allows for more effective hand lining techniques, which results in landing more fish.

What We Like
Lightweight, durable, and compact design
Improves euro-nymphing techniques
Reduces shoulder fatigue
Improves casting and rod sensitivity
Allows for more effective hand lining techniques and results in landing more fish
#TOP 9

13 FISHING Descent Inline Ice Reel

D2-2.7-LH
Black
One Size
13 FISHING Descent Inline Ice Reel Cover
13 FISHING - Descent - Inline Ice Fishing Reel - 2.7:1 Gear Ratio - Left Hand Retrieve (Gen 2) - D2-2.7-LH, Black

The 13 FISHING Ice Fishing Reel is designed to enhance your ice fishing experience. Its composite construction makes it lightweight yet durable, ensuring you can handle tough conditions without added weight. With five smooth ball bearings, you will notice the ease of operation, allowing for seamless line retrieval. The instant anti-reverse feature gives you confidence when setting the hook, preventing any backward motion. Additionally, the dead stick spool clicker alerts you when a fish bites, so you can react quickly and improve your catch rate.

What We Like
Lightweight composite design
Smooth operation with ball bearings
Instant hook setting
Fish bite alert system
#TOP 10

Pflueger President Inline Ice Fishing Reel

PRESINT
Multi
Inline'
Pflueger President Inline Ice Fishing Reel Cover
Pflueger President Inline Ice Fishing Reel

The Pflueger President Inline Ice Fishing Reel boasts a 5+1 bearing system, a free-spool trigger system for one-handed operation, a magnetic brake for improved drop control, an aluminum spool and a composite frame. The reel is perfect for ice fishing and can make your fishing experience more convenient and enjoyable.

What We Like
Durable aluminum spool
Easy one-handed operation with free-spool trigger system
Improved drop control with magnetic brake
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are composite rods?

Composite rods are constructed from fiberglass and graphite or other fibers. The combination of materials makes these rods more sensitive than fiberglass but less powerful than graphite when lifting heavy fish.

2. Are composite fishing rods any good?

Combining the benefits of fiberglass and composites results in a rod with increased sensitivity, more durability and great strength. This makes for a nice blend of characteristics and thus, composite rods are often the best choice if versatility is what you are looking for in an inshore rod.

3. What is a composite blank fishing rod?

A composite blank is made from a combination of carbon fiber prepregs and fiberglass prepregs, rolled together around the same mandrel. Done properly, the carbon fiber patterns provide the blank with great sensitivity, while the fiberglass gives it durability.

4. What rod blanks are made in USA?

American rod builders deserve the best. That means engineered to perfection, made from the best materials using cutting edge technology, and made in the USA. CRC Made in USA blanks are everything that rod builders want and need.

Editor's Notes

During our composite fishing reel research, we found 24 composite fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,082 customer reviews through our big data system to write the composite fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose composite fishing reels with an average price of $41.18.

The composite fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of composite fishing reels, including Quantum, FAVORITE, Pflueger, 13 FISHING, M. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.