Best Conventional Fishing Reels of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Conventional fishing reels are a popular choice among anglers who prefer a more traditional approach to fishing. These reels are designed to hold a larger amount of line and are best suited for catching larger fish species. They come in various sizes and styles, including round and low profile, with different gear ratios to adjust the speed of retrieval. Conventional reels are also versatile, allowing anglers to use different types of fishing lines, from mono to braid. With their sturdy build and reliable performance, conventional fishing reels are a must-have for any serious angler.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

KastKing Centron Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 1
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 2
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel Cover #TOP 3
KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Conventional Fishing Reels

KastKing Centron Spinning Reel

KK-Centron 500-1
Centron
Size 500
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel Cover
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel, Size 500 Fishing Reel

Transform into a pro angler with KastKing Centron Spinning Reel. Its lightweight and narrow graphite frame design, combined with a computer balancing system, deliver high-performance in a compact size. With incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs, the Superior Drag System offers smooth and reliable performance. The reel has nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing for ultra-smooth performance. The high strength two-color anodized aluminum spool has a power launch lip for longer casts and holds more line than competitor's models. The attractive, brilliant finish adds durability to the reel, making it a great gift for anyone who loves fishing.

What We Like
Smooth drag system
Sturdy build quality
Affordable price
Lightweight and comfortable
Versatile for different fish sizes

Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel

Piscifun-RL003-CA
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel Cover
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reels, Lightweight 9+1BB Ultra Smooth Spinning Fishing Reels, Carbon Fiber 19.8Lbs Max Drag, 500, Red

The Piscifun Flame Reel is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a lightweight option, weighing just 6.1 ounces, making it easy to transport on your fishing trips. With a strong drag power of 19.8 pounds, it gives you the strength needed to catch larger fish. The reel's sleek design features a matte black body with a striking red aluminum spool, adding a modern touch to your fishing gear. Additionally, its smooth operation comes from 9 ball bearings and precision gears, ensuring effortless casting and reeling that enhances your fishing experience.

What We Like
Smooth casting and reeling
Affordable price
Attractive design
Strong build quality
Performs like high-end reels

KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel

KK-CE BC-All-2
A:White-Right-7.1:1
KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel Cover
KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Fishing Reels, 7.1:1 Gear Ratio, Right Handed Reel, White

The KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel is an ultra-light and ultra-powerful reel designed for longer casts. It features 5 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, a 10-magnet braking system, and a maximum drag of 15.4 LB. The CNC Anodized Aluminum Spool has Standard Braided Line Capacity LB/Yds 12LB/180Yds, 15LB/145Yds, 20LB/120Yds, Standard Mono Line Capacity LB/Yds 8LB/90Yds, 10LB/80Yds, 12LB/55Yds. This reel is perfect for anglers looking for longer casting distance and a smooth, reliable performance.

What We Like
Lightweight and compact design
Smooth and long casting
Easy to adjust and use
Excellent value for price
Durable build quality
#TOP 4

Piscifun Chaos XS Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Piscifun-RL178-R
Blue
Piscifun Chaos XS Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover
Piscifun Chaos XS Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Reinforced Metal Body Round Baitcaster Reel, Smooth Powerful Saltwater Inshore Surf Trolling Reel, Conventional Reel for Catfish (60 Right Handed)

The Piscifun Chaos XS Reel is a professional grade round baitcasting fishing reel designed to meet the demands of the most hardcore angler. It features a CNC caved, anti-line skip aluminum spool, making spooling much easier. The 7075 aircraft grade aluminum frame reduces the weight of the reel by 10% without sacrificing strength and durability. With precision cut brass gears and stainless steel ball bearings, this reel ensures long lasting performance. The innovative cast technology and centrifugal brake deliver superior casting performance, promoting smoother and longer casting distances while reducing the chance of backlash. The recessed reel foot helps maintain a low profile on the rod for easy palming and casting. The oversized nonslip rubber grips, clicker alarm, and easy access thumb-bar provide additional convenience. The Premium Carbon Fiber Drag System, paired with a Japanese Haimai-Cut brass main gear, offers up to 22 pounds of stopping power to handle trophy fish. With premium 6+1 double shielded stainless steel ball bearings, the Piscifun Chaos XS Reel operates smoothly, ensuring an enjoyable fishing experience.

What We Like
Professional grade
Innovative cast technology
Low profile design
Powerful drag system
Super smooth operation

KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel

AMKK-KRLSCABR-S30BK-1
Model 30
KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel Cover
KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.

The KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel is a high-performance reel with a stainless-steel dual pickup system, 4.0:1 gear ratio, and 5 stainless-steel double shielded ball bearings. It features an aluminum reversible double paddle handle with durable rubber grips and comes pre-spooled with 160 yards of 10 lb test KastKing Premium Monofilament fishing line. It's perfect for freshwater fishing with #10 test or less monofilament line.

What We Like
Smooth casting
Solid build quality
Long casting distance
Easy to use
Good value

Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel

202MBK
Black
Size 30 Reel
Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel Cover
Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black, Clam Packaging

The Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel is a great choice for both beginner and experienced anglers. It features a patented no-tangle design, simple push-button mechanics, and a 2.8:1 gear ratio for a smooth retrieve. The reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a durable, tough-yet-sleek design. It is pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line and features a right-hand retrieve. The long-lasting stainless steel pick-up pin is corrosion resistant, making it perfect for many fishing adventures.

What We Like
Great value for money
Easy to use
Ideal for beginners and kids
Smooth drag and retrieve
Durable and reliable

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Piscifun-RL114-R
Black & Red
7.1:1
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel 18LB Carbon Fiber Drag 7.1:1 Baitcasters Unequaled Affordable High-tech Innovation Baitcast Fishing Reels Right Handed

The Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Fishing Reel is a powerful and durable reel that simplifies operation with its magnetic braking system. It has a fast retrieve and two gear ratios to choose from, 5.3:1 and 7.1:1, making it suitable for a variety of techniques. It also features a unique side-plate oil port for easy maintenance.

What We Like
Affordable price
Good casting performance
Lightweight and compact
Easy adjustments
Durable with regular use

KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel

KRLSPNMT-S60GM-5
Black
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel Cover
KastKing Megatron Spinning Fishing Reel,Size 6000

The KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel is a powerful and durable reel that is perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing. It features a rigid aluminum skeletal frame, pro-level quality gears, a smooth carbon fiber drag system with over 30 lbs of run-stopping power, and 7+1 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings. Customers are impressed with the build quality and smooth performance of the reel, making it a great budget option for anglers of all levels.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Smooth operation
Great value for price
Durable materials
Strong drag system

KastKing Brutus Baitcasting Fishing Reel

KK-BR BC-C-2
Right Handed-7.2:1
KastKing Brutus Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover
KastKing Brutus Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 7.2:1 Gear Ratio, Right Handed

The KastKing Brutus Baitcasting Fishing Reel is designed to provide an exceptional value and performance for anglers. It features a one-piece rigid graphite frame and lightweight graphite side plates that offer reliable performance and durability for long life. The reel is equipped with an extra-hard stainless steel main shaft, Hamai precision machined brass gears, and a three carbon fiber drag washers that delivers a fishing stopping 17.8 lbs of drag. With its 7.2:1 high speed gear ratio and 10 button magnetic braking system, the KastKing Brutus provides smooth and versatile performance that is easy to control for all-day fishing comfort.

What We Like
Lightweight graphite frame
High-speed 7.2:1 gear ratio
Smooth operation with ball bearings
Effective magnetic braking system
Robust carbon fiber drag
#TOP 10

KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel

KK-Sharky III SP 3000
5.2:1-Sharky III
3000
KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel Cover
KastKing Sharky III Spinning Fishing Reel,Size 3000

Experience the power of the next-gen KastKing Sharky III spinning reel, built to land trophy fish in both saltwater and freshwater. The high percentage fiber reinforced graphite body and rotor make it superbly lightweight, while the triple disc carbon fiber drag and precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears provide up to 39.5LBs / 18KG of pure power. The Sharky III's unique protection water-resistant design keeps water and dirt out, and its Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool eliminates the need for backing line when spooling on braid fishing line. With 10+1 high-quality, saltwater-rated double shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant lock anti-reverse, stainless steel hardware, aluminum handle, and more line capacity, the Sharky III is affordable innovation at its best.

What We Like
Great value for the price
Smooth operation and retrieval
Durable and resistant to corrosion
Lightweight yet sturdy design
Braid ready aluminum spool
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do people use conventional fishing reels?

People use conventional fishing reels because they offer several advantages. These reels have massive gears, multiple speeds, and a large drag system, which makes them durable and capable of handling big fish with ease.

2. Is a conventional reel better than a spinning reel?

The superiority of a conventional reel over a spinning reel depends on the specific fishing needs. Conventional reels are lighter, cast farther with the right lure, and have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of failure when battling large fish.

3. Do conventional reels cast further?

Yes, conventional reels have an advantage when it comes to casting distance. They can handle heavier lines and lures, allowing for longer casts and targeting bigger, stronger fish. Their drag systems also provide superior stopping power, making them suitable for challenging fishing scenarios.

4. Can you jig with a conventional reel?

Jigging with a conventional reel is possible, and it doesn't require a super-high speed reel or 2-speed capability. Most anglers using conventional reels for jigging catch fish under 30 pounds, but a few pushing the limits have found success with 2-speed reels.

5. Why do pro fishermen use baitcasters?

Professional fishermen often use baitcasters for their ability to handle heavier lines and achieve longer casts compared to spinning gear of the same size range. Baitcast reels are commonly used by bass anglers with line weights ranging from 14 to 17 pounds.

Editor's Notes

During our conventional fishing reel research, we found 24 conventional fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 163,555 customer reviews through our big data system to write the conventional fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose conventional fishing reels with an average price of $28.55.

The conventional fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of conventional fishing reels, including KastKing, Piscifun, Zebco. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 877 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.