Best Magnesium Fishing Reels of 2025

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

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Magnesium fishing reels are a popular choice among anglers due to their lightweight and durable construction. Made from a magnesium alloy, these reels offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them easier to handle and less fatiguing for extended fishing trips. They are also corrosion-resistant, ensuring that they can withstand exposure to saltwater and other harsh environments. Magnesium reels are available in a range of sizes and styles, from spinning reels to baitcasting reels, and are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Whether you're a novice or experienced angler, a magnesium fishing reel is a reliable and efficient tool for your fishing arsenal.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lew's HyperMag Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 1
Lew's HyperMag Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Tempo Expert Ultralight Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
Tempo Expert Ultralight Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Tempo Apex 3000 Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 3
Tempo Apex 3000 Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Magnesium Fishing Reels

Lew's HyperMag Spinning Reel

HMS300
Multi
One Size
Lew's HyperMag Spinning Reel Cover
Lew's HyperMag Spinning Fishing Reel, 6.2:1 Gear Ratio, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Magnesium Frame, Premium 11 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings

The Lew's HyperMag Reel is designed for anglers seeking a high-performance fishing experience. With its 11 stainless steel ball bearings, you can expect smooth operation and easy casting, enhancing your fishing trips. The Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing ensures that you maintain control during retrieves, preventing any backplay. Made with a lightweight magnesium frame and sideplate, this reel reduces fatigue, allowing you to fish longer without discomfort. Additionally, the double anodized aluminum spool is braid-ready, giving you the flexibility to use different line types efficiently.

What We Like
Smooth operation
Lightweight design
Control during retrieves
Braid-ready spool
#TOP 2

Tempo Expert Ultralight Fishing Reel

2000
Tempo Expert Ultralight Fishing Reel Cover
Tempo Expert Spinning Reels, Ultralight Magnesium Body Fishing Reel with Super Smooth 10+1 BB, 41LBs Carbon Fiber Drag Max, Aluminum Handle, 6.2:1 Gear Ratio for Freshwater Catfish Bass, Red

The Tempo Expert Reel is designed for avid anglers who seek reliability and performance. Its powerful drag system allows you to reel in big fish with ease, featuring carbon fiber discs for optimal braking. The heavy-duty magnesium body ensures durability, making it perfect for years of fishing trips. Enjoy ultra-smooth performance with its 10 ball bearings, enabling effortless retrieves even under heavy loads. Plus, the ergonomic aluminum handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing strain on your hand during long hours on the water.

What We Like
Strong drag system
Durable magnesium body
Smooth retrieves
Comfortable ergonomic handle
#TOP 3

Tempo Apex 3000 Spinning Reel

blue
Apex 3000
Tempo Apex 3000 Spinning Reel Cover
Tempo Apex Spinning Reel, Ultralight Premium Magnesium Body, Super Smooth Fishing Reel with 10 + 1 BB, Powerful and Durable Reel with Strong 39lb Max Carbon Fiber Drag

The Tempo Apex Spinning Reel, or Tempo Apex 3000 Spinning Reel, is a lightweight fishing reel with a strong magnesium body that ensures durability. With a 10 + 1 high-quality Japanese bearing system, it offers super smooth retrieval. The carbon drag system provides a powerful 39lbs drag force while remaining smooth. Its optimized spool lip design reduces line twists, wind knots, and enhances casting distance. The braid-ready machined aluminum spool prevents line slip during retrieval, making your fishing experience more enjoyable and efficient.

What We Like
Lightweight Magnesium Body
Smooth Japanese Bearing System
Powerful Carbon Drag System
#TOP 4

Zebco Bullet MG Spincast Fishing Reel

ZB30MG.BX3
Black
One Size
Zebco Bullet MG Spincast Fishing Reel Cover
Zebco Bullet MG Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Ultra-Lightweight Magnesium Body, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Oversized Non-Slip Handle Knob, Dark Silver

The Zebco Bullet MG Spincast Fishing Reel is the fastest spincast reel on the market, with an ultra-lightweight magnesium body and a patented no-tangle design. Effortless fishing is achieved with an instant anti-reverse clutch and 9 bearings for smooth casts and retrieves. With a 5.1:1 gear ratio and a triple-cam dial-adjustable disk drag with a max drag of 12-pounds, it is versatile for catching medium to heavy species like walleye, bass, catfish, and striper. The left- or right-hand retrieve gives an individualized fishing experience and the reel comes pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco line.

What We Like
Fastest spincast reel on the market
Ultra-lightweight magnesium body and patented no-tangle design
9 bearings and instant anti-reverse clutch for smooth casts and retrieves

Cadence Ultralight Spinning Reel

Black
Cadence Ultralight Spinning Reel Cover
CS8 Spinning Reel,Cadence Ultralight Fast Speed Premium Magnesium Frame Fishing Reel with 10 Low Torque Bearings Super Smooth Powerful Fishing Reel with 36 LBs Max Drag & 6.2:1 Spinning Reel

The Cadence Ultralight Spinning Reel is designed to give you an ultra-smooth and fast performance while weighing 34% lighter and 1.5 times stronger than aluminum. It has a carbon fiber drag system that delivers consistent pressure, 10 low-torque bearings, and a superior drag system offering incredible stopping power up to 20LBs. This high-performance premium fishing tackle is an excellent value for its price.

What We Like
Lightweight and strong
Smooth and fast performance
Powerful drag system
Great value for its price

Pflueger Supreme Spinning Fishing Reel, 30

SUPSP30X
Multi
Pflueger Supreme Spinning Fishing Reel, 30 Cover
Pflueger Supreme Spinning Fishing Reel, 30

The Pflueger Supreme Reel is a high-quality fishing reel specifically designed for spinning. With its 10 Bearing System, you can expect smooth and effortless casts. The Magnesium Frame makes it lightweight and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance. The Machined Aluminum Braid Ready Spool allows for easy and quick line changes, while the Sealed Drag provides consistent and reliable drag pressure. The Aluminum Handle offers a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle during long fishing trips. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, the Pflueger Supreme Reel is a reliable choice that will enhance your fishing experience.

What We Like
Smooth casting
Lightweight and durable
Quick line changes
#TOP 7

Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel Summary

SUPXTSP30X
Grey
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel Summary Cover
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel, 30, Multi

The Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel offers an 11 bearing system, a magnesium frame, a machined aluminum braid ready spool, a sealed carbon drag, and a carbon handle. The 11 bearing system provides a smooth and easy operation while the magnesium frame and carbon handle offer lightweight and durability. The machined aluminum braid ready spool allows for easy and quick line changes. The sealed carbon drag ensures consistent and reliable performance.

What We Like
11 bearing system for smooth operation
Magnesium frame and carbon handle for lightweight and durability
Machined aluminum braid ready spool for easy and quick line changes
#TOP 8

Cadence Vigor Spinning Reel

Vigor 2000
2000
Cadence Vigor Spinning Reel Cover
Cadence Vigor Spinning Reel - 9+1 BB Fishing Reel with Lightweight Magnesium Frame, Smooth Powerful Spinning Reels with High-Speed 6.2:1 Gear Ratio, 36 LBs Max Drag & Stronger Machined Handle (2000)

The Cadence Vigor Spinning Reel is a lightweight and durable fishing reel that offers a silky smooth fishing experience. It features 9 corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings, a magnesium frame, a carbon fiber body cover, and an ergonomic EVA knob. The Vigor also boasts a super power drag up to 20lbs, left/right hand interchangeable machined handle, a wave spring drag system, and an aluminum braid-ready spool. This high-performance reel comes at an unbeatable value, making it a great gift for any angler.

What We Like
Silky smooth fishing experience
Lightweight and durable magnesium frame
Super power drag up to 20lbs
#TOP 9

Cadence Primo Ultralight Spinning Reel

Blue Purple
4000
Cadence Primo Ultralight Spinning Reel Cover
Cadence Primo Fishing Reel,Ultralight Spinning Reel with Magnesium Frame,Super Smooth and Strong Freshwater Reel with Fast Speed,36 LBs Max Drag,11+1 Ball Bearing,6.2:1 Gear Ratio

The Cadence Primo Ultralight Spinning Reel comes with a magnesium frame, a 11+1 ball bearing system, and a carbon fiber drag system that can deliver maximum smoothness during retrieval. It is lightweight and powerful, has a max drag of 36lbs, and is strong and durable thanks to the aerospace aluminum 7075 main shaft and pionion. The optimized spool lip design reduces line twists and wind knots, and the oversized ergonomic EVA handle knob gives you all day comfort during the battle with fish.

What We Like
Smooth performance with 11+1 ball bearing system
Lightweight, yet powerful with max drag of 36lbs
Strong and durable with aerospace aluminum 7075 main shaft and pionion
#TOP 10

Tempo Apex Spinning Reel

silver
4000
Tempo Apex Spinning Reel Cover
Tempo Apex Spinning Reel - Ultralight Magnesium Body Fishing Reels Spinning with 10+1 BB, Carbon Fiber Max Drag 39 LBs, Smooth Fishing Reel with Aluminum Shaft and Handle for Bass Trout Catfish

Tempo Apex Ultralight Reel is a high-quality fishing reel that is perfect for long hours of fishing. Its advanced magnesium alloy frame, combined with an aircraft-grade aluminum main shaft and gears, makes it an extremely lightweight fishing reel that doesn't compromise on strength. With a 10+1 high quality ball bearing system that includes 4 well-known Japanese bearings, this reel provides maximum smoothness during line retrieval and casting. It also features a powerful drag system capable of producing 39 pounds of resistance to handle larger fish. The upgraded one-piece aluminum bail and optimized spool lip design reduce line tangles and wind knots, maximizing casting distance and smooth. The braid ready spool minimizes line slipping during retrieve, allowing for more flexible handling and faster response times.

What We Like
Ultralight and strong
Smooth line retrieval and casting
Powerful drag system
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our magnesium fishing reel research, we found 24 magnesium fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,611 customer reviews through our big data system to write the magnesium fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose magnesium fishing reels with an average price of $84.69.

The magnesium fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of magnesium fishing reels, including Lew's, Tempo, Zebco, Cadence, Pflueger. 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.