Best Anti-Reverse Spinning Fishing Reels of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 29, 2026

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Anti-reverse spinning fishing reels are a great addition to any angler's gear collection. These reels are designed with a one-way clutch system that prevents the handle from spinning backwards, ensuring a smooth and reliable retrieval of your catch. They also feature a durable construction and high-quality components that make them resistant to wear and tear, allowing for long-lasting performance. Anti-reverse spinning fishing reels are ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your specific needs and preferences.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shakespeare Contender Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 1
Shakespeare Contender Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 2
RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
RESTCLOUD GX1000 Spinning Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 3
RESTCLOUD GX1000 Spinning Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Anti-Reverse Spinning Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

Shakespeare Contender Fishing Reel

Shakespeare
CONT220B
Black
Old Model
Shakespeare Contender Fishing Reel Cover
Shakespeare Contender Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 20, Instant Anti-Reverse, Oil Felt Front Drag System, Durable Aluminum Spool

The Shakespeare Contender Reel is designed for anglers seeking durability and performance without overspending. Its 5.2:1 gear ratio strikes a perfect balance between power and speed, making it easier for you to tackle tough fish. With four stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse, you can enjoy smooth operation during your fishing trips. The oil felt front drag system ensures you maintain a steady and adjustable drag, allowing you to adapt easily to the size and strength of your catch. This reel is a reliable companion for any fishing adventure.

What We Like
Durable construction
Smooth operation
Easy drag adjustment
Good value for money
#TOP 2

RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel

3000
RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel Cover
Spinning Fishing Reel for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing, Anti-Reverse with Front-Adjustable Drag, 5.2:1 Gear Ratio, 3 Ball Bearings (GF3000)

The RESTCLOUD Spinning Reel is designed for durability and performance, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its titanium-nitride plated bail wire and aluminum spool ensure that it can withstand the toughest conditions and the biggest catches. The Instant Anti-Reverse feature allows you to set the hook firmly, giving you confidence as you reel in your prized fish. With a lightweight ported spool, this reel is easy to handle, and the convertible left/right handle means you can customize it to your preference. Enjoy a smooth fishing experience with every cast!

What We Like
Durable construction
Smooth operation
Lightweight design
Customizable handle
Versatile fishing options
#TOP 3

RESTCLOUD GX1000 Spinning Fishing Reel

GX1000
Muliti Color
1000
RESTCLOUD GX1000 Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Spinning Fishing Reel for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing, Anti-Reverse with Front-Adjustable Drag, Aluminum Alloy Cup, 5.1:1 Gear Ratio, 13+1 Ball Bearings (GX1000)

The RESTCLOUD GX1000 Reel is built to handle tough fishing conditions with its strong titanium-nitride coated bail wire and durable aluminum spool, ensuring it lasts through your biggest catches. You’ll appreciate the smooth and reliable performance thanks to its Instant Anti-Reverse clutch, which prevents the handle from moving backward, helping you set hooks firmly. The reel’s 13 high-quality ball bearings offer a silky smooth feel, making your fishing experience more enjoyable. Plus, the lightweight design with a ported spool and the option to switch the handle between left or right makes it comfortable and easy to use for any fishing style.

What We Like
Titanium-nitride coated bail wire
Durable aluminum spool
Instant Anti-Reverse clutch
13 ball bearings for smoothness
Left/right handle convertible
#TOP 4

RESTCLOUD GX5000 Spinning Fishing Reel

GX5000
5000
RESTCLOUD GX5000 Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Spinning Fishing Reel for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing, Anti-Reverse with Front-Adjustable Drag, Aluminum Alloy Cup, 5.5:1 Gear Ratio, 13+1 Ball Bearings (GX5000)

The RESTCLOUD GX5000 Reel is built tough with a titanium-nitride coated bail wire and a durable aluminum spool, so you can trust it to handle big catches without wearing out. Its Instant Anti-Reverse clutch technology prevents the handle from spinning backward, giving you a strong hookset when reeling in fish. You can easily switch the handle for right- or left-hand use, making it comfortable no matter your preference. Plus, with 13 ball bearings, this reel offers a smooth and reliable operation that will make your fishing trips more enjoyable and efficient.

What We Like
Durable titanium-nitride bail wire
Strong aluminum spool
Instant Anti-Reverse clutch
Convertible handle
13 ball bearings
#TOP 5

Shakespeare® Contender® Spinning Reel

Shakespeare
CONT260B
Black
Old Model
Shakespeare® Contender® Spinning Reel Cover
Shakespeare Contender Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 60, Instant Anti-Reverse, Oil Felt Front Drag System, Durable Aluminum Spool

The Shakespeare® Contender® Spinning Reel is a lightweight and durable fishing reel that features 3 ball bearings, instant anti-reverse bearing, ported spool, oversized magna bail wire (on select sizes), and left/right convertible handle. The on/off anti-reverse provides convenience and ease of use while fishing.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Multiple ball bearings for smooth operation
Select sizes feature oversized magna bail wire for increased durability
#TOP 6

KastKing Centron 4000 Spinning Reel

KK-Centron4000
Centron
Size 4000
KastKing Centron 4000 Spinning Reel Cover
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel, Size 4000 Fishing Reel

The KastKing Centron Reel offers a smooth and powerful fishing experience with its strong drag system, allowing you to handle fish up to 17.5 pounds with ease. Its lightweight yet durable aluminum spool helps you cast farther and keeps your line evenly distributed, making your fishing trips more efficient. Inside, the reel features nine quality ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing, ensuring smooth and reliable performance every time you reel in. Plus, its sleek two-tone design not only looks great but also provides added strength and durability, making it a great choice for anglers who want both style and function.

What We Like
Strong drag system
Durable aluminum spool
Smooth ball bearing performance
Attractive two-tone design
#TOP 7

Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel: Multi-disc Drag, Anti-Reverse Roller Bearing, and More

C-10
Black/Red
C-10, 110yd-4LB
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel: Multi-disc Drag, Anti-Reverse Roller Bearing, and More Cover
okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel Size 10 - 5Lb Max Drag Pressure, Black/Red

The Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel Size 10 is a top-notch fishing reel with multi-disc, oiled felt drag system that can handle up to 5-lbs of max drag pressure. It also features a quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing, precision machine cut brass pinion gear, and a machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool. With a monofilament line capacity of up to 210/2 (0.12), 110/4 (0.17), and 70/6 (0.22), this reel is perfect for fishing enthusiasts who want a reliable and efficient reel.

What We Like
Efficient multi-disc drag system
Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing
Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool
Can accommodate various line capacities
#TOP 8

Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel

33MCN.BX6
Silver/Black
Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel Cover
Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel, Quickset Anti-Reverse with Bite Alert, Smooth Dial-Adjustable Drag, Powerful All-Metal Gears with a Lightweight Graphite Frame,Silver/Black

The Zebco 33 Micro spincast reel is a great choice for both beginners and experienced anglers. It features a lightweight graphite frame, stainless steel covers, a MicroFine dial-adjustable drag, and a patented no-tangle design. The reel also has a Quickset anti-reverse clutch, a 4.3:1 gear ratio, and dual ceramic pick-up pins for a smooth retrieve. It comes pre-spooled with 4-pound of Zebco Cajun line, making it ready to use right away.

What We Like
Operates smoothly
Good quality for price
Child-friendly design
Easy to replace
Durable with upgrades
#TOP 9

PENN Wrath II Fishing Reel

Black/Gold
5000
PENN Wrath II Fishing Reel Cover
PENN Wrath II Saltwater Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 5000, Right/Left Handle Position, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Body, Machined Anodized Aluminum Spool

The PENN Wrath II Reel is designed for anglers who value reliability and strength. Its lightweight graphite body resists corrosion, ensuring durability in harsh saltwater conditions. With a gear ratio of 5.6:1, you can quickly recover line, making it easier to reel in your catch. The 2+1 stainless steel bearing system provides smooth operation, especially when battling tough fish. Additionally, the felt front drag system allows for fast start-ups and can handle a maximum drag of 20lbs, giving you confidence when fighting bigger fish.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant body
Quick line recovery
Smooth operation
High maximum drag

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
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I use the anti reverse on spinning reel?

It is a good one. Anti-Reverse on a spinning reel is a feature that prevents the reel from turning backwards and engages the drag. Some reels come with an Anti Reverse switch that allows the angler to choose whether it is engaged or not.

2. What does an anti reverse switch do on a spinning reel?

The final component to understand on your spinning reel is the anti-reverse switch. This feature is typically located at the bottom of the reel and can be a helpful tool when fighting fish. This switch allows you to backreel, or reel in reverse, rather than relying on your drag system for line tension.

Editor's Notes

During our anti-reverse spinning fishing reel research, we found 24 anti-reverse spinning fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 92,229 customer reviews through our big data system to write the anti-reverse spinning fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose anti-reverse spinning fishing reels with an average price of $31.28.

The anti-reverse spinning fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of anti-reverse spinning fishing reels, including Shakespeare, RESTCLOUD, KastKing, OKUMA, Zebco. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.