Gear Guide: Casting Reels Under $100

By Perry Mack

Lew’s Laser XL

This new conventional caster is a meaty little hitter at an affordable price. It is on the heavy side, but that’s because Lew’s has made the choice to build a durable price point reel rather than using cheaper lighter weight materials just to make the specs look good. You get anodized aluminum spool, frame, and side plates, and a brass main gear and crankshaft. Line control comes courtesy a carbon fibre drag system, centrifugal braking system with a 100mm handle that lets you tackle big fish at a small price.

One model available in right hand retrieve weighing 11.9 oz, with 3+1 bearings, holding 330/20 mono, with a max drag of 15 lbs, gear ratio of 4.2:1 for a retrieval rate of 18.7 IPT.

MSRP: $70 - lews.com

Quantum Nova Casting Reel

In the never-ending quest for an affordable, yet durable and good performing reel, Quantum releases the Nova in 2018. You get an aluminum frame, large EVA knobs and an internal centrifugal cast control.

Cost is controlled by offering this reel in just two versions, both are right hand retrieve with 5+1 bearings, 18 lb max drag and continuous reverse. Then choose between either 6.2:1 or 6.3:1 gear ratio, 21 or 29 IPT, 9.7 or 11.9 oz and 90/14 mono - 160/30 braid or 200/20 mono - 480/30 braid respectively.

MSRP: $80 USD - Quantumfishing.com

Abu Garcia Revo X

Now improved with a longer handle to generate more power, this bare bones edition of the Revo line, provides a lower price point, quality reel, and many of the same specs as the higher end versions – like gear ratios and retrieval rates. It’s a good value proposition if you are getting into your first baitcasting reel, it’s time to renew but it’s not your primary reel, or you just don’t get a chance to fish as often as you would like.

Three models are available in right or left hand retrieve weighing 7.4 oz, with 7+1 bearings, 175/10 mono – 100/50 braid, and max drag 18 lbs, gear ratios of 5.4:1 – 7.3:1, retrieval rates of 22 to 30 IPT respectively.

MSRP: $100 USD - abugarcia.com

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