Gear Guide: Spinning Reels under $100

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Gear Guide 2019

Abu Garcia Elite Max

One of the many key features on Abu Garcia’s Elite Max is its IM-C6 one-piece gear box, which houses computer-optimized gearing that’s not only highly efficient for controlled presentations but provides a lightweight and compact design for ease of use. In addition to featuring the company’s signature Rocket Spool Lip Design and Rocket Line Management system to deliver accurate casts, the Elite Max has a machined-aluminum spool that’s braid-ready plus a Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system for optimal stopping power.

Five sizes are available, they weigh from 7.9 to 13.3 oz, are offered with 5.6:1 - 6.2:1 gear ratios, and have 6 + 1 bearing systems. Choose from right or left hand retrieves, and various line capacities are available for mono and braided lines.

MSRP: $69.99 USD, www.abugarcia.com

Daiwa REVROS LT

While Daiwa’s Revros LT is tough to take on the most fiesty fish, it’s also light to allow for easy handling and casting. Models in the series range from 7.4 to 9.9 ounces thanks to its composite construction (while still providing solid framework for its strong gearing) and the company’s Air Rotor System that Daiwa says is 15 percent lighter than compatable rotors. You’ll also like the Revros LT’s ease of use with its machined aluminum handle that smoothly transfers power to the main gear, and the maximum drag rating ranges from 8.8 to 26.5 lbs.

Up to 12 rods are available, they weigh from 7.4 to 9.9 oz, are offered with 5.2:1, 5.3:1, and 6.2:1 gear ratios and have 4 + 1 bearing systems.

MSRP: Starting at 49.99 to 59.99 USD, www.daiwa.com

Penn Pursuit III

Offering durability at a great price, the 2019 Pursuit III features a lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite body, reliable HT-100 drag system, and the company’s Super Line Spool and gasket, which allows you to tie braided line directly onto the arbor of spool to prevent line slippage. If you’re wondering, the “HT” stands for high-tech and the “100” means that 100 miles of line can be run off without showing any wear on the reel’s carbon fibre drag washers. The Penn III includes many other high points including metal side plates to ensure the gears stay in precise alignment and four, shielded stainless steel ball bearings to provide smooth retrieves. All reels in the series are also available in combos, with the accompanying rods featuring Penn’s once-piece stainless steel Dura-Guides for added reliability.

Six reels are available. They weigh from 9.8 to 29.1 oz, are offered with 6.2:1 gear ratios, have 4 + 1 stainless steel bearing systems and line capacities range from 165/10 - 310/25 (mono) and 180/20 - 390/65 (braided).

MSRP: $39.99 to $69.99 USD, www.pennfishing.com

Shimano Catana FD

While Shimano’s Curado DC and Tekota 500 Levelwind reels received much of the lime light at 2018 ICAST, there were certainly other impressive models from the company as well. For instance, 2019 brings the updated Catana FD, which has a new, modern and striking black stealth design and a wealth of many Shimano designs. You’ll appreciate the FD’s Propulsion Line Management and 3-bearing systems, which combine to eliminate line twists and provide longer, smoother casts.  Drag ratings range from 7 – 19 lbs (depending on the model), while a die cast aluminum spool and zinc die-cast handle are other appointments.

There are 7 models are available, they weigh from 7.5 to 11 oz., are offered in 5.0:1 to 6.2:1 gear ratios and have 2 + 1 bearing systems. Retrieval rates in the series also range from 24 to 35 IPT.

MSRP: $59.99 CDN, http://fish.shimano.com/

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