Gear Guide: Spinning Reels Under $100

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By Steve Fennell

Quantum Drive

Casual anglers will appreciate the new Quantum Drive, not only for its affordable price tag, but for the solid construction and series of features. For instance, the Drive features the company`s Reel Engine Design (RED) system where the graphite body to build the Drive is in one gear box, offering a stable base for the drive gear and shaft, which in turn, provides a sturdy, solid body. The Drive is available in 5, 10, 20 and 30 reel sizes and a variety of combos are available with eight different IM7 graphite rods in lengths ranging from five feet, six inches to seven feet.

MSRP: Approx. $60 USD (with combo packages) - www.quantumfishing.com

Shimano Sedona F1

This is an entry level spinning reel that almost any angler will love. It has recovery rate of 26 inches per crank, a mono line capacity of 110 yards (six-pound test) plus a maximum drag rate of seven pounds. In addition to the Shimano G Free Body, which shifts the reel’s centre of gravity closer to the rod, the HAGNE gear system – that’s cold-forged for added strength –provides optimum smoothness and reliability. Another Shimano specialty is the Propulsion Line Management that’s geared to deliver longer casts, so you have a better chance of reaching that sweet spot. It’s also designed to reduce annoying backlashing and winds knots.

MSRP: From $70 USD - fish.shimano.com

Okuma Epixor XT

The Epixor XT spinning reel series is new for 2018 and feature graphite side plates and rotors, the company’s tough C-40X long-strain carbon fibre construction, and what Okuma calls a Torsion Control Armor frame, which all combine to offer one solid spinning reel. The XT`s slow oscillation helps with better line lay, while metal handle designs and machined aluminum two-tone anodized spools with LCS lips – that help reduce wind knots – are other features. The reels are available in 20, 30, and 40 sizes, each offering a 7+1 bearing system, a gear ratio of 5.0:1, and between 11 to 19 pounds of drag.

MSRP: $70 USD - www.okumafishingusa.com

Pflueger President

The 2018 Pflueger President has all of the impressive features as the 2017 series – such as the 10-bearing system, graphite body and rotor, and aluminum braid-ready spool – yet there are two significant improvements this year. The first change you’ll like is the sealed drag knob on top of the spool to increase durability, while the company also introduced slower oscillation for better line lay and to minimize line tangles. All five models in the series have 5.2:1 gear ratios, range in weight from 5.90 to 11.50 ounces, have a retrieval weight from 20.7 to 31.9 inches, and offer a maximum drag rate from 6.0 to 12 pounds.

MSRP: From $50-$60 USD - www.pfluegerfishing.com

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