Best spinning reels 2025

Welcome to the best spinning reels 2025. This article summarises our favourite spinning reels on the fishing market. It covers a whole range of different classes, from the elite Stella and Exist to entry-level Siennas. Spanning a wide variety of budgets, brands, and applications. The range of reels on the market is almost endless and packed with different features to match their asking price. Let’s cover our favourites from high-end to entry-level.

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Best finesse spinning reels in 2025

When budget is no boundary, these are the best reels available. A steep price point, but in return, it has the best set of available features. These reels are lightweight, strong, amazing, and silky smooth. They offer superior balance when paired with high-end rods with top-of-range componentry. These high-end reels are generally priced from $700 and above. We are spoiled in 2024, as heavy hitters Shimano and Daiwa had new releases of their flagship reels, the Stella and the Exist—amazing options at a steep price point. The Daiwa Certate and Twin Power FD are great, affordable, high-end options. The Twin Power FD is often seen in retail shops at discounted rates.

In 2021, we welcomed a refresh of the Shimano Twin Power FD and the Daiwa Luvias Airity. Both are excellent reels. However, in 2024, we welcomed a refresh of the flagship reel series, the Shimano Stella FK and the Daiwa Exist 22. We have used both extensively and were very impressed with both. We’re seeing a trend of similar colours and styles by most brands going with a sleek yet almost plain silver finish. These reels have unparalleled light weight and performance. After extensively testing the reels in the list, we couldn’t help but lean towards the Stella FK as a top pick, and the Daiwa Certate continues to be the best value pick. In 2024, the Airity was refreshed for the third time in as many years. The new 23 model is stylish, lightweight and has an exceptional drag.

Shimano Stella FK ( RRP $1,389 )
Daiwa 22 Exist ( RRP $1,179 )
Shimano Twin Power FE ( RRP $819 )
Daiwa 23 Airity ( RRP $799 )
Daiwa Certate 24 ( RRP $659 )
Daiwa Luvias ( RRP $479 )

Watch FishingMad road-testing the new Shimano Stella FK in a frantic fishing session of punishment.

Best offshore saltwater spin reels in 2025

If you want to target bigger bluewater offshore fish, look no further; these are the best reels available. Yes, again a high price point but in return the best set of available features. These reels are strong, smooth, and look amazing. They offer superior balance with high-end rods and top-of-range componentry. These reels will target anything from Kingfish, Tuna, Snapper, Gummy Sharks, and much more. The primary difference with these reels is that they are built with higher protection against saltwater damage. Using IPX6 and IPX8 waterproofing technology. We’re also seeing that, over time, the weight of these reels has reduced, making them more comfortable to use. The Shimano Stella has been considered the Rolls-Royce of saltwater spin reels for many years. Today, however, there is some stiff competition, with the Daiwa Saltiga growing in popularity and more affordable options such as the Shimano Saragosa SW, Penn Slammer IV, and Daiwa Certate SW being a go-to choice for many anglers.

Shimano Stella SW ( RRP $1,759 )
Daiwa Saltiga 25 ( RRP $1,499 )
Daiwa 24 Certate SW ( RRP $849 )
Shimano Twin Power SW ( RRP $799 )
Shimano Stradic SW-B ( RRP $449 )
Daiwa Saltist ( RRP $429 )
Shimano Saragosa SW ( RRP $429 )
Penn Slammer IV ( RRP $369 )

Watch our video review of the Shimano Saragosa SW vs the new Stradic SW. Both are great, affordable saltwater reels.

Best inshore spin reels 2025

If you’re looking to target inshore species such as snapper, gummy sharks, and kingfish, look no further. These reels are strong, smooth, and look amazing, but they come in smaller profile sizes with certain species in mind. You will notice some overlap between the inshore and offshore reels because affordable offshore reels like the Penn Slammer and Shimano Saragosa are excellent inshore options.

Daiwa Certate SW ( RRP $799 )
Shimano Twin Power XD ( RRP $799 )
Shimano Stradic SW-B ( RRP $449 )
Daiwa Saltist MQ ( RRP $479 )
Shimano Saragosa SW ( RRP $429 )
Daiwa Saltist ( RRP $429 )
Penn Slammer IV ( RRP $369 )
Daiwa BG MQ ( RRP $299 )
Pen Battle III ( RRP $199 )
Penn Conflict II ( RRP $159 )

Watch FishingMad punish a new Penn Slammer IV on some big Western Port Sharks

Best spin reels under $500

Massive demand for reels with a mid-range price point but a high set of features exists. These are the highest-selling tier of all fishing reels in today’s market. With rising costs, consumers are demanding a balance of affordability and performance. Thankfully, we have no shortage of options here, which you will find at all major fishing retailers and specialized tackle stores. The Shimano Vanford has become a very popular choice. We have used it extensively since its release, and it’s grown on us. Historically, the Stradic and Luvias are some of Australia’s highest-selling reels year after year. But we have seen the Luvias move into the higher price tier, and the Vanford supersedes the Stradic in some ways. The Daiwa Revelry, built upon the success of the Certate, was released in 2021 and has also been a popular choice.

Shimano Sustain FJ ( RRP $499 )
Daiwa Revelry ( RRP $499 )
Shimano Vanford FA ( RRP $399 )
Shimano Vanford ( RRP $349 )
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ ( RRP $299 )
Abu Garcia Revo MGXtreme ( RRP $449 )
Shimano Sustain ( RRP $359 )
Daiwa TD Sol MQ ( RRP $399 )
Daiwa TD Black MQ 21 ( RRP $309 )
Shimano Miravel ( RRP $249 )

Watch our video review of the Shimano Vanford, which has recently superseded the popular Stradic C14+ reel.

Best spin reels under $200

Sitting between entry-level and mid-level, these reels are very capable of catching quality fish. These would be the best bang for your buck and sell for $200 or less. These reels are perfect for beginners or those looking for pure affordability. These reels generally have fewer bearings and less waterproofing technology than high-end reels and generally weigh a bit more. Beginner-class anglers cover a big portion of the buying audience. These reels are cheaper yet very capable. Again, big-name brands such as Shimano and Daiwa dominate this space.

Daiwa BG ( RRP $189 )
Shimano Nasci 22 model ( RRP $159 )
Savage Gear SG8
Penn Conflict 2 ( RRP $189 )
Ecoda Black Hawk 2 ( RRP $179 )
Okuma Helios SX ( RRP $199 )
Rapala R-Type ( RRP $159 )
Daiwa Exceller ( RRP $149 )
Penn Fierce IV ( RRP $149 )
Savage Gear SG6 ( RRP $139 )
Daiwa Legalis ( RRP $129 )

Best Reels Under $100

Surprisingly, these entry-level reels are still very capable of catching quality-size fish. Again, the market for reels of $100 and less is huge, and beginner-class anglers cover a big portion of the buying audience. These reels generally provide the basics to get you started. They generally have the fewest bearings and little waterproofing technology and weigh the most.

Daiwa Aird ( RRP $99 )
Shimano Sedona ( RRP $99 )
Shimano Nexave ( RRP $99 )
Savage Gear SG4 ( RRP $99 )
Ugly Stik Ugle Tough Reel ( RRP $99 )
Okuma Ceymar ( RRP $89 )
Shimano Catana ( RRP $89 )
Daiwa Laguna ( RRP $89 )
Shimano Sienna FG ( RRP $69 )
Daiwa CrossFire ( RRP $69 )
Abu Garcia Pro Max ( RRP $59 )

Best Reels for Squid Fishing ( Squid Egi Reels )

These reels are specifically designed to target squid. Generally, these reels are super smooth, come in single or double handle options, and are paired with longer rods. They provide a unique feel and design to get the most out of casting squid jigs. Often, high-speed reels wind in line quickly, and quick stop and start capability to precisely work squid jigs. That’s where a 6:2.1 ratio reel can come in handy for extra line tension between lifts of your squid jig—generally sold in 2500 and 3000 sizes. It’s also worth noting that if you wanted to you could use a generic spin reel and change the handle using Gomexus double-handle power knobs. I have done this with my Shimano Vanford, which has been great. Is it clever marketing, or is there a genuine space for dedicated egi reels? Well, that’s for consumers to decide.

Shimano Vanqusih 23 ( RRP $549 )
Daiwa emereldas Air FC LT ( RRP $549 )
Daiwa Emereldas Air LT ( RRP $499 )
Shimano Sephia BB 2021 ( RRP $299 )
Daiwa Emereldas MX ( RRP $399 )
Shimano Stradic ( RRP $299 )

Thanks for reading this best spinning reels 2025 article. You can purchase these reels at most fishing tackle stores. You can also see many fishing videos around Melbourne and Victoria. If you have any questions, corrections, or additions then please direct them to enquiries@fishingmad.com.au and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Best Spinning Reels 2025