Best Fishing Reels: Our Tops Picks for 2023
So, you’re interested in buying a new fishing reel? whether it be to replace your current reel, add to your collection or make your first purchase; Here are a few things to look for that may help you choose the right one.
This information will be focused on choosing a reel specifically for Coarse Fishing on a pond, lake, river or canal. If you’d like to read more about the different types of fishing reels available, then you may find this article interesting – .
There are two brands that have dominated the Coarse fishing reel market for the past couple of decades, they are Shimano and Diawa. There are other brands that make exceptionally well-built reels, but when it comes to selection, Shimano and Diawa are head and shoulders above the rest.
If you compare the models, and price range, of the reels that Shimano and Diawa produce; you can clearly see that they are in direct competition with each other. This is great as a consumer as these companies are striving to improve their technologies, producing quality reels at competitive prices.
Top Picks – Mid Range
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ FB (Click to check current Amazon price)
The totally renewed Stradic CI4+ can be considered to be a real treat for the enthusiastic angler.
Daiwa Team Daiwa TDR (Click to check current Amazon price)
This Team Daiwa TDR Reel is, simply put, the improved and updated version of the original TDR reel. Daiwa clearly knew this was one of their most popular reels for a reason, and gave it some hugely updated features.
Top Picks – Budget
Daiwa Ninja Match & Feeder (Click to check current Amazon price)
The Daiwa Ninja Match and Feeder Reels have, as the name suggests, been designed with match and feeder fishing in mind. There are five models available in this new range.
Shimano Stradic GTM RC (Click to check current Amazon price)
The pearl-white body cosmetic has become synonymous with Stradic, and the range is renowned for its combination of quality and performance.
Why I would choose the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ FB
The Stradic line, by Shimano, has several offerings, but the Ci4+ shares some features and technology found it reels of a much higher price bracket.
- Rotor – The Magnumlite Ci4 rotor is made from a carbon-based material that is ultralight and ultrastrong; it is rigid and very durable. This makes it an excellent material for a fishing reel. Even Shimano’s, top of the line, Sustain FG reels use this material for the rotor.
- Body – The body of the Stradic Ci4 is comprised from the same Ci4 material as the rotor, not only providing premium quality but also excellent durability and build quality, while maintaining a light and comfortable feel.
- X-Ship – Shimano’s X-Ship technology is a culmination of supportive bearings, to prevent gear twist and rotor flex, and also adding a diameter drive gear to provide 20% more power. This enables the reel to handle more force, thus heavier and stronger fish.
- Bearings – By incorporating 6 shielded ball bearings and 1 roller-bearing, Shimano have managed to maintain an exceptionally smooth and light feel to an extremely durable reel.
- Sizes – There are 8 versions of the Ci4, providing plenty of choice for line capacity, drag and line retrieval ratio.
In conclusion, the Shimano Stradic Ci4 is an exceptional reel; it’s not in the budget category, but it won’t break the bank either. The build quality and durability means that this reel could be your main staple in your tackle selection.
The reel comes in variety of sizes so you could be well suited to purchasing a smaller size for fishing smaller water, or a larger size for bigger waters and dominating larger fish.
Features to Look for in a Quality Fishing Reel
- Spool – A hard wearing, durable spool is a significant factor in a reel. S spool made from a cheap plastic can easily wear and break and can, in some cases be costly to replace. Detachable spools also offer an advantage as you can use different weight lines on different spools, this gives you more options with the ability to use your favourite reel.
- Body/Frame – As with the spool, it’s important that a reel has is a made from strong and durable materials. Many manufacturers are now using unique blends to make the body strong, durable but also lightweight.
- Rotor/Gearing – The alignment and precision of the internal mechanism of the reel not only plays a factor in how smoothly a reel performs but also affects it’s longevity of working well under force.
- Bearings – Generally, the more bearings a reel has the better it performs and longer it lasts.
- Drag Systems – Whether you choose a reel with the drag system at the front or the rear of the reel; a decent drag system, such as those found on the Shimano Stradic Ci4 or the Diawa TDR, really sets a decent reel and a budget reel apart.
Where to Buy
The obvious choice, and first stop for most people with any purchase, would be Amazon. Amazon often have some great deals, especially around holiday seasons, such as Christmas and New Year. Amazon is also a great place to read reviews from other buyers.
AnglingDirect is also a personal favourite of mine when shopping online, they stock a huge range of all types of fishing tackle, including hundreds of poles.
If you prefer to shop in store rather than online, then I’d certainly recommend your local tackle shop. You may pay a higher price in store, but you get to actually get a feel for the reel, attach it to a rod and see how the weight fares etc. While a tackle shop may not stock as many as an online store, in most cases they will be able to order in a product if requested. Plus you have the added benefit of supporting a local business.