Top Spinning Reel Brands You Need to Explore

In the ever-evolving landscape of fishing gear, selecting the right spinning reel can make a significant difference in your angling experience. With countless brands vying for attention, it's crucial to know which names consistently deliver quality and performance. From renowned international brands to innovative newcomers, the market offers a plethora of options that cater to both beginners and seasoned fishers alike. Curious to find out which brands made it to our curated list of the best spinning reels? Discover more below.

Illustration of spinning reels

Best brands of spinning reels in 2025

Shimano

Shimano is a leading brand in the fishing reel market, particularly renowned for its high-quality spinning reels. With a strong reputation for reliability and durability, Shimano's products cater to a variety of fishing styles and techniques. The company holds a significant market share, contributing more than 10% to the global fishing reel market, with spinning reels being the most popular type among anglers, holding around 31% of the market share. Shimano's innovative designs, such as the Miravel and Vanford spinning reels, feature advanced technologies like Hagane Gear, MagnumLite Rotor, and Cross Carbon Drag, enhancing performance and comfort for anglers. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a top player in the industry. For more information on bass spinning reels, visit their resource.

Daiwa

Daiwa is a leading producer of high-quality spinning reels, having introduced its first spinning reel in 1955 and since then, has become one of the largest and most influential tackle companies globally. Known for its innovation and quality, Daiwa has set standards in the fishing tackle industry, with a strong presence in markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The company's emphasis on precision engineering and advanced materials has made its products, like the Saltiga series, highly regarded among anglers. Daiwa's spinning reels, in particular, hold a significant market share, with the spinning reel sector accounting for 38.6% of the global fishing reels market revenue. Daiwa's commitment to innovation continues to drive the growth of the fishing reels market, expected to reach USD 7.9 billion by 2033.

Penn

Penn is a renowned brand in the fishing reel market, particularly esteemed for its high-quality spinning reels. The Penn Fierce, for example, is praised for its sheer strength, featuring stainless steel drive and pinion gears, an overbuilt frame, and a high-capacity spool, making it an excellent value for those transitioning to heavier fishing. Spinning reels, which dominate the market with a significant share, such as 35.0% in 2023, are favored for their versatility and ease of use, characteristics that Penn reels embody well. Penn's offerings, like the Penn Z series, are built to durable specifications, including brass and stainless steel components, making them suitable for various fishing conditions. With a long history of innovation, Penn continues to be a key player in the global fishing reels market.

Abu Garcia

Abu Garcia is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality spinning reels. Since its inception in 1932, the company has been at the forefront of innovation, as evident from the introduction of the Ambassadeur reel in 1952, which combined a free running spool with level wind and centrifugal brake. Over 33 million reels have been produced by Abu Garcia, with the Ambassadeur series remaining a staple among anglers. The brand's commitment to durability and performance is reflected in its wide range of products, including the Zenon Series, which boasts an aluminum frame and C6 carbon side plates. Abu Garcia's reels are favored globally, contributing significantly to the market share, especially in regions like North America where the brand is highly popular. For more information about their history and products, visit their website.

Pflueger

Pflueger is renowned as one of the top producers of spinning reels, particularly with their President model, which is highly praised for its reliability, durability, and smooth operation. The Pflueger President Spinning Reel features a lightweight graphite body, a stainless steel main shaft, and a 10-bearing system, making it a favorite among anglers of all skill levels. This reel is part of a broader market where spinning reels dominate, holding around 35.0% of the market share in 2023. The North American market, where Pflueger is prominent, accounts for over 61.7% of the global fishing reel market, driven by the popularity of recreational fishing. The Pflueger President's consistent performance and affordable price have made it an industry leader.

Okuma

Okuma is a prominent player in the global fishing reels market, particularly renowned for its high-quality spinning reels. Founded in 1986 by Charles Chang, Okuma has evolved from an OEM manufacturer to a major brand, especially in freshwater fishing disciplines. The company's innovative products, such as the Inspira ISX Spinning Reel, feature advanced technologies like Metal Torsion Control Armor (TCA) and Cyclonic Flow Rotor (CFR), enhancing stability, smoothness, and power. Okuma's spinning reels dominate the market, with the spinning reel segment expected to maintain its largest revenue share over the forecast period, driven by their ease of use, versatility, and durability. Okuma's global sales have surpassed those of conglomerates, positioning it as one of the "big three" manufacturers alongside Shimano and Daiwa.

Quantum

Quantum, celebrating its 40th anniversary, has reestablished itself as a premier producer of spinning reels, particularly in the saltwater market. Acquired by Rather Outdoors in 2021, Quantum is now part of a family of legendary brands including Strike King, Lews, and Zebco. The brand is set to release two new spinning reels, the Benchmark and Strive, at ICAST 2024, featuring innovative technologies like GEARTEQ machined gearing and CFX200 Carbon Fiber drag systems. These reels are fully sealed with an IPX6 rating, ensuring durability against saltwater and sand. The Benchmark and Strive reels are priced between $99.95 to $189.95 and are available in sizes 2500-8000. Learn more about how Quantum reels are back and saltier than ever.

Lew's

Lew's is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality spinning reels that combine innovation, durability, and user-friendly design. The brand's commitment to cutting-edge technology and product excellence has made it a favorite among anglers. Lew's spinning reels, such as the Lews Mach 2, are valued for their performance and reliability, contributing to the growth of the global fishing reels market, which is expected to reach USD 7.99 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2032.

KastKing

KastKing is renowned as one of the best producers of spinning reels, offering a range of high-quality products that cater to various fishing needs. Their spinning reels, such as the MegaJaws Elite and Speed Demon Elite, are designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, boasting features like hardened aerospace aluminum gears and advanced drag systems. These reels are praised for their balance, strength, and smooth performance, making them a top choice for anglers of all skill levels. For instance, the Speed Demon Elite spinning reel has a 7.4:1 gear ratio, providing one of the fastest retrieve speeds in the market. KastKing's commitment to innovation and durability has made their products highly popular among anglers.

Mitchell

Mitchell is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality spinning reels. The Mitchell 300 PRO, for instance, is a versatile and durable reel that excels in both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it a favorite among anglers targeting species like bass, walleye, and snook. With an MSRP of $69.95, it offers excellent value for its performance and features, including a carbon hybrid drag system that is self-lubricating and resistant to heat build-up. The spinning reel segment, which Mitchell dominates, accounts for 35.0% of the fishing reel market as of 2023, highlighting the brand's significant presence in the industry. Mitchell's commitment to delivering good products at fair prices has kept the brand competitive and popular among anglers.