Best Cheap Baitcasting Reels-Affordable Reels for 2024

If you’re on a search hunt for the best cheap baitcasting reels then it is important to first understand the use and working of a baitcaster reel in fishing.

Baitcasting is a method of fishing by using a revolving spool. For targeting heavy fish you need a durable and long-lasting reel and for that, a baitcasting reel is a perfect option.

A baitcaster is a reel that sits on top of a single-handed baitcasting rod with a trigger handle and a spool that is parallel to the rod. As compared to the spinning reel that fits underneath the rod, the baitcaster reel is the opposite.

Baitcasters are generally more advanced than the other types of reels. One reason is their rotating spool that doesn’t allow the line to twist during casting which creates longer distance and more precision.

The drag, braking system, and spool tension knob are the three main parts of a baitcasting reel. While fighting fish, drag is for setting and regulating the tension placed on the line. For controlling the spool’s rotation a braking system is designed in this reel and for adjusting the spool speed there is a tension knob.

If you want to buy a baitcaster there are things to consider and various factors involved to get a better understanding of what makes a good baitcasting reel.  Those factors are reel profile, gear ratio, spool size, braking system, drag system, weight, and price.

Top 7 Best Cheap Baitcasting Reels

In the following article, I will review and explain 7 of the best affordable baitcasting reels available on the market which have great features and advanced technology.

1-   Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel

First on the list of best cheap baitcasting reels is the Torrent baitcasting reel by the brand Piscifun. It is an effective addition to the world of baitcasters.

For a beginner, if you are looking for a baitcaster that has quality, high performance, and affordable price then this model is the best option. It is not only the cheapest but also the lightest among other baitcasters. However, its cheap price doesn’t show a reflection of its performance.

Now let’s discuss the body construction of this baitcaster and some of the features it possesses. A body frame that is built with a light carbon fiber feather provides compact quality to this model.

These light frames allow the weight of a reel which is 8 Ounces to reduce to a minimum. This can be done by using the combination of a V-grooved spool made from double anodized aluminium alloy.

If you are planning on fishing lures, this baitcaster reel with a gear ratio of 7.1:1 having a right-handed orientation is more than comfortable. It offers 18 lbs. drag which will improve your casting and you will be capable of pulling a heavy slab out.

For a low-profile body having the dimensions of ‎5.12 x 4.49 x 2.52 inches this baitcaster is specifically designed for versatile anglers. By using a super silent gear ratio speed, you can make fish go out of cover.

Furthermore, in this reel, the high-speed gears made of brass contain five stainless steel ball bearings. This bearing system and high-quality accuracy gears assure smooth casting giving you a wonderful experience. It works well even for a less experienced person with the durability of long-term performance.

Another impressive feature in this reel is a dual magnetic braking system that effectively slows down the spool to reduce the number of backlashes. Further to add, with this system you can get optimum casting results by changing the reel easily.

2-   KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel

If you are looking for a conventional reel that is affordable for trolling, bottom fishing, and inshore fishing then KastKing Round Rover is a perfect baitcasting reel that can be used both in saltwater and freshwater.

This reel is manufactured by the brand KastKing and is available in 40 to 90 versions. With the Right-Rover40 body color this reel is dominant for right-handed people.

From versions 40 to 60, 5.3:1 is the reel gear ratio. 4.2:1 for version 70, while 80 and 90 have a 3.6:1 gear ratio which is very low but necessary for some users.

With a stainless steel body material, this reel has been further strengthened by thick hard-anodized aluminium side plates. The presence of accurate brass gears has made the Round Rover reel even hotter and stronger.

Though this reel weighs only 0.4 kg, these increased side plates have made this baitcaster a little heavier. The smallest plate weighing 0.32kg/11.6oz and 0.64kg/22.6oz is the weight of the larger side plate.

Furthermore, as the name suggests this baitcaster is a round reel with a carbon fibre drag system. It ranges from 6.8kg/15lbs for smaller models and 13.6kg/30lbs for larger models. Due to Rover being a powerful reel, the drag performance is excellent.

Moreover, this Rover reel has double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings also available in various sizes for different models. Smaller sizes ranging from 40-60 contain 6+1 ball bearings while larger ones with sizes in the range of 70-90 have 4+1 ball bearings for smooth operation.

Another essential feature of this Round Rover is a 2-pin centrifugal braking system which is good for casting. Although a little difficult for a less experienced person but once you become the master of it, this reel will fulfill all of your needs.

So, if you are looking for a large and powerful baitcasting reel then you should consider this KastKing model. With dimensions of ‎5.35 x 4.76 x 3.07 inches, this baitcasting reel is considered the best baitcasting reel for beginners.

3-   Abu Garcia Black Max & Max X Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

When it comes to baitcasting reels, Abu Garcia Black Max is a classic baitcaster for fishing. This tough little gem is made by the legendary reel maker Abu Garcia. They have been known for making some of the best baitcasters available in the industry for many years.

This Black Max reel has dimensions of 7 x 5 x 3 inches. It is providing all the features to make it the best reel to handle demanding fishing applications.

With a 6.4:1 gear ratio of 66cm/26 inches per turn, this right-handed fishing reel can be used in various situations. Therefore, it is great for beginners.

For customizing casting capability, this unit possesses a strong magnetic brake system that operates well and doesn’t cause backlashes. This braking system is designed to give constant brake pressure that will improve the precision of your casting range.

Moreover, this low-profile reel has a reliable disc drag system with a maximum drag of 8.1kg/18lb. It makes the reel very smooth and provides you with a powerful drag for pulling a big fish.

In this baitcaster, there is a very user-friendly and effective double anodized spool is available. It is made from aluminium which could be a great choice. For getting comfort and power this reel comes with a strong grip and EVA handle also made of aluminium.

Another important feature to discuss in this reel is the presence of 4+1 stainless steel ball bearings. They are very well made for getting a reel that offers compactness. Its special design provides super smooth performance under every condition.

Best of all, this unit is made of a lightweight one-piece graphite frame. The presence of a graphite frame and side plates makes the reel quite lighter. Though the reel weighs 0.03kg which makes it a little harder but the difference is small enough that you don’t feel it.

This reel feels well and it is an excellent reel to start as a beginner. It is not only the smoothest but when it comes to pricing certainly on the list of best cheap baitcasting reels in the market.

4-   Daiwa Reels Cast Low Profile – LH FGCT100HL Fuego Low Profile baitcasting reel

For saltwater fishing, if you are searching for a reel, then the Daiwa baitcasting reel is the primary option. It is a good as well as cheap baitcasting reel with many important features.

If you look at the Daiwa baitcaster then you will realize that this is one of the best cheap baitcasting reels on the market. It is made by the famous Daiwa brand.

Daiwa reels have synthetic body material constructed from a lightweight aluminium frame. This palm-sized baitcaster weighing just 0.04 pounds is capable of any kind of fishing. For a smaller diameter baitcasting rod, this unit has side plates which are perfect to continue in any situation.

Furthermore, for enabling long and predictable smooth casts, this round reel provides a strong Magforce-Z cast control system. This left-handed orientation reel with a gear ratio of 6.3:1 has a 5+1 ball bearing system for giving quick line retrieve.

In addition to retrieving the line, this Fuego round reel with dimensions of 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.75 inches has a line capacity of 100 yards/16 pounds. So even if you are casting deep diving swimbaits, this baitcaster will provide you with a great deal of line.

Moreover, this best low profile baitcasting reel has a strong UTD carbon drag system with 13.2 lbs. of maximum drag. For providing easy control to the user, this Fuego baitcaster has comfort knobs. Also, the 90 millimeters swept reel handle for maximum relief so that you can enjoy a great fishing experience.

One thing is certain, this Daiwa reel is flawless and smooth and can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You can rest assured of long service life out of this reel.

5-   SHIMANO SLX Baitcasting Reels

If you are on a limited budget and looking for a reel that won’t cause a backlash, Shimano SLX is the best budget baitcasting reel. At a very affordable price, it is a high-quality baitcaster.

This Shimano reel with its low profile design casts a mile. It has dimensions ‎of 1 x 1 x 1 inch which makes it even better. It has features and advanced technologies that surely provide interest to you. This very smooth baitcaster is the recommended option for anyone who wants to start with bass fishing.

In making this reel, the Shimano Hagane body is used. It is considered the best innovation by the brand Shimano. This SLX model has excellent cranking power brass gears which give smoothness to this reel.

This reel is available with both right and left-handed models with three different gear ratios. For regular gear 6.3:1, 7.2:1 high gear, and 8.2:1 for extra-high gear. The first two gear ratios are versatile and perfect for those who can handle the baitcaster.

This baitcaster offers a smooth and dependable maximum drag of 12 lbs. Also to include the 3+1 ball bearings in this reel which because of their good structure are perfect to deliver extra smoothness.

For being lightweight (0.2 kg) and small in size, this low profile reel is capable of producing incredible line capacity with 150 yards of 20 lbs. braided line.

What I like the most about this Shimano baitcaster is the feature of a variable magnetic brake system. This (MBS) system eliminates the chances of backlashes to make it a perfect reel for beginners.

Another feature to mention in this baitcaster is a stable spool design. You can easily cast light lures with this reel but before spooling your fishing line, it is important to properly oil the spool tension knob.

6-   KastKing MegaJaws Baitcasting Reel

The KastKing MegaJaws is probably the only baitcaster that being lightweight is considered to be one of the best cheap baitcasting reels. It only weighs 0.82 pounds despite having an extremely powerful force and large size.

As compared to other typical baitcasters, this right-handed reel is about 20% lighter. So for anyone who wants to do fishing for long hours that is great news.

A body structure that is made of a non-corrosive aluminium frame is extremely hard, strong and durable. This is another reason for this reel’s lightweight and powerful nature.

Another feature that is surprising in this reel is the long casting distance. For a cheap baitcaster, its casting abilities are amazing providing a funnel-shaped line guide which has low friction.

The availability of 5 different colours with 5 different gear ratios (5. 4: 1, 6. 5: 1, 7. 2: 1, and 9. 1: 1) is another cool feature of this MegaJaws baitcaster. It will give you the option to choose the right reel for the job. 5.4:1 is the slowest gear ratio while 9.1:1 is the fastest covering all the latest fishing techniques.

Furthermore, this reel comes with a carbon fibre drag which is incredibly smooth with a maximum pressure of 17.6 lbs. To tackle a strong and aggressive fish is plenty enough. 11+1 stainless steel ball bearings provide smoothness to this reel. They are made with a double shield to avoid damage and corrosion.

For increasing line capacity, you can use a stainless steel aluminium spool. For adjusting the speed rotation of the spool, there is a dual braking system (centrifugal + magnetic) available that works well using lightweight lures to avoid backlashes and bird nests.

7-   Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel

Pfleuger President XT is another low-profile baitcaster with a low price but a lot of incredible features. It is made by the brand Pfleuger which is the oldest name in the fishing industry but the President XT is rather modern.

With one of the largest spools available in the market, this XT baitcaster provides you with extra line capacity which helps in fighting against big fish or when fishing in deeper waters.

It is an extremely durable reel with a body constructed from aluminium. Also, it is considered lightweight weighing around 7.7 oz. This reel includes a carbon drag though which is low as compared to other competitors but still offers smoothness and casting assistance. The maximum drag is 12 lbs.

In this butter-smooth reel, stainless steel 9-ball bearings with corrosion-resistant features in them are available. Also, in this low profile reel, for avoiding backlashes there is a conveniently adjustable magnetic braking system is used that controls the spool rotation.

Furthermore, 7.3:1 is the only gear ratio that this right-handed reel comes in with an incredible retrieving rate of 31 inches per turn. Moreover, this baitcaster provides a handle also made of aluminium. For great grip and control, there is a soft rubber knob attached to the handle.

These are the incredible features that make this President XT baitcaster among the list of best cheap baitcasting reels available in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1- What is the best baitcasting reel for beginners?

For a beginner, you should always look for a baitcasting reel that has a simple, solid and low profile design with a medium-fast gear ratio like a 6:3:1 or 6:4:1 that is easy to operate.

2- What are the reasons for choosing a baitcaster over a spinning reel?

For medium-sized and large scale fishing, baitcasting reels are the best-suited option. While spinning reels are kind of flimsy, though more comfortable to use but at the same time offer limited range over the casting.

3- What are the effects of backlash in a baitcasting reel?

When you install the reel out of the backlash, it is the most common cause of getting a backlash that will make the spool spin faster than the line can leave the spool. So when you use a baitcaster, always change the spindle tension so that the brakes in your reel can avoid backlash.

4- For What Fish are Baitcasting Reels Used For?

For heavier and more powerful fish species like catfish, muskies, salmon, and Northern pike, baitcasting reels are mostly used. Although you can use baitcaster for smaller fish for that you have to use smaller models.

5- Is braided line good for Baitcasters?

The best line for baitcaster fishing is the braided line but it is important to pick the right type of braid that should provide incredible strength to the braided line.

Conclusion:

Baitcasters are a suitable option for beginners and novice anglers. For accurate casting, getting better line control, and catching larger fish it takes a lot of practice to get used to these reels.

For continuous and efficient fishing, expensive baitcasting reels aren’t necessary. But having a high-quality reel with the right skill that can get you along really well is very crucial.

But to get the best baitcaster, you need to consider factors like body frame, gear ratio, drag, braking system, and the number of ball bearings. These features will help you to choose the best reel.

I have reviewed the 7 best cheap baitcasting reels with their incredible features, pros, and cons. Hopefully, the above article has explained all the advantages that you need to know before purchasing a baitcasting reel.

But you need to do your research before deciding on any model. Have a fantastic fishing journey!