Which Spinning Reel is Right for You? Expensive vs Cheap

When it comes to lure fishing, the spinning reel is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll buy and for many anglers, the big question is always the same: Do I really need to spend hundreds of pounds, or will a budget reel do the job just fine?

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Let’s break it down so you can make the right choice for your fishing style, your budget, and your peace of mind.

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All Spinning Reels Do the Same Basic Job

At the end of the day, every spinning reel, whether it costs £25 or £800, is designed to cast your lure and retrieve your line. That’s it. Just like cars get you from A to B, a reel’s job is simple.

However, just like cars, the difference lies in the quality of the materials, the features, the smoothness, and how long they’ll last.

Why Is There Such a Huge Price Range?

Walk into a good tackle shop and you might see over 100 different spinning reels, with prices ranging from less than £30 to nearly £900.

So what’s the difference? Here are the main factors:

Materials & Engineering: Higher-end reels are built from stronger, lighter materials like carbon composites, magnesium, or even titanium. These help reduce weight while improving strength and corrosion resistance.
Bearings & Smoothness: A budget reel might have one or two ball bearings. A premium reel can have 10 or more, making the retrieve ultra-smooth and consistent.
Durability: Premium reels often include sealed systems (like Daiwa’s ‘Mag Sealed’) that protect gears and bearings from grit, salt, and water. This dramatically increases lifespan and reliability — especially if you fish saltwater.
Weight: Expensive reels are usually lighter. That may not sound like much, but when you’re casting all day, the difference between a 250g reel and a 175g reel can really add up in comfort.

How Much Should You Spend?

Your budget comes first. If you can only afford a £30 reel, that’s absolutely fine! A well-looked-after budget reel will still catch you plenty of fish.

However, if you can stretch your budget a little, you’ll often find big gains in quality for small extra costs. For example, spending £10–£20 more might get you smoother gears, a few extra bearings, or better corrosion protection.

Spinning Reels – Budget to Expensive

Below are just a few examples of some of the spinning reels we stock to suit everyones budget. We obviously stock many more reels but we’ve picked these as a good variety based on budget.

Spinning Reels (Budget to Expensive)	Price
Shimano FX FC Spinning Reels	£24.99
Daiwa 20 Crossfire LT Spinning Reels	£49.99
Fox Rage TR Spinning Reels	£149.99 – £159.99
Gunki Chooten Cut FV Spinning Reels	£184.99
Shimano Stradic Spinning Reels 23	£204.99 – £219.99
Shimano Vanford FA 24 Spinning Reels	£249.99
Shimano Stella FK 22 Spinning Reels	£629.99
Daiwa 22 Exist LT Spinning Reels	£778.50

It Won’t Make You a Better Angler

A common myth is that an expensive reel will make you a better fisherman. It won’t. But it can make fishing more comfortable, help you cast more easily, and reduce issues like tangles or grindy gears.

That said, plenty of anglers fish happily for years with budget reels, the key is maintenance. Keep your reel clean, rinse it if you fish in saltwater, and store it properly.

Think About Looks & Balance Too

Reels aren’t just about function. Many anglers want their reel to look good on their rod too, the cosmetics matter! Some people simply don’t like the look of certain models, even if they’re the ‘best’ technically. That’s fine, if you love your setup, you’ll enjoy fishing more.

Also, think about balance. A very heavy reel on a light rod can feel awkward. Sometimes spending a bit more gets you a lighter reel that pairs better with your rod.

A Final Tip: Talk to Your Tackle Shop

If you’re unsure, ask. Good tackle shops will let you handle different reels, feel the weight, the smoothness, and see how they sit on your rod. Many shops are happy to compare models side by side and help you find the sweet spot for your budget.

The Bottom Line

✅ Buy what you can afford.
✅ Look after it properly.
✅ Balance it with your rod.
✅ Don’t assume expensive means better catches — it means better materials, smoother operation, and longer lifespan.

Whether you’re buying your first reel or looking to upgrade, remember: fish don’t care what reel you use but your comfort, confidence, and enjoyment definitely will.