Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 200

Fishing in saltwater is a whole lot different than regular water. The ionic solution in the water is rest assured to corrode any ordinary spinning reels you may use. Thus you need to have a saltwater compatible fishing reel to avoid any chance of damaging your reel and have a pleasant fishing experience.

But, what if you want one in a budget-friendly range? Fear not, as many reputed companies today develop saltwater fishing reels that do not trouble your wallet too much! Companies such as Shimano, Garcia, Kast-king, Abu-Garcia, etc. have used modern-day advanced technology to develop reels that are robust and sturdy at a reasonable price range. Many of these companies provide you with the best saltwater spinning reels under 200!

Don’t let the low price fool you, as these reels are exceptional in quality. Most people carry the misconception that budget-friendly reels cannot compete with fancy expensive ones. This is not entirely true. Even though it may lack in some quality compared to the high-end ones, the quality and build are equally exceptional. Sometimes the cheaper ones can give the costlier ones a run for their money.

With today’s ever-growing market, it is difficult to find good spinning reels. Thus, I will be explaining to you some of the best saltwater spinning reels under 200 that are available in today’s market. But before we dive into that, let us observe some factors that separate the good ones from the mediocre ones.

8 of the best saltwater spinning reels under 200 [top 8 Reviews]

Name of Product	Weight	My Rating
Shimano Stradic HG	0.7 Pounds	5/5		Check Price
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel	0.8 Pounds	4.5/5		Check Price
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel	0.4 Pounds	4/5		Check Price
Abu Garcia Revo SX	0.7 Pounds	4/5		Check Price
Kast-King Sharky III Fishing Reel	0.9 Pounds	4.5/5		Check Price
Penn Pursuit II and III Spinning Reel	0.7 Pounds	4/5		Check Price
Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile spinning Reel	0.6 Pounds	3.5/5		Check Price
Kast-King Summer and Centron Spinning Reel	0.6 Pounds	4/5		Check Price

1. Shimano Stradic HG

Specifications

Weight: 0.7 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearing Count: 6bb + 1rb
Maximum Drag: 24 lbs

Design

Shimano has developed The Stradic HG using advanced modern-day technology. The combination of Hagane cold forged drive gear with X-Ship provides a smooth and durable feel. The body is also sleek, which provides a better weight balance and reduces hand fatigue. Weighing around 0.7 pounds, it has a maximum drag capacity of 24 lbs. Shimano is well-known for its professional and reputed products, and this Stradic HG is a prime example of it. Every part of the Stradic HG has absolute precision and professionalism. I feel that this is one of the best saltwater spinning reels under 200.

Features

• The Stradic HG reel uses Shimano’s latest technology and is suitable for both novice and expert anglers. The X-ship technology improves durability by reducing friction between the spool shaft and gear. It helps in longer casts and improves casting performance.

• The strong and robust build provides long-lasting, and durable performance and smoothness for both offshore and inshore fishing activities.

• The reel contains a built-in Dyna-balance rotor and Fluidrive II system along with Shimano’s PLMS (Propulsion Line Management System) offers greater smoothness and casting opportunities without line management issues.

• Six ball bearings and one roller bearings add extra smoothness to the fishing reel.

Because of its unique and exciting features, it is one of the Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $200.

Pros

Cons

2. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel

Specifications

Weight: 0.8 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearing Count: 5bb + 1rb
Maximum Drag: 30 lbs

Design

The Penn Battle II is a full metal body making it relatively heavier than the others. The heavier body ensures that the reel doesn’t break even under immense pressure from the pressure. The reel contains heavy-duty aluminum bail wire which is muscular and robust which gets it included in our list of Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 200 dollars. With a weight of 0.8 pounds and a gear ratio of 6.2:1, it can hold a maximum drag of 30 lbs. Despite its lower cost, the build of the reel is top-notch, and it is one of the leading sellers in the market.

Features

• The HT-100 carbon fiber drag system uses carbon washers in place of typical felt washers, which increases durability and life-span of the reel. It also provides smooth and non-jerky drag under pressure of larger species of fish.

• The reel also comes with an instant anti-reverse feature which eradicates back play on the rotor while you are setting the hook. A one-way bearing contributes this in the design.

• The manufacturers have used heavy-duty aluminum bail, which does not wear out in a short time. Bad wire leads to inferior line management. However, the heavy-duty aluminum bail wire eradicates this problem.

• Five sealed ball bearings are stainless steel which protects the reel from corrosion and also adds smoothness while casting.

• The reel also comes with the super line spool feature. It is very beneficial when you are casting longer lines or catching bigger fishes. The rubber inlay in the spool also allows you to load the spool directly with braided line.

Pros

Cons

3. Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel

Specifications

Weight: 0.4 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearing Count: 10
Maximum Drag: 14 lbs

Another Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 200 dollars on our list is Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel.

Design

Pflueger is well-known for excellent manufacturing a long line of rods and reels for anglers. The Pflueger Supreme XT spinning fishing reel is another excellent manufactured product of the company. With just a weight around 0.4 pounds, manufacturers have designed this reel to cast very light baits. It has a maximum drag of around 14 lbs. Though used for many fishing techniques, it is mostly popular for finesse applications like drop shotting. Because of the high bearing count, the reel delivers an exceptional smooth drag and performance.

Features

• The reel has a magnesium body and rotor that eliminates hand fatigue even after fishing for hours.

• It also has braid ready aluminum spool with rubber ridges which prevent the line from twisting which eventually increases the life-span and durability of the reel.

• The Supreme XT reel features a carbon fiber handle and EVA handle knob for a smoother fishing experience. A sealed carbon fiber drag system which perches above the spool also increases performance and mobility.

• The reel also features Pflueger’s Sure-Click bail design which notifies you when you need to cast the line. The anti-twist titanium line also eradicates the chance of the line getting entangled or looped.

Pros

Cons

4. Abu Garcia Revo SX

Specifications

Weight: 0.7 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearing Count:8bb + 1rb
Maximum Drag: 17 lbs

Design

Abu Garcia is a leading name in the fishing industry. With their long lines of excellent rods and reels, they have been customers’ favorite choice for a long time now. Abu Garcia’s Revo SX is a perfect combination of quality and performance at a good value. It weighs around 0.7 pounds and has a maximum drag of 17 lbs. The spinning reel provides smooth performance thanks to the (8+1) bearing count. Built for maximum performance and mobility, this carbon-based lightweight reel is one of the best options for both novice and expert anglers.

Features

• Eight stainless steel bearings provide maximum corrosion protection

• The reel comes with an Amgearing system which offers precision machined gears for absolute smoothness and durability.

• Carbon matrix hybrid drag system provides smooth and reliable drag action for any significant species of fish you might encounter.

• Manufacturers have designed the body with a combination of Im-c6 (insert- molded c6) and x-crafty gearbox design, which gives it a lightweight feature and easy portability.

Pros

Cons

5. Kast-King Sharky III Fishing Reel

Specifications

Weight: 0.9 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Bearing Count:10bb + 1rb
Maximum Drag: 33 lbs

Design

Usually, you would think that at a price range this low, the product is not going to be of much use. That’s where this Kast-King Sharky III proves you wrong with its exceptional build quality at a budget so low. Weighing about 0.9 pounds, the Shakry III has a maximum drag of 33 lbs. Thus it is perfect for individuals hunting bigger fishes. Also, the ten ball bearings provide absolute smoothness while casting making it obvious into the list of best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 200 dollars. Manufacturers have developed this next-gen fishing reel with a vision to withstand all tough fishing conditions.

Features

• The reel has absolute magnificent power with its triple-disc carbon fiber drag, oversized stainless-steel main shaft, and stronger precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears.

• It containsI.S.S Protection sealing (KastKing Intrusion Shield System) which prevents water and dirt from entering the reel.

• The reel is also super-smooth with its casting and with its exclusive feature of the Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool, you don’t need to use the backing line when you are spooling on the braid fishing line.

• (10+1) high-quality stainless steel bearings protect against corrosion.

• Other unique features like the instant lock, anti-reverse, stainless steel hardware, and aluminum handle make it ideal for any novice or professional anglers.

Pros

Cons

6. Penn Pursuit II and III Spinning Reel

Specifications

Weight: 0.7 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 4.3:1
Bearing Count:4bb + 1rb
Maximum Drag: 25 lbs

And another Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $200 is Penn Pursuit II and III Spinning Reel.

Design

The Penn Pursuit II & III is an ideal choice for anglers on a budget. Despite being lower in price range, the quality is still excellent! The reel combines with an efficient drag system to deliver smooth yet robust drag performance. Despite being lightweight at around 0.7 pounds, it has a drag capacity of 25 lbs. It has a graphite body, graphite rotor, and a metal side plate all with long-lasting durability. Thanks to the marvelous design, it has become one of the favorites in the market presently.

Features

• The reel consists of a graphite body and rotor, all contributing in exceptionally lightweight and elegant performance.

• The manufacturers have used anodized aluminum on the spool for absolute precision.

• The reel also comes with an anti-reverse function, which is a one-way bearing for perfect retrieval without any issues of back play in the handle like traditional reels.

• (4+1) high-quality bearings provide smoother casts and long-lasting durability.

• The oiled felt drag system in the pursuit also grants smoother drags while on the waters.

Pros

Cons

7. Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile spinning Reel

Specifications

Weight: 0.7 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
Bearing Count:4bb + 1rb
Maximum Drag: 18 lbs

As the list of Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $200 continues, we present you Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Spinning Reel.

Design

In the present market, Abu Garcia is one name that has been able to stand out due to the quality of their products. The Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel is one of the best budget-friendly reels, especially for experts. The reel weighs about 0.7 pounds and has a drag capacity up to 18lbs. The one-piece graphite frame and side plates contribute to its lightweight. Also, it’s sleek design is appealing to anyone who stumbles upon it.

Features

• The sleek graphite filled body and graphite side plates make the reel extraordinarily lightweight and easy to use.

• The reel comes with the Mag Trax braking system which ensures that the owner has full control and accessibility over the reel. The feature also allows a steady pressure into the cast for maximum accuracy.

• The four stainless steel ball bearings boost the overall performance of the reel while maintaining the smoothness. Due to this smooth blending of strength and smoothness, it is ideal for all anglers.

• Manufacturers have used quality materials in the construction of this reel, which makes it long-lasting and durable.

• The compact handle is a little bent, and the presence of the recessed reel reduces hand fatigue even if you fish for quite a long time.

Pros

Cons

8. Kast-King Summer and Centron Spinning Reel

Specifications

Weight: 0.6 Pounds
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Bearing Count:9bb + 1rb
Maximum Drag: 18 lbs

Design

The Kast-King Summer and Centron Spinning reel is a dream for budget-friendly anglers as it is one of the cheapest options on the market yet performs outstandingly! Because of the sleek design, comfort, and sturdy build, it is definitely worth a mention. Built with mostly graphite, it weighs just around 0.6 pounds. Also, with its super drag system, it has the drag capacity of 18 -20 lbs. Quite a good feature for a budget this low! Overall it is a perfect blend of high-performance and a reasonable budget. So if you’re new to reels and don’t want to spend big money on them, this reel might be the perfect choice

Features

• The body contains a narrow graphite design constructed with a balanced computer system which combines to provide high performance in a lightweight reel.

• The reel comes with an extraordinary drag system which grants you a drag capacity of about 18lbs. It’s hardened metal shaft, mesh drive gear and precision machined pinion gear is perfect for hunting saltwater fish.

• Nine high-quality ball-bearings and a single instant stop anti-reverse bearing give the reel an increased smoothness while casting.

• Colored anodized aluminum spools with a power launch tip help for more extended and smoother casts.

Pros

Cons

Factors To Consider Before Buying Saltwater Spinning Reels

Corrosion Resistance

Saltwater typically refers to ocean waters. They contain 35 grams of ionic solution per liter. It can destroy your usual reels and damage them. The primary purpose of buying a saltwater reel is to avoid this problem. So, before purchasing a saltwater reel, it is essential to check its corrosion resistance. Some cheaper ones have very low-quality corrosion resistance and get damaged very quickly. So be sure to scrutinize the product before investing in it.

The best saltwater spinning reels typically use non-corrosive metals like stainless steel, carbon fiber, or aluminum. They also contain gaskets and seals that prevent the saltwater from going into the internal parts and potentially causing harm.

Durability

Whether you’re a novice or an expert when you buy any product you want it to have a longer life. So, be sure to purchase the spinning reel which is durable and can stand the abuse of the ocean waters. While fishing your reel can encounter against sea rocks, weed, sands or bumps against canoes and kayaks. So, you require a robust and sturdy reel to withstand all of the unforeseen circumstances.

Line Capacity

The line capacity of your reel depends on the fish you encounter. The larger the fish, the more line you’ll need. As bigger fish can make longer runs and if you do not have enough wire, the line can break. Many variants of the spinning reels come with different lengths of the line. Choose wisely, depending upon the water on which you will be fishing and the species of fish you’re after.

Drag

One vital thing to observe before purchasing a spinning reel is its capacity to put pressure on larger fish. Fishes found in the saltwater are generally heavier and stronger than regular water fishes. Thus you need spinning reels with sensitive and reliable drags that is capable of putting pressure on the fish but also let the line out smoothly when it runs.

Bearing Count

Bearing count is one of those things that help the reels to operate smoothly. The more bearings you have, the smoother the reel operates. You will observe that the more bearings a reel has, the costlier it is. However, you can find the cheaper ones with less bearing, but these are not as smooth as the high-end ones, especially while catching larger fish.

Now that you have observed some of the essential factors that a good spinning reel must have let’s explore some of the best saltwater spinning reels under 200 in today’s market!

My Pick And Recommendation

All the listed products above are state-of-the-art, high-performance reels. It is difficult choosing one as all of them perform exceptionally well. However, the cheaper ones do lose some quality with the reducing price. But at the end of the day, it all depends upon your choice. If you’re a novice angler buying a cheaper one may be better. On the other hand, if you have more experience on the waters, choosing reputed brands might be a better option.

For me, based on their features, pros, and cons, I would have to say that the Shimano Stradic HG is the best saltwater spinning reels under 200.

The build is exceptional, and the performance is world-class. Available just under 200 bucks, the product can amaze you with its excellent features.

The reel is lightweight and portable and also quite easy to use. The smoothness of the reel also left me awe-struck. What impressed me the most with this product was the X-Ship technology, which reduces the friction and increases the durability of the reel.

With a reputed company like Shimano, you always expect the best, and the Shimano Stradic HG has lived up to the brand’s name. If you’re looking to buy a saltwater reel for your next fishing adventure, then this is one product I would definitely recommend.

Final Verdict

Hopefully, this article regarding best saltwater spinning reels under 200 has cleared your doubts and confusion for your next investment on saltwater reels. Just remember to check all the essential factors before purchasing one. Of course, there are many other high-quality products in the market. I have only selected a few of them based on their advanced features, looks, and reasonable budget so that you don’t go through the hassle of finding one and choose the one that suits your needs perfectly!