Looking For Best Baitcasting Reel Under 200? – 2018 Top 4 Reviews
Big fish can put up quite a fight and, therefore, you would need to invest in a strong baitcasting reel to manage the prolonged struggles. If you really want the best value for money, it is always a good idea to go for the best baitcasting reel under 200.
Although that might require you to dig deeper into your pockets, the truth of the matter is that you will end up with top-notch quality. But in order for that to happen, you need to at least familiarize with the kind of options available at your disposal.
Let us review the top 4 baitcasting reels under $200 just to give you an idea of where to place your attention.
Table of Contents
Best Baitcasting Reel Under 200 – For Fishing On The Market – Comparison Chart
|
Rankings |
Product Name |
Dimensions |
Weight |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#01 |
PENN Fathom Star Drag |
7.9 x 5.9 x 7.7 inches |
1 pounds |
|
|
#02 |
Abu Garcia C3-6500 Ambassadeur Catfish Special Round Baitcast Fishing Reel |
6.2 x 4.5 x 3 inches |
1 pounds |
|
|
#03 |
KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel |
– |
0.48 pounds |
|
|
#04 |
NEW KastKing Assassin Carbon Baitcasting Reel, Only 5.7 OZ, 16.5 LB Carbon Fiber Drag, 11+1 BB, Dual Brakes, Our Lightest Baitcaster Fishing Reel, Affordable! (left Handed) |
– |
0.36 pounds |
1. Penn Fathom Star Drag Conventional Baitcast Reel
One thing you will appreciate about this baitcast reel is its black and gold coloration which is backed up by a strong anodized aluminum frame. Its narrow spool is a big plus as it is well protected by beefy side plates making it easier to contain even the most stubborn of all fish.
Its generous design gives it an edge as far as factors such as smoothness and retrieve-ratio are concerned. In fact, with a retrieve-ratio of 6.0:1, it means you take in a whopping 40 inches of line with each crank of the power handle.
Unfortunately, this reel does not have anything to lay the line and, therefore, you would have to do that with your finger (something you canlearn with time). On the flipside, though, it doesn’t have magnetic brakes and only relies on centrifugal brakes. Most people recommend magnetic brakes, nonetheless, this reel is super easy to cast and it casts super far.
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Cons
2. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3-6500 Baitcast Reel
The Ambassadeur C3-6500 is marketed as an excellent performer in both saltwater and freshwater applications. Its body is made from a combination of zinc aluminum and well some plastic. The plastic parts are seen as the main weak points of the C3-6500 and these include the handle, thumb piece, and float cap. On a positive note, this baitcast reel comes with a thumb piece which takes away the stress of having to lay the line manually as is the case with Penn Fathom.
Another fact worth noting is that the C3-6500 uses a centrifugal braking system which is quite limiting as compared to a magnetic one. All is not lost, though, as the reel comes with a four pin braking system that still provides adequate brake pressure during the cast.
The reel comes with a Carbon Matrix drag system which provides a synchronized level wind system offering consistent drag pressure. Its extended bent cranking handle and power knob present you with the kind of flexibility needed to subdue hard-pulling fish.
Pros
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Cons
You may also like to check out another article of ours, that we’ve already reviewed the Best Spinning Reel, Best Baitcasting Reel Under 50, Handheld GPS, Best Fish Finder Under 400.
3. Kastking Low Profile Royale Legend Baitcast Reel
One of the most outstanding aspects of this baitcast reel is its low profile design which offers a surprisingly high gear ratio of 7.0:1. Of course, that makes it easier to retrieve your catch once you’ve made a successful cast.
To remove all the worries about braking, this model comes with both centrifugal and magnetic brakes. Of course, that’s a big plus especially if you are just getting the hang of angling. What’s more, the unit comes with a textured knob which is a tad different from smoothly textured knobs which are quite common on the market. That makes it extremely easy to turn the knob without slipping.
Everything from its balance to its outlay comes across as incredibly engineered to provide a smooth reel. Thanks to that, the Kastking Royale Legend casts really well and it very easy to throw. Its gear system is precision cut brass gear structure alongside carbon fiber drag system which delivers an admirable 17.5 LBs offering an ultimately high performance on low maintenance.
Pros
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Cons
4. Kastking Assassin Baitcast Reel
This remains one of the most sought-after models under the Kastking banner. For starters, it is super-light and compact, something that makes it easy and convenient to hold for many hours. This is a big plus especially for anyone tired of handling those super-heavy, high-end baitcast reels.
The main secret behind this lightweight is the use of carbon fiber parts. As you might be aware, carbon fiber is quite sturdy yet incredibly light.
The reel boasts 16.5 pounds worth of drag meaning it is best used for capturing small to medium-sized fish. It may not be a good bet for shark fishing, though. To make things even better, it is armed with stainless steel ball bearings which are saltwater-proof meaning you can use it on the beach if you want to.
What’s more, it has got duo brakes. On the outside is a magnetic braking system which does a pretty decent job of slowing down the rotation towards the end of the cast. On the inside is a centrifugal braking system which contains the rotation at the initiation of the cast. The duo brakes make this unit easy-to-handle irrespective of one’s level of angling experience.
Buying Guide – What you Need to know Before Buy?
The best baitcasting reel under 200 is one that offers a good combination of features. You, therefore, want to go for a unit that offers a high gear ratio, preferably in the upwards of 5.5:1. A high gear ratio gives you more control and speed. Besides that, you want to go for a unit that contains stainless steel ball bearings. This is particularly important if you plan to be fishing in salty, ocean water.
As a beginner, you can always go for a unit with less than 20 pounds worth of drag. In that case, though, you would have to target smaller fish. If you’re thinking of trying your luck with sharks, then baitcast reel with a drag that’s well beyond 25 pounds would be ideal.
As far as braking is concerned, we recommend going for a magnetic braking system or duo (a combination of magnetic and centrifugal braking) if you’re a beginner. You can go for centrifugal braking as you advance your angling skills.
Conclusion
Looking for the best baitcasting reel under 200? Well, you deserve to get a good package at that price range. Whether you want to go for sophisticated models such as Penn Fathom and Abu Garcia Ambassadeur or you want to remain conservative with Kastking Low Profile or Kastking Assassin – you can’t run out of good options here.