The best baitcasting reel for ultralight. Reel for ultralight: tips for choosing

In ultralight, the coil plays a very important role. Along with good spinning rod, a correctly selected reel allows the angler to use the thinnest lines and fish with the lightest baits. The minimum thin line provides the longest cast, but not all reels reel in and cast thin braid well.

It is especially difficult to find such a reel in the budget class, but we have collected ten of the most interesting models, a review of which you can read further in the article.

Basic requirements for an ultralight reel:

1. straight laying of the cord;
2. sensitive friction brake;
3. Not heavy weight and size;
4. Smooth ride.

The entire ultralight tackle assembly must be well balanced, that is, the common center of gravity of the spinning rod and reel should be on the reel handle.

Many experienced fishermen buy spinning rods and reels at the same time in order to check their balancing right in the store.

One more important point for an ultralight reel is the line capacity of the spool. Recently, it has been common to use shallow spools (low profile), they do not require preliminary winding of the fishing line onto the spool (backing).

Regarding ultralight reel weights , then values ​​of 160 - 240 grams are considered optimal. The heavier the baits used, the heavier the reel you can use, it’s simple.

Now let's move on to the immediate rating of budget reels for ultralight. We will consider relatively budget models, the price of which will be from $30 to $140. Let us immediately note that we compiled this rating based on many reviews from real fishermen, and for these reels, the reviews were mostly positive.

On the topic of spinning reels, we recommend our important review -.

Rating of budget reels for ultralight

1. Shimano Nasci 13 1000S ($70-100);
2. Daiwa Revros MX 1003 ($100-140);
3. Shimano 12 Ultegra 1000 ($120-155);
4. Daiwa Freams Kix 1500 ($120);
5. Daiwa Caprice 1500 ($35);
6. Daiwa Laguna ($50);
7. Daiwa Crossfire 1000A ($30);
8. Kosadaka Blaze 750 ($35);
9. Shimano Technium 1000 FB ($30);
10. Gladiator Inquisitor ($65).

This reel is one of the most budget-friendly in our rating, but despite this, it has a good graphite body and spool design. But for such a body you have to pay with weight, which is 270 grams, which is quite heavy for an ultralight.

1. Aluminum spool of ABS system;
2. anti-twist line Twist Buster II;
3. Bailsafe fastener;
4. spool size - 1500;
5. gear ratio: 4.7;
6. number of bearings - 4 pcs;
7. weight: 270 g;
8. There is no spare spool;
9. Price: $35.

Another very budget reel, which is similar in its characteristics to the Daiwa Caprice 1500. Laguna has an instant stopper and an anti-twist line. Good traction, easy ride, but heavy weight. Anglers note that the spool on the reel is mediocre, and loops are periodically dropped.

Daiwa Ninja 2000A

A good quality and very light reel, which is ideal for ultralight for the lightest baits. The body is made of composite, the aluminum spool is shallow, requiring little or no backing. The winding quality is average, but for such a budget price, it’s forgivable.

1. weight - 145 grams;
2. bearings - 3+1 pcs.;
3. spool size - 1000;
4. gear ratio - 4.9;
5. there is an additional spool;
6. clutch - front;
7. price: 30$.

A very inexpensive reel from the budget class. For a small amount ($35), the owner receives a very light reel with a good margin of safety. Particularly worth noting is the shackle and spool, which are coated with titanium nitride.

Main performance characteristics:

• Number of bearings: 4+1;
• weight: 184 g;
• gear ratio: 5.2;
• instant reverse stop;
• There is an additional spool.

Like all previous models, Technium is one of the most budget reels. It’s good for ultralight, as it weighs only 210 grams, but you shouldn’t expect a long service life, because the lower the weight, the more fragile the reel is, meaning in this price segment. This reel has a deep spool, which means that for thin lines you cannot do without backing. Number of bearings: 3+1; gear ratio: 5.0; weight: 210 gr. The price is about $30.

Well, now let's move on to more serious reels, costing about $100. Some may think that their price tags do not relate to budget ones, but we decided to add them, making them intermediate models between the budget and middle class in terms of ultralight coils.

• Weight: 205 g
• Number of bearings: 5+1
• Gear ratio: 5:1
• Spool size: 1000

The body of the reel and spool are made of aluminum, which is why the reel is quite reliable, but for an ultralight it is a little heavy - 210 grams. The low-profile spool that does not require backing looks especially nice.

Fishermen speak very highly of this reel, and the main advantages are the following:

1. smooth winding with a reverse cone;
2. good casting range;
3. smooth operation;
4. high reliability;
5. no play, no noise.

The main disadvantage of this reel, spinners note, is that the loop is thrown off the spool, although this happens rarely. Loops are especially often dropped on soft braid. So take this into account when choosing.

A very powerful and very reliable reel, the most reliable in our rating. So it is suitable not only for ultralight fishing, but also for heavier baits and trophies. Some fishermen have been fishing with it for several years, and note that it still has the same perfectly smooth stroke as a new one. The reel achieved such reliability thanks to the super-strong gears of the mechanism.

Main performance characteristics:

1. Low profile spool
2. Weight: 180 grams;
3. Bearings: 5+1;
4. Gear ratio: 5:1;
5. Forestry capacity: 120/0.2.

Basically, fishermen have a very good opinion about it. positive reviews, and it is good in everything, especially in reliability, line laying and casting range. The only drawback that we could find with this reel is the play, but only a few fishermen encountered them, perhaps they came across slightly defective models, unpleasant, but not critical.

Review of budget reels for ultralight (up to 5,000 rubles)

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Today it is at the peak of popularity. It is chosen for fishing by both professionals and beginners. This tackle is very convenient, suitable for almost all fishing conditions. A correctly selected ultralight reel will allow you to fish for the most different fish. Therefore, special attention is paid to this element of the spinning rod. Which reels are the most rated today, what to look for when choosing, should be considered in more detail.

General characteristics

An ultralight reel is selected taking into account the characteristics of the fishing rod. It is suitable for very light baits, which allows you to catch fish in almost any body of water. Using this gear, you can catch an individual weighing up to 6 kilograms.

The pleasure of fishing with an ultralight is difficult to describe. After all, fishing for a half-kilogram fish turns into a real struggle. This makes the process very fun.

The maximum length of such a spinning rod reaches 2.7 m. It has increased sensitivity. The bite can be tracked by the soft top. The action of such rods is medium or slow. The test does not exceed 10 g. This is one of best options for good fishing. Choosing a reel for an ultralight takes into account all these characteristics of the gear.

Reel Features

The ultralight spinning reel has a number of features. They meet the requirements of the gear. The reel is designed for fishing small and medium predatory fish. Since the rod is light, the reel should be the same.

These products have several types of friction brakes. They must take into account the weight of the baits that are designed for this spinning rod. This indicator is in the range from 0.5 to 4.5 g.

The spool must work very pliable and extremely orderly. This is guaranteed by the coil design. The line is evenly divided over the entire surface of the spool. There should be no recesses or hooks in it. There are increased demands on the quality of work of a reel with fishing line.

In action, this element of the gear must have maximum accuracy and balance of the mechanism. Adjustment is made possible by a sensitive friction brake. These are the main qualities that you need to pay attention to when choosing.

What is important to consider when purchasing?

An expensive or budget ultralight reel should be assessed based on a number of characteristics. Quite stringent requirements are put forward for her. This device should be suitable for working with thin lines and light baits. When making a purchase, it is important to pay attention to the size and weight of the reel. It should not be heavier than 300 g.

When winding the fishing line, you should pay attention to its placement. It should be smooth and monotonous. The characteristics of the clutch and the number of bearings should be assessed. The reel stand and line roller are inspected. The type of spool is also important not to ignore.

The movement of the tackle should be smooth, and the reverse movement should have an instant stop. It is also important to evaluate the material of the case. The durability and ease of use of the reel depend on all these parameters.

Optimal weight

The important characteristics of an ultralight reel are its size and weight. The first is determined by the bobbin. It can be from 1000 to 2500 sizes. The less the device weighs, the better. A reel that is too heavy can cause the spinning rod to break. The overall balance of the gear is disrupted. It will be inconvenient to use. There may be problems with the controllability of the rod.

To reduce the weight of the reels, conscientious manufacturers find new materials and use innovative technologies. A budget reel for ultralight is made of lightweight but unreliable materials. Therefore, failure can occur even the first time it is used on a pond.

To choose the right weight, you should familiarize yourself with the classic ratios. If the spinning rod has a test of 3.5 g, then the reel should weigh 160 g. In the case when this figure is 5 g, the device weighs 200 g. For a test of 8 g, a reel of 220 g is suitable.

Budget models

Having studied the rating of ultralight reels, we can identify the most popular models in three price categories. Among the cheapest varieties there are many low-quality Chinese products. Even without sufficient funds to purchase high-quality reels, it is better to choose products from trusted manufacturers.

Among the cheapest varieties, Daiwa gear has proven itself well. The most popular models are Caprice 1500 and Crossfire 1000 A. Both of them are characterized by high quality material and are known among fishing enthusiasts as fairly durable products. The cost of such reels is 1500-2500 rubles.

Also, the above models have a good spool design. This increases the comfort of fishing. Of the inexpensive options, this is the highest quality.

Average cost models

The middle price segment is the most popular among fishermen. There are many models presented here. Particularly popular are the Mitchell Mag-Pro Extreme 1000 and the Ryobi Excia MX.

The best reel for ultralight, according to experienced fishermen, is the Ryobi Excia MX. This is an inertia-free model that has been on the market for a long time. It has 8 ball and 1 roller bearings. The case is coated with titanium nitride, which makes it durable and reliable. This reel is very easy to use. The cost is in the range of 8000-10000 rubles.

The Mitchell Mag-Pro Extreme 1000 is a classic ultralight option. It has 9+1 bearings. The set includes 2 spools. The weight of this reel reaches 210 g. Its cost is about 10,000 rubles.

Expensive products

Almost all Shimano reels are considered expensive. The Japanese company is known all over the world for its quality. Therefore, such gear is chosen by professionals and participants in sports competitions.

The Shimano 13 Nasci 1000S model stands out from the general background. Its weight is 215 g. It has an incomparable smooth ride. The spool has a beveled edge. Joint action latest technologies allows you to lay even very thin fishing line. This reel allows you to use a wide range of gear. This reel costs about 15,000 rubles.

For those who want to purchase truly high-quality, durable gear, this option is ideal. Smooth running and a wide range of possibilities will make fishing not just enjoyable, but exciting. This reel is worth the money spent on its purchase.

When purchasing reels from Shimano or other, more budget-friendly manufacturers, you should familiarize yourself with several tips. This will avoid disappointment in the future. The first thing you should pay attention to is the presence of a warranty card and the original manufacturer's passport. Every self-respecting seller with a good reputation has all the necessary documentation for his product.

When moving parts of the mechanism, there should be no creaking or extraneous noise. Otherwise, this indicates poor quality of the product. Such reels should be used exclusively on ultralights. They are not intended for other gear.

The spool should be shallow. If the line seems to fall into it, it will be difficult to make long casts. The line should lay flat. If you plan to use very thin gear, you should give preference to expensive varieties. In order for the coil to function correctly and for a long time, installation is performed in the sequence specified by the manufacturer.

Having considered a product such as an ultralight reel, every fisherman can choose the right type of gear for himself. This will bring a rich catch and sea good mood. A reel selected in accordance with all recommendations will be durable and reliable. Fishing with an ultralight is considered one of the most exciting. It is worth trying this method, because it is considered universal and is suitable for many bodies of water.

An ultralight reel is a complex piece of gear, the purchase of which requires serious study and approach. The design of an ultra-light spinning rod has its own nuances and subtleties that differ from “adult” fishing. The choice of a reel for an ultralight should be made taking into account many factors: bait, fishing techniques, type of trophy and its likely size, fishing conditions.

Assembling gear for hunting ultralight baits is not easy. It is not always possible to find inexpensive, high-quality products. Important role plays into the balance and harmony of the set. This determines the possibility of fishing with weightless and miniature wobblers, silicone and spinners. Therefore, the question of how to choose a reel for ultralight is very relevant among beginners and experienced fishermen.

Basic requirements for an ultralight reel

Expensive ultralight reels are lightweight due to the use of innovative, expensive materials. In budget inertia-free cars, lightweight, low-quality metals and polymers are used, which have low strength, wear resistance and durability. You need to be wary of cheap products, choosing proven models included in the rating of ultralight reels, different versions of which can be found on the Internet.

Ultralight coil size

Which reel to choose for ultralight? What is the optimal spool size? In ultra-light spinning rods, thin fishing lines and miniature baits are used, and the main size of the caught representatives of the ichthyofauna rarely exceeds a kilogram or one and a half. That's why best choice There will be a reel for ultralight sizes 1000–2500.

Each manufacturer has different sizes. Products from Daiwa and Shimano are considered reference. It is better to focus on models from these companies. In our realities, the optimal spinning reel for ultralight, size 2000, with a low-profile spool, aimed at thin cords. When fishing for chub, pike and asp, it is advisable to increase the “meat grinder” and take 2500 in order to more confidently fight the trophy when fishing.

Line laying quality

An ultralight spinning reel must ideally lay small-diameter fishing line on the spool. Dips and humps are not allowed. This will lead to subsequent dropping of loops, formation of beards and damage to the cord. Thin braids and nylons are expensive compared to products for “adult” fishing, so such waste is not acceptable in UL. Read how to wind fishing line on a reel.

The best reel for ultralight has a smooth operation and there is no extraneous noise, beating or play during its operation. Its mechanisms work perfectly, laying the line neatly turn to turn or crosswise. Before purchasing, it is difficult to understand how well a spinning reel places the line on the spool, so it is useful to read various reviews and look at our top reels for ultralight.

Friction brake

• Suppress jerks of fish when playing by releasing the cord and preventing it from breaking.
• Trigger during sudden bites. This is especially important when fishing for chub, trout and pike.
• Prevent the line from breaking when caught on aquatic vegetation and other obstacles on the bottom.

The more expensive the spinning reel model, the more sensitive its friction brake. However, inexpensive products can also have a high-quality clutch, which, if properly configured, will work just as well.

Manufacturer

Today, among fishing reels, in particular for fishing with ultra-light baits, products from two manufacturers stand out - Shimano and Daiwa. These are famous brands all over the world. Sales of their inertia-free models exceed the total number of purchased models from other companies.

Ultralight reels from Daiva and Shimano are superior to their opponents in quality, performance and range. They produce premium series, mid-budget models for advanced and inexpensive lines for beginners and spinners with limited financial resources. We wrote about the features of choosing a reel.

You can buy reels for UL from Diva and Shimano in any specialized store. Elite series are sold in large retail outlets and branded stores. Budget-friendly inertia-free ones can be found everywhere. You can really save a little money by purchasing gear online. Moreover, an ultralight reel from Aliexpress and other sites can be much cheaper than a similar model in the nearest fishing store or domestic online catalogue.

Multipliers for ultralight

Recently, Japanese fellow fishermen have begun to use multiplier reels in ultra-light spinning rods. In that environment, in general, multis are considered more professional gear and are used by advanced fishermen and athletes. They are more difficult to operate, but have incredible reliability and strength.

Few manufacturers make multiplier reels for ultralight. The products from the Shimano concern are traditionally considered the best; Daiwa tries to keep up with them; other companies, unfortunately, cannot boast of models for ultra-light spinning rods.

Domestic fishermen do not use modern inertial reels in ultra-light spinning rods. The main obstacle is their high cost and difficulty of use. Baitcasting gear for ultralight will become popular when budget cartoons, accessible to the majority, appear on store shelves.

Rating of reels for ultralight

When choosing a suitable model for fishing with an ultra-light rod, it is necessary to take into account the main baits and methods of placing them, the thickness of the fishing line used, the size of the potential prey and fishing conditions. In any price category there is best reels for ultralight, the rating of which is presented below and will help anglers choose the most suitable spinning gear.

Beginner fishing enthusiasts are not recommended to immediately purchase a model from an expensive line. Perhaps this direction will not work; the spinning player will not want to delve into its details and subtleties. It is advisable to look at budget reels for ultralight; some of them are rated in our review of the best models.

№1.Shimano Nasci

The best budget reel for ultralight, which throughout its existence has received numerous positive responses from domestic fishermen involved in ultralight spinning. It is great for beginners as a base and is used by advanced ultralighters. The line includes different models that are used with the thinnest fishing lines and cords, weightless wobblers and spinners. It is characterized by minimal weight, even placement of thread on the bobbin, and easy movement. It is easy to use, reliable, and will last a full fishing season. In UL spinning rods, the optimal sizes are 1000, C2000S, 2000, 2500S. Read the full reel review.

№2.Daiwa Revros

A similar budget reel for ultralight, similar to the one discussed above. It is used mainly by novice fishermen mastering ultralight fishing. It is light in weight and balances well with light spinning rods. It moves smoothly, lays thin line evenly, does not loop and does not form beards. Some specimens may have excessive play in the handle. This problem is “cured” by installing a plastic washer at the junction of the two handle elements. For UL, you should pay attention to models 1003, 2000, 2004 and 2506. Read the full review of the reel.

No. 3. Ryobi Zauber

A good reel for ultralight from a manufacturer known to most of our fishermen. In terms of workmanship and performance parameters, it is somewhat inferior to the products from Daiwa and Shimano described above, but stands out for its impressive traction performance and durability. With proper care and handling, the spiny fish can last five or more seasons of full-fledged fishing. With its help, you can safely catch big fish, forcing events in strong places. The main thing is to correctly adjust the friction mechanism so as not to break the thin cord when unexpected jerks predator. For ultra-light spinning rods, models in sizes 1000 and 2000 are relevant. Read the full review.

No. 4. Shimano Sephia

No. 5. Shimano Stella

The best reel for ultralight, the rating of which is presented in this material. Belongs to the elite segment of inertia-free vehicles, it is used professional athletes or advanced fishermen with decent financial resources. It has a perfectly light and silent move. It is equipped with a sensitive and fine-tuning friction brake, which allows you to safely fish out strong fish without fear of breaking a thin fishing line. Made from innovative materials that are reliable and durable. Of those listed in our top, this is the lightest ultralight reel. Read the full reel review.

In conclusion

Choosing a suitable inertia-free model for UL is not difficult. The basic requirements and criteria have been detailed above. Much depends on the financial capabilities of the fisherman and his expectations from the purchased product. You can pay attention to ultralight spinning reels, the ratings of which are presented above. Or buy other series, no less suitable for fishing with ultra-light baits.

Despite the fact that the principle of operation of multiplier reels is initially quite inertial and power-driven, the reels perform well when catching large fish with baits whose weight characteristics fit into the upper limits. In our case, we are considering the possibility of casting and fishing with baits weighing 5–7 g. Classic “multiples” are simply not suitable for working with lighter weights. No matter how you try to adjust the reel for fishing with lighter baits, an insurmountable obstacle will stand in your way under the general name “unstable operation of the mechanism.”

It is generally accepted that classic “multi” baits are designed for casting relatively heavy baits of 12 g or more. Most of the first generation reels were created precisely for this purpose. Yes, this is natural; multiplier reels have always been classified as power units, designed to catch large, often bottom-dwelling fish, which involved the use of bait of considerable weight. A classic example is the Abu Garcia reel without unnecessary bells and whistles, size 6500, which is fundamentally not intended for casting baits weighing less than 10 g. It is, in principle, possible to cast a spinner of this weight, but the range will leave much to be desired. And for those who have become attached to baitcasting reels with all their hearts, and do not part with them even when catching fish weighing no more than 0.5–1 kg with light baits, low-profile “mults” (colloquially “soap boxes”) were specially created. All companies involved in the production have such reels. fishing gear– Daiwa, Shimano, Abu Garcia, Ryobi – I listed only the most famous ones.

The low-profile multiplier is designed for fishing with a limited weight range of baits and is able to compete in casting range with a spinning reel. The weight range of such reels most often makes a difference of 1–3 g. The use of heavier baits is unacceptable, since in a short time it leads the reel to an emergency condition, which is rarely corrected even with major repairs. Lures of less weight do not “fly”. Question: should a spinning rod fisher use a not-so-cheap “multi” of such limited use when fishing? The answer is simple: if the weights of the baits you use are varied and the reels fall within the specified test range by 15–20%, you don’t need such a reel. It is much more rational to use classic baitcasting reels.

Classic “mults” are capable of casting well not only heavy, but also light baits. One of the successful models for these purposes can be considered the Calcutta multiplier reel from Shimano. It is available with a handle for both left and right right hand. The reel has a soft, “velvety” stroke and a very precise, balanced centrifugal brake, consisting of six weights located on the side surface of the spool. If all six weights are included in the work, such a phenomenon as a “beard” will not bother even beginning spinners and even in strong winds. But at the same time, the casting range will naturally suffer. If you turn off the weights, the casting distance will increase, but the harmful influence of the wind and the likelihood of “beard” formation will increase. The angler’s task is to find a reasonable ratio of weight, type of bait and rod construction with the number of weights involved.

This problem is worth dwelling on in more detail. For compact baits such as “Kastmaster” or the well-known “three-edge”, everything is relatively simple - the number of weights can be minimal. Two weights or even one (although with one weight the reel is unstable), in my opinion, create the most comfortable fishing conditions without reducing the casting range in any weather. This is explained by the small windage of the bait and, as a consequence, a smooth casting schedule. In this case, a gust of wind does not abruptly stop the bait during flight. The situation is different with baits that have increased windage. There is even an opinion among fishermen that a wobbler and a multiplier are incompatible, and if the weight of a wobbler is only 5–7 g, then they are absolutely incompatible, especially when fishing with a classic “multiplier”. This opinion scares off many spinning anglers from using “classics” with these weights, reducing the scope of application of the latter and leading spinning anglers to the erroneous conclusion that classic multipliers are reels for working with baits weighing 15 g and above (i.e., they are classified as coils are specialized, but not universal). Perhaps this statement was true in the past, when multipliers were not so perfect. Let's try to deal with this problem one by one. The first question: what weight of bait can be considered the minimum used for fishing with a classic multiplier? The second question: does the distance at which you can throw such a bait allow you to successfully catch it? The third question: will the wind negate our efforts to cast a light bait or wobbler? Fourth question: does the use of multiplier reels itself bring any benefits?

To prevent this material from being abstract in nature, let’s get attached to a specific piece of gear and use its example to analyze the situation.

Maintains closer contact and controls wherever she is. This is especially important when passing the latter through complex bottom terrain;

Due to the design features of multi-rods, the design of the rings located in close proximity to the rod shell clearly records the bite of a predator. When using braid, even a weak bite from an inactive predator is transmitted to the hand in the form of a weak but clear click, which is almost impossible not to notice.

S. G. Smirnov
"Cool book of a modern spinner"