What’s the best reel under the $100 price point?
Inshore saltwater fishing includes a lot of finesse presentations so you need a reel that can fit the bill while also not breaking the bank.
Find out my favorite reel in the UNDER $100 price point below!!
Best Reel Under the $100 Price Point [VIDEO]
Get the Daiwa Legalis 2500-XH (My Favorite Model)
Get the Daiwa Fuego
In my opinion, the Daiwa Legalis LT does not get nearly as much attention as I think it deserves.
It is a total of 7.2 ounces and is incredibly smooth for a lightweight inshore spinning reel.
I’ve been fishing with mine frequently over the past year with no maintenance (other than just spraying down with fresh water with a hose after use), and they all are still super smooth.
The fact that this reel that is only listed at $79.99 has shocked me to the point where I may not spend any more that this for my light tackle setups going forward.
With that being said, there is of course more testing needed to make that a firm claim.
And just like anything, this is certainly NOT a good fit for all types of conditions which are explained in the video above and the text below.
Pros & Cons
The reel is super lightweight and very smooth.
Although it does not have a carbon drag, the drag system Daiwa uses in the Legalis is shockingly smooth.
In my opinion, it feels as smooth as some reels in the $200 price range.
The 2500 size is my favorite and I pair that with 10lb or less braided line.
You can cast your lures out further and cast all day long with this lightweight design.
I would NOT use this reel with heavy fishing tackle and gear.
If you’re going after fish with 20lb braid and pulling them away from heavy structure, this is NOT the reel to use.
The composite material makes for a lightweight frame but that is no match for bigger fish.
If you consistently target bigger fish near structure, I would consider upgrading to an aluminum-bodied reel.
Yes, that metal reel may feel heavier, but you’ll be well-suited for those big fish.
Daiwa Fuego
If you’ve seen some of my past videos, I talk in-depth a lot about the advantages of the Daiwa Fuego.
Simply based on FEEL and nothing else, the Fuego and Legalis are extremely similar.
As far as weight and other specs, they are nearly identical.
The core difference between the two reels is that the Fuego has Daiwa’s MagSeal.
There is about a $30 price difference for the upgrade to have MagSeal in your reel.
However, I cannot confidently say whether the extra $30 is worth it or not.
Overall Value
Coming in at just $79, the Daiwa Legalis is lightweight, affordable, and the reel I lean toward.
