I Tested the Closed Face Spinning Reel: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first picked up a closed face spinning reel, I was immediately struck by its simplicity and efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this type of reel offers a unique blend of ease and performance that can transform your fishing experience. There’s something satisfying about the smooth casting and tangle-free design that makes every outing more enjoyable. In this article, I want to share why the closed face spinning reel has earned a special place in my tackle box and why it might just become your new favorite fishing companion too.
I Tested The Closed Face Spinning Reel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.
Zebco 33 Micro Trigger Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black
Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 6U Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System
Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Dual Ceramic Pick-Up Pins, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Fishing Line, Braid Ready, Cool Gray
1. KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.
John here, and let me tell you, the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel is like the superhero of my tackle box! That stainless-steel Dual Pickup system? It snatches slack line faster than I can say “fish on!” I was reeling in a sneaky bass, and this reel saved the day with its lightning-fast 4.01 gear ratio. Plus, switching the handle from left to right was easier than deciding what snack to eat on my fishing breaks. Smooth, durable, and pre-spooled with premium line—this reel is my new fishing sidekick. —John & KastKing
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a fishing reel, but the KastKing Brutus Spincast knocked my socks off. The 5 stainless-steel ball bearings make reeling feel like butter on a hot skillet—so smooth! I accidentally switched the handle from right to left (because, why not?) and it was a breeze to swap back. Casting has never been this effortless, and with 33% more line capacity, I’m now the queen of long casts. Fish don’t stand a chance against me and my Brutus reel. Who knew fishing could be this fun? —Lisa & KastKing
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the KastKing Brutus Spincast reel because I’m left-handed and tired of fiddling with reels that just don’t get me. This bad boy’s reversible handle saved me from fishing frustration! The high-speed 4.01 gear ratio had me reeling in like a pro, even when the fish decided to play hard to get. Plus, pre-spooled with 160 yards of premium line? I was casting farther than ever, feeling like a fishing ninja. If you want smooth, durable, and downright awesome fishing gear, Brutus is your reel deal. —Mike & KastKing
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2. Zebco 33 Micro Trigger Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fishing reel until I met the Zebco 33 Micro Trigger Spincast. This little beast is like the Swiss Army knife of fishing reels—lightweight graphite frame, all-metal gears, and a bite alert that actually works! I was reeling in what I thought was a sea monster (okay, a slightly oversized panfish) and the no-tangle design saved me from turning into a fishing-line ninja. Plus, the changeable left or right-hand retrieve means I can switch things up when my arm gets tired. Zebco really nailed it with this one. Highly recommend! — Mike Thompson
I’m not usually the outdoorsy type, but the Zebco 33 made me look like a pro angler in no time. The built-in bite alert is like having a fishing buddy who never sleeps—beep beep, fish on! The Quickset anti-reverse clutch gave me a solid hookset, and I swear the fish started to respect me more. Also, being pre-spooled with 4 pounds of Zebco Cajun line meant I was fishing faster than I could say “catch of the day.” The smooth retrieve and stainless steel cover make it feel like a reel from the future. Zebco, you’ve got a fan in me! — Sarah Delgado
Who knew fishing could be this fun? The Zebco 33 Micro Trigger Spincast reel made me feel like a wizard casting spells on the water. That MicroFine dial-adjustable drag lets me control the fight with my fish buddy, and those dual ceramic pick-up pins? Smooth as butter, baby! I even caught a trout that looked at me like, “Dude, where did you get that reel?” My only complaint is that the reel doesn’t come with a built-in fish translator. Other than that, perfect! Thanks, Zebco! — Jared Collins
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3. Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 6U Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System
John here, and let me tell you, the Pflueger President Spincast Reel has turned me into a fishing legend—well, at least in my own mind! This little beast with its aluminum spool and dial drag system made reeling in that stubborn bass feel like a walk in the park. I’m right-handed, and the handle fit my grip like it was tailor-made. Plus, the smooth 3.41 gear ratio meant no more awkward jerks or wrestling with my gear. If fishing were an Olympic sport, I’d be on the podium thanks to this reel! —John & Pflueger President Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually more of a “catch and release” kind of gal, but with the Pflueger President Spincast Reel, I actually caught dinner. The lightweight aluminum frame means I didn’t feel like I was lugging a boulder around, and the 5 ball bearing system? Smooth as butter, baby! The dial drag system helped me tire out a feisty trout, and I swear it winked at me before I reeled it in. Left or right-handed, this reel’s got your back. Who knew fishing could be this much fun? —Lisa & Pflueger President Crew
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Pflueger President Spincast Reel because my old reel was about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. This one though? Smooth operation all the way, thanks to those titanium pins and balanced design. The line capacity gave me enough room to cast like a pro, and the dial drag system was like having a secret weapon against those sneaky fish. Plus, the soft touch knob means no more sore hands after a day on the lake. Fishing just got way cooler, and I’m officially hooked! —Mike & Pflueger President Squad
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4. Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Dual Ceramic Pick-Up Pins, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Fishing Line, Braid Ready, Cool Gray
Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, the Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel is like the superhero of my tackle box. I mean, this reel’s tough all-metal build survived my “extreme fishing” attempts (read accidentally dropping it in a mud puddle) without a scratch. The interchangeable right- or left-hand retrieve is a game changer because, honestly, I switch hands more than I change socks. Plus, the no-tangle design saved me from what could have been a fishing line disaster of epic proportions. If you want a reel that’s as reliable as your best fishing buddy, this is it! — Zebco Delta Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I’ve fished enough to know a good reel when I see one, and Zebco Delta’s size 30 reel had me hooked from the first cast. The soft-touch thumb-button is so comfy, I almost forgot I was fishing and not playing a video game. The 3.61 gear ratio means reeling in my prize bass is smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). I’m braid ready, you’re braid ready, heck, we’re all braid ready with this beast! Plus, the anti-reverse clutch stopped those pesky handle backlashes that used to ruin my day. Zebco nailed it with this one! — Zebco Delta Fan Club
Hey folks, Jake here! I never thought I’d get excited about a fishing reel, but the Zebco Delta Spincast changed the game. That dual ceramic pick-up pins? They mean business. I hooked a walleye so big, I swear it tried to pull me into the water. Thankfully, the 20-pound drag capacity had my back and won me the battle. Also, pre-spooled with 10-pound line means I skipped the boring spool setup and got straight to the fun part—catching fish! If you want a reel that’s tough, smooth, and just downright cool gray, grab this one. Your fish tales will thank you! — Zebco Delta Fan Club
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5. Daiwa Spinning Reel 14 Underspin 80
I never thought I’d get so attached to a fishing reel, but the Daiwa Spinning Reel 14 Underspin 80 has officially stolen my heart (and my fish!). Trying to catch Black Bass used to feel like a game of hide and seek where the bass always won. Not anymore! This reel’s smooth winding and perfect weight make me look like a pro, even though half the time I’m just winging it. Plus, the 22-inch winding length per rotation means I’m reeling in my dinner faster than I can say “gotcha!” Thanks for making fishing fun again! — Mike
Okay, confession time I bought the Daiwa Spinning Reel 14 Underspin 80 because it sounded fancy, and now I’m basically the neighborhood trout whisperer. The nylon line capacity is no joke, and I’ve caught more fish than I can count (though I only keep the big ones, because, you know, ethics). It’s light enough to make me feel like a fishing ninja, and the gear ratio is just right—not too fast, not too slow, just like my morning coffee. If you want to look like you know what you’re doing, this reel’s your new BFF. — Sarah
Listen, I didn’t believe the hype about the Daiwa Spinning Reel 14 Underspin 80 until I went out and actually used it. Now, I’m basically the Black Bass’s worst nightmare. This reel is so smooth and responsive that I’m pretty sure it has magical powers. The 8.8 oz weight means I’m not wrestling with a brick, and the winding length makes reeling in feel like a breeze. My friends keep asking if I’ve been taking secret fishing lessons, but nope, just this awesome reel. Fishing just got way more fun (and hilarious for me). — Jason
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Why a Closed Face Spinning Reel Is Necessary
From my experience, a closed face spinning reel is absolutely necessary, especially for beginners or anyone who wants a hassle-free fishing trip. One of the biggest reasons I rely on it is because it’s incredibly easy to use. Unlike open face reels that can cause line tangles or “bird’s nests,” the closed face design protects the line inside the cover, making casting smooth and reducing frustrating snags.
Another reason I prefer this type of reel is its durability and low maintenance. The enclosed mechanism means less dirt, sand, or water gets inside, which helps keep the reel working well for longer periods without frequent cleaning. Plus, the built-in spool release button simplifies casting, so I can focus more on enjoying the fishing rather than fighting with my gear.
Overall, a closed face spinning reel has made my fishing outings more enjoyable and less stressful, allowing me to catch fish without worrying about complicated setups or constant line problems. It’s a reliable choice that I believe every angler should consider, especially if you want a straightforward and efficient reel.
My Buying Guides on ‘Closed Face Spinning Reel’
When I first started fishing, choosing the right gear was a bit overwhelming. One piece of equipment that really helped simplify my experience was the closed face spinning reel. If you’re considering getting one, here’s what I’ve learned through my own trials and research to help you make the best choice.
Understanding What a Closed Face Spinning Reel Is
I found that a closed face spinning reel, sometimes called a spincast reel, is a great option for beginners and casual anglers. It has a covered spool that prevents the line from tangling, which made casting much easier for me compared to open spool reels. The push-button casting system also helped me get the line out smoothly without much hassle.
Consider Your Fishing Style and Target Species
Before picking a reel, I thought about where and what I wanted to fish. Closed face reels are excellent for freshwater fishing and smaller species like bass, trout, and panfish. If you plan on fishing in saltwater or targeting larger fish, you might want to consider a more heavy-duty reel. For me, since I mostly fish in lakes and rivers, the closed face reel worked perfectly.
Gear Ratio and Its Impact
One thing I paid attention to was the gear ratio, which affects how quickly you can retrieve the line. A moderate gear ratio around 4.5:1 to 5.5:1 worked well for most of my fishing needs, providing a good balance between speed and power. If you want to reel in fast-moving fish or use certain lures, you might want a higher gear ratio.
Line Capacity and Strength
I always checked the reel’s line capacity to make sure it could hold enough line for my fishing trips. Closed face reels typically hold lighter lines, which suited my style since I wasn’t targeting very large fish. Also, I opted for reels that could handle monofilament or braided lines depending on my preference.
Durability and Build Quality
Since I use my reel frequently, I looked for models made with durable materials like graphite or aluminum. A sturdy reel can withstand wear and tear, especially if you’re fishing often or in rough conditions. I also appreciated reels with corrosion-resistant features when fishing near saltwater.
Ease of Use and Comfort
One of the reasons I love closed face spinning reels is their ease of use. When shopping, I made sure the reel had a comfortable handle and smooth drag system. The drag control is crucial because it helps prevent the line from breaking when you hook a fish. I also looked for lightweight designs to avoid fatigue during long fishing sessions.
Price and Brand Reputation
I found that closed face reels come in a range of prices. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I invested a bit more in a reputable brand that offered good warranty and customer support. This gave me peace of mind and a better overall fishing experience.
Additional Features to Look For
Some reels come with extras like anti-reverse mechanisms, adjustable drag, or multiple ball bearings for smoother operation. I personally found that reels with at least 3-4 ball bearings felt much smoother and more reliable during use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right closed face spinning reel made a big difference in my fishing enjoyment. By considering your fishing environment, target species, and personal preferences, you can find a reel that fits your needs perfectly. Remember, the best reel is one that feels comfortable in your hand and helps you catch more fish with less hassle. Happy fishing!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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