7 Best Open Face Reels Reviewed | Know Before You Invest Money

Looking for the best open face reels recommendation?

You are in the ideal spot!!!

With dozens of different models from different brands, keeping the mind focused and pointing the finger on the right open face reel is a little tough. For beginners, this is extremely daunting.

And to ease your struggle we have brought 7 top-rated open face reels of the market! We have checked all the reviews and almost everyone is pretty satisfied with these models. Plus, these are top-rated models of the year!

  1. Sougayilang 13+1BB Light Weight Ultra Smooth Fishing Reel
  2. KastKing Summer and Centron 9 +1 BB Light Weight Reel
  3. KastKing Sharky III Carbon Fiber Fishing Reel
  4. Okuma Avenger ABF  Bait Feeder Reel
  5. Piscifun Flame Light Weight Ultra Smooth  Reels
  6. KastKing Valiant Eagle Freshwater & Saltwater Reel
  7. SHIMANO SYNCOPATE Front Drag Freshwater Fishing Reel

Best Open Face Reel Comparison

1. Sougayilang 13+1BB Light Weight Ultra Smooth Fishing Reel

Starting with an extremely versatile open face reel that has lived up to the user’s expectations, have a look at the Sougayilang 13+1BB Light Weight Ultra Smooth Fishing Reel.

And the way this reel is designed, it is suitable for both beginners and experts. Not only that, but this reel is also heavily constructed with a corrosion-resistant material, and this makes it usable in both saltwater and freshwater, isn’t that satisfying? 

Anyone who is looking for a smooth performing reel, getting with this one will be worthy. For this very reel you won’t have to break a bank, the price is very affordable. Using this very reel is very simple, that’s why it is recommended for the beginners. This features a good drag system that enables you to have great power. 

Moreover, this reel comes with hardened metal made shaft, accurate mesh drive gear, and pinion gear, these things provide you with greater power, enough to deal with some medium weight fighting fishes.

This reel has a hollowed design which provides the angler with incredible balance, so fishing for long hours shouldn’t be an issue with this reel. 

Lastly, the frame of this reel is constructed with CNC aluminum, it is a durable construction but that doesn’t make the reel heavy. And the CNC aluminum construction makes the reel suitable for any weather condition. 

Features

  • Reel Size: 1000
  • Gear Ratio: 5:1:1
  • Ball-bearing: 13+1
  • Line Capacity: 3/160 | 8/130 | 10/100
  • Frame Material: Graphite.

Pros

  • Classy reel design.
  • Durable CNC aluminum construction.
  • Very easy to use.
  • Suitable for both salt and freshwater. 
  • Best for the beginners. 
  • Delivers good power.
Cons

  • Sometimes the reel handle gets loose. That can be tightened with the screws. 


2. KastKing Summer and Centron 9 +1 BB Light Weight Reel

KastKing is another low priced yet high-quality open face reel for the angler. This reel is especially recommended for the beginners since using it is extremely simple and easy. That being said, professionals anglers also can use it, they will have a good time as well. It is a very lightweight reel, this makes long hours of fishing sessions less tiring. 

It comes with a good drag system that makes the reel perform really well and delivers stopping power to max 17 lbs. The computer balancing system of this reel makes using it more convenient. Let’s come into the construction. The frame is made of graphite and the main shaft is made of hardened metal. For making the reel capable of dealing with the fighting fishes the reel features accurate mesh drive gear and machined pinion gear. 

With this reel you also get anodized aluminum spool, the spool has increased line holding capacity compared to other reels. And there is a power launch lip that makes long-distance castings accurate. It is a classy looking open-face reel and that makes it a beautiful gift for any fishing enthusiast. 

However, one thing we didn’t like about this reel is, this isn’t corrosion-resistant so it is not suitable for saltwater use. And when you do freshwater fishing you have to make sure you immediately dry the reel properly before storing. 

Features

  • Reel size: 500
  • Gear Ratio: 5: 2: 1
  • Frame material: Graphite.
  • Ball Bearing: 9 + 1
  • Maximum Drag: 11.0 lbs.
  • Monofilament line capacity: 4/210, 6/155
  • Braided line capacity: 15/220, 20/125

Pros

  • Good drag system.
  • Very easy to use.
  • Best for beginners.
  • Durable construction. 
  • Increased line holding capacity.
  • Affordable price.
Cons

  • Not corrosion-resistant. 


3. KastKing Sharky III Carbon Fiber Fishing Reel

If you are looking for a suitable reel to do trophy fishing in both saltwater and freshwater, then the KastKing Sharky III would be a good catch for you. This reel comes with a high percentage fiber-reinforced graphite rotor and the body. It is a very lightweight open-face reel and durable as well. The main shaft of this reel is made of stainless steel and is oversized. Moreover, there are strong manganese brass pinion gears as well which delivers good accuracy.

This reel delivers 39.5-pound max drag. It features instant lock anti-reverse and KISS system ( KastKing Intrusion Shield System). What KISS does is, it keeps dirt, water out of the rotor, body, and spool. In other words, KISS increases the lifespan of the reel. Using the reel is very convenient, line retrieving is very simple. What is more, the reel comes with aluminum made braid ready spool. 

Features 10+1 shielded ball bearing and they are highly durable. The KastKing Sharky III Carbon reel is extremely smooth, a lot of users are using this very reel and so far everyone seems to be very satisfied. And lastly, even after making it a good quality reel, the manufacturer has kept the price very low. 

Features

  • Reel Size: 5000
  • Gear Ratio: 5:2:1
  • Frame Material: Graphite.
  • Ball Bearing: 10+1
  • Monofilament line Cap: 12/220 | 14/190
  • Braided Line Cap: 50/220 | 60/190
  • Maximum Drag: 39.5 lbs. 

Pros

  • Highly durable reel.
  • Very convenient to use.
  • Features KISS technology.
  • Shielded ball bearing.
  • Braid ready spool.
  • Easy line retrieval.
  • Affordable price.
Cons

  • More suitable for left-handed people. 

4. Okuma Avenger ABF Bait Feeder Reel

This reel is made of Graphite, one of the popular materials for fishing items. And it is completely corrosion resistant. Not only that, to make sure you conveniently fish for long hours, but the manufacturer has also made it lightweight. But the less weight doesn’t compromise the quality, it is an extremely durable reel. Moreover, to make sure anglers use this reel smoothly and precisely, the manufacturer provided finely cut brass pinion gear. 

It features a special roller bearing that adds to the smoothness of the reel. This reel also features anti-reverse function and that prevents back slipping when steadiness is highly required. The manufacturer has used die-cast aluminum in the handle construction and indeed the handle really tough. 

There are various aluminum handle knobs, size ranging from 40 – 80. There are different sizes, so you can choose one the suits your need. We are not done yet. This very reel also features a patented S-Curve Oscillation system which makes the reel stable even when the load is heavy. It has a balanced rotor the delivers even pressure on the entire body and improves the strength as well. 

One thing we really loved about this reel is, it comes with a spare ported graphite spool, as a backup! This is definitely a good perk! Overall, accuracy, flexibility, long lifespan, you will get all of them with this Okuma Avenger ABF Bait Feeder Reel. Plus, according to the features this reel offers, the price is reasonable. 

Features

  • Bearing: 6+1
  • Gear ratio: 5:0:1
  • Frame material: Graphite.
  • Line Capacity: 190/4 | 110/6 | 90/8
  • Maximum Drag: 5 pounds.

Pros

  • Corrosion-resistant reel.
  • Extremely flexible and versatile.
  • Top-notch construction.
  • Smooth and accurate performance.
  • Easy to use.
  • Aluminum handle. 
  • S-Curve Oscillation system for stability.
Cons

Few users have complained that the line management could have been better. 



5. Piscifun Flame Light Weight Ultra Smooth Reels

Here comes the classiest open face reel of the list, the Piscifun Flame Light Weight Ultra Smooth Reels. It comes with a matte black body and red-colored spool, and this is a perfect combination. It looks very attractive. The look is not what this reel has only, it comes with features that will make you try this reel. It has a hollow body which is not a common and personalized X shaped handle. 

It is a very lightweight reel, it weighs only 8.5 oz. so long hours of fishing with this reel will be less tiring. The narrow hollow graphite body plays a big role in the less weight of this reel. However, moving on! This reel features 9 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing and these bearings give a very smoother performance. 

This is reel is best for freshwater fishing but if you want to fight heavy saltwater fishes, then you go with the 5000 model. This Piscifun Flame Light Weight Ultra Smooth Reel has 4 versions 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000. For medium-heavy freshwater fishing, 2000 and 3000 would be good. 

With this very reel, you will get amazing drag power, maximum of 19.8lb. And you will good balance as well. The material used in the construction of this very reel top-quality. The main shaft is made of metal, the body is constructed with graphite and the spool is made of aluminum. Overall, this Piscifun Flame Light Weight Ultra Smooth Reel is a good fishing reel and worthy of investment. 

Features

  • Bearing: 9+1
  • Frame Material: Graphite
  • Maximum Drag: 19.8lb.

Pros

  • Highly powerful reel.
  • Lightweight and comfortable to use.
  • Highly durable construction. 
  • Smooth 9+1 bearings.
  • Features triple drag washers.
  • Good drag power.
Cons

Makes little noise. 


6. KastKing Valiant Eagle Freshwater & Saltwater Reel

Looking for a lightweight reel that is powerful and strong as well? Then have a look at the KastKing Valiant Eagle Reel. Undoubtedly, this is one of the classiest fishing reels, the design, the color combination, everything about this reel attracts. Speed, precision, durability, you can expect to have everything with this very reel. 

It comes with 6:2:1 gear ratio and the drag system delivers up to 22 lb drag, this is pretty powerful. The manufacturer has used graphite to construct the frame and rotor. This reel also features 10+1 Maxidur Shielded ball bearing and they are incredibly smooth, you will fall in love with the smoothness for sure. 

This reel also features E.P.S and S.S.R technology! The SSR increases the stability and the EPS increases the gear strength. For better line control and casting distance, this reel features a patent-pending spool design. And since it comes with braid ready spool, it doesn’t require mono line backing for preventing slippage. 

The handle of this reel is made of aluminum, and that is also extremely durable. Plus, the handle comes with EVA knob that delivers better control and leverage. Using this KastKing Valiant Eagle Freshwater & Saltwater Reel is very convenient. And as the name suggests, you can use this reel in both saltwater and freshwater. 

Features

  • Reel Size: 1000
  • Gear Ratio: 6:2:1
  • Ball-bearing: 10+1
  • Maximum drag: 22lb.
  • Monofilament line Cap: 4/215 | 6/170
  • Braided line cap: 15/165 | 20/85
  • Frame Material: Graphite.

Pros

  • Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater.
  • Very comfortable to use.
  • Extremely smooth performance.
  • Good casting distance and better control.
  • Highly stable reel.
Cons

  • You might need to tighten the handle often.
  • Line retrieving is sometimes uneven


7. SHIMANO SYNCOPATE Front Drag Freshwater Fishing Reel

And here comes the last open face reel of the list, the SHIMANO SYNCOPATE Front drag fishing reel. One of the most attractive features of this reel is, it features the Quickfire II trigger system. What this Trigger system does is, it makes the reel more balanced and very easy to use. Another feature that deserves praise is the one-handed casting system. The one-handed casting makes this reel versatile. You can achieve a good distance with less effort. 

This reel also features a propulsion line management system and propulsion spool lip. These are some features that every angler loves to have on their reel. Moving on to the construction part, the manufacturer has used good quality material in the construction to make the unit durable. It comes with a graphite frame, rotor and side plate which are extremely durable. Plus, the line spool is also constructed with aluminum. 

The top-notch construction makes this reel very reliable. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals. The manufacturer has made it rust-resistant, so if you take little care of it, it will serve you for really long. This very reel packs a lot of good features and yet, the price is affordable. A big thumbs up to the manufacturer for an affordable price. If you are in a tight budget and need good open-face reel within that, go with this SHIMANO SYNCOPATE Front Drag Freshwater Fishing Reel without thinking twice. 

Features

  • Reel size: 4000
  • Frame Material: Graphite.
  • Gear Ratio: 5:1:1
  • Maximum drag: 13lbs.
  • Ball-bearing: 4+1
  • Powerpro Line Capacity: 12/265 | 30/175 | 50/145
  • Monofilament line Capacity: 8/240 | 10/200 | 12/160

Pros

  • Best bang for the buck.
  • One hand casting.
  • Propulsion line management.
  • Rust-resistant reel.
  • Highly durable construction.
  • Lightweight and comfortable to use.
Cons

 This reel lacks an anti-reverse system.


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Conclusion

According to us, these are the 7 best open face reels of the market right now! We have seen people getting a satisfying result with these reels and we hope it will go the same with you as well. But still, we recommend you to go through the user feedbacks once before you purchase. The user reviews will help you decide. However, I hope this guide helps! 

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