13 Fishing Reels Reviews [Top 3 Models & Buying Guide]

Did you know that fishing nowadays is far more successful than ever before? The reason is simple. The equipment you are able to use today is far better and far more sophisticated than a few years back.
Of course, this means that you need the latest gadgets and the pieces of equipment if you want to explore the full potential of fishing. Of them all, we see one brand rising from the crowd. They are the 13 Fishing Brand and they are completely different than other typical brands. In this 13 fishing reels reviews, we will be focusing on their 3 best-selling models on the market.
13 Fishing Reels [Table Of Comparison}
Product | Specifications & Features | Our Rating |
---|---|---|
![]() ![]() ![]() Concept A3 (Gear Ratio: 8.1) | Gear Ratio: 8.1:1 Weight: 10.5 ounces Bearing: 6SS + 1RB Line Capacity (Test/Yd): 12/240 Line Per Crank: 37 inch Max Drag: 30+ lbs Ocean Armor 2 Saltwater Protection Process | 5.0/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
![]() ![]() ![]() Concept C (Gear Ratio: 7:3:1) Casting Reel Beetlewing Sideplate | Gear Ratio: 7.3:1 Weight: 6.2 ounces Bearing: (4AC+ 4SS) + 1RB Line Capacity (Test/Yd): 12/100 Drag System: 22 lbs Bulldog drag 6-way centrifugal braking system Aluminum frame Airfoil carbon sideplates 6-way Centrifugal Braking System | 4.3/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
![]() ![]() ![]() Concept Z Bait Casting Reel | Concept Zero Bearing (CZB) Polymer Technology Gear Ratio: 6.6:1 Weight: 6.1 ounces Line Capacity (Test/Yd): 12/135 Drag System: 22 lbs Bulldog drag 6-way centrifugal braking system Ocean Armor 2 Saltwater Protection Process | 4.7/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
13 Fishing Reels Reviews [Top 3 Models]
This new fishing reel is a masterpiece. The design is its main advantage. The first time we hold it, we can tell in an instant that it is well-made, looks solid and offers a high level of attention to details.
Its features are advanced as well. You are looking at a new gearing system, saltwater protection and 30+ pounds of drag.
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Saltwater protection is present in this 13 Concept C casting reel as well. Anyway, this reel is made for more advanced users and those who wants to explore the overall power of the unit. It is available in different sizes and comes with a high level of attention to details.
This reel is modern and sophisticated and is made of solid aluminium that comes with the advanced 6-way Centrifugal Braking System.
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3. Concept Z Bait Casting Reel
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The Comprehensive Buying Guide of Fishing Reels



We have mentioned the most popular 13 fishing reels models that make a difference. However, the chances are high that you may still be looking for a great reel made by other manufacturers. If that is the case, then you will need a buyer’s guide. Below, we will mention all the main factors to consider when looking for a new reel. After going through them, you will get to understand the mindset behind choosing one.
Comfort
A reel must be comfortable at all times. This can make a difference between fishing for hours and wanting to go home in a minute! Make sure that the reel you are considering has a nice handle, strong grip and it is designed to provide the comfort. An obvious example is the 13 fishing concept Z.
Lightweight
Have you ever wondered why all, new fishing reels are made of aluminum and magnesium? It is because you will need the lightness. After all, you will hold the rod and the reel at all times in your hands and you will need as low weight as possible.
Luckily, all 13 Fishing reels are lightweight and they are made of advanced materials. You are free to choose any of the models available on the market right now and you won’t make a mistake.
Design
Design normally isn’t the factor to consider and it depends on individual preference. However, in this case, scenario, it must be taken into consideration. After all, reels made by this brand are special and completely different.
All we can add is that you should make sure that the design doesn’t have a negative impact on the functionality of a reel. It still must be as comfortable as possible to use and it must meet all your expectations. Of course, be free to be led by your desires, so choose the one that you simply want the most.
Handle



A handle is one part of a reel which will literally be in your hands at all times. That’s why you must make sure it is extremely comfortable and practical to use. We liked longer and more sensitive handles than shorter ones.
Of course, the grip at the end of the handle is the next main thing to consider. Look for units made of EVA foam or cork. We prefer EVA foam because it is a modern alternative. However, traditionalists like cork handle grips.
Drag
Drag is a complicated factor to explain. Basically, it refers to the movement inside the reel. The best comparison we can give to you is that the drag is like the suspension on a car. It should absorb shocks.
As the suspension on a car, there are different options here. You can get a hard or a soft drag which is determined by the pounds of drag. Even if you have the best gearing system in the class, but the worst drag system, your reel won’t be very great! That’s why you must make sure that the drag system is great as well.
Inches Per Turn
Inches Per Turn is a term which is better known as IPT and it refers to the length of the line which will be retrieved onto a reel with a single handle rotation. Keep in mind that a single rotation should offer you a decent line retrieval and you should consider this factor in general. Reels with a long line or with a higher line capacity should have higher IPT.
Line Capacity
A line capacity refers to the length of the line which will be loaded onto a reel. There are a lot of possibilities here and we can say that each reel is different. Look for the number associated with the particular reel.
For example, 400 means that 190 yards of line is the capacity. 7000 will have more than 250 yards of line. Basically, you can make the most suitable choice based on your fishing requirements. For most of you, longer lines are better, but they do affect the comfort and the lightness of the rod.
Adjustment
All reels come with adjustment capabilities. Here fishermen can adjust the braking and the overall efficiency of the reel. Look for the wheels which are easy to use especially with wet hands. Also, pay attention to the sensitivity of the adjustment mechanism. They must be as accurate as possible and without any issues.
Water Protection



Some reels can be used in all conditions, while others can’t be exposed to the saltwater. This makes a difference and can limit your fishing! Look for reels that are rated for seawater protection. Here you were able to see armor protection which is actually based on a special type of sealant and which makes these reels immune to the salt water.
Gearing System and Housing



This is the system that allows for you to retrieve the line. The housing must be made of strong materials. The gearing system inside must be accurate and precise at all times.
Furthermore, the gears must be able to withstand a lot of stress when used for a long period of time. This brand is probably revolutionary when it comes to gearing systems, so we will say that each one is a safe choice. Different type of fishing reels has a different kind of mechanism.
Gearing Ratio
Gearing ratio refers to the number of times the rotor will rotate around the spool with a single handle rotation. As such, we were able to see 7.1:1. This means that the rotor will rotate 7.1 times with a single handle rotation.
Think of this is the speed of the gearing system. The higher the number, the faster the system will be. The slower the system, the slower the reel will be.
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FINAL VERDICT
Concept A3 Fishing Reels
From this 13 fishing reels reviews, our winner will be the Concept A3 8.1: Gear Ratio Fishing Reels. We were impressed with how it looks, how it operates and the attention to details.
In general, it is the best model here and the one we will highly recommend. The other 2 are leaders in their classes and they are also definitely worthy of your consideration.



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