5 best high-speed spinning reels – waste less time & fish more!

In a hurry? I can’t recommend enough the Daiwa BG. It may not be the fastest on this list but it’s probably the best value, faster reel you’ll find out there.

Does your current spinning reel feel too slow?

Does it feel like it takes an age to get your lure or bait back to you to cast again back out into the action?

Well, you might need to upgrade to one of the fastest high-speed spinning reels that you can buy today.

I recently took the plunge and bought a Penn Battle 3 High-Speed reel, because I wanted a faster speed on my lure fishing from my kayak, the beach and rocks.

I’ve purchased, tested and researched a bunch of different high-speed spinning reels and have included the ones that really caught my attention below.

This is an honest, detailed article based on my experience using higher-speed reels.

That said, you are free to ignore these recommendations if you disagree!

But I think the below selection is a pretty interesting selection to look at.

I’ve also added in a section about the pros and cons of high-speed reels, so you can make a more educated and informed decision about what reel to get next.

The fastest high-speed spinning reels available now

High-speed reels tend to have features that accelerate the rate at which they are able to retrieve line back onto the spool.

Let’s take a look at some of the key features that create a higher-speed reel.

Higher gear ratio

A higher gear ratio is the typical adjustment that reel brands make to their reels to create a ‘high-speed’ version of existing reels.

And some brands are making reels that are exclusively a much higher gear ratio than standard or lower gear ratio reels – like the KastKing Speed Demon that appears in this article.

Oversized spools

Since its the speed and frequency of rotations around the spool with every handle crank that makes the difference, it makes sense that the larger diameter spool you have, the more line the reel will take in.

For example, you could have a standard-sized spool and what seems like a high gear ratio vs an oversized spool and a marginally lower gear ratio, yet still retrieve in more line with the oversized spool.

The Daiwa BG has this oversized spool feature.

If we compare the Daiwa BG with the Penn Battle 3 you’ll see what I mean.

	Daiwa BG	Penn Battle 3
Gear Ratio	5.7:1	6.2:1
Line retrieve	39.9 inches	37 inches

As per the table above you can see that the Daiwa BG has a much faster line retrieve rate than the Penn Battle 3 despite having a lower gear ratio.

That’s part of the reason why I think the Daiwa BG punches above its price range. It’s already an incredibly fast reel making it super versatile for different applications – fish it fast or fish it slow!

Ok, with these key factors in mind, let’s have a look at the four high-speed reel options I selected to include in this article for you.

1. Best budget fast reel – KastKing Speed Demon Elite Spinning Fishing Reel

The KastKing Speed Demon takes the first spot on our list.

As well as being super-fast this is a smooth reel.

You can feel the speed and see it as you crank the handle – the rotor just flies around the spool so quickly.

Also, I think the design of the reel is pretty cool, it looks very modern with the little cut-out design features in the spool itself and the reel stem, too.

More and more reels are taking a very modern, edgy and sharp look in their design and the KastKing Speed Demon does, too.

The reel is a combo of materials with an aluminum body but a carbon fibre rotor. I guess this is what makes it such a light reel, and the matte look is a nice touch too.

It casts and reels very smooth, and out on the water you can absolutely rocket it through the drink.

KastKing Speed Demon Elite specs at a glance

• Gear ratio: 7.4:1
• Line retrieve: 42.1 inches per turn on the 3000 model
• Max drag: 17.6lb drag
• Braid capacity: 8lb 190yds, 10lb 125yds.
• Weight: In the hand, it’s super light – only 8.7oz on the 2000 size!

Who is the Speed Demon high-speed reel for?

This is a suitable choice for the price-conscious angler that wants access to high-speed reel tech. I typically fish inshore, on the kayak or surf fishing, but I’d say this reel could be used for the following applications with good effect:

• Inshore fishing for species like snook and redfish
• Bass fishing with soft plastics where you need to retrieve the fish out of the structure
• Pier fishing too, for the same reason.
• Top water casting for speed or spoons and spinners – getting a really fast pace on your lures.
• Potentially some finesse fishing with the smaller 2000-sized reel

Pros

• Super fast – the second fastest on the market I believe?
• Very light – you can keep on casting this over and again without your wrist or arm getting tired. This makes the reel fantastic for fast-paced fishing to cover a large surface area, or chasing fish via sight-casting that might be moving around an area.
• Pretty good quality and features for the price – if you’re looking for an entry high-speed reel, this is a top choice.

Cons

• Due to the high speed, there is likely a lot of pressure and strain on the gears inside the reel.
• I personally don’t associate KastKing with long-term durability like I might with Daiwa, Penn or Shimano – but that’s just my personal opinion and key concern with this reel
• Limited size availability – it’s a shame the size range is so limited. But it makes me wonder whether in larger sized reels it would just be untenable to create a durable reel that’s as fast as this, due to the potential strain on the gears and materials in the reel.
• Increasing the size might increase the price significantly due to the material requirements of manufacturing such a fast reel. That said, there are some anglers out there that have been operating the Speed Demon for a few years with good maintenance and no issues, remaining very smooth.

2. Abu Garcia Revo3 Rocket Super fast high-speed reel

Look at this little high-speed monster from Abu Garcia, the Revo3 Rocket.

This is the fastest-spinning reel we have on our list today!

But, I’ve put it last on the list due to some limitations we’ll get to later.

This reel is ridiculously fast, drawing in 47(!!!) inches of line at a time. That’s 7 inches more than the Daiwa BG, and 4 inches faster than even the High-Speed version of the Penn Battle 3

That’s so fast and if you’re needing pure speed of casting and retrieve for some agile frentetic fishing, this reel might be a good choice for you.

Personally the red screams a bit too loud for me but I see the appeal for some people!

Still, a spinning reel that delivers about a third more line retrieve and speed compared to other standard reels out there… that’s impressive.

Abu Garcia Revo3 Rocket specs at a glance

• Gear ratio: 7.6:1
• Line retrieve: 47 inches of line per turn of the handle!
• Max drag: 11lbs
• Braid capacity: 175yds of 8lb braid
• Weight: 8oz

Who is the Abu Garcia Revo3 Rocket fast reel for?

Any angler that wants to get your baits or lures in fast after a cast to get your cast frequency up, this is the fastest on the market.

The Revo3 rocket is perfect for spinning lures at high speed to tempt bass in with crankbaits, or saltwater species like blues.

The Revo3 Rocket means you waste less time retrieving your line and bait, freeing up more time to actually get some fishing done.

If you spot a fish on the sonar, you can crank in and cast your bait out pronto to where it is fast.

Also, if you typically turn to baitcasters for speed, but you want to try out a fast spinning reel that keeps pace with some baitcasters, then this reel is a suitable substitute. With that much line retrieve you’re not going to miss out on speed here.

Pros

• Super-duper-duper fast spinning reel
• Extremely lightweight – great for bass and finesse fishing.
• The drag system manages the power of the reel well. You want to make sure you have the drag set correctly so you don’t put undue force on your line when you have a fish on and you try to crank the handle.

Cons

• Not a huge amount of drag at 11lbs, but enough for typical use cases.
• Not suitable for slower retrieve jerk-baiting because it is just too fast.
• You doo feel a bit of friction or resistance when you play the handle and start cranking – this is because the gear ratio is higher, meaning it takes a bit more force to turn.

3. Fastest premium reel – Shimano TwinPower SW Spinning Reel

Ok, I’ve gone a fair way upmarket with the second choice.

But this is a reel that has gained popularity in recent years, with lots of questions on the internet floating around about it.

It’s a premium piece of kit and just like other top Shimano models, it really feels like a quality build.

It’s a super-smooth reeling experience and has incredible sensitivity and reliability behind the technology and features.

Yes, I get it. It’s a bit of a luxury reel and beyond the budgets of a few, but if you are looking to upgrade to a fast reel that carries a lot of Shimano’s top tech then go for the Twin Power.

That said, if you can’t quite extend to the Twin Power, the Shimano Saragosa might be worth considering.

I’ve been on many fishing charter boats that have used Saragosas as their go-to heavier set up for fighting large fish like yellowtail amberjacks which well and truly rip and scream off line when hooked up.

Shimano TwinPower SW specs at a glance

• Gear ratio: 6.2:1
• Line retrieve: 41 inches per turn on the 5000SWBXG model
• Max drag: 29lb drag (!!)
• Braid capacity: 245yds of 20lb braid
• Weight: 12.5oz on the 4000 size, so a bit heavier than the KastKing reel.

Who is the Shimano TwinPower SW high-speed reel for?

This is a serious piece of kit, with a price tag that’s just as serious ha!

I think if you’ve fished a Stradic or a Saragosa and have budget to upgrade then you might want to look at the TwinPower for a different experience.

The range of sizes means it can be put to the test with smaller inshore species or taken out to the game fishing arena to take on some larger species like tuna, big tarpon, and maybe even marlin with the 14000 size.

The Shimano TwinPower could be used for

• Big Game fishing on the larger sizes
• Targeting decent-sized redfish and snook inshore using live bait or artificials.
• As a surf casting reel using lures to chase down fast-moving stripers or bluefish.

Pros

• You’re getting a lot of Shimano’s top features and tech built into this reel
• Good range of sizes for bigger-scale fishing.
• Super fats reel with huge line retrieve rates.
• Masses amounts of drag on there to hold up against a variety of hard-fighting fish species.

Cons

• It’s not a cheap reel!
• It may be difficult to justify the additional cost when the Saragosa and the Stradic come in cheaper, yet are still top-performing, durable and reliable reels.

4. Best value fastest reel – Daiwa BG

The Daiwa BG has gained immense popularity in the market, and it’s easy to see why.

This reel offers pretty darn good value at a reasonable price.

Daiwa has incorporated features typically found in reels priced way higher, like two to four times higher, comparable to the Saltiga and Stella reels that are out of reach of many of us.

I personally got a Daiwa BG for surf fishing because I wanted a sturdy and dependable reel capable of handling the strain that comes with surf fishing.

I anticipate keeping the Daiwa BG for a good long while, relying on its durability and performance its seems to be so well known for.

The reel is packed with a shed load of technology and durability, making it well worth the investment. It’s got a wealth of high-spec reel technology at a fraction of the cost compared to other reels with similar features.

Making it a good choice for a high-speed reel is the line retrieve rate I mentioned earlier.

Because it has the oversized spool it can bring in a tonne of line with every turn of the handle, making it a great reel for lots of fishing applications and species – whether freshwater or saltwater.

Additionally, its wide range of sizes allows for effective use with lighter gear for smaller species in lakes or rivers, as well as tackling larger fish inshore or in turbulent surf conditions with the larger reel sizes.

Itss super smoothness and solidity are instantly noticeable straight out the box, providing a solid feel in hand and instilling confidence while fishing.

Read our full Daiwa BG Review here

Daiwa BG specs at a glance

• Gear ratio: 5.6:1
• Line retrieve: 40 inches per turn on the 4000 model!
• Max drag: 17.6lbs max drag on a 4000 size
• Braid capacity: 280yds/30lb braid
• Weight: 14.3 oz on the 4000 size

Who is the Daiwa BG fast reel for?

I’d happily suggest the Daiwa BG to anyone looking to progress in thier fishing and start to invest in a little more serious gear. If you’ve been stuck on plastic entry level reels and you want to take a good-value jump upwards, then this reel is the one.

While not completely sealed all around it’s a tough model that stands strong against the elements.

Its higher line retrieve means that you can put it to the test against fast-moving species like tuna, bluefish or amberjack, or play it slow with artificials to tempt in a waiting bass from the structure.

Pros

• The Daiwa BG reel feels solid and rigid, providing a reliable experience. The reel body is made of lightweight, corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum, contributing to its strength.
• Daiwa’s Digigears are oversized and have deep and thick teeth, ensuring precise and slip-free gear connection.
• The oversized, tapered ABS spool allows even line distribution and friction-free casting, resulting in longer and smoother casts and rapid line retrieval.
• The oversized spool width provides increased line capacity and contributes to the reel’s smoothness and stability.
• The high-quality Minebea ball bearings, similar to those found in top-of-the-line reels, deliver liquid smoothness at a fraction of the price while reeling at high speeds.

Cons

• The reel is durable, but it’s not completely waterproof, so it’s important to avoid heavy splashing and submerging it. Some seals are present, possibly on the drag, but careful cleaning are required after exposure to water.
• The handle knob doesn’t match the reel’s performance, and a more comfortable, larger handle would be preferable, especially for surf fishing. Personally, I find EVA foam to be the best material for surf fishing handles due to its grip and comfort.
• The reel has an anti-reverse switch, but its usefulness is questionable, as there are more effective and less clunky alternatives for line release.
• In terms of aesthetics and feel, the slimness of the bail arm stands out when compared to other reels like the Penn Battle 3. But, despite the bail arm being plastic, it is surprisingly stable and performs well alongside the slim bail wire.

See more of the top spinning reels by Daiwa here!

5. Alternative best value high-speed reel – Penn Battle 3 High Speed

Just like its fellow Penn reels, the Penn Battle 3 High Speed is built to endure and stand the test of time.

The solid feel of a Penn reel in your hand and durability is why I keep coming back to them. I’ve owned and upgraded through four different models in the past, and I plan to continue exploring the range of these fantastic reels.

The Penn Battle 3 HS shares many excellent features with its standard counterpart:

The 4000HS reel boasts a rapid gear ratio of 7.0:1, enabling a faster retrieval speed. With each crank turn, you’ll bring in an additional 6 inches of line compared to the standard 4000 model (43 inches vs. 37 inches, respectively).

The reel body is constructed from durable and corrosion-resistant materials, specifically designed to handle the challenges of saltwater fishing.

CNC-cut gears ensure smooth and reliable performance, enhancing your fishing experience.

The HT-100 carbon fiber drag system includes a built-in water seal to provide some protection against splashes, although it’s not fully sealed or submersible.

The bearings are also sealed, adding an extra layer of defense against water intrusion.

Read our full Penn Battle 3 High-Speed Review here

Penn Battle High-Speed 3 specs at a glance

• Gear ratio: 7.0:1
• Line retrieve: 43 inches per turn on the 4000HS model
• Max drag: 15lb drag
• Braid capacity: 295yds/20lb braid on the 4000HS
• Weight: 12.8oz on 4000HS

Who is the Penn Battle High-Speed 3 fast reel for?

This little reel is a tough contender, especially for saltwater enthusiasts who give it proper care.

When it comes to lure fishing for speedy predators, the Penn Battle 3 HS is a top choice due to its ability to crank and retrieve at an impressive pace.

This reel is well-suited for fast-paced, action-packed fishing scenarios and can handle the intensity like a champ.

In addition to its durability, the Penn Battle 3 HS showcases remarkable versatility. Similar to the Daiwa BG, it is available in various sizes to accommodate different fishing applications. I appreciate that the HS version spans from 4000 to 8000 sizes, catering to a range of species sizes.

Pros

• High speed: The reel’s high gear ratio allows for quick retrieval, making it advantageous for deep-water fishing or targeting fast-moving fish.
• Smooth operation: CNC-cut gears ensure a smoother and more durable reel, allowing you to handle larger fish without concerns of reel failure.
• Great drag system: The well-sealed HT-100 carbon fiber drag system prevents saltwater intrusion and provides exceptional power, making it effortless to reel in big fish.
• Versatile: Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, this reel accommodates various techniques such as casting, trolling, and jigging.

Cons

• Loose bail arm fixing: I noticed that the connection between the rotor and the bail arm on my reel was a bit loose and required tightening.
• Price: This reel falls into the high-end category and is targeted towards serious anglers. It may not be the best option for beginners or casual anglers due to its higher price point.
• Weight: Compared to other spinning reels available, this reel is slightly heavier. This might affect comfort during long periods of use.
• Line capacity: The line capacity of this reel is relatively lower compared to spinning reels like the Daiwa BG. It may be less suitable for certain fishing styles, such as deep-sea or big game fishing with larger reel sizes.

Pros and Cons of High-Speed Reels

As with any type of variation on reel technology, there are often pros and cons to it. In the case of high-speed reels there are clear benefits to your fishing abilities and experience, but also some things to watch out fir when using them.

Pros:

• Allows for faster retrieval of the fishing line, making it easier to quickly reel in your lure and cast again, or get fish out of structure quickly
• Can help keep tension on the line when a fish is swimming towards the angler
• Ideal for fishing in open water or when targeting fast-swimming fish

Cons:

• May lack the torque and power of low-speed reels, which can make it more difficult to reel in larger or stronger fish
• Can be more difficult to control when fishing in tight spaces or around structure without break-offs – due to too much tension being put on the line from fish and from angler cranking the handle
• Generally more expensive than low-speed reels

The fastest high-speed spinning reels summary

There we have it – 4 top high-speed reels, some of the fastest on the market today.

I’ve presented a number of options that span a range of budgets, so hopefully, this guides you to find one of the best fast high-speed spinning reels for you.

Happy high-speed fishing!