Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.
Crankbait fishing puts unique demands on a reel. You need a moderate gear ratio for proper retrieve speed, smooth drag for treble hooks, and adequate spool capacity. Using a high-speed flipping reel is a common mistake that costs fish.
Top Crankbait Reels
| Reel | Best For | Gear Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Curado DC 151 | Overall | 6.2:1 | $249.99 |
| Daiwa Tatula SV TW 103 | Casting distance | 6.3:1 | $199.99 |
| Abu Garcia Revo Winch | Dedicated cranking | 5.4:1 | $179.95 |
| Lew's Super Duty 300 | Value | 6.2:1 | $149.99 |
| Shimano SLX DC 151 | Budget DC | 6.3:1 | $149.99 |
| 13 Fishing Concept A3 | Lightweight | 6.3:1 | $199.99 |
| Daiwa Zillion SV TW | Premium | 5.5:1 | $329.99 |
| Abu Garcia Revo X | Entry | 6.4:1 | $99.95 |
| Shimano Metanium DC | Top tier | 6.2:1 | $449.99 |
| Lew's KVD Casting | Tournament | 5.4:1 | $199.99 |
1.
Shimano Curado DC 151
Digital Control braking automatically adjusts during the cast using a microcomputer. Longer casts with fewer backlashes. 6.2:1 ratio is perfect for crankbaits. At $249.99, the DC technology justifies the price.
2. Daiwa Tatula SV TW 103
T-Wing System and SV spool let you throw light crankbaits with minimal thumb management.
Noticeably further casts. At $199.99, top pick for maximum distance.
3. Abu Garcia Revo Winch
5.4:1 ratio forces ideal deep crankbait retrieve speed. Extended crank handle for leverage. At $179.95, the purpose-built cranking reel.
4. Lew's Super Duty 300
Larger frame for more line and better leverage. 10+1 bearing system. At $149.99, the value pick with genuinely good cranking performance.
5. Shimano SLX DC 151
DC braking in a more affordable platform.
Same anti-backlash technology. At $149.99, DC technology at the lowest Shimano price.
6. 13 Fishing Concept A3
One of the lightest baitcasters, reducing fatigue during all-day cranking. At $199.99, weight savings for tournament anglers.
7.
Daiwa Zillion SV TW
Top-tier engineering with 5.5:1 for deep cranking. HYPER DRIVE design. At $329.99, for dedicated crankbait anglers.
8. Abu Garcia Revo X
At $99.95, respectable crankbait performance on any budget. 6.4:1 works for shallow to medium crankbaits.
9.
Shimano Metanium DC
Elite casting reel, 7.2 ounces, magnesium frame. At $449.99, the best available.
10. Lew's KVD Casting
Kevin VanDam's 5.4:1 signature reel. Proven tournament design. At $199.99, legitimate competition performance.
Why Gear Ratio Matters
5.4:1 to 6.3:1 naturally maintains the right crankbait retrieve speed.
High-speed reels force you to retrieve too slowly and you inevitably speed up.
Best Pick
Shimano Curado DC 151 is the best overall. Abu Garcia Revo Winch for dedicated cranking. Lew's Super Duty 300 at $149.99 for value.
