Spin It Right: Our Picks for Best Spinning Combos (2024)

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largemouth bass splashing in the water after being hooked

Ready to buy a new spinning combo, but don't know which one is best? No worries! Team Cast & Conquer has researched dozens of spinning combos and have come up with the 5 best spinning combos on the market today.

Team Cast & Conquer has a combined 112 years of fishing experience so we know a thing or two about the best fishing gear. We're also not sponsored by any of the companies on our lists so you can trust that you'll receive unbiased reviews.

5 BEST SPINNING COMBOS AT A GLANCE

Best Freshwater: Lew's Mach Smash Spinning Combo
Best Saltwater: Penn Battle III LE Spinning Combo
Best Lightweight: KastKing Crixus Spinning Combo
Best for Beginners: Zebco Spyn Spinning Combo
Best Budget: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Best Freshwater: Lew's Mach Smash

Rod Specs: 7' Medium-Heavy, Fast Action
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1
Reel Material: Graphite
Line Capacity: Mono: 120/10 yds/lbs
Rating: 4.7 out of 5

The Lew’s Mach Smash Spinning Combo has exceptional features and overall quality which made it our top choice for best spinning combo for freshwater applications. It’s super smooth, well-balanced, and lightweight. The spinning combo includes a 7’ IM6 graphite, medium-heavy rod and a graphite reel that has solid brass gears, 8 ball bearings, and zero reverse. We really liked the Dri-Tac handle and EVA butt section as they made casting and just holding the rod all day so easy. Lastly, a user rating of 4.7 out of 5 speaks for itself. Anglers believe this is one of the best spinning rod and reel combos.

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Best Saltwater: Penn Battle III LE

Rod Specs: 7' Medium, Fast Action
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 5+1
Reel Material: Full Metal Body and Sideplates
Line Capacity: Mono: 270/8, 220/10, 165/12 (yds./lbs.) and Braided: 360/15, 260/20, 185/30 (yds./lbs.)
Rating: 4.4 out of 5

The Penn Battle III LE spinning combo is a really good saltwater combo but it works just as well for freshwater fishing. I must admit that I love its sleek look. The rod and reel are perfectly matched for a well-balance combo. The 7’ graphite, medium rod is paired with an all-metal reel which has a 6:2:1 gear ratio, 6 total ball bearings, a braid-ready spool, and carbon fiber drag washers that helps reduce gear wear and tear. This spinning rod and reel combo has all the features needed for a successful day on the water.

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Best Lightweight: KastKing Crixus

Rod Specs: 5' 6" Light, Moderate-Fast Action
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 5+1
Reel Material: Graphite
Line Capacity: Mono: 200/2, 120/4, 90/6 yds/lbs
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

KastKing’s Crixus is a really nice lightweight spinning combo. KastKing has been growing in popularity in recent years due to providing quality fishing gear at affordable prices. The combo includes a 5’ 6” IM6 graphite, lightweight rod and a carbon-infused reel with aluminum spool. The reel has a 5.2:1 gear ratio, 6 total ball bearings for extra smooth casts, and a golf-style handle for easy line retrieval. While this spinning combo doesn't have a premium feel, it performs very well considering its price.

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Best for Beginners: Zebco Spyn

Rod Specs: 6' Medium-Heavy, Fast Action
Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
Ball Bearings: 2+1
Reel Material: Aluminum
Line Capacity: Mono: 190/8 yds/lbs
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Zebco Spyn Spinning Combo is a popular choice for beginning anglers due to its value-oriented quality. It's also a fantastic spinning rod and reel combo for kids. Most Zebco rods and reels are very cost-effective and easy to use which makes them a great choice for kids. The Spyn combo features a 6’ 6” fiberglass rod with a cork handle and an all-metal reel that has a 5.3:1 gear ratio and a total of 3 ball bearings for smooth casting. We were quite surprised at how well this combo performed. Casting it for several hours was effortless and comfortable, although the cork handle can start to irritate the palm after a while due to its grip.

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Best Budget: Ugly Stik GX2

Rod Specs: 6' 6" Medium-Heavy
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 2+1
Reel Material: Aluminum
Line Capacity: Mono: 240/8, 210/10, 175/12 yds/lbs
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Everyone here at Team Cast & Conquer really enjoyed the GX2 Spinning Combo due to its great quality for the price. The rod and reel are well-balanced and we encountered no issue when using it. The combo includes a 6’ 6” medium-heavy, graphite & fiberglass rod that’s paired with an aluminum reel featuring a 5.2:1 gear ratio, 3 total ball bearings, and plenty of line capacity.

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Also see: Best Baitcaster Combos

CONCLUSION

Having the best spinning rod and reel combo can most definitely increase your odds of success on the water which is exactly why we wanted to write this post. We've made sure to include spinning combos at various price points so as many of you as possible can get a good spinning rod and reel combo that's constructed of quality materials and performs well under pressure.

Using any of these combos will help maximize your angling success for years to come. Best of luck out there!

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