Decade-Long Study Reveals Best Fishing Reels: Daiwa BG Tops List as Budget-Friendly Champion

A decade-long study of fishing reels reveals the Daiwa BG Spinning Reel as the top choice for most anglers, offering performance comparable to reels costing twice as much. Priced around $120-140, the Daiwa BG outperformed competitors in durability testing, with one test model operating flawlessly since 2016 with minimal maintenance. The study also recommends the Penn Battle IV as a strong runner-up at $115-142, while specialized saltwater options include the Daiwa BG MQ ($198-250) and premium Van Staal VR ($640) for surf fishing enthusiasts.