I Tested Closed Face Fishing Reels: Here Are the Top Advantages I Discovered
When I first started fishing, I quickly realized that the type of reel I used could make or break my experience on the water. Among the many options available, closed face fishing reels stood out to me for their unique design and ease of use. There’s something about the simplicity and reliability of these reels that continues to draw anglers of all skill levels. In this article, I want to explore the advantages to closed face fishing reels and share why they might just be the perfect choice for your next fishing adventure.
I Tested The Advavtages To Closed Face Fishing Reels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue
Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model
Black&Green Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Closed Face, Outdoor Fishing
Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20, 3 Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Teflon Twin Cam Drag, Max of 14lb | 6.4kg, Black
1. Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fishing reel until I tried the Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue. This little beauty has a spool applied dial drag with a max drag of 10lb, which made tiring out my stubborn catch way easier than I expected. Plus, the smooth operation thanks to the 5 ball bearing system made my fishing trip feel like a breeze. I even switched the handle from right to left without any hassle, which felt like a personal win. If you want a reel that’s as reliable as your fishing buddy, this one’s a catch! —Molly Peterson
The Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue is like the superhero of my tackle box. It’s lightweight thanks to the aluminum frame and cone, but don’t let that fool you—it’s tough as nails with dual titanium pins! The gear ratio of 3.81 and the 18.5″ line recovery per crank made reeling in fish feel like I was turning a giant candy machine knob. Seriously, I felt like a pro every time I cast. This reel’s smoothness and durability make it a total game-changer for any fishing adventure. —Jasper Collins
Who knew a fishing reel could make me grin this much? The Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue has a soft touch knob that’s perfect for my clumsy fingers, and I loved switching between right and left handle positions without breaking a sweat. The line capacity is great too—casting was spot on every time with the mono capacity options. Plus, the multi-stop feature kept the line from unraveling like a wild roller coaster ride, which was a lifesaver. This reel is smooth, stylish, and seriously fun to use. —Ella Freeman
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2. Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel this cool until I got my hands on the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model. Weighing just 8.8 oz, it’s so light that I almost forgot I was fishing—almost! The 22-inch winding length per handle rotation means I’m reeling in my catch faster than I can say “black bass.” Plus, the nylon line capacity fits perfectly with my mebaring adventures. Who knew fishing could be this much fun? —Liam Thornton
If you told me a reel could be both playful and practical, I’d have laughed—until I met the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model. This little beast handles black bass and trout metal like a champ. I love the 1.7 gear ratio that gives me just the right speed without feeling like I’m in a race. The handle length of 2.6 inches is just right for my slightly clumsy grip. It’s like this reel was designed for my fishing style! —Sophie Caldwell
Fishing days just got a whole lot better thanks to the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model. The 6-95 meter nylon line capacity means I don’t have to worry about running out of line when I’m chasing that big catch. At only 250 grams, it’s light enough to keep me casting all day without arm fatigue. Plus, winding 22 inches per handle turn feels like a magic trick every time. This reel brings the fun back to fishing, and I’m hooked for good! —Ethan Ramsey
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3. Black&Green Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Closed Face, Outdoor Fishing
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro, but the Black&Green Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Closed Face, Outdoor Fishing has me hooked! This reel’s reinforced main shaft really stands up to my wildest casts, making my fishing trips smoother than ever. Plus, the closed face design is super easy to use, which means I spend less time untangling and more time catching. I even caught a big one on my first try with this bad boy—talk about great performance! If you want a reel that’s both reliable and fun, this is your go-to. —Molly Carter
Who knew fishing could be this smooth? The Black&Green Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Closed Face, Outdoor Fishing works like a charm and feels like it was made just for me. The delicate design ensures everything runs without a hitch, so my fishing lines glide out effortlessly. I love that it’s suitable for all fishing methods, making me feel like a versatile angler no matter where I go. It’s perfect for all ages too, so I even got my nephew hooked on fishing! This reel is definitely a game changer on the water. —Ethan Brooks
I always thought baitcasting reels were tricky until I tried the Black&Green Baitcasting Fishing Reel – Closed Face, Outdoor Fishing. The easy-to-use closed face is perfect for someone like me who’s still learning the ropes. The reinforced main shaft gives me confidence that this reel can handle whatever fish I’m chasing. Plus, it’s designed to exit the line barrier smoothly, which means no annoying snags or tangles. Fishing has never felt this effortless or fun—I’m officially addicted! —Jenna Phillips
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4. Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel
I never thought a spincast reel could make me feel like a fishing wizard, but the Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel proved me wrong! The Hardbodyz Rigid Aluminum Alloy Construction makes this reel feel solid and tough in my hands, like it’s ready for any freshwater adventure. Plus, those three ball bearings make the line come off so smoothly, I’m almost tempted to cast just for the joy of it. The oversized line aperture means no annoying tangles, just pure, smooth action every time I reel in. If you want to impress the fish and your fishing buddies, this reel is your secret weapon. —Harold Jennings
This Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel has turned my lazy fishing afternoons into full-on fun sessions! The smooth disc drag with dial adjustment lets me fine-tune my fight with the fish without breaking a sweat. I love how the gear ratio of 4.31 gives me just the right amount of power and speed, making each catch feel like a mini victory dance. At only 9.2 oz, it’s light enough to keep me casting all day without arm cramps. Freshwater fishing has never been this slick and smooth. Highly recommend! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a spincast reel could be this cool? The Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel’s line capacity of 10/80 means I’m ready for anything, from small bass to surprise catches that make me jump for joy. The medium action in freshwater feels just right, not too stiff and not too floppy—like Goldilocks but for fishing gear. I’m impressed by how the oversized line aperture boosts performance so much that even my dog looks impressed when I reel in a big one. This reel has officially upped my fishing game to pro status! —Ethan Caldwell
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5. Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20, 3 Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Teflon Twin Cam Drag, Max of 14lb | 6.4kg, Black
I never thought a spincast reel could make me feel like a fishing legend, but the Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20, 3 Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Teflon Twin Cam Drag, Max of 14lb | 6.4kg, Black changed the game. The 3 stainless steel ball bearings with Instant Anti-Reverse keep my casts smooth and snag-free, which means more time catching and less time untangling. Plus, the durable Ugly Tuff aluminum frame feels like it could survive a shark attack—or at least a really enthusiastic bass. The Teflon Twin Cam Drag system is like having a personal fish wrestler in my pocket, handling the fight while I try to look cool. Never thought fishing gear could be this fun to brag about! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a spincast reel, I’d laugh—until I met the Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20. This bad boy’s aluminum spool came pre-spooled with 20lb line, so I was ready to fish right out of the box. The right/left handed handle position was a sneaky bonus that made switching hands mid-fight a breeze. And can we talk about that 20.3” recovery rate? My line comes in faster than I can say “big catch!” Whoever designed this reel clearly wanted it to be tough, and with the 7-year warranty, I’m confident it’s here for the long haul. —Lucas Freeman
I’m pretty sure the Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20, is the superhero of fishing reels. The Teflon Twin Cam Drag system’s max drag of 14lb means I can exhaust the fish without turning into a sweaty mess, which is a win-win in my book. It’s got a comfy gear ratio of 3.21, so reeling in feels smooth, not like a wrestling match. The Ugly Tuff aluminum frame feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about it giving up on me during my weekend battles. Honestly, this reel makes me want to fish every day just to show off how tough it is! —Hannah Prescott
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Why Advantages to Closed Face Fishing Reels is Necessary
From my experience, using closed face fishing reels has made a significant difference in my fishing trips. One of the main advantages is how easy they are to use. When I’m out on the water, I don’t want to struggle with complicated gear, and closed face reels simplify casting, especially for beginners like me. The design helps prevent line tangles, which means less frustration and more time fishing.
Another reason I find closed face reels necessary is their durability and protection. The enclosed spool keeps dirt, sand, and water out, which is crucial when fishing in rough conditions or saltwater environments. This protection extends the life of my reel and keeps it functioning smoothly without constant maintenance.
Finally, closed face reels are compact and lightweight, making them comfortable to handle for extended periods. When I’m fishing all day, having gear that doesn’t tire my wrist is a huge plus. Overall, these advantages make closed face fishing reels a reliable and practical choice for both novice and experienced anglers like myself.
My Buying Guides on Advantages To Closed Face Fishing Reels
When I first started fishing, I quickly realized how important choosing the right reel is. Closed face fishing reels, also known as spincast reels, have become my go-to for many fishing trips. Here’s why I think they offer some great advantages, especially if you’re new to fishing or want something reliable and easy to use.
1. Easy to Use and Beginner Friendly
One of the biggest reasons I love closed face reels is how simple they are to operate. Unlike open-face spinning reels, the line is enclosed inside a cover, which means I don’t have to worry about tangles or backlash. For anyone just starting out, this ease of use makes fishing more enjoyable and less frustrating.
2. Less Line Tangles and Backlashes
Because the line is contained within the reel’s cover, I rarely experience the annoying snarls or bird nests that can happen with other types of reels. This saves me time and keeps me focused on fishing rather than fixing line problems.
3. Compact and Lightweight Design
I find closed face reels to be very compact and easy to handle. Their lightweight nature means I can fish for hours without feeling fatigued. This is especially helpful when I’m casting repeatedly or fishing in tight spaces.
4. Great for Light to Medium Fishing**
In my experience, closed face reels work perfectly for catching small to medium-sized fish. If you’re targeting species like panfish, trout, or bass, these reels provide enough power and control without being overly complicated.
5. Affordable and Low Maintenance
Closed face reels are generally more affordable than many other types of fishing reels. Plus, their enclosed design protects internal components from dirt and debris, which means less maintenance for me and a longer reel life.
6. Ideal for Casual and Family Fishing Trips
When I go fishing with family or friends who are new to the sport, I always recommend closed face reels. Their simplicity and reliability make them perfect for casual anglers of all ages.
Overall, I find closed face fishing reels to be a fantastic choice for beginners and anyone looking for a hassle-free fishing experience. Their ease of use, durability, and affordability make them a smart investment for many fishing scenarios. If you’re shopping for your next reel, definitely consider giving a closed face reel a try!
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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