Spinning reels are the most popular and famous type of fishing reel.  They become superior in terms of light-line applications.  Modern technology has changed the way fishing is nowadays, so there is always a challenge in choosing the right reel.  Here are a few tips in picking the right spinning reel.  One should always consider these seven main parts of the reel.  The reel body, reel size, gear ration, drag systems, ball bearings, spools and the anti-reverse handles.

The Reel Body.  Spinning reels unlike the baitcasting reels have a broad variety of parts.  If you want to avoid the hassle of mechanical breakdowns the safest pick would be the ones with the small number of parts.  Reel bodies are made of graphite, aluminum and plastic components.  The aluminum case is usually stronger than the graphite, while graphite is lighter in weight.  It is up to you if you want strength or weight but if you concentrate on heavy duty fishing, then choosing the aluminum would be the best pick.  For saltwater fishing, graphite would be the choice because they are resistant to corrosion.  Look for a solid made reel body that would always be essential, and make sure that the parts are functioning smoothly and there are no loose parts.

Reel Size.  Most people have the difficulty in picking the right size of the reel.  A ten-pound test line is the highest strength and thickness that should go with the spinning reel, and is mostly used, although one should also consider that it is not ideal for saltwater fishing or heavy trolling situations.  If you are looking for a lighter line to utilize then purchase a smaller reel.  Be sure that the reel you intend to purchase is rated for the pound-test line that you plan to use.  You can also see the information on the reel spool.

Gear ratio talks about the number of complete revolutions the spool makes with one turn of the reel handle.  Example would be 3:1, this is a little slower in speed as not much line is picked up in the process.  The advantage of this is that these reels give more torque in seeking big fish.  A gear ratio of 6:1 is known to have a high speed recovery.  It is essential that you know the kind of fish you go after since a slow, high or medium speed rate of retrieve will also be important.  4-4.5:1 is usually recommended for a moderately fast model if you only have the chance to choose one reel.  However if you have the luxury to purchase more than one reel, a higher and slow speed kind would wrap up all the bases.

Drag System.  Make sure that the reel you are planning to buy has a smooth, non constraining drag, since the drag system is one of the most necessary part of the reel.  When a fish is caught by the hook, the drag's primary role is putting pressure and letting out the line if the fish fights.  The tighter the line is set the more steady the pull gets.  There are two kinds of drag systems accessible on spinning reels, the front and the rear drag.  This basically is composed of the placement of the drag controls, although they are not exactly the same.  Rear drag controls are accessible when you are fighting for a fish although it could not match up the larger fish and the demanding situation one encounters.  Compared to rear drag models, front drag systems basically has larger, multiple drag washers that provides higher levels of durability and performance.

Ball bearings.  The greater the number of bearings a reel contains, the smoother the reel performs when utilized.  Compared to bushings, sealed stainless steel bearings are more preferred for additional stability and control.  Purchase a reel with the most bearings you can afford.  You don't want to have a reel that doesn't function well, or is not smooth to retrieve, so try not to be stingy when choosing this part of the reel.

Spools.  The spinning reel consists of a spool that plays a major role.  They give casting distance and smoothness, and they hold the line.  Spools nowadays are made of anodized aluminum or graphite.  Graphite are lighter in weight although aluminum spool gives strength and stability.  There are two basic styles of spools: internal and skirted spool.  Internal spools were used in the past although causes tangles while the newer skirted type doesn't have that problem.  There is another style called "long cast" spool.  As the name itself, they are much longer in length although this spool is shallower than the regular style.  A benefit you get from the "long cast" spool is clear-water or sight-fishing application because this spool allows for little line friction that allows increased casting distance for the fisherman.  When buying a reel, see you can get extra spare spools as they allow you to try each with different pound-test line.  This will give you the ease to change applications while fishing.

Anti-Reverse Handles.  Anti-reverse handles are required in look for a good spinning reel.  The hook sets are powerful and precise when the handle does not spin backwards.  Be careful in choosing a reel, and make sure that it doesn't go backwards.

It might seem complicated and is a tough decision in choosing the right spinning reel but once you know the important parts of the reel, this will also help you to learn a lot faster on fishing.  If you're looking for good quality spinning reels, it doesn't necessarily mean that you spend a lot of money.