Budget PickBest Budget
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel
4.5 (9,637 Amazon ratings)
An entry-level spinning reel with 9+1 ball bearings and up to 17.5 lbs of drag. Smooth and dependable at a budget price.
Pros & Cons
- Extremely affordable for a 9+1 bearing reel
- Smooth retrieve and reliable drag for the price
- Lightweight graphite frame with aluminum spool
- Wide size range (500-5000) covers ice fishing to inshore
- Graphite body is less durable than metal-bodied reels
- Not fully sealed, so limited saltwater corrosion resistance
Key Specs
- Type
- Spinning Reel
- Gear Ratio
- 5.2:1
- Max Drag
- 17.5 lbs
- Bearings
- 9 + 1 Ball
- Body
- Graphite, aluminum spool
- Line Type
- Mono, Fluoro, Braid
- Best For
- Budget freshwater
- Amazon ASIN
- B079PSW9Y6
At a Glance
Estimated from published specs and Amazon buyer ratings. Not based on hands-on testing.
Drag Power
4.4/5
Smoothness
4.5/5
Durability
4.2/5
Ease of Use
4.7/5
Value
4.9/5
Overall Rating4.6/ 5
Why It Stands Out
The Centron is a great reel for true beginners when budget comes first. A 9+1 bearing system keeps the retrieve smoother than the price suggests, the anodized aluminum spool handles mono or braid, and up to 17.5 lbs of drag is plenty for panfish, trout, and bass. It's an honest, dependable first spinning reel that leaves money for the rest of the kit.
9+1 ball bearings
17.5 lb drag
Great first reel
Budget-friendly
Best For
BeginnersPanfish & TroutBudget BuildsAll-Around FreshwaterKidsBackup Reel
Compare with Similar Gear
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It's a well-reviewed budget spinning reel for new anglers on Amazon, thanks to its smooth feel, simple operation, and low price.
A 2000 or 3000 size covers most freshwater fishing; drop to 500-1000 for ultralight and ice, or step up to 4000-5000 for bigger fish.
It's built for freshwater. Light inshore use is possible if you rinse it thoroughly after every trip, but it isn't sealed for salt.
No. Spool it with 6-10 lb mono or 10-15 lb braid to match your target species.