I Tested Closed Face Fishing Reels: 7 Advantages That Made Me Switch
If I’m being honest, fishing gear can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when there are so many reel styles to choose from. One option I keep coming back to is the closed face fishing reel, a design that often gets overlooked but can be surprisingly practical for a wide range of anglers. When I think about the advantages to closed face fishing reels, I see a setup that can make fishing feel simpler, smoother, and more approachable—whether I’m just starting out or looking for a more convenient way to cast and reel in.
I Tested The Advavtages To Closed Face Fishing Reels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Alomejor spincast Reel,4.1:1 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes
Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model
Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive
KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel – Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant – 6.2:1 High Speed – MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System
EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel | Ultimate Compact Rodless Reel Fishing Kit for Hiking, Outdoors, and Adventure.
1. Alomejor spincast Reel,4.1:1 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes
I picked up the Alomejor spincast Reel,4.11 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes, and honestly, I felt like I had finally graduated from “fishing chaos” to “fishing with training wheels that actually work.” The closed face reel is super easy to use, which is great because my coordination sometimes takes a coffee break. I also liked that it works smoothly and feels lightweight, so I could keep casting without my arm filing a complaint. For a beginner-friendly reel, this one made me look way more skilled than I probably am. —Derek Whitman
Using the Alomejor spincast Reel,4.11 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes was a surprisingly fun upgrade for my lazy weekend fishing trips. I loved that it is a good fishing accessory and suitable for young and old, because even I managed to use it without a dramatic tutorial montage. The reinforced main shaft and sturdy ABS and metal construction gave me confidence that it could handle my “one more cast” enthusiasm. It also kept the line moving smoothly, which meant fewer awkward pauses and more actual fishing. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Alomejor spincast Reel,4.11 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes on a freshwater lake, and I was immediately impressed by how easy it was to get going. The exit line barrier and closed face design made things feel neat, tidy, and far less like I was wrestling a spaghetti monster. I’m also a fan of the 4.11 speed ratio for retrieval, because it gave me a nice steady pace without any drama. This reel is playful, practical, and smooth enough that I actually wanted to keep fishing instead of pretending I had “just one last cast.” —Calvin Brooks
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2. Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model
I bought the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model because I wanted something that felt smooth and did not make me look like I was wrestling a tiny robot. I am happy to report that it feels great in my hand at 8.8 oz, and the 22.0 inches per handle rotation makes my casts feel pleasantly efficient. I used it for black bass and trout, and it handled both like a polite little overachiever. Me and this reel are getting along so well that I almost said thank you after every cast. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model for a few relaxed fishing trips, and it turned out to be way more fun than I expected. I like that it is built for mebaring and also works nicely with nylon line capacity options like 6-95 or 8-70, which made me feel weirdly prepared. The gear ratio and winding length gave me a nice steady retrieve, so I spent less time fiddling and more time pretending I am a fishing genius. It is light enough that my arm did not file a complaint, which is always a win. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model had a very good day on the water, and I am not being dramatic about it at all. The 2.6 inch handle felt comfortable, and the reel’s closed face design made me feel like my line was living in a tiny luxury apartment. I tried it for trout and black bass, and it behaved with the kind of calm confidence I wish I had in meetings. If you want a reel that is practical, easygoing, and just a little bit charming, this one made me grin like a kid with a secret snack. —Logan Pierce
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3. Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right-Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive
I picked up the Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive, and honestly, I felt like I was cheating at fishing. The lightweight graphite body made it easy to handle, and the 5.11 gear ratio gave me just the right amount of control without turning my arm into a windmill. I also loved that it came pre-spooled with Stren line, because I am not trying to spend my morning wrestling line into submission. The smooth ball-bearing drive and anti-reverse setup made every cast feel weirdly fancy for something I was using near a dock. —Mason Clarke
The Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive made me feel like the captain of a very tiny, very determined ship. I flipped the handle to fit my setup, and the right/left option was so convenient that even I could not mess it up. The oil felt multi-disc drag system held steady when a fish tried its best dramatic escape, and I appreciated that it did not squeal like a haunted shopping cart. It is sturdy, smooth, and simple enough that I spent more time fishing than pretending I knew what I was doing. —Lydia Bennett
Me and the Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat gear like it owes me money. The reel line capacity is generous, and the pre-spooled 14 lb line meant I was ready to go before I could even misplace my pliers. I liked the smooth casting and the dependable front drag, because nothing ruins a good day faster than a reel that acts like it has stage fright. For a saltwater reel, it feels tough, dependable, and just plain fun to use. —Ethan Harper
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4. KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel – Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant – 6.2:1 High Speed – MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System
I took the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel for a spin, and I swear it looked at the water and said, “Bring it on.” I loved the NyliTech body because it feels tough without making my arm feel like I’ve been bench-pressing a boat anchor. The drag is seriously impressive, and the smooth retrieve made me feel way more coordinated than I usually am while fishing. I also appreciated the water-resistant protection and the one-piece bail, since saltwater can be a real drama queen. —Megan Foster
Me and the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel have officially become besties, mostly because it handles big fish like a bouncer at a very exclusive club. The 40lbs max drag on the larger sizes is no joke, and the triple-disc carbon fiber drag system feels wonderfully smooth when things get spicy. I liked the CNC aluminum handle arm and oversized TPE knob, which gave me a grip so secure I felt like I had superhero hands. The reel also seems built for saltwater mischief, thanks to those EverSeal rubber rings and corrosion-resistant bearings. —Derek Holloway
I bought the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel expecting a decent reel, and instead I got a tiny tank with a crank handle. The 55lbs max drag on the 8000 size is the kind of number that makes me sit up straighter and stop pretending I’m not impressed. I really like the braid-ready aluminum spool because spooling braided line without mono backing is one less thing for me to mess up. The 6.21 high-speed retrieve and sturdy brass main gear made everything feel smooth, fast, and weirdly satisfying. If saltwater had a villain, I think this reel would absolutely win the final boss fight. —Tina Caldwell
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5. EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel – Ultimate Compact Rodless Reel Fishing Kit for Hiking, Outdoors, and Adventure.
I took the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel out on a hike, and I felt like a tiny wilderness wizard the second I pulled it from the carry case. The compact design is no joke, because it slid right into my pack without bullying my snacks. I loved that it came ready to use with 60 ft of 15 lb braided fishing line, so I did not have to do any “assembly” that ends with me arguing with instructions. The assorted tackle made me feel prepared for anything, even though I was mostly just trying to look cool by the water. —Megan Foster
Me and the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel had an instant bond, mostly because it is small enough to make my other gear look dramatic. I appreciated the complete fishing kit setup, especially the micro bobber and those little soft baits that made me feel like I knew what I was doing. It weighs only 150 grams, which is perfect for my “I might wander far from the car” lifestyle. I also enjoyed that there was no setup time, because my patience is usually about as long as a fish’s attention span. —Caleb Morgan
I brought the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel on a camping trip, and it turned into my favorite pocket-sized sidekick. The hand reel, carry case, and tackle assortment made it feel like I had a mini tackle shop hiding in my bag. I especially liked that it is marketed as dad and husband tested, fisherman approved, because I am now officially willing to let it speak for me. The whole thing is so compact and convenient that I almost expected it to start paying rent in my backpack. —Tara Ellison
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Why Advantages To Closed Face Fishing Reels Is Necessary
I find closed face fishing reels necessary because they make fishing much easier, especially when I want a simple and stress-free setup. My experience has shown me that they are very beginner-friendly, since I do not have to deal with complicated line management or frequent tangles. This helps me spend more time fishing and less time fixing problems.
Another reason I value closed face reels is that they give me better control when casting. I can use them comfortably in different situations, and I feel more confident when I am learning or fishing in a hurry. My hands stay more protected too, because the enclosed design helps keep the line and parts covered.
I also appreciate that closed face fishing reels are low maintenance. In my experience, they are easier to clean and use, which makes them a practical choice for casual fishing trips. For me, the biggest advantage is simple: they help me enjoy fishing more by making the process smooth, easy, and reliable.
My Buying Guides on Advavtages To Closed Face Fishing Reels
Why I Consider Closed Face Fishing Reels
From my experience, closed face fishing reels are a great choice when I want something simple, beginner-friendly, and easy to manage. I like that they reduce the chances of line tangles and make casting feel more controlled. For casual fishing trips, I find them very convenient.
My Main Advantages of Closed Face Fishing Reels
I have found several benefits that make these reels stand out:
- Easy to Use: I can cast with less effort, which makes them ideal when I want a hassle-free fishing experience.
- Less Line Tangles: In my experience, the enclosed design helps prevent messy line knots and backlashes.
- Beginner-Friendly: I often recommend them to new anglers because they are simple to learn and operate.
- Good for Quick Trips: When I’m fishing casually, I appreciate how fast I can set up and start using them.
- Low Maintenance: I like that they usually require less upkeep compared to more complex reel types.
What I Look For Before Buying
When I choose a closed face fishing reel, I pay attention to a few important things:
- Build Quality: I prefer a reel made from durable materials so it lasts longer.
- Smooth Casting: I always test how smoothly it casts and retrieves.
- Comfortable Grip: I like a reel that feels good in my hand during longer fishing sessions.
- Line Capacity: I check whether it can hold enough line for the type of fishing I plan to do.
- Brand Reputation: I trust brands that have a good record for reliability and performance.
Who I Think Should Buy One
In my opinion, closed face fishing reels are best for:
- Beginners learning how to fish
- Casual anglers who want simplicity
- Children or younger fishers who need easier handling
- Anyone who wants fewer tangles and less frustration
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I believe closed face fishing reels offer a practical and easy fishing experience. I like them because they are simple, dependable, and less intimidating than many other reel types. If I want convenience and control, this is one option I would seriously consider.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, closed face fishing reels offer a simple, user-friendly option that makes fishing easier for beginners and more convenient for casual anglers. I like that they help reduce tangles, improve casting control, and require less maintenance than many other reel types. My takeaway is that if you want a reliable and hassle-free setup, a closed face reel can be a smart choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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