In this guide, we will be giving you the lowdown on the best spinning rods available on the market today, from budget-friendly to high-end spinning rod options. All of these rods have been chosen by our team based on their performance, reliability, and popularity within the angling community.
We hope this article will help you narrow your choice down and help you find that perfect spinning rod.
1. Shimano Lunamis
Specification at a glance
- Spiral X Core blank technology
- Moderate to fast action
- High quality Japanese blank
- X Guide rod rings/Fuji SIC titanium's
- CI4+ perfection seat
- Carbon monocoque grip
Angling Active says
The Lunamis is one of Shimano's flagship rods; aesthetically, it's a sight to behold with its matte black cross weave finish and carbon handle. It really is a slick-looking rod. What really impressed us about the Lunamis is it's power-to-weight ratio. The Lunamis is extremely light and sensitive with a super fast, crisp action. When using the rod, you can feel every vibration or bite through the entirety of the blank; this is amplified with the integration of the carbon monocoque grip—ideal for detecting those subtle hits. The Lunamis can punch a lure into a headwind with ease and the recovery of the blank on the cast was extremely quick and very impressive. As previously mentioned, the power-to-weight ratio of this rod is sublime. The backbone and power in such a lightweight rod is really a wolf in sheeps clothing, giving you real confidence when bullying fish away from snags.
2. Savage Gear Revenge SG8 Medium Game Spinning Rod
Specification at a glance
- Synergrip Carbon handle design
- Fuji SiC Guides
- Fuji reel seat
- 4X Wrap V2 carbon technology
- Reset Accelerator Technology for extreme fast recovery of the blank
- Includes a competition ready-to-fish neoprene rod bag
- Japanese Torayca 46T carbon blanks
Angling Active says
Savage Gear has produced some really good rod ranges over the years, and it feels that the new SG8 series is the pinnacle of SG's rod development. Built on the trusty Japanese Torayca carbon blank, the SG8 is aesthetically stunning. With similar aesthetics to the Lunamis, the SG8 has a very similar DNA to the Lunamis. With increased sensitivity with the integration of a carbon handle and fast action blank. We found the SG8 to be a lightweight and powerful rod that has a quick recovery, which makes it a great weapon to have in the arsenal. Casting lures at distance was effortless and setting the hooks was a breeze thanks to the increased backbone of the Toray blank.
3. Daiwa Whisker Spin
Specification at a glance
- HVF Carbon
- X45
- V-Joint
- Fuji O ring guides
- Fuji DPS reel seat
- Folding hook keeper
- High grade full cork handle
- Tough hybrid cork butt
- 24T/30T X-Fast Japanese carbon blank design
- Durable Saltwater proof Fuji K-type Fazlite guides
- VSS style Reel Seat
- Carbon X-Wrap technology
- EVA Handle
- Very sensitive and responsive blank
- Strong and light 24T Carbon rod blank
- Slim design blank with moderate-fast action
- Stainless Steel LTS SIC guides
- Cork handle grips
- Ergonomic and lightweight design reel seat
- Including hook keeper
- Telescopic design
- Nano XT60 carbon blank
- Shimano stainless steel hardlite guides
- High quality and durable full cork handle
- Shimano DPS reel seat
- Supplied in a zipped rod tube with space for a reel
Angling Active says
The Daiwa Whisker Spin has been a solid performing spinning rod for many a year. In true Daiwa style, very little changes in the construction of a product if they get it right, and that's reflected in the Whisker Spin. The fast-action blank is not as fast as some of the other rods in the list (ie: Lunamis and SG8) However, the rod blank is still enjoyable to use and still has the casting distance and accuracy that you would expect from a rod of this price point. Finished with a traditional black gloss look and complimented with a high-grade cork handle. The Whisker gives you a modern take on a classic.
4. Penn Conflict X Inshore Spinning Rod
Specification at a glance
Angling Active says
If you’re looking for a tough and reliable spinning rod that is primarily designed to deal with the rigours of shore fishing, then look no further! The PENN Conflict X is one tough cookie. The 24/30T carbon blank provides fast action and quick recovery, making it a great casting tool. The Conflict X also comes with plenty of power and backbone to bully fish away from kelp and rocky structure. When it comes to the hardware, the PENN Conflict comes equipped with super tough and durable saltwater-proof Fuji K-type Fazlite guides that are both braid and mono compatible. The EVA handles are durable and easily maintained and offer a non-slip grip, ideal when fishing into the surf. The PENN Conflict is a tough and durable fast-action rod that will stand up to the rigours of sea lure fishing.
5. Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Spin
Specification at a glance
Angling Active says
If you're looking for a budget-friendly spinning rod, then we highly recommend the Abu Tormentor 2. This affordable spinning rod option has a surprisingly crisp action for a rod at this price point. The rod blank has a progressive action, which makes it a fun rod for playing fish and with its very forgiving nature, it's a great rod for targeting salmonoid species such as trout. Aesthetically, the brown-coloured blank is complimented with a split grip cork handle.
6. Shimano STC Mini Tele Spin
Specification at a glance
Angling Active says
The only telescopic rod to make our list, and for good reason. When we first received the STC Mini telespin, we were very impressed with the overall build quality of the rod. Telescopic rods have come a long way since the 90's, and Shimano have not disappointed. The Mini Tele Spin can be packed away to a very small and friendly size. The Nano XT60 carbon blank is strong, and this is further enhanced by the ungrounded blank finish. The Shimano hardlite guides feel robust and are braid-friendly too. This is an ideal rod for an opportunist angler who likes the great outdoors and is looking for those untapped secluded waters.
Summary
Hopefully, our best spinning rod guide will help you on your quest to finding the right spinning rod, if any of these rods don't fill your requirements. Check out our full spinning rod range here.
