Gears may be the most important component to examine when deciding on your reel. You can tell the difference between a reel with good gears and one with bad gears just by turning the handle. A good reel will give you no resistance with turning the handle and feel nice and smooth.

     Gears are typically made from brass with a steel pinion gear. The finest quality reels tend to use Duralumin for the gears, which is an extremely strong yet lightweight material. If you find a minimal difference between a reel with good gears and a reel with inferior gears, spend the extra if you are able and you won't regret it.

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     Some anglers are under the impression that the more bearings in a reel the better the reel is. However this isn't the case as not all bearings are the same. The highest quality of bearings usually originate from Germany or Japan and come in shielded, double shielding and sealed varieties. Lower grade bearings tend to be made of inferior steel. Bearings constructed from inferior steel will rust and won't hold up as long as a higher quality bearing.

     If you find a 10 bearing reel for only $50 we can almost guarantee you that the bearings will be of low quality. If you find yourself with the choice between a reel with 3 high quality bearings and a real with 10 cheap bearings at the same price you'll want to go with the 3 bearing model.

     Nearly all reels on the market have an aluminum spool. The manufacturing process is where the difference is, however. The lowest priced spools tend to be die cast. Machined spools created from stock are more expensive and the highest quality spools are forged.

     A machined spool scratches easily, however it's difficult to put a dent in a forged spool. A forged spool is also denser, harder and sturdier, they won't flex under pressure either. A spool with holes drilled in it is lightweight and easier to start or stop spinning. A non-drilled spool will be heavier and you'll need to exert more force in order to get it started, they also require a bit more pressure from your thumb to stop the spinning.

     As a general rule, a drag system is key to fishing for saltwater species or fish that may put up a long fight or run. If you plan to saltwater fish or target a running freshwater species you'll want to be certain that your drag system functions well and that you know how to make use of it. You should set your drag system at about 25% of the breaking strength of your line.

     A reel handle is not as important to a reel's inner functions but it's important to your level of comfort and style. A forged handle tends to be more pricey than a stamped one. And you'll want a soft knob rather than one made from hard plastic.

     The highest quality reels will feature a line guide constructed from titanium. A ceramic line guide is more affordable but it can easily crack or break if a swivel is reeled through it.

     If you're ready to try new techniques as an angler and target species of fish you never had before but are apprehensive about your current spinning reel's ability, it's time for you to shop for a baitcasting reel. By following the recommendations and advice in this guide you will be able to narrow down your potential casting reels and compare their components. You're certain to find the best reel for your needs and within your means. Don't forget, no matter what reel you buy, how high quality or expensive it is, you'll still need to practice with your new equipment in order to become skilled in its use.