Soft bait reels get a hard life, constantly working, wet and often not cared for, here's our top 8 best soft bait reels for NZ regardless of price or brand, these reels represent the best value for money and performance. (rated in no particular order) 

We've left out line capacity as they all have at least 150m plus backing capacity of PE:1 or PE:1.5 (10-15lb) which is recommended for best practice soft bait fishing

1:Abu Roxani 3000MSH reel

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• lineal retrieve: 96cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 5.2kg
• Drag material: carbon
• Body material: alloy
• Weight: 242g
• Bearings: 6+1 
• MSRP: $239.95 

What we like.

• Carbon drags
• Salt shield bearings
• Carbon handle, EVA knob
• Constant anti-reverse
• line cast/lay with rocket management.

What could be better.

• Nothing!

Summary:

The new reel on the block, and it's straight up for best value finesse soft bait reel in NZ.  

Shop for Abu Roxani reels

2:Penn Spinfisher 2500 VI

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• lineal retrieve: 84cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 6.8kg
• Drag material:Carbon 
• Body material: Alloy
• Weight: 303g
• Bearings: 6
• MSRP: $219.99

What we like.

• Carbon drags
• IPX5 water proof sealed
• Kayak friendly, dunk away!

What could be better.

• It's a bit heavy, but Hey

Summary:

Best value for a hard out Kayak reel, release date Oct 2018 

Shop for Penn spinfisher reels  ( due mid sept) 

3:Shimano Stradic 3000FK

• Gear Ratio: 6:1 
• lineal retrieve: 88cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 9kg ( a bit over enthusiastic on that rating !)
• Drag material: felt
• Body material: Alloy
• Weight: 230g
• Bearings: 6+1 
• MSRP: $269.95 

What we like.

• Braid bail 
• light weight, don't bother with a CI4 
• Worm drive, smooth with lots of torque
• Spool taper for ease of casting

What could be better.

• felt drag washers fail after a few good fish

• line roller bearing not replaceable in bail (whole roller unit required)

Summary: 

If you're a "team Shimano" member this is the best value in there range, buy an replacement carbon drag upgrade first.

Shop for Shimano stradic reels  

4: Daiwa BG 3000

• Gear Ratio: 5.6:1 
• lineal retrieve: 95cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 7kg
• Drag material: Carbon 
• Body material: alloy
• Weight: 306g
• Bearings: 6+1 
• MSRP: $249.95 

What we like.

• Strong gear box
• Ridgid body
• Non magseal

What could be better.

• Braid friendly bail missing
• loose the anti reverse lever.
• A tapered spool lip would be better for distance
• If it did have all of this, it would be a different model!

Summary:

A bit agricultural, but all the same a solid reliable reel, not 100% braid friendly. Would suit light jigging more.

Shop for Daiwa BG reels

5:Shimano Twinpower 3000  XD

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• lineal retrieve: 88cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 11kg
• Drag material: Felt
• Body material: Ci4 
• Weight: 235g
• Bearings: 9+1 
• MSRP: $649.95 

What we like.

• G Free body, for smooth for oscillation
• ARC spool lip for casting ease
• Water labyrinth system ( weather proofing)
• Smooth as silk!
•  

What could be better.

• Nothing

Summary:

Stunning reel with a smooth level-wind drive for effortless torque, don't bother with a Stella, small salt water Shimanos stop here.

Shop for Shimano twin power reels

6: Penn Fierce II 2500

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• lineal retrieve: 84cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 3.1Kg
• Drag material: Felt
• Body material: Alloy
• Weight: 274g
• Bearings: 5
• MSRP: $139.95

What we like.

• Alloy body
• Thick bail wire
• Nice balance for budget reel
• Good bearings

What could be better.

• More drag would be nice, the Fierce 3000 has another 1kg

Summary:

Best value budget reel, better than the price.    

Shop for Penn Fierce reels

7:Penn Clash 2500 

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• lineal retrieve: 84cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 5.2kg
• Drag material: HT-100 carbon
• Body material: alloy
• Weight: 240g
• Bearings: 8 Sealed stainless steel ball bearing
• MSRP: $299.95 

What we like.

• Carbon drags
• Sealed ball bearings
• CNC cut gears
• Chunky EVA knob
• No anti reverse lever.

What could be better.

• One piece braid bail should be improvement for the price.

• Line lay is flat, needs a spool taper

Summary:

Best value for a $300-ish reel tough and ready to go, carbon drags good bearings and CNC cut gears

What another Penn!, you are thinking? well yes.

Shop for Penn Clash reels

8: Daiwa Certate 3000 2016

• Gear Ratio: 4.8:1
• lineal retrieve:  81cm
• Max Drag/Strike: 7kg
• Drag material: fFelt
• Body material: Alloy
• Weight: 265g
• Bearings 10+1
• MSRP: $799.95 

What we like.

• Real four gearbox
• Digi gear
• ATD drag progression

What could be better.

• Has flat line lay
• Spool front taper 
• Magseal oil should be available
• Carbon drags

Summary:

Thinks it's a baby Saltiga.

Shop for Daiwa Certate reels  ( due early Sept)

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