There are two basic types of baitcasting reels— round and low-profile. Each has benefits to the angler that make either a great choice.
The low-profile reel has the primary gears on the side, sitting on the handle. This gets the reel lower to the rod, so you have a better grip on it. This enhances the feel of the reel. When working a jig for big bass, a low-profile reel is a great tool.
Here are 17 best low profile baitcasting reels you can find and buy online.
Top 17
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||
| SLX CLAM | CAIUS | CITICA | TRANX 200 | BANTAM MGL | CURADO K | CURADO 70 | CHRONARCH G | CHRONARCH MGL | CURADO DC | TRANX 300-400 | METANIUM MGL | TRANX 500 | METANIUM DC | ANTARES | SLX | ALDEBARAN MGL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | SLX150XGC | CIS151A | CI201IHG | TRX201AHG | BANTMGL151XG | CU201XGK | CU71XG | CH151HGG | CHMGL151XG | CUDC151XG | TRX401AHG | METMGL151XG | TRX500PG | METDC101XG | ANT101HG | SLX151XG | ALDMGL51HG |
| Ball bearings | 3+1 | 3+1 | – | 3+1 | 7+1 | 6+1 | 5+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 6+1 | 5+1 | 10+1 | 7+1 | 9+1 | 10+1 | 3+1 | 9+1 |
| Gear ratio | 8.2:1 | 6.3:1 | 7.2:1 | 7.2:1 | 8.1:1 | 8.5:1 | 8.2:1 | 7.1:1 | 8.1:1 | 8.5:1 | 7.6:1 | 8.5:1 | 4.6:1 | 8.5:1 | 7.4:1 | 8.2:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Drag power | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 18 | 11 | 25 | 11 | 11 | 11 | – |
| Weight | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.9 | 12 | 6.2 | 20 | 6.9 | 7.93 | 6.9 | 4.8 |
| Drop2 | – | 27 | 30 | – | – | 36 | 32 | 30 | 34 | – | 40 | 36 | 30 | – | 34 | – | – |
| Line capacity | 20/150,30/135,40/105 / 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 30/190,50/120,65/80 / 8/180,10/155,14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 / 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 / 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 / 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 20/115, 30/105, 40/80 / 10/105, 12/85, 14/70 | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 / 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 50/275, 65/170, 80/140 / 12/330, 14/260, 20/160 | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 50/420,65/270,80/210 / 30/160,40/120,50/100 | 20/120,30/110,40/85 / 10/110,12/90,14/75 | 20/120,30/110,40/85 / 6/200,8/140,10/120 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 / 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 20/85 30/75 40/60 / 8/85 10/75 12/65 |
SLX CLAM
SLX is compact, rigid and versatile. With 3 gear ratios to choose from and a long handle, SLX offers tournament anglers a complete series of reels, that won’t break the bank.
CAIUS
The Caius is a compact, versatile, and durable bait casting reel, designed with light weight lure casting in mind. Reducing the size of the new Caius from 200 to 150, and upgrading the braking system, means the reels cast much easier.
CITICA
Proven Shimano technology comes to the new Citica I Series baitcasting reels, including X-Ship for smooth retrieval of your favorite bait. Achieve maximum casting distance and put your bait where the fish live with the combination of S3D spool and the easy-to-manage SVS Infinity braking system. Citica reels are available in 7.2:1 and 6.3:1 gear ratios. Anglers looking for a tough and durable reel look to Citica. Only from Shimano
TRANX 200
Tranx 200 is built to withstand the harshest saltwater environments. After over a decade of corrosion study, Shimano has developed a reel concept that will deliver long lasting durability and performance for inshore anglers around the world.
BANTAM MGL
40 years ago, Shimano released it’s first baitcast reel, Bantam, to the market. This began what is now a legacy of durable and high performance casting reels.
CURADO K
Built tournament tough, Curado is the benchmark for reliability and durability. Generations of anglers have looked to Curado as their trusted partner. Shimano gives you more than ever with the new Curado K series reels. Now featuring the latest in Shimano technology, such as super smooth, efficient, durable MicroModule gearing, and offered in multiple gear ratios up to 8.5:1, Curado builds on its legacy as the ‘go to’ baitcasting reel for both fresh and saltwater action.
CURADO 70
For 25 years now, the Curado continues to be the go-to baitcasting reel for bass and walleye, red fish and trout. Now offered with a new compact Hagane Body and a new model size perfect for pitching, flipping and casting lighter lures, the Curado 70 also features an enhanced SVS Infinity braking system designed for finesse and flipping techniques. X-Ship Technology provides even more smoothness and durability ? just as anglers have expected from Curado reels for more than two decades.
CHRONARCH G
Packed with Shimano’s most advanced technology, the new Shimano Chronarch G casting reel delivers the top level performance enthusiast saltwater anglers require. The new Chronarch G is fitted with Shimano’s MicroModule gearing, providing a more efficient gear train with a smoother, more positive feel. Light inshore saltwater reel, perfect for wade fishing for speckled trout, redfish and flounder, MicroModule gearing provides more and smaller gear teeth for a more positive, efficient engagement and smoother feel
CHRONARCH MGL
Weighing in at only 6.5 oz. and packed with Shimano’s most advanced technology, the new Shimano Chronarch MGL Casting Reel delivers the top level performance tournament and enthusiast anglers require. More advanced than ever before, its lightweight Magnumlite Spool allows a low moment of inertia, requiring very little force to get it spinning. This means lures will cast farther, with less effort than before. Plus, the new Chronarch MGL is fitted with Shimano’s MicroModule gearing, providing a more efficient gear train with a smoother, more positive feel. The new Chronarch MGL is designed to help you get the most out of your freshwater fishing experience!
CURADO DC
Built on the legacy of durability, dependability and versatility that Curado is known for, now with Shimano’s unique DC braking technology. Shimano’s new Digital Control braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions.
TRANX 300-400
Tackle anything that swims in freshwater or saltwater with the powerful, new Tranx. X-Ship & HEG technologies combine to provide massive cranking power with a smooth effortless retrieve, perfect for throwing big baits and catching big fish. Plus, Shimano’s new CoreProtect water resistant technology provides long-lasting durability in the harshest environments.
METANIUM MGL
The number one choice of our professional tournament bass anglers and avid fishermen alike, the new Metanium MGL baitcasting reels are all about versatile performance and light weight. The new, Magnumlite Spool creates a very low moment of inertia, improving casting distance by 20%, while enhancing the light, smooth feel of turning the handle. Loaded with Shimano technology and high-end features like Hagane Body, Micro-Modual Gearing, Silent Tune, X-Ship and all new SVS Infinity braking, and available in three gear ratios from 6.2 to 8.5:1, the Metanium MGL is the optimal choice for a wide range of presentations, conditions and species.
TRANX 500
Revolutionary design and shape provides the comfort of low profile with the capacity of a conventional reel. X-Ship & HEG technologies combine to provide massive cranking power with a smooth effortless retrieve. Offered in high gear (HG) and power gear (PG) models to cover a wide range of applications.
METANIUM DC
Metanium DC offers anglers the lightweight and versatile performance of Metanium, now with Shimano’s flagship DC braking technology. With the ability to fine tune the DC braking system to best match line type and conditions, paramount casting distances can be achieved.
ANTARES
The flagship in Shimano’s low-profile baitcasting reel line-up, the Antares reels – offered in two gear ratios for multiple freshwater fishing techniques features the ultimate in long distance casting performance. With Shimano’s innovative Micro Module Gear System, plus a lightweight Magnesium frame, it’s built to be fished hard.
SLX
SLX is compact, rigid and versatile. With 3 gear ratios to choose from and a long handle, SLX offers tournament anglers a complete series of reels, that won’t break the bank.
One of the advantages of low-profile reels is a faster retrieve ratio. It is beneficial when you’re using baits like plugs, spinners or other baits and need to make the reel work fast.
Low-profile reels are demand because of their “palpable” grip style which is essential for anglers who grasp the reel as well as the handle when they are winding.
If you don`t know how to choose low profile baitcasting reel, use our review as a buying guide.
Each reel from our TOP 17 is comfortable to hold and lightweight.
