Pick a reel and see what it actually sells for on eBay, both used and ex-display, with shipping, condition and seller rating side by side. Prices are pulled live, so what you see is what sellers are really asking this minute, not tackle-shop retail.
Live from eBayFeel the drag and the bearings. The drag is the reel's most important system, so wind it up and down and confirm it engages smoothly without jerking, which signals worn or corroded washers. Turn the handle slowly and listen and feel for grinding or grittiness in the bearings; a smooth, quiet wind is the sign of a healthy reel, while a rough one needs a service or new bearings.
Saltwater is the enemy. Reels used in the sea and not rinsed corrode internally, so ask whether it was used in salt or fresh water and how it was cared for. Look for salt crust, pitting on the metal and a stiff, gritty feel, all of which point to internal corrosion that is hard to reverse. A freshwater-only reel is generally a safer buy.
Match the reel to the fishing. Spinning reels are the versatile all-rounder and easy for most anglers; baitcasters give more control for experienced users but can backlash. Check the bail arm or line guide moves freely and the spool has no cracks. Make sure the model suits your rod and target species by line rating.
Value. Quality reels from the established makers last for decades and can be serviced, so a well-kept used one is often better than a new budget model.
Live eBay listings, one of the largest sources of used and ex-display fishing reels. Pick a reel and it fetches the current lowest-priced listings in real time.
Smooth drag under load, a bail that flips and springs back, a handle that winds without grinding or play, a free-spinning line roller, and no corrosion on saltwater reels. A cheap service fixes a dry-feeling reel.
Quality reels like the Shimano Stella and Stradic hold value very well and last decades with care, so a serviced used reel is often far better value than a cheap new one.
Used reels typically run 30-50% below new, and ex-display less. We show the cheapest next to the typical price so you can judge.
A daily snapshot of the lowest genuine eBay price for every model we track, and how good that price is right now versus its usual level, updated automatically. Prices last refreshed 1 August 2026 . Tap a model above for the full live list.
| Model | Cheapest now | vs typical | This week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daiwa BG | $75 | about typical | ▲ 2% |
| Abu Garcia Revo | $80 lowest yet | about typical | steady |
| Penn Spinfisher | $92 lowest yet | about typical | steady |
| Daiwa Tatula | $100 lowest yet | about typical | steady |
| Shimano Stradic | $125 lowest yet | about typical | steady |
| Shimano Stella | $227 | above typical | ▲ 3% |
| Shimano Vanford | $161 | above typical | ▲ 15% |