On a spinning reel, the anti-reverse system stops the handle from turning backward so your hooksets are crisp and your line stays tight. A manual anti-reverse switch (a little lever/knob near the reel foot or body) lets you disable that one-way clutch so you can “back-reel” line out instead of relying only on the drag. That’s handy for finesse fights, bait fishing, or when you want micro-control at boatside.
Why (and when) it’s useful
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Back-reeling control: Feather pressure on surging fish without changing your drag setting.
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Rigging convenience: Flip the switch to let out a few inches of line to re-tie or free a snag at the tip.
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Cold-weather insurance: If drags feel sticky, back-reeling is a smooth manual fallback.
Note: Some modern reels are “instant anti-reverse only” (no switch). They lock solidly but cannot be turned off.
14 Best Spinning Reels With Anti Reverse Switch
1) Daiwa BG 2500
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (manual lever).
Why it’s great: The BG is a salt-ready classic with a metal body and smooth ATD drag. The presence of a reverse lever on the BG (non-MQ) keeps old-school back-reelers happy.
Best for: Inshore all-round (reds, snook, schoolie stripers), heavy freshwater (pike/walleye).
Standout tech: HardBodyz metal body, Digigear, ATD.
Pros: Tough, serviceable, excellent value; switch is easy to reach.
Cons: Heavier than modern composites; spool lip old-school compared to hyper-light “LT” designs.
2) Daiwa Emcast 4000 Free-spool (BR)
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (manual lever) + free-spool/bite-n-run rear clutch.
Why it’s great: A true carp/catfish/live-bait workhorse. Flip the rear lever for a light “free” drag; flip back to the main drag when you engage.
Best for: Carp, deadbait pike/zander, live bait for stripers/cats—in rivers or stillwater.
Standout tech: Bite-N-Run/Free-spool system, long-cast spool.
Pros: Brilliant for bait fishing; super predictable pick-up to main drag.
Cons: Heavier and bulkier; not a finesse lure reel.
3) Daiwa Prorex 4000-C
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (typical on many Prorex LT variants; lever near reel foot).
Why it’s great: A pike/musky-minded LT reel with crisp line lay and the manual switch many anglers still want.
Best for: Pike/musky with mid-to-large jerkbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits.
Standout tech: LT platform (light-tough), ATD drag.
Pros: Light for its class; confident drag; useful AR switch.
Cons: Model options vary by region—double-check gear ratio and handle spec.
4) Lew’s Custom Speed Spin TLC2000
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (lever)
Why it’s great: A compact bass reel that still gives you a true on/off anti-reverse for quick rigging or boatside control.
Best for: Bass finesse (ned, drop-shot), river smallies, trout.
Standout tech: Aluminum body/rotor styling, smooth multi-disc drag.
Pros: Lightweight, snappy start-up; familiar Lew’s ergonomics.
Cons: Spool capacity is modest; keep spare spools if you run braid + leaders.
5) Daiwa 23 Exceler LT 4000-C
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (on many LT Exceler sizes).
Why it’s great: A modern LT reel that didn’t ditch the switch—nice balance of weight, rigidity, and user control.
Best for: Pike/walleye, inshore schoolies, power-finesse bass.
Standout tech: New-gen Exceler rotor, ATD, LT gearing.
Pros: Lighter than the BG; crisp line management.
Cons: Less “tank-like” than BG; check country variant specs.
6) Daiwa 20 Legalis 5000-C (LT)
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (lever on most Legalis LT sizes).
Why it’s great: Big-spool LT value pick for heavier lines and larger baits—still with a switch for back-reeling.
Best for: Big catfish/carp, inshore chunking, heavier swimbaits.
Standout tech: LT platform, Air Rotor, ATD.
Pros: Great price-to-capacity; easy-service layout.
Cons: More flex vs. premium LT bodies under extreme load.
7) KastKing Speed Demon Spinning
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (reverse lever).
Why it’s great: A fast, feature-packed reel with a clearly marked reverse lever—handy when you want speed and manual control.
Best for: Bass power techniques, burning spinners, high-speed presentations.
Standout tech: High gear ratio build, 10+1 bearings feel, carbon drag.
Pros: Quick pick-up; easy switch location; budget-friendly speed.
Cons: Not as salt-tough as full-metal bodies; keep it maintained.
8) Daiwa 5000-C “Freespool” (10149-500)
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (plus bait-runner/free-spool).
Why it’s great: Another bait-feeder-style option ideal for carp/cats and live bait coastal setups.
Best for: Carp, big cats, chunk or live bait for stripers/bluefish.
Standout tech: Free-spool lever + main drag.
Pros: Huge versatility for bait techniques; strong spool capacity.
Cons: Larger footprint; not a finesse caster.
9) Lew’s American Hero Tier Spinning
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (lever on most AH series).
Why it’s great: A solid entry-level Lew’s with the convenience of a switch—great for teaching new anglers back-reeling and rigging control.
Best for: Bass/trout panfish all-round.
Standout tech: Multi-disc drag, Lew’s reliability at a friendly price.
Pros: Forgiving feel; easy to live with; switch helps new anglers.
Cons: Not built for harsh salt abuse.
10) Okuma Ceymar C-65
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (lever listed in parts).
Why it’s great: Oversized freshwater/inshore value reel—tons of line, very smooth, and retains a physical AR lever.
Best for: Big cats/carp, surf perch, light inshore soaking.
Standout tech: Elliptical gearing, Quick-Set anti-reverse, RESII balanced rotor.
Pros: Big capacity, smooth feel for the price.
Cons: Heavier; keep up on maintenance if you splash it in salt.
11) Okuma Avenger ABF30b (Baitfeeder)
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (plus rear baitfeeder system).
Why it’s great: The budget baitfeeder legend—perfect for carp/cats with a dependable free-spool, then seamless pick-up into the main drag.
Best for: Carp, live bait cats, deadbait pike.
Standout tech: Baitfeeder lever system, Quick-Set anti-reverse.
Pros: Ridiculously effective for set-and-wait bites; easy to learn.
Cons: Bulkier than standard spinners; not a finesse machine.
12) KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III 4000
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (plus baitfeeder).
Why it’s great: A lighter-feeling baitfeeder with modern sealing touches—great “first baitrunner” for anglers trying the style.
Best for: Carp/cats, live bait inshore, surf perch rigs.
Standout tech: Baitfeeder lever, water-resist design, carbon drag.
Pros: Smooth for the money; lots of sizes; user-friendly.
Cons: Free-spool calibration takes a session or two to dial.
13) Daiwa Revros (Revros LT)
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (reverse lever).
Why it’s great: One of the best sub-$100 all-rounders that still offers back-reel capability.
Best for: Trout/panfish/bass finesse, general purpose.
Standout tech: LT platform, Air Rotor, ATD drag.
Pros: Light, very smooth startup; excellent beginner pick.
Cons: Composite body can flex under heavy braid + big fish.
14) KastKing Megatron
Anti-reverse switch: Yes (anti-reverse knob/lever).
Why it’s great: Industrial-style body with stout gearing; retains a mechanical anti-reverse control.
Best for: Big freshwater predators, light surf/inshore applications.
Standout tech: Rigid frame design, carbon drag, generous spool.
Pros: Feels solid; easy to service; switch is positive.
Cons: Heavier than finesse reels; balance best with medium-heavy rods.
| # | Reel (exact model) | AR Switch | Type | Drag style | Best for | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daiwa BG 2500 | Yes | Standard | ATD | Inshore & heavy FW | Metal body + manual control |
| 2 | Daiwa Emcast 4000 Free-spool | Yes | Baitfeeder | Front + free-spool | Carp/cats/live bait | Bite-N-Run brilliance |
| 3 | Daiwa Prorex 4000-C | Yes | Standard | ATD | Pike/musky | LT lightness + lever |
| 4 | Lew’s TLC2000 | Yes | Standard | Multi-disc | Bass finesse | Compact, lever for rigging |
| 5 | Daiwa 23 Exceler LT 4000-C | Yes | Standard | ATD | Pike/walleye | LT weight + switch |
| 6 | Daiwa 20 Legalis 5000-C | Yes | Standard | ATD | Big fish/capacity | Big spool, budget LT |
| 7 | KastKing Speed Demon Spinning | Yes | Standard | Carbon | Fast bass | High gear + lever |
| 8 | Daiwa 5000-C Freespool (10149-500) | Yes | Baitfeeder | Front + free-spool | Carp/cats | Big-bait live/deadbait |
| 9 | Lew’s American Hero Tier | Yes | Standard | Multi-disc | Entry-level bass/trout | Easy to use + lever |
| 10 | Okuma Ceymar C-65 | Yes | Standard | Felt/elliptical | Big cats/surf perch | Smooth, huge capacity |
| 11 | Okuma Avenger ABF30b | Yes | Baitfeeder | Front + free-spool | Carp/cats | Budget baitfeeder icon |
| 12 | KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III 4000 | Yes | Baitfeeder | Carbon + seal | Carp/inshore live bait | Modern, user-friendly |
| 13 | Daiwa Revros (LT) | Yes | Standard | ATD | Finesse multispecies | Great starter + lever |
| 14 | KastKing Megatron | Yes | Standard | Carbon | Big freshwater/light surf | Rigid frame + knob |
How to choose (fast)
Step-by-step
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Decide your style:
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Mostly bait fishing? → pick a baitfeeder (Emcast BR, Avenger ABF, Sharky Baitfeeder, Daiwa 5000-C Freespool).
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Mostly lures? → a standard reel with an AR switch (BG, Revros, Exceler, Legalis, etc.).
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Match size & line:
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2500–3000 → trout/bass/walleye/light inshore (8–20 lb braid).
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4000–5000 → pike/stripers/carp/cats (20–30+ lb braid or 10–17 lb mono).
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Pick the frame feel:
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Metal body (BG, Fierce III, Megatron) = max rigidity.
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LT/composite (Exceler, Legalis, Revros, Prorex, Lew’s) = lighter, nice for finesse.
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Confirm the switch: Look for a reverse/anti-reverse lever or “anti-reverse knob.” If the listing only says “instant anti-reverse bearing” with no lever mention, assume no manual switch (drag-only).
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Drag & knob feel: Turn the drag knob—look for buttery start-up. If you back-reel often, ultra-low start-up is less critical.
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Comfort & balance: Mount it on your rod. The outfit should balance around the foregrip. If it nose-dives, go a size down or lighter reel.
Pro tips
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For winter steelhead/trout, a switch is gold—back-reel through sudden head-shakes.
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For surf/jetty abuse, a metal body and sealed features matter more than a switch.
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For carp/cats, a baitfeeder is simply easier—fish pick up the bait against light tension, then you engage.
FAQs to include (people also ask)
Is a baitfeeder the same as an anti-reverse switch?
No. A baitfeeder adds a second, very light drag for free-spool bites. The anti-reverse switch simply lets the handle turn backward (back-reel) or lock forward. They’re different systems; many baitfeeders also have a manual AR switch.
Do I still need a switch if my reel has great drag?
Not strictly. Many anglers love drag-only reels. But a switch gives you manual control for micro-adjustments, winter fishing, and quick rigging.
Where is the anti-reverse switch located?
Usually under the body near the reel foot (a small lever). Some reels call it a reverse lever or anti-reverse knob.
What size spinning reel is best for carp/catfish with a switch?
4000–5000 with a baitfeeder (Okuma ABF, Daiwa Emcast BR, Sharky Baitfeeder). Larger spools = easier long casts and stronger main drags.
Are sealed saltwater reels getting rid of switches?
Many salt-centric reels have moved to instant anti-reverse only to reduce water ingress points. If you want a switch, confirm it’s there before buying.
Choosing the best spinning reel with an anti-reverse switch comes down to matching the feature to your fishing style. If you love working lures and want precise, manual control during the fight, a standard spinner with a manual reverse lever is perfect for back-reeling and quick rigging. If you fish live bait or set rods for carp/catfish, a baitfeeder/live-liner plus an anti-reverse switch gives you the best of both worlds: a light free-spool for the take and instant main-drag engagement when you crank.
Keep the selection simple:
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Pick your size by target species (2500–3000 for trout/bass/walleye; 4000–5000 for pike/stripers/carp/cats).
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Check for the physical switch (a labeled reverse lever/knob), not only “instant anti-reverse.”
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Favor smooth, low start-up drag and a rigid frame that holds gears in line.
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For cold or splashy conditions, choose reels with cleanable/accessible one-way bearings and decent sealing.
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Finally, skim real-world angler feedback and confirm ratings before you buy.
From the roundup, you’ve got quick, durable options for lure fishing, plus baitfeeder standouts for hands-off bite detection—each clearly marked with pros, cons, and “best for” scenarios. Use the comparison table and cheat sheet to map your water, line, and techniques to the right reel, and you’ll know exactly which model to trust on the water.
Tight lines—and enjoy the control and confidence that a well-chosen spinning reel with anti-reverse switch brings to every hook-set and head-shake.
Related Article-
What is anti-reverse on a fishing reel?
Baitfeeder (baitrunner) feature explained
Best spinning reels with bait clicker (baitrunner)
