Fishing Reels 12+1 BB Light Smooth Spinning Reels - Carbon Drag

In this review of the Burning Shark spinning reel, the bottom line is simple: it is a compact, affordable reel for anglers who want smooth retrieves and corrosion resistance without a pro price. The reel's standout feature is its 12+1 stainless steel ball bearings which deliver noticeably smoother operation than entry-level reels, and the collapsible handle plus lightweight composite body make it easy to pack for travel or surf trips. This review focuses on real-world handling, build details, and who will get the most value from this design.

Key Features

• 12+1 Ball Bearings: Provides an ultra-smooth retrieve and reduces crank vibration while fighting fish.
• Foldable Handle: The collapsible arm and compact 5.6 in length make the reel easy to stow in tackle bags and luggage for travel fishing.
• Carbon Fiber Drag: A powerful carbon fiber drag system offers consistent drag pressure for landing larger freshwater or saltwater species.
• Corrosion Resistant Body: High density glassfiber and composite materials provide improved resistance to saltwater corrosion for mixed-use fishing.
• Interchangeable Left/Right: Right/left hand conversion allows flexible setup for any angler preference.
• Multiple Sizes: Available in TT1000 through TT6000 sizes to match line capacity needs for shore, boat, or lake fishing.

Who It's For

The Burning Shark reel is a good match for weekend anglers, travelers, and beginners who want a smooth-spinning reel with corrosion resistance for both saltwater and freshwater outings. Its light weight and foldable handle are useful for shore anglers, carp and bass fishers, and anyone who packs gear for trips.

Serious tournament anglers or those who demand premium metals and the lightest possible weight may want to look at higher-end reels with aircraft-grade aluminum bodies and sealed drags. Also, if you need an ultralight setup for finesse trout work, choose a smaller specialty reel designed for that purpose.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Smooth operation from the 12+1 ball bearing configuration makes casting and retrieving easy.
• Durable carbon fiber drag provides consistent stopping power for larger fish.
• Collapsible handle and compact length make it very travel friendly.
• Versatile use across saltwater and freshwater thanks to composite anti-corrosion construction.

Cons

• Some users report mixed impressions of handle quality, which may feel less robust than higher-end reels.
• Overall build and weight vary across sizes, so larger models feel heavier and less refined than smaller ones.

Specifications

Ball Bearings	12+1 stainless steel
Gear Ratio	About 5.1:1 to 5.2:1
Materials	High density glassfiber, composite body
Handle	Foldable, right/left interchangeable
Drag	Carbon fiber powerful drag system
Sizes	TT1000, TT2000, TT3000, TT4000, TT5000, TT6000
Weight	Ranges by size, from about 7.94 oz to 15 oz

Our Verdict

The Burning Shark 12+1 spinning reel is a sensible value purchase for anglers who need a dependable, smooth reel for both saltwater and freshwater use. It combines a robust carbon fiber drag and corrosion-resistant materials with travel-friendly features, making it particularly good for weekenders and travelers looking for performance without a premium price. Those seeking top-tier handle hardware or the lightest possible competition reel should compare higher-end alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this reel suitable for saltwater use?
Yes. The composite and high density glassfiber construction improve anti-corrosion performance for mixed saltwater and freshwater fishing.

Can the handle be switched for left or right hand use?
Yes. The reel is right/left interchangeable to accommodate either hand preference.

What sizes are available and do they differ much in weight?
Available sizes range from TT1000 to TT6000 and weights increase with size, from roughly 7.94 oz up to about 15 oz depending on the model.