Key Takeaway
The Piscifun Carbon X3 is the better reel. It has IPX6 waterproof sealing, about 30% more line capacity and a newer, stronger carbon body. The Piscifun Carbon X II is the better deal. It’s roughly $30 cheaper, comes in an ultralight 1000 size and offers two gear ratios. If you fish often or in wet conditions, spend the extra money on the Carbon X3. If you want the most reel for your money, or a backup reel, grab the Carbon X II. Either way, you’re getting a carbon spinning reel for under $100.
My Thoughts
When I started looking for a lightweight spinning reel that wouldn’t cost me a whole paycheck, one name kept coming up: Piscifun. More specifically, the Piscifun Carbon X line. I went in assuming a reel under $100 would feel cheap and plasticky, the kind of thing you replace after one season. Little did I know, the Carbon X series has built a following among anglers who care a lot about weight and smoothness.
There are two models worth your attention right now: the newer Carbon X3 and the proven Carbon X II. They look similar on paper, so I dug into the specs to figure out who should buy which one.
Background: Who Is Piscifun?
Piscifun is a fishing gear brand that has built its name on giving anglers features you’d normally find on much more expensive reels, at a fraction of the price. The Carbon X series is their lightweight lineup. As the name suggests, carbon fiber is the star of the show. Carbon is lighter than aluminum and won’t corrode the way metal can, which matters a lot when you’re casting all day.
The original Carbon X got the ball rolling. The Carbon X II refined it, and the Carbon X3 is the newest version.
The Piscifun Carbon X3: The New Flagship
Check price on the Piscifun Carbon X3
The Carbon X3 is Piscifun’s newest take on the Carbon X, and it’s clear they were listening to feedback. The big headline is what Piscifun calls AirBlade™ construction, a carbon fiber body paired with CNC-machined gears. The goal is a reel that is both lighter and stronger than the one before it.
Quick specs (2000 size):
- Weight: 5.6 oz
- Gear ratio: 6.0:1
- Bearings: 8+1 fully sealed stainless steel
- Max drag: 22 lb in Piscifun’s comparison table (one spec block lists 30 lb)
- Waterproofing: IPX6, with six key parts sealed
- Sizes: 2000 and 3000
- Price: around $100
What I like: The IPX6 sealing is the upgrade that matters most to me. If you’ve ever had a reel start to grind after a rainy day or a dunk in the lake, you know why sealing matters. Piscifun also says the X3 holds about 30% more line than the X II with the same spool size, which means more room for error when a fish decides to run. The 6.0:1 gear ratio is a good all-around speed. It’s fast enough to pick up slack on a hookset, but not so fast that you lose cranking power.
What could be better: Fewer sizes, for now. You’re limited to the 2000 and 3000, so if you want a tiny 1000 for trout or panfish, you’ll have to wait or look at the X II. Piscifun also markets the X3 mainly for freshwater. It can handle light inshore saltwater, but you’ll want to rinse it after every trip. And at roughly $100, it costs about $30 more than its older sibling.
The Piscifun Carbon X II: The Proven Value Pick
Check price on the Piscifun Carbon X II
The Carbon X II is the reel that made a lot of people take Piscifun seriously, and it’s still a strong buy. Just about everything that can be carbon is carbon: the body, rotor and side plate. On top of that, you get a stainless steel main shaft and a CNC-machined aluminum handle with an EVA grip.
Quick specs:
- Weight: 5.5 oz (1000), 7.2 oz (2000), 7.4 oz (3000)
- Gear ratios: 5.2:1 or 6.2:1
- Bearings: 10+1 double-sealed stainless steel
- Max drag: 22 lb
- Drag system: carbon fiber, which Piscifun says is 15% better than the previous version
- Sizes: 1000, 2000 and 3000
- Price: around $68–$77
What I like: The price. For under $80, you get a carbon reel that weighs about as much as a smartphone. You also get a choice of gear ratios. The 5.2:1 is great for slower presentations and cranking baits, and the 6.2:1 is better for working lures quickly. The 1000 size makes it the better option of the two for ultralight fishing. Piscifun also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, which takes some of the risk out of trying it.
What could be better: It doesn’t have the X3’s IPX6 sealing, so it needs a little more care around water and grime. The 1000 size also has no anti-reverse switch. Most people won’t miss it, but it’s worth knowing.
Carbon X3 vs. Carbon X II: Head to Head
So which Piscifun Carbon X reel should you buy? It comes down to how and where you fish.
- Choose the Carbon X3 if you fish often, fish in wet conditions or want the newest tech. The better sealing and extra line capacity are worth the extra money if this will be your go-to reel for the next several seasons.
Choose the Carbon X II if you want the best value, need a 1000 size for ultralight fishing, or want to choose your gear ratio. It’s also a great second reel for a backup rod.
Both reels come with a one-year limited warranty from Piscifun.
Who These Reels Are For
Both reels are built for freshwater anglers who fish for bass, trout, crappie and walleye and want a light setup that won’t wear out their wrist by the end of the day. If you mostly fish heavy saltwater offshore, neither one is the right tool. You’d want a reel built specifically for that environment.
Closing Thoughts
Going into this, I expected to find a clear winner. Instead, I found two reels that are good at slightly different things. The Carbon X3 is the better reel overall, but the Carbon X II is arguably the better deal. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with Piscifun when you’re getting carbon construction and sealed bearings at this price.
If you want to see the full lineup, including combos with Piscifun’s carbon rods, you can browse everything on Piscifun’s site here.
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