My spinning reels have 3 line weights printed on them.

Are those the 3 most optimum line weights the reel is rated for (reel ratings), or is it merely letting you know how much the spool will hold in those 3 weights and NOT ratings??? I have read different opinion on this here and thought I would try to get a consensus.

Thanks for the help!

You can put any diameter line you want on any size reel, but too thick of a line will generally cause manageability problems with smaller diameter spools.

I tend to buy my reels based on the line capacity for the weight of line I'm planning on using, the weight of the reel, and overall balance of the rod/reel combo.

In my experiences the reel performs best with the stated pound test and yardage. But, I think that is just a starting point. If a reel holds 120 yrds of 14# test, it may only hold 80yrds of 17# or 20# test and your reel may still perform just as great. I just look at it as a starting point. Because, now you know that if you need 120yds, you need to fill it up with 14# or whatever the case may be. You can compensate one way or another based off that.

Those numbers are to indicate spool capacity. On a 2500 size reel, line over 10lb will tend to coil and be hard to handle. A 4000 size handles the heavier line better but over 10# I'm usually baitcasting.