Okuma Trio Rex Reel
PAY AROUND
£159.99
Carp anglers visiting France this summer should take a look at this new Trio Rex reel from Okuma. Designed for European heavyweights, it’s packed with cool features and is as sturdy as they come, with a drag system to match the strongest carp out there.
It boasts a super powerful precision worm shaft transmission and machine-cut brass pinion gearing to give immense cranking power.
Sonik 6000 FS Black Reel
TECH SPEC
Gear Ratio 4.6:1
Line Recovery 34inches per handle crank.
Balanced Rotor
Instant anti-reverse
5 + 1 Ball Bearings
Weight 460g
Supplied with two graphite spools
Composite body and rotor
PAY AROUND
£59.99
The perfect foil for the SKS Black rods would be the matching FS 6000 Black reels which are ideal for small to medium sized runs waters. They are free-spool style models, with a super smooth trouble-free operation and sleek all-black cosmetics. Two spools are provided, and the reels feature a special S-curve oscillation that is said to produce an even line lay even with larger diameter lines. The black bail arms are made from robust, thick aluminium with titanium coated line rollers, there are twin handles, and front and rear drags for setting the clutch and free-spool resistance. Lightweight and dependable, they offer excellent value for money and will look a treat on the SKS rods.
Matrix Horizon Feeder Reel
PAY AROUND
£129.99
This Matrix reel is tailor-made for long-range feeder fishing. The shallow oversized spool is perfect holds fine braid or standard mono lines without the need for miles of backing. The spool also features two quick recognition coloured line clips that allow the angler to clip up at different distances when fishing two swims.
Shimano Technium 3000 SFD Reel
PAY AROUND
£129.99
Having used the new 3000 sized Technium SFD reel model with the Speedcast feeder rod, I would recommend the slightly larger bodied 4000FD reel, as it has a much beefier presence and substance to it.
All Shimano reel fans will be pleased to notethat the latest five-reel 2014 Technium range is every bit as good, if not better, than ever. All boast tremendous cranking power thanks to their X-Ship gearing. They are tireless workers that will haul the heaviest of leads all day long without fail. Faultless oscillation gives an ironed-flat line lay, and the reels have superbly smooth front drag systems. All these features combine to put them up there with the best all-round coarse fishing reels anywhere.
Daiwa TDR 4012A Reel
PAY AROUND
£245 (but shop around)
If you want to push the boat out and want to pair the Spectron rod with a suitable reel, then grace the original Fuji reel seat with a new TDR 4012A.
Packed with features to suit modern tactics, this beauty has Quick Drag (QD) spools taken from Daiwa’s big pit-style carp range. You set the front-mounted drag from almost free running to locked up in less than half a turn. Just cast, set the clutch, and if you get a savage take you just pick up the rod, tighten down the clutch and play the fish – how easy is that?
What else? A light, tough rotor provides quick winding start-up with loads of power. A new Mag Seal around the rotor and main shaft stops water and debris getting in, and a high impact clip (HIP) cushions and protects any line tucked behind the clip, something that is essential if you regularly target very large fish.
Shimano Baitrunner DL FA 4000
PAY AROUND
£69.99
The joint most expensive reel here, but also one of the best. The DL FA feels solid, like it’s built to last, and is also the heaviest reel here at a chunky 15oz.
With a 4.8:1 gearing it’s marginally slower than some but it has awesome winding power and this reel has also seen loads of River Trent action to prove its prowess.
Equipped with three of Shimano’s superior, Shielded Stainless Steel bearings plus a roller bearing it’s a bombproof, smooth and powerful performer.
Like the Shimano ST FA model it has excellent line lay. Main spool is metal, spare is graphite, carrying 200 yards of 10lb line.
Daiwa Regal-X4000BR
PAY AROUND
£54.99
Daiwa’s entry-level Bite ‘N’ Run (BR) freespool system reel has that rock-solid reliability that we’ve come to expect of more expensive offerings from this top tackle company.
The Regal-X has three ball bearings but delivers a silky-smooth performance combined with legendary cranking power.
Top features include Twist Buster, graphite body with machined metal engine plate and graphite spool and rotor. A spare graphite spool is included. Once you’ve hooked a fish, the micro-adjustable front drag mechanism is particularly good.
Retrieve ratio is 4.9:1 and line capacity is 190m of 15lb. Weight is 13oz.
Shimano Baitrunner ST FA 4000
PAY AROUND
£49.99
The least expensive ‘Baitrunner’ in the Shimano stable, this ST FA model still ouzes class and confidence.
I’ve used this reel a lot when fishing a Black Cap maggot feeder on the River Trent, long casting and retrieving every four or five minutes to get plenty of grub down for greedy chub. That kind of constant punishment soon identifies weak spots. In two seasons my reel is still going strong despite only having one superior, shielded A-RB bearing and a roller bearing.
Line lay is particularly good. You only get a main graphite spool. Line capacity 260m of 10lb mono. Retrieve rate is 4.8:1. Weight is 13oz.
MAP Carptek ACS 4000 FS
PAY AROUND
£69.99
MAP’s freespool reel has top features that no other on these pages can match.
Firstly, the spool is fitted with MAP’s worldwide-patented ACS system that allows you to clip up for pinpoint casting accuracy, yet it automatically releases the line when a big fish runs and hits the clip.
The ACS 4000 FS also comes with both single and double handles to suit your style of fishing and comes in its own heavily padded, protective, zip-up carry case.
Smooth operation comes courtesy of nine ball bearings and the reel has a decent 5.0:1 line retrieve ratio. The reel has two, good quality spools – both metal – with a line capacity of 180 yards of 10lb mono.
Weight is 12.5oz.
Daiwa Crossfire 3Bi Reel
PAY AROUND
£34.99
This new reel offers typical Daiwa reliability and innovation at an affordable price. Three popular body sizes – 2500, 3000 and 4000 –covers most normal float and feeder tactics. The reel has a host of features including a one-touch folding handle, Twist Buster line roller that prevents heavier gauge lines from spinning-up, and Advanced Locomotive Levelwind that helps to produce an impeccable line-lay across the spool.
Greys GFR 5000 & 6000
PAY AROUND
GFR 5000 £64.99, GFR 6000 £69.99
A few months after its first excursion into the reel market with the GFS fixed-spool general float and feeder models, Greys has added two freespool reels – the GFR 5000 and GFR 6000. These are aimed at those who fish rivers and small carp waters.
The large 5000 and 6000-sized bodies house precision cut pinion gearing that fairly whisks along on nine bearings, providing both reels with ample winding power when retrieving heavy leads and feeders.
Match all that cranking ability with technical features including enlarged line rollers, extra sturdy bail-arms, micro-adjustable front drag, left or right-hand wind options and a specially recessed anti-reverse lever and you can appreciate that these reasonably priced reels fully live up to their Greys pedigree.
Their super smooth retrieve is matched to a silky oscillation that results in a near-perfect line lay, promoting easy, effortless casting.
The rear-sited freespool lever clicks instantly into operation and the secondary adjustment knob beneath it allows extra drag to be applied in freespool mode, allowing you to fine tune your set-up.
Shimano Hyperloop 1000 FB
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 4.6:1
Line capacity: 140yds/4lb, 240yds/8lb
PAY AROUND
£24.99
The Hyperloop is Shimano’s entry level reel featuring classic fixed-spool styling along with many high-tech features such as Super Stopper and Varispeed line-lay. Shimano’s Dyna-Balance system helps to eliminate vibration and a Power Roller keeps line twist to a minimum. The Hyperloop offers the novice angler all-round performance and reliability at an exceptionally low price, and is just as proficient with small lures as it is for lightweight float and leger work.
Shimano Catana 100FC
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 5.2:1
Line capacity: 140yds/4lb, 240yds/8lb
Spare XT7 graphite spool
PAY AROUND
£29.99-£49.99
The stunning looks of the four latest Catana FC reels are matched only by features that include two shielded stainless ball-bearings plus one roller bearing, CAD designed gears, progressive multi-disc rear drag and Shimano Dyna-Balance for added stability. All this adds up to a stunning reel that will cover everything from light match fishing through to heavy spinning.
Shimano Alivio 1000 FD
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 4.6:1
Line capacity: 270yds/2lb, 240yds/8lb
Spare deep spool
PAY AROUND
£24.99-£27.99
Very competitively priced, these rear drag Shimano reels are available in four sizes. All feature single handles, quick release push button spools, and Shimano’s ultra-smooth Hypergear and Dyna-balance technology for a performance you would expect from reels costing more than double the price tag. Ideal for most light ledgering and float tactics.
Daiwa Megaforce X Fast Drag
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 5.2:1
Line capacity: 115m/8lb (2050X), 170m/12lb (3050X)
Spare aluminium spool
PAY AROUND
£35.99
This new reel features a ‘fast drag’ that allows you to loosen off the clutch rapidly, allowing powerful fish to run while still applying constant steady playing pressure. Available in three sizes, the largest Megaforce 3050 cranks in a very impressive 85cm per turn of the handle, making it one of the fastest big lure reels on the market at this price.
Maver LZ 2000
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 4.9:1
Line capacity: 230yds/4lb
Bearings: 7RRB + 1RB
PAY AROUND
£29.99
The front drag LZ 2000, the best-selling reel in the Maver/Ticca range last year, is a little gem well deserving of another winning season. Striking black and silver cosmetics are matched with a host of features such as computer-balanced rotor, anti-reverse bearing, soft touch handle grip and an intelligent oscillation system that produces a near-perfect line lay. It glides along effortlessly on seven bearings, and performs well above it price tag.
Fox EOS 5000
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 5:1:1
Line capacity: 150m/0.30mm
Spare deep spool
PAY AROUND
Price: £54.99
The freespool Fox EOS is an ideal tool for all specimen anglers. Exceptionally smooth running thanks to a rotor-balanced profile and five bearing operation, it’s built to take the knocks, and will handle heavy leads and feeders, making it a favourite with river barbel enthusiasts.
Daiwa Harrier X Match
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 5.2:1
Line capacity: 140m/4lb (2553X), 170m/4lb (3053X)
Spare deep spool
PAY AROUND
£54.99
Daiwa’s new rear drag Harrier X introduces a new standard of performance in sub-£50 reels. With a smooth yet positive amount of winding power it is well capable of handling the stresses and strains of a day’s commercial carp hauling. The accurate and responsive rear drag system gives instant control when you are playing very large fish.
Mitchell 300
TECH SPEC
Line capacity: 320m/0.25mm
Retrieve rate: 0.64m per crank
PAY AROUND
Price: £49.99
The legendary 300 was born in France in 1948 and went on to become one of the most revered fishing reels of all time. The latest 2014 model has a Halo bail-arm for superior strength, as well as six ball-bearings, multi-disc front drag, and an extremely strong advanced polymeric body that is stronger than graphite yet lighter than aluminium. You also get a spare spool.
ABU Garcia Cardinal XS
TECH SPEC
Gear ratio: 5.1:1
Retrieve rates: 0.66m-0.82m per crank
Line capacity: 165m/0.22mm to 240m/0.30mm
One spare spool
PAY AROUND
£39.99-£42.99
Steeped in angling tradition, ABU Cardinal reels have been upgraded for 2014. Now in five sizes, with three rear drag and two front drag options, they provide serious specimen hunters and matchmen with reliable tools at a very reasonable price.
The latest models feature six ball-bearing gearings, Everlast bail-arm operation and a smooth running stealth oscillation system that gives an impeccable line lay with any type or size of line.