Daiwa Crosscast BR LD Reels
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£129.99
If the quality and performance of these Daiwa Crosscast reels is anything to go by, I could cross over into the freespool camp.
The wide big pit-style spools offer plenty of casting potential and generate an ironed-flat line lay. The freespool feature is very precise, going from virtually locked-up to all-but free running in around two turns of the setting knob.
They also make the most pleasing fast ticking sound – like a Swiss watch on an Alpine high – when a fast-running fish is striping line from them. On test, not once did the reels overrun or birdsnest.
To those admirable endorsements you can add a powerful 4.6:1 gearing which retrieves an impressive 104cm of line per turn of the handle, precision front drag mechanism, and Daiwa’s faultless Twist Buster line management system which prevents even heavy mono line from spinning up on the retrieve.
MAP P3000 and P4000 Reels
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£89.99
Match brand MAP has made further additions to their hugely popular ACS range of reels.
The latest P3000FD and P4000FD models both feature the unique line clip system that allows you to fish safely ‘clipped up’ as it instantly releases the line when a fish runs.
Other notable features on these very good looking all-black liveried reels are the hard wearing oversized alloy metal spools- which prevent the line from bedding in when using thicker diameter monofilaments and catching big fish.
Both models are said by MAP to have been designed to cover all float and feeder fishing situations. However, in my opinion I would say that the larger P4000 model looks particularly suited for using with heavy method feeders and long cast pellet waggler tactics. Whilst the smaller bodied P3000 model has a slightly wider appeal and would make an ideal all-round commercial fishery reel ideal for feeder, bomb, and float fishing.
One thing which both reels do have though- is a seamless performance. Operating on no less than nine ball-bearings, it must be said that they run as smoothly as any top-end reel costing more than three times their price. The font drag system- whilst not being the most precise I have ever
handled, work well enough and certainly wouldn’t let you down. The handles are quickly and easily folded away by simply twisting the thumb screw opposite, making them perfect for use with ready-rods. Plus they come with a spare double handle option as well as a spare spool. This for me puts them firmly amongst the best reel bargains currently on the market.
Okuma Trio White Reel
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£79.99
This great-looking new member to the Okuma Trio range comes in three sizes to cover float/feeder and spinning duties.
A total of 10 good grade stainless steel ball bearings coupled with machine cut brass pinion gear and a micro adjustable front drag system make it smooth and powerful to beat the biggest fish.
A corrosion-resistant coating process, water-tight drag seal and aluminium/graphite body construction makes it a reel for life.
Aerial ‘Sterling’ Match Centrepin Reel
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£299
These stunning centrepins are being offered by London-based Sterling Northolt and have been designed to be as close to the legendary Allcock Aerial as is possible.
Produced to the Aeriel’s original specifications by English craftsmen, they have been beautifully hand engraved and given individual serial numbers.
The 4.5-inch diameter Sterling Match Centrepin comes in two different spool widths – 0.56in (pictured) and 1⅛in and cost £299 and £310 respectively.
The super-free running ‘pins are made from hard anodized aerospace quality aluminium, nickel silver and stainless steel to guarantee a product that will last a lifetime.
Shakespeare Superteam FD
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£59.99
Anything carrying the famous Superteam name is a piece of gear worth a look and this front drag reel is no exception.
Carrying a strong but lightweight aluminium/carbon hybrid body, the Superteam FD is perfect for the competition angler and is equally at home on rivers as it is lakes full of match-sized carp. Appearance wise you get an attractive matt-black finish. Its shallow spools have spring-loaded double line clips, it has 6 + 1 ball bearings and a spare deep spool is supplied too.
Preston PXR Pro 4000 Series
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£79.99
Smart and practical, the PXR pro follows on from the success of the original PXR range.
Four sizes in all black aluminium with striking red graphics and graphite construction, the PXR Pro is a great choice for all kinds of float and feeder fishing. The larger sizes especially are great for punching feeders long distances on lakes and rivers. Three of the models feature 150m spools, ideal for use with the company’s 150m spools of Power Max line, one of the best reel lines of recent times.
Korum KMR 4000 Reel
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£49.99
A new Method Runner reels which are ideal for day ticket and light specimen angling, using large feeders or leger rigs.
The KMR will stand up to the rigours of decent-sized carp and also river fish with its robust graphite body and small free spool. You’ll find this reel extremely easy to cast with owing to its compact shape and shortened reel stem. Both 3000 and 4000 class models are available, the 4000 is probably the ideal choice for the Method feeder fan.
Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel
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£69.99
A good all-around choice for carp and specimen fishing.
The new Black Widow BR comes in four popular sizes from 3500 up to 5000, for all but the longest of casts. Part of the ‘Bite N Run’ range, it has an AirBail, great clutch system, front drag, infinite anti-reverse, anodized aluminium spool and engine plate. Line capacities vary from 200m of 12lb line for the smallest version, to 310m of 14lb line for the largest 5000 reel.
Maver LZ 2000
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£29.99
Packed with a surprising amount of features for a sub-£30 reel, the LZ 2000 is little power house.
You’ll find a computer-balanced rotor, seven rust-resistant bearings, soft-touch handle and an Intelligent Oscillating System for perfect line lay. All contained within subtle black and silver cosmetics. Its two spools have a line capacity of 230yds of 4lb line. Great value and a best seller.
Frenzee FMR3000
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£94.99
A real gem of a little reel.
The backwind facility is the main talking point of the FMR range, known as the Precision Braking System (PBS). You can adjust it like a clutch, stopping ridiculous overspin and the tangles which occur with this. A lot of anglers like to play fish off the backwind, rather than the clutch, and this makes the FMR3000 perfect for float fishing with light hooklengths, giving you total control of the fish.
Drennan FD3000 and FD4000 Reels
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£54.95
Two new float/feeder reels from the Drennan stable.
The smooth front drag is super on both and can be carefully adjusted to suit the fish and the peg targeted. Another neat touch is the shallow spools, which fill to the brim with exactly 100m of line, alleviating the need for backing. Alan Scotthorne himself is using these models, testament to how good a reel you get for your money. Would Alan have used a £55 reel 10 years ago? We suspect not!
Fox EOS 10000
TECH SPEC
5 stainless ball bearing
Rotor balanced profile
Gear ratio 5:5:1
Flat line lay aids casting
Smooth clutch
Free Spool Mechanism
Weight 558g
Line capacity 0.33mm/320m and 0.35mm/260m
Spare spool available separately
PAY AROUND
£59.99
No doubt encouraged by the success of last year’s EOS 5000 and EOS 7000 reels - Fox has just introduced this latest 10000 version. The larger-bodied model which has been extensively field- tested by anglers with the distance casting pedigrees of Tom Maker and Mark Bartlett. Looks set to become a firm favourite with the big carp fraternity, and likely to follow in the footsteps of the company’s hugely popular FX11 model.
The new EOS 10000 has all the trappings of a top-end modern-day carp reel, and boasts an eye catching all-black finish with minimal graphics. It also features a super reliable free- spool facility that enables fish to take line on the bite, but then by simply turning the reels handle forward- instantly disengages the facility leaving the angler free to play the fish from the front setting clutch. Weighing in at just 558g the new reel should perfectly compliment a 2.75lb or 3lb test curve carp rod, and looks to be ideal for smaller venues, where you are likely to be fishing under 100yds range. It also makes the ideal reel for stalking and floater fishing.
Daiwa Cast’izm 25QDA Reel
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£59.99
£299.99
Daiwa can already lay claim to some of the most technically advanced big pit reels on the market. The company’s top-end Tournament Basiair, Tournament ISO and Tournament Entoh reels are now joined by the Cast’izm 25QDA, once again tapping into the Japanese long-distance surfcasting mode typified by the original Daiwa Basia reels.
This time around, though, Daiwa claims a design breakthrough in spool geometry. A compact spool with a modest 25mm oscillation stroke, a 65mm diameter (the same as the Basia) and a 66mm skirt gives quite extraordinary casting results from what is a fairly small-bodied reel.
Despite a modest gear ratio of 4.7:1 it still retrieves 96cm of line with every turn of the handle, with winding power to burn.
The Cast’izm reel also features Mag sealed protection – which stops the ingress of water and debris – along with QD quick drag system, HIP High Impact Protection line clip, lightweight Zaion body with graphite Air Rotor, and Air Bail with Twistbuster line roller.
Al in all, despite the Cast’izm being such a compact reel, it’s big on casting potential, features and looks.
Middy Baggin' Machine CXR Reels
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£60 (shop around and expect to pay £45)
Ideal to use with the new Middy Baggin Machine rods are their namesake Baggin Machine CXR reels.
The 30 size is ideal teamed with the Waggler rod, while the larger-bodied 40 size is well suited to the Feeder rod. These modern front drag models are compact and lightweight, with an abundance of features including press-button flat folding handles that are very handy when carrying made-up rods.
Mono-friendly line clips, machined alloy spools and a balanced rotor system give smooth oscillation and flat line-lay, and a spare spool comes with both.
Wychwood Solace 6 Reel
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£59.99
This compact, new freespool addition to the Wychwood Solace reel range will appeal to specialist anglers and commercial pool fans alike.
The float/feeder-sized Solace 6 has a solid, meaty feel to it and a slick freespool mechanism.
Six stainless steel bearings and high-strength drive gear coupled to a super-smooth worm shaft system deliver the power to beat big fish.
Supplied with two, good quality metal spools both fitted with the world-patented ACS line system that allows clipped-up line to come free in the event of a big fish taking line. The reel also comes with both single and double handles.
Korum CS Series 3000/4000 Reels
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£39.99
Korum’s new 3000 and 4000 sized rear drag reels are fully compatible with the company’s affordable and very popular CS rod series. The smaller 3000 version is ideally suited to float tactics, while the larger-bodied 4000 should be perfect for all forms of feeder fishing.
Commercial match ace and Method feeder specialist Andy Finlay had been field-testing the new models for the past six months, and knowing him as I do, he will have caught lots of fish on them. If they are good enough for Andy then they must be really good.
Both reels are built to cope with heavy lines, and are fitted with an ultra-strong rear drag system that can be quickly adjusted between settings to make playing big fish off the clutch easier. Other features include a push-button quick spool release, a super-strong hollow stainless steel bail-arm and left and right hand handle retrieve option.
Shimano Aero Technium 12000 XTB MGS
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£749.99
Quite possibly the most iconic big-pit long cast reel in the world, the cult all-black Shimano XTB Mag is basically the Bugatti Veyron of the angling world. A super-slick finite adjustment front drag system is teamed with a fabulous Baitrunner11 spool facility. Liquid smooth in its performance and delivery, the nine shielded bearing model operates with no more than a pleasing whisper.
Shimano Ultegra C14 XS-B 14000
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£279.99
This cracking reel is built from a composite material called C14 which is light, strong and rigid. This latest Ultegra model boasts features including X-ship engineering, which provides added body rigidity and a tremendous amount of cranking power, even under pressure. It houses five shielded bearings plus one roller bearing, and comes with two cold forged aluminium spare spools with line reducers.
Shimano Speedcast XS-A
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£139.99
This new mid-sized big-pit Shimano reel is constructed in a very lightweight XGT-7 body and rotor material that provides stiffness and strength. It runs along seamlessly on three shielded stainless steel bearings, plus a roller bearing, and comes with two spare spools and free line. Other features include automatic trip bail, Dyna-balance retrieve and alloy power handle for maximum cranking power.
Drennan Series 7 BR Reel
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Specimen BR 9-40 £47.95
Carp Method BR 9-30 £45.95
Drennan's affordably priced Series 7 reels reflect the company’s lightning-fast response to what anglers want. Recent launches included large-bodied Carp Feeder and Big Feeder versions of the company’s smaller rear drag Feeder 9-40 and Float 9-30 models.
This time around, Drennan has taken a quantum leap into the reel market with the release of its first-ever freespool models.
The Specimen BR 9-40 and Carp Method BR 9-30 are, as you would expect, super-reliable and packed with features. You get line size identification buttons that push into the front of the spool, fail-safe bail-arms, and a smooth freespool transition mechanism that belies the affordable price.
The easy-to-use freespool system allows line to be taken by a running fish until you engage the rear lever by turning the handle forward. From then on a fish can be played in the normal manner. This simple set-up, widely used by specimen carp and barbel anglers, has become increasingly popular with pleasure and match anglers who fish commercial carp waters, as both reels work particularly well for Method feeder tactics.