Daiwa Cast'izm BR 25A reel
TECH SPEC
Weight: 512g
Ratio: 5.3:1
Line capacity: 270m of 0.35mm
Spool: Compact Cast’izm 25mm spool concept
Features: Redesigned BR system, Mag Sealed, Air Rotor, Air Bail, Twistbuster, six ball-bearings, aluminium spare spool
PAY AROUND
£299.99
Daiwa has just introduced the second generation of its mini big pit reels in the form of this new Cast’izm BR.
The reel is the company’s first mini big-pit, freespool model, developed, refined and field-tested with the UK Korda team, and finished samples are already seeing plenty of action in the hands of top carpers Darrell Peck and Danny Fairbrass.
Despite its modest size, the Cast’izm BR eats up to 107cm of line in one handle turn. Unique features include a special Mag Sealed rotor which is protected from the intrusion of soluble debris and fine abrasives, resulting in a long life and smooth action.
“The Cast’izm BR freespool is designed around the proven spool geometry of the Cast’izm ‘mini big pit’ offering the best of both worlds,” said Daiwa marketing manager Steve McCaveny.
Penn Affinity 7000 Black Limited Edition reel
PAY AROUND
£109.99
The famous Penn brand, probably best known for its outstanding surf and boat multiplier reels, has added this eye-catching black limited edition Affinity 7000 to its coarse fishing portfolio.
In the size most favoured by specimen hunters, this big pit compact looks the business and is nailed on to make its mark.
But it’s not just the Affinity’s looks that set this stunning reel apart. Penn’s legendary reliability, attention to detail and focus on technical perfection have resulted in an object of desire that boasts more features than Blackpool promenade.
The reel is designed for long casting, as clearly seen from the inclusion of a long-stroke tapered forged aluminium spool (plus a spare), both accepting an impressive 400m of 15lb line.
The reels super-slow oscillation generates a perfectly flat line-lay, adding further distance to the cast whether you use mono or braided mainlines.
Another noteworthy feature is a sensible quick turn 9+1 ratio front drag facility, which is super smooth, easily set, and not overly aggressive as can sometimes be the case with modern quick-drag reels. To that you can add a reliable hardwearing manual bail-arm made from titanium wire and a matching titanium main shaft rotor system.
There’s a choice of folding handles, too. Installed as standard is a smooth, ergonomic rubber thumb and forefinger knob which is perfect for additional grip in wet weather, and a stylish wooden knob is there if you want it.
Korum Free Spool 6000 Reel
PAY AROUND
£39.99
This is the perfect freespool reel for a multitude of modern coarse fishing applications. Rugged and reliable, it offers power and finesse with abundant features.
The reel runs seamlessly on a five-bearing pinion system, which in turn produces a smooth oscillation and near-perfect line lay for maximum casting distance. A precise front drag system is teamed with a fast-reaction freespool facility, which is easily tensioned to your requirements.
Finished in a cult understated black body colour, it boasts a sensible 4.9:1 gear ratio and will hold 300m of 0.28mm (10lb) of line.
Wychwood Riot S reels
TECH SPEC
5+1 bearing
Oversized main shaft ensures huge cranking power
Micro-pitch, multi-disk front drag
Oversized anti-twist line roller
Cult matte black finish
Spare aluminium tapered spool
ACS line clip
PAY AROUND
Riot 65S £59.99, Riot 75S £69.99
Based on the best-selling Riot big pit reel, Wychwood is releasing two new all black 65S and 75S models. The larger of these is an out-and-out distance reel, while the smaller Riot 65S is solidly engineered to give flat line-lay and retain plenty of casting potential. Both versions come complete with a spare matte black aluminium tapered spool.
Browning Quantum Fire reel
PAY AROUND
£49.99
The ideal foil for the Magic Perch rod is this super little front drag graphite-bodied Quantum Fire reel. Its stunning livery, with flashes of red, silver and black, perfectly matches the rod’s whippings and finish.
The 015 sized model weighs a featherweight 203g and boasts a very speedy 5.2:1 gear ratio which retrieves an impressive 60cm of line per handle crank.
Other features include folding aluminium handle, large line roller with anti-twist system, and a silky smooth performance courtesy of 10 ball-bearings.
The live test model was filled with Quantum’s specialist low stretch Quattron Fluoro carbon coated line (7lb/ 0.20mm), classed as being somewhere between ordinary mono and braid, very low in stretch and so ideal for drop shotting. It didn’t spin up on the retrieve, tangle in the guides or cause me a single problem all day, and it costs a fraction of the price of a decent braid at just £7.95 per 250m spool.
Daiwa Legalis 1500HA Reel
PAY AROUND
£79.99
New for 2015, the Legalis reel family has five members of which the 1500HA is the smallest. But far from being the runt of the litter, this tiny terrier has an uncompromising tenacity which belies its petite form.
For test purposes one of the spools (it comes with a spare) was loaded with a very fine (0.12mm) braid, which makes the casting of light weights much easier and transmits plenty of feeling. Braid also has a clear advantage over mono lines when using lures because its lack of stretch puts you in direct contact with the fish when you get a take, so setting the hook is a quick and clean process.
However, the downside to braid mainlines is that they will take their toll on any reel not up to the job. Both line-lay and bail-arm pick-up has to be perfect, quick and precise if tangles are not to result. I can happily report that after several weeks of near constant use either side of the live test, not a single tangle could be blamed on the reel.
It’s also important that the line roller guide is top-quality to prevent the braid from cutting in, an area of expertise in which major reel producers such as Daiwa and Shimano really do excel. After close inspection not so much as a scratch was to be seen on the Twistbuster line guide. Other top features on this model include a lightweight Air Rotor system, a hard-wearing aluminium body and machine cut handle built to last and a quick 6.0:1 gear ratio that’s ideal for fishing small lures. And the whole lot weighs only 8.5oz.
Shakespeare Superteam 35FD reel
PAY AROUND
£59.99
I have to say that this is a very impressive little front-drag Shakespeare reel which could quite possibly be the best that the famous old firm has ever produced. The live testing model worked smoothly, efficiently, and faultlessly and its matt black and silvery livery looks great. Available in two sizes - 35 and 45 - both reels have been specifically developed for the demanding match angler, and will handle any type of commercial or natural venue tactic.
Daiwa Saltiga SG6000GT, SG6500 and SG6500H
PAY AROUND
£1,199
Daiwa and top quality reels go hand in hand and from a company that’s produced such legends as the Basia for carpers and the TDR range for match and pleasure anglers comes two stunning new releases for salt and freshwater anglers – and boy are they good!
The Saltiga and Exist range were showcased by the Scottish giants at Japanese trade shows to rave reviews and they landed in Europe at the big Carrefour National Pêche et Loisirs show in France a few weeks back to equal levels of excitement. They’re not cheap but they really do represent the vanguard of reel design and are simply stunning – no further words are needed to describe the range.
For the freshwater angler, the Exist offers two models, the 2506 and 3012 and they’re capable of feeder, float and light carp and predator work including spinning, packed with Daiwa’s award-winning technologies to produce an unbelievably light yet powerful and durable reel.
The machined Zaion body, Daiwa Air Rotor and Daiwa Air Spool technology comes as standard coupled with the Mag Sealed magnetic oil system and a staggering 12 CRBB bearings, meaning the Exist is almost entirely corrosion proof to make it last a life time. A real innovation in particular is the Mag Sealed line roller that does away with line twist while removing any chance of corrosion of the roller’s bearing, which can render a reel useless when it goes! Smooth on the cast and even smoother on the retrieve, you’ll also find the Ultimate Tournament Drag for playing big fish with ease plus a line clip and aluminium machine cut handle with coated cork handle knob.
Moving on to the Saltiga, there’s 11 reels in the range that have been extensively tested for fresh and saltwater lure fishing in countries such as Japan, the USA and New Zealand and are certain to be a hit for lure and sea anglers on home soil.
Beautifully light to complement the slender kit used for this type of fishing, the key feature of the Saltiga range is their resistance to salt water corrosion, which does for many reels within 12 months of use but with the space age Mag Sealed magnetic oil system, a strong seal is formed to prevent water intrusion between the reel’s rotor and body.
Light it may be but the Saltist has bags of power to take on pike, zander and sea species like bass with Digigear™ digital gear design, a 15 bearing system for utter smoothness on cast and retrieve, automatic rotor brake, Ultimate Tournament Carbon drag for putting the brakes on hooked fish and a sealed two bearing line roller.
Saltiga reels will be available in the UK from April 2015 and the Exist models from May 2015.
Daiwa Exist EX2506 and EX3012
PAY AROUND
£999
Daiwa and top quality reels go hand in hand and from a company that’s produced such legends as the Basia for carpers and the TDR range for match and pleasure anglers comes two stunning new releases for salt and freshwater anglers – and boy are they good!
The Saltiga and Exist range were showcased by the Scottish giants at Japanese trade shows to rave reviews and they landed in Europe at the big Carrefour National Pêche et Loisirs show in France a few weeks back to equal levels of excitement. They’re not cheap but they really do represent the vanguard of reel design and are simply stunning – no further words are needed to describe the range.
For the freshwater angler, the Exist offers two models, the 2506 and 3012 and they’re capable of feeder, float and light carp and predator work including spinning, packed with Daiwa’s award-winning technologies to produce an unbelievably light yet powerful and durable reel.
The machined Zaion body, Daiwa Air Rotor and Daiwa Air Spool technology comes as standard coupled with the Mag Sealed magnetic oil system and a staggering 12 CRBB bearings, meaning the Exist is almost entirely corrosion proof to make it last a life time. A real innovation in particular is the Mag Sealed line roller that does away with line twist while removing any chance of corrosion of the roller’s bearing, which can render a reel useless when it goes! Smooth on the cast and even smoother on the retrieve, you’ll also find the Ultimate Tournament Drag for playing big fish with ease plus a line clip and aluminium machine cut handle with coated cork handle knob.
Moving on to the Saltiga, there’s 11 reels in the range that have been extensively tested for fresh and saltwater lure fishing in countries such as Japan, the USA and New Zealand and are certain to be a hit for lure and sea anglers on home soil.
Beautifully light to complement the slender kit used for this type of fishing, the key feature of the Saltiga range is their resistance to salt water corrosion, which does for many reels within 12 months of use but with the space age Mag Sealed magnetic oil system, a strong seal is formed to prevent water intrusion between the reel’s rotor and body.
Light it may be but the Saltist has bags of power to take on pike, zander and sea species like bass with Digigear™ digital gear design, a 15 bearing system for utter smoothness on cast and retrieve, automatic rotor brake, Ultimate Tournament Carbon drag for putting the brakes on hooked fish and a sealed two bearing line roller.
Saltiga reels will be available in the UK from April 2015 and the Exist models from May 2015.
Preston Innovations PXR Pro 3000 Reel
PAY AROUND
£79.99
If you fancy a classy high-performance reel to partner the Korum Twin Tip Drop Shot rod, look no further than Preston innovations’ striking PXR Pro 3000.
This lightweight (252g) aluminium-bodied reel in superb black and red livery boasts a host of features ideal for drop shotting.
You get a fast retrieve 5.1:1 gear ratio, hard chrome braid-resistant plated line roller, shallow spools (which cut the cost of spooling up with expensive braid), as well as a precision front drag system.
The reel purrs along effortlessly on six stainless steel ball-bearings.
Korum Free Spool 8000
PAY AROUND
£54.99
Korum is expanding into the carp world, and its new Free Spool reels offer terrific value for money.
The 8000 model shown here is the bigger of two offerings and promises to be a decent all-round workhorse. With five ball-bearings and a freespool facility for well under £60, it’s well worth a closer look.
Shimano Baitrunner X-Aero RA
PAY AROUND
£189.99 to £199.99
This new Baitrunner will be available in three popular sizes 6000, 8000, and 1000 and is claimed as a major leap forward in free-spool evolution as it combines all the benefits of a traditional Baitrunner with the casting performance of a compact big-pit model.
To help achieve its outstanding casting performance Shimano has built the X-Aero RA with a 30 per cent larger than normal spool.
Shimano Aernos 1000FB
PAY AROUND
£84.99
Matching perfectly with the Yasei Red Spinning Perch 190 rod is this lightweight, small bodied reel. Shimano’s petite but outstanding new Aernos 1000FB models have been re-introduced and re-vamped for 2015.
For the first time on any model of this type, Shimano has included expensive top-end features such a Diecast X-Ship gearing - a system that helps to increase the winding efficiency and power, and also aids smoothness on the retrieve.
Shimano Baitrunner ST-FB
PAY AROUND
£69.99
You're looking at the least expensive yet most technically advanced Baitrunner reel that Shimano has produced since the legendary marque was launched over a quarter of a century ago.
The new, entry-level, match-sized ST-FB model is designed to appeal to anglers on a budget who still want the iconic reputation and kudos of a Shimano Baitrunner loaded with famous features.
The ‘Bait Runner’ freespool mechanism first appeared on the Shimano Triton Sea Spin reel (top left) back in 1987 but coarse anglers were quick to catch on to the then revolutionary concept of allowing big fish to charge off without dragging the rod and reel off the rest and into the lake.
The ‘sea’ tag was soon dropped and the iconic, and jealously protected, trade-marked Baitrunner (as opposed to the original Bait Runner) brand became a generic term for the hoards of freespool reels that subsequently mimicked it.
The ability to fish ‘hands-free’ with the Baitrunner mechanism engaged, yet click back into fish-fighting gear at the turn of a handle, has always been a brilliant feature. It means you can pour a cup of tea or mix groundbait secure in the knowledge that your valuable rod and reel aren’t going to be pulled in. As someone who lost a rod and reel in the blink of an eye while pouring a cuppa on a commercial many years ago, I know just how easy, and how fast, this can happen.
Even when big fish are less active in winter it can still happen on the commercials, or on the rivers after chub or barbel, so it’s always best to engage that handy freespool lever.
The new, two ball bearing, ST-FB front drag reel is available in two sizes. The 2500FB float and light feeder size has a recommended retail price of £69.99 but is likely to sell in the shops for £54.99. The feeder/light specialist 4000-size model has an RRP of £74.99 but a suggested selling price of £59.99. In 2014 terms, that’s cheaper than the original Triton Sea Spin, yet the ST-FB is light years ahead on technology in every department.
Shakespeare Agility FS reel
PAY AROUND
£59.99
The Agility FS reel, available in 60 and 40 sizes, is the ideal partner for either EXP Specimen rod. This freespool model is reliable and strong, backed up by a wealth of a technical specifications such as a super-robust large diameter bail-arm, two line clips per spool, oversized line roller guide, and a 5.0:1 gear ratio.
Other features include two deep aluminium spools and a double handle option. The smaller Agility FS 40 is perfect for all light carp, Method feeder and barbel fishing, while the 60 size steps up a gear for specimen carp and predator fishing.
Browning Ambition FD & RD
PAY AROUND
£34.95
These affordable Ambition reels come in front and rear drag versions. Features include a balanced rotor, folding aluminium handle with left or right-hand configuration, non-twist line roller, rugged hollow alloy bail-arm, and a spare spool as standard. In 3000 and 4000 sizes.
Browning Black Viper
PAY AROUND
£129.95
Browning is known for designing tackle specifically for long-range feeder tactics –commonly used across mainland Europe. The eye-catching new all-black Viper MK 850 FD reel is a perfect example of a purpose-built distance caster, loaded with specialist features including sophisticated worm shaft gears for effortless retrieve and impeccable line-lay.
Its wide, shallow-profiled spool can be filled without resorting to lots of backing that can often impair the line-lay.
Frenzee FMR 300 Reel
PAY AROUND
£94.99
An ideal companion for the Pro FXT 10ft Feeder rod is the matching Frenzee FMR 3000 sized reel. This model, like its larger 4000 stablemate, incorporates a unique Precision Braking System that gives the angler full control of the backwind facility when the anti-reverse lever is switched off – with no worries about over-spins and tangles.
The function is easy to operate by fine-tuning the setting knob on the reel’s handle. Packed with features, the FMR 3000 also has precision-cut steel gearing and a well-balanced double handle that prevents any wobble on the retrieve. It runs seamlessly on 7 + 1 Titanium Nitrate ball-bearings, producing a gear ratio of 5.2:1. And it’s supplied in its own carry case with a spare spool.
Shimano Rarenium CI4+ FB reel
PAY AROUND
£219.99 to £249.99.
The elegant Rarenium C14+ FB reel is constructed from Shimano’s exclusive CI4+ composite. With four models in the range, they carry a host of features, including Shielded A-RB bearings, one-piece bail, waterproof drag, Dyna-Balance and Power Roller.
Fox Rage Ultron Pro 1500, 2500 and 3500 Reels
PAY AROUND
£54.99
Designed to complement the Rage range, these front drag reels, are perfect for jigging, spinning, twitching or drop shotting. Available in three sizes – 1500, 2500 and 3500 – they cost £54.99, £59.99 and £69.99 respectfully. Technical features include extreme lightness (195g, 275g and 350g); 5.1:1 ration and six SS ball bearings.