Korum Rodiac Freespool fishing reels
PAY AROUND
4000 £39.99
5000 £44.99
6000 £49.99
Rodiac Freespool reels have now joined Korum’s impressive Front Force, Snapper, Feeder and Neoteric ranges.
These latest reels, in 4000, 5000 and 6000 body sizes, are designed for ultra-long casts
with high-diameter lines on big open-water venues. Technical features include a lightweight graphite body, anti-twist titanium line roller, oversized bail-arm with water drop bail holder, and a hard-wearing anodised spool – with a shallow one also included in the package.
High ratio gearing, a highly accessible freespool facility and precision front and rear drag settings are likely to endear these reels to big-fish fans, since they can be pre-set to suit the weight of fish likely to be encountered.
Fine adjustments can then be made to suit changing swim conditions, such as extra water coming through, without fuss. A bonus to left-handed anglers is that the K-Fold aluminium handles have an ambidextrous fitting, so the handle can be positioned to suit.
All three sizes have a gear ratio of 5.5:1 and boast five stainless and one needle bearing. Line capacities are 265 yards of 10lb, 340 yards of 10lb and 350 yards of 12lb, respectively.
Daiwa Black Widow reels review
Left: Black Widow LD. Right: Black Widow 25A
Black Widow LD
Aluminium spool
Graphite body
Graphite rotor
Twistbusterv
Infinite Anti-Reverse
85cm line per handle crank
Price: £79.99
Black Widow 25A
Graphite body
Line-friendly line clip
Abbreviated drag range
Twistbuster
Metal handle
Infinite Anti-Reverse
Price: £64.99
Keen carp anglers on a budget should keep an eye peeled for Daiwa’s superb value Black Widow reels, including the new all-black 25A version.
This combines impressive looks with technical features including an abbreviated drag for swift engagement of freespool mode, a line-friendly clip giving perfect distance casting control, and a robust, light, graphite body.
This latest member of the Black Widow clan also delivers a geared-down retrieve of 4.6:1 that recovers 92cm of line for every turn of the handle.
The larger-bodied LD Black Widow reel has a tapered ‘bucket’ spool holding an impressive 530m of 0.35mm line, making it the ideal tool for when baits are rowed out beyond casting range.
First look at the Shakespeare Agility 2LC reel
PAY AROUND
£59.99, £79.99 and £89.99
This latest Agility 2LC model, which comes in three body sizes - 4000, 7000 and 8000 - has been designed specifically for the match angler as a long cast feeder reel. The smallest version is well-suited to commercial fishery work as its wide spool can be used safely with thicker diameter lines, while the reduced sized body makes it easy to transport.
Nash BP-10 Fast Drag reel
TECH SPEC
Finish: Matt black
Features: Aluminium long-cast spool, fast drag system, Dual Spot-On line clips for precision casting, stainless steel ball-bearings, line guard spool system, level wind line lay, oversized line roller to reduce line twist
Handle: One-touch folding CNC machined ergonomic handle with isotope slot
Gear ratio: 4.9:1
PAY AROUND
£60
Not content with focusing carp anglers’ attention on the merits of short rods, mini bivvies, comfy beds and wicked luggage, Nash has now introduced this superb looking matt black BP-10 Fast Drag reel.
This super slick big pit mangle features a faultless multi-disc front drag which can be easily and quickly adjusted from virtually freespool to fighting-drag tension in less than one turn.
You can set the clutch after casting to suit the type of swim and the run you’re expecting to get. This enables you to engage with the fish from the moment you pick up your rod.
Other notable features include an ironed-flat level wind line lay, long-cast aluminium spool offering extreme range casting performance, Dual Spot-On line clips and a one-touch folding handle.
All these goodies are backed up by stainless steel ball-bearings for a tough, gritty performance that will bamboozle even the hardest-fighting fish.
EXTRA FEATURES
Oversized Roller
An oversized line roller helps to prevent the line twist and coiling often caused when long casting with thicker diameter reel lines. The reel also has a robust hollow metal bail-arm and a line guard spool system that prevents the line from slipping underneath the spool.
Front Spool
The Nash BP-10 has a Fast Drag front spool that can be quickly adjusted from virtually free-running to locked-up in little more than a single turn, making it ideal for any carp fishing situation from open water to snag pit.
One-Touch Folding Handle
Simple to operate by pushing down on the cover sleeve, the one-touch folding handle makes the reel easy to transport ready made-up, and may well appeal to carp anglers who prefer to fish with their rods very close together.
Leeda Rogue 6500 Fd and Fs reels
Leeda's latest bad boys are a must for big carp
PAY AROUND
£39.99
Leeda’s new Rogue brand has two additions in the shape of these super value big pit and freespool 6500 and 7500-sized reels.
Both all-black models look to be the perfect tools for the budding angler targeting big carp, and are packed with features including super-strong graphite compound bodies that are not only very durable, but give the reels a pleasantly lightweight feel.
The dedicated freespool (Fs) model makes instant contact with a fish the moment you get a run, and is ideal for anyone looking for distance-casting prowess combined with the convenience of freespool bite control.
The big pit (Fd) reel is compact, with a wide spool suited to tactics including Method feeder and surface work, not just long-range casting.
A decent front drag is easily adjusted to your requirements when allowing line to be taken under pressure, or when playing fish.
The slightly elongated die-cast power handle generates a huge amount of cranking power, which should make short work of the heaviest fish, and the large, handily-placed anti-reverse switch at the back of the reel’s body is easy to operate.
Other key features on both reels include 5 + 1 stainless ball-bearings for a super smooth retrieve, and super-slow oscillation gearing that produces a perfectly flat line lay that adds distance to the cast.
Ryobi Fixed-Spool Slam NCRT reels
"Immense strength combined with a cool modern look and feel"
PAY AROUND
£129.99
Not so very long ago Ryobi produced a cult-status match fishing reel – the closed-face Mastermatch CF1 was the angling connoisseur’s choice for all stick float and running water waggler work.
These new Ryobi fixed-spool Slam NCRT models in 3000, 4000, and 5000 carry on that tradition, but with a body, side plate, rotor and bail-arm system made from an advanced titanium composite material that is 20 per cent lighter yet 40 per cent stronger than graphite.
This gives the reels immense strength combined with a cool modern look and feel.
Internal features include a 5.1:1 gear ratio, smooth running six ball-bearing system, plus one infinite anti-reverse bearing and a precisely setting multi-disk carbon front drag.
The main shaft system is precision engineered from titanium alloy, which should give these reels a long and trouble-free life.
Matrix Horizon 6000 reel
Match brand Matrix has just unveiled the latest in its popular range of reels...
Read MoreE-S-P Onyx reels
TECH SPEC
Spools: Machined, anodised long-cast tapered spools – shallow, for 300m of 15lb (0.37mm) line and ultra-shallow, for 300m of 12lb (0.33mm). Three reels can be filled from a 1,000m bulk spool of mono with no backing required
Features: Slow oscillation for super-smooth line lay. Two interchangeable drag adjusters, fine and rapid lockdown. Quick-fold handle. Stainless steel line clip for secure damage-free clipping up. Front drag grit guard. Easily accessible large anti-reverse lever
Gearing: 7 + 1 stainless bearings, machined gears and a 4.3:1 gear ratio for fast retrieve (approximately 1m per rotation of the reel handle). Rotor brake
Finish: Stylish matt black finish with subtle red decals
Quality control: Every reel is thoroughly quality checked by expert in-house staff in the UK
PAY AROUND
£139
For the first time in its 17-year history, big-carp brand E-S-P is branching into the reel market – with no half measures!
The eye-catching Onyx, developed under wraps by big-fish experts Kev Hewitt, Terry Hearn and Martin Bowler, has been flying under everyone else’s radar for the past two years.
Now, though, it is ready for its debut, exclusively revealed by Angling Times.
The cult all-black model has undergone intensive field-testing, resulting in a very modern looking big pit-style reel with many innovative design features.
E-S-P brand manager Dave Ellyatt was full of enthusiasm, and explained: “When we first started developing the E-S-P reel more than two years ago we looked closely at other reels on the market, plus those we had been using ourselves for many years.
“All had areas which could be vastly improved upon. So we identified these and set about developing a highly practical and durable carp fishing tool.
“Carp catching machine Kev Hewitt has been closely involved in the reel’s development, exhaustively testing prototypes by catching a serious number of big carp.
“With bespoke machined alloy spools that require no backing, three reels can be filled from a single 1,000m bulk spool.
“An absence of backing improves line lay by preventing bedding in, which in turn benefits distance casting.
“The Onyx is also the first reel to provide two different drag adjusters – FD (Fine Drag) for micro adjustment, and RL (Rapid Lockdown), taking it from free-running to locked down mode in around half a turn.
“The rapid deployment handle can also be folded down when using super snug rod set-ups.
“As for its technical features, the E-S-P Onyx incorporates machined long-life gearing with a fast retrieve ratio, and super-slow oscillation for improved line lay – as our field-testers have discovered, it casts like a dream.
“The final touch of muted classic black cosmetics, matched with a wooden handle, means these reels really look the part on any set-up”.
VERDICT
It’s too early to predict the reception the Onyx reel will receive from carp anglers, but E-S-P has surely raised the bar with regard to the technical development of big pit reels.
Features such as shallow and ultra-shallow long cast tapered spools with interchangeable front drag systems, and quick fold-flat handles, are highly desirable.
Add to that a super-slow oscillation which produces an ironed-flat line lay, a line-friendly stainless line clip, and stylish all-black finish, and the E-S-P
Onyx offers simply unbeatable value for money.
Sonik AVX reels
PAY AROUND
Sonik AVX 2000 £49.99
3000 £54.99
4000 £57.99
5000 £59.99
Angling Times can exclusively reveal that Newcastle-based tackle firm Sonik has plans to launch lots of stunning new kit in 2016 – including carp and match rods, uniquely styled carp luggage ranges, a brilliant new bivvy and a host of reels.
The first of these products to hit the shelves are these superb red and black liveried AVX reels which are aimed towards the commercial match and light lure angler. There are four sizes to pick from, with the smallest 2000 model looking ideal for drop shot, float and light lure work, through to a mighty 5000 model that suits big feeder and specimen tactics.
All four reels feature single handles, high strength composite bodies, instant anti-reverse, and thick aluminium bail-arms with oversized line rollers.
A faultlessly smooth operation is virtually guaranteed thanks to seven stainless steel ball-bearings.
The gear ratios are also worthy of note, with the two smaller 2000 and 3000 sizes rated at 5.1:1 while the larger 4000 and 5000 sizes crank-up an impressive 5.5:1 ratio.
All models are supplied with shallow braid-friendly spare spools.
Daiwa Emblem BR25A reel
PAY AROUND
£199.99
Aimed at the growing army of river barbel enthusiasts, this reel is built around the same compact chassis as the award-winning but strangely named Cast’izm.
Being smaller, it’s ideal for use with specialist barbel and big-fish rods, as well as lighter carp set-ups.
It cranks in an impressive 107cm per handle turn, and a host of features include Ultimate Tournament Drag, High Impact line clip and Air Rotor – arguably the best freespool reel Daiwa has yet produced.
Daiwa Tournament QDA reel
PAY AROUND
£350
If you like the look of this new reel, wait until you get to pick it up! The modern shape combines sleekly with all-black livery in a big pit that serious carp anglers will appreciate.
Its aluminium body delivers solid gear meshing when under load tension and a geared-down retrieve generates serious winding power. The lightweight Air Rotor makes for an easier winding start-up, and a QD front drag system and HIP line clip complete its ‘must-have’ design.
Daiwa Black Widow reel
PAY AROUND
£79.99
Another new big-pit from the Daiwa stable, the Black Widow has dark good looks, high performance and a low price ticket.With its geared-down retrieve it delivers immense winding power, hauling in 85cm of line per crank of the ergonomic handle.
The enormous tapered bucket-style spool holds 530m of 0.35mm diameter line, making it an excellent reel for when baits need to be rowed out beyond casting distance.
Daiwa Emcast 5000A Big Pit reel
PAY AROUND
£99.99
This reel, which has already been available as a freespool BR model for the past year, has now arrived in a big pit specification ideal for large open waters.
The super-powerful, long cast reel has plenty of high spec features such as Twistbuster line management, Air Bail, and a lightweight but dependable graphite body and rotor system.
The new Emcast Big Pit is also available as a special Spod n Mark edition that has an impressive 102cm retrieval rate and comes complete with a spare spool.
Korum Front Force Reels
TECH SPEC
FRONT FORCE 4000/3000
Gear ratio: 5.1:1
Features: Powerful front drag, soft-touch handle, lightweight, compact body, Uni-bearing system
Capacity: 4000 takes 25m of 0.26mm (0.23mm for the 3000)
Extras: Spare spool
PAY AROUND
£34.99
FAST RETRIEVE
The 5.1:1 retrieve rate is perfect for lure work and floatfishing when you need to get line back at a good speed. Smoothness comes via the Uni-bearing oscillation system.
LIGHTWEIGHT
The reel’s body is made from a sturdy yet light material finished in fashionable black livery and balances perfectly with the Xpert 11ft Lure Rod, also from Korum.
SOFT TOUCH HANDLE
A comfortable handle is especially important on a reel in constant use, such as when spinning or drop shotting. This one has soft touch technology, and can be converted from left to right-hand wind.
The £34.99 new Korum Front Force reels in 3000 and 4000 body versions offer super high quality at a bargain price.
In their stunning all-black livery, they are packed with features including quick folding soft touch handles, a super-fast 5.1:1 gear ratio and a dependable Uni-bearing oscillation system.
This makes them ideal for a wide range of applications including feeder, float and lure fishing, although the more compact 3000 model would be my first choice for float work.
Maver Match Monkey reel
PAY AROUND
£74.99
This stunning looking all-black front drag reel with red accents has a performance to match.
The lightweight aluminium body features a large arbour spool for distance casting, making it ideal for commercial feeder and float work.
Seven ball-bearings ensure a silky action, and you also get an easy-access backwind facility, hard wearing titanium-plated anti-twist line roller, ambidextrous handle and soft line-friendly clip.
Matrix Super Feeder 5500 reel
PAY AROUND
£99.99
The ideal partner for the Matrix Horizon S class rod is the front drag Matrix Super Feeder 5500. The cult all-black reel has two line-friendly clips so you can instantly change casting distance.
A rotor brake system stops the bail-arm rotating, helping to prevent tangles and snap-offs and enabling you to feather your cast without interference.
The reel pulls in an impressive 80cm of line per handle crank, about right for all feeder fishing without spinning up your hooklengths. The forged aluminium spool (it also comes with a spare) holds 150m of 0.26mm line.
Middy Baggin Machine CXR 3000 & 4000 reels
TECH SPEC
Ball-bearings: Five
Gear ratio: 5.2:1
Features: Two Free-Flow machined aluminium spools, low friction line roller, one-touch folding handle, lightweight polymer body
PAY AROUND
3000 £54.99
4000 £57.50
Shop-around price £39.99/£42.50
These 3000 and 4000 sized CXR reels are the latest additions to Middy’s popular Baggin Machine range.
The compact, lightweight polymer-built reels both feature instant response front drag, hard-wearing aluminium Free-Flow spools and press-button folding handles, perfect for when you carry rods ready set up.
Mono-friendly line clips won’t snap you off should you hit the clip a little over-zealously when casting.
Gearing runs smoothly on five bearings, with a robust stainless steel shaft, and a balanced rotor oscillation system keeps everything on the level when the reels are under stress from playing heavyweight fish.
The smaller 3000 sized reel is designed for pellet waggler and light lead work, while the larger 4000 is an out-and-out feeder tool.
Both reels are ideally suited to modern commercial fishery tactics.
Matrix Aquos feeder reel
PAY AROUND
£59.99 (4000)
£64.99 (5000)
Forward-thinking match brand Matrix is introducing this new Aquos model to its reel range.
The all-black multi-disc front drag model, primarily designed for feeder fishing, will only be available in 4000 and 5000 sizes. Super-strong gearing is capable of winding in the heaviest of feeders, and both reels have an impressive 5.1:1 gear ratio that translates into an outstanding 74cm per handle crank for the 4000 and 77cm for the 5000.
A radical new bail-arm shape provides super-quick line pick-up speed, which makes these reels ideal for hitting drop-back bites when a large bow in the line is needed to hold bottom in fast water.
Other features include a seamlessly smooth retrieve running on six stainless ball-bearings, lightweight aluminium and graphite body, and a balanced rotor which keeps the reel rock-steady even when retrieving heavy weights.
Nash BP4 and BP6 Big-Pit reels
PAY AROUND
BP4 £38.99; BP6 £40.99
Carp brand Nash has just introduced these two new compact big-pit reels. The multi-bearing BP4 fast drag is the smaller of them and looks the ideal partner for lighter test-curve Nash Scope and Dwarf rods, including the popular Sawn-Off and Dwarf 6ft models.
Versatile enough to handle anything from floaterfishing, commercial fishery work, and even drop-shotting and light lure tactics. The BP4 is also said to be equally at home with tench and bream as well as hefty carp.
The larger bodied and spooled BP6 combines big-pit reel performance with micro-engineering at its best. A single turn of the multi-disk drag system takes the BP6 from virtually freespool tension to almost fully locked, making it ideal for snag fishing. The reel’s clinical flat line lay ensures long, smooth casting. Built around a proven four plus one roller bearing operation, it’s finished with dual Spot On line clips. Other features include a line guard spool system, and oversized line roller to help reduce twist.
TFG Centrepin reel
PAY AROUND
£129.99, line guard £14.99
This centrepin reel from TFG comes close to attaining perpetual motion. The precisely engineered ’pin runs smoothly, silently and with absolutely no vibration.
Little more than a breath is needed to get the spool turning, so even the lightest of stick floats will see the line peeling-off unaided as the float travels downstream. An optional line guard completes the pleasing retro look.