Korum Latitude reels review
WHO wouldn’t be tempted by a totally reliable all-round freespool reel at a bargain price? If you’re with me on that one, Korum’s new Latitude models are well worth a look.
They come in two body sizes – 5000 and 6000 – both of which hold 300m of 0.33mm line. The larger version is perfect for pike and carp, while the 5000 is better suited to barbel, tench and bream.
Technical features include an improved S-Stroke oscillation system for perfect line lay, an anti-friction spool lip for longer, more accurate casts, and a compact one-touch folding handle – which is very useful if you’re in the habit of carrying your rods made-up for the session ahead. The handle can easily be switched from left- to right-hand wind.
Thanks to five double-shielded bearings the reels are wobble-free and impressively powerful. The transition from freespool to engagement mode is crisp and clunk-free, and the front drag spool system kicks in without a hook-pulling jolt when you engage it to do battle.
Price: 5000 size - £54.99,
6000 size - £59.99
Korum Feeder Fishing Reel
Feeder fishing continues to be the most popular technique in the UK, and these latest specialist Feeder reels from Korum should prove hugely popular.
They come in 3000, 4000 and 5000 body sizes, covering everything from large open-water natural venues to rivers, canals and commercial carp fisheries.
Ample winding power, especially with the 5000 model, will cope with the largest and heaviest Method or open-end feeders, while the two smaller versions are ideal for lighter flatbed, cage and maggot feeders.
Sturdily built to withstand the rigours of repeated casting and retrieving, all three models feature perfect S-Stroke line lay, super-smooth front drag systems and precise carbon steel bearings.
Other key features include an anti-twist titanium line roller and an oversized aluminium bail-arm that combine to make the use of thicker gauge reel lines painless and trouble-free.
To that little lot you can add machined and anodised (spare shallow) spools, both with line-friendly line clips, a compact fold-away ambidextrous handle with a comfortable rubber grip, and a strong but lightweight graphite body and rotor.
PAY AROUND
£36.99 - £47.99
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.
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.
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.
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.