Sonik Vader compact freespool reels
Sonik Sports continues to widen its hugely popular Vader range of carping hardware with the launch of two new compact freespool reels.
Get hands on these at this year’s The Big One Show
Just the job for targeting small to medium-sized venues or ‘runs waters’, the reels come in two sizes (5000 and 6000). They weigh 430g and 435g, and boast a micro-adjustable front drag and an independent freespool rear drag adjustment.
Build quality is impressive. The reels are made from a light but hardwearing graphite material (with a stainless steel main shaft), and come with solid aluminium handles, oversized line-friendly line clips and two anodised aluminium spools.
With a gear ratio of 5.5:1, there’s no lack of cranking power either.
Having used both reels teamed with Sonik’s Specialist Barbel rods to great effect on the River Trent, I can vouch for their reliability and solid performance.
For me, the larger 6000 model just gets the nod between the two, as its larger, wider spool is suited to heavier lines.
It also has slightly more cranking power, very handy when retrieving heavy leads and swimfeeders at long range.
The clutch adjustment on the front of the spool, and the tension settings for the freespool facility, are functional rather than precise, but they won’t let you down. All-black aesthetics and understated graphics give these Soniks a classy look, and for the asking price you won’t find a better reel anywhere.
www.soniksports.com
Price: £49.99
VADER X 8000 REEL
The Sonik Vader X 8000 reel will be snapped up by any carp angler looking for quality, looks and value for money. A long-nose spool facilitates long, smooth casts, while its 4.6:1 retrieve rate makes short shrift of rapid line recovery.
Features include a large-diameter bail-arm with enlarged line roller, twin line clips, powerful and reliable front drag and a pleasing barrel-shaped wooden handle. It comes with a spare forged anodised aluminium spool.
Price: £49.99
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.
Sonik Tournos 10000
PAY AROUND
£199.99
Sonik has just released a bigger version of its original best-selling 8000 big pit reel. The Tournos 10000 is the ideal choice for carp anglers seeking performance, control and reliability. Its sleek, matte-black finish is deliberately understated, while the internal mechanics are designed to withstand years of continual use.
Boasting a long-cast angled spool and worm-drive oscillation for the perfect line lay, the reel also benefits from a powerful disc drag system. The rotor lock bail-arm ensures there is no danger of it snapping shut mid-cast, while the rapid-drag system allows freespool mode to engage in just over half a turn on the front drag knob.
The chunky, machined aluminium handle gives a comfortable and secure grip when winding in. The reel runs silky smooth thanks to the 8 + 1 stainless shielded bearings and comes with two aluminium spools, one medium and one deep. An extra-deep spool should be available by end of the year.
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.