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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Greys GFR 4000 Free Run Reel
PAY AROUND
£64.99
This latest Greys GFR 4000 Free Run reel is constructed with no fewer than nine ball-bearings, plus a roller bearing, ensuring it delivers a super-smooth performance with awesome cranking power – perfect for all heavy feeder work.
Other features include left or right-hand handle options and seamless freespool engagement. It comes with spare aluminium spool.
Mitchell Avocast FS Carp Reels
PAY AROUND
£79.99
Four new freespool reels are set to hit the shelves in early 2015 and will benefit both day-ticket carpers and anglers who want a bit of security when fishing the Method feeder on commercial stillwaters.
The two bigger sizes – 6000 and 7000 – will find a home on bigger waters, both offering a smooth freespool system in a cool-looking, cult black livery.
Features include a super-strong ‘retro’ body style and almost unbreakable rotor and gearing systems.
Matchmen will love the two smaller sizes – 2000 and 4000 – for heavy-duty feeder tactics.
Penn Affinity 7000LTD Live Liner reel
PAY AROUND
£119.99
Hot on the heels of last season’s best-selling big pit reel, Penn boosted its range with a new freespool carp reel.
The new model features the increasingly popular Quick Drag front spool system as well as a super slow oscillation which delivers superb line lay to aid distance casting.
It comes with a choice of foldable, wood or rubber-gripped handles.
Shimano Baitrunner X Aero FA 2500 and 4000
PAY AROUND
£149.99
The ideal reel for the commercial match carp angler, the Baitrunner Aero X boasts a host of new features including the latest Aero Concept spool which provides improved casting and drag functions.
The larger than normal spool is perfect when used with heavier main lines, plus as it requires less pressure to set the front clutch system it produces a low inertia start with increased fish playing qualities.
Daiwa Crosscast BR LD Reels
PAY AROUND
£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.
Korum KMR 4000 Reel
PAY AROUND
£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
PAY AROUND
£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.
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.
Wychwood Solace 6 Reel
PAY AROUND
£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.
Shimano Aero Technium 12000 XTB MGS
PAY AROUND
£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.