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.
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.
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.