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
Daiwa Cast'izm Feeder reel - "stuff of dreams"
If you’re looking for the best possible distance-casting feeder reel, check out the latest stuff of dreams from Daiwa – the Cast’izm Feeder.
Designed around the proven spool geometry of the original Cast’izm, this ‘super shallow spool’ edition has been specifically designed for use with thinner diameter mainlines.
As you might expect from a top-end Daiwa reel, features abound. Its super-tough Zaion body is incredibly lightweight, and is matched with Air Rotor, Air Bail and HIP High Impact Line Clip, alongside a precision QD front spool. These features make it ideal for all big-fish work when using distance feeder tactics.
A major advantage the new Cast’izm Feeder has over the original model is the refinement of the LC spool lip. This is said to assist control of your line release on the cast, thus providing the optimum amount of line travel without causing unwanted backlash. Basically it will help you to cast those extra few yards that could make all the difference at the end of the day.
Price: £250
Specs
Weight: 15.2oz
Ratio/Crank: 4.7:1/96cm
Bearings: Four
Line capacity: 150m of 0.28mm mono
Maximum drag setting: 12kg
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
Mitchell's new Avocast 7000 and 8000 reels
Mitchell has entered the reel glamour stakes with the release of these stunning Avocast Black Editions.
Get your hands on all the latest rods, poles, reels and accessories at this year’s Big One Show
The all-black big pit-style reels have 7000 and 8000 body sizes, although in profile they do look very compact.
These distance-casters pack in many technical features of use to the modern carper or big-fish specialist.
A greased felt multi-disc precision front drag is quick easy to set, and doesn’t over-tighten too quickly when you’re playing a big fish straight off the clutch. You can’t say that about all new fast-drag big pit reels!
Ultra-flat folding handles will appeal to anglers who like a tight set-up… and the 4+1 stainless bearing configuration gives super-smooth slow oscillation that lays line down perfectly across the spool and allows you to cast into the next county without a hitch.
Other key features are the impressive 4.3:1 gearing ratio recovering 0.83m (7000 size) and 0.98m (8000 size) of line per handle crank. Long coned aluminium spools hold an impressive amount of line, and you won’t need a Love Island six-pack to handle these reels – the 7000 weighs just 615g.
Even better news is that Mitchell has these very carpy winches on a ‘buy two, get one free’ deal.
Price: £89.99 (7000), £99.99 (8000)
Exclusive first look: shimano compact 5500 ultegra reels
Shimano's two stunning new reels, soon to be released, look nailed on to become best-sellers.
This is not surprising, since they will appeal to match, specimen and carp anglers alike.
The compact ‘big-pit’ Ultegra C14+XTC 5500 (black) and Ultegra C14 XSC 5500 (pearlescent) models are based around Shimano’s hugely popular Ultegra 14000 reels that have been embraced by serious carp anglers. But technical improvements, and significant differences between the new models, are readily apparent.
The new Ultegras are better protected against water and dust, weigh less than their predecessor, and benefit from Hi-Speed front drag systems. These allow for quick setting post-cast when targeting big carp, so big fish can be precision-played off the clutch without fear of the reel over-tightening or locking up.
Better, stronger winding power is provided by Shimano’s top-end Hagane gearing. To that little lot you can add many technically improved parts including a C14 rotor system, beautifully balanced and completely wobble-free.
Rounding off the specifications are a super-comfy handle knob and an improved, more discreet line guard that functions better than ever and affords a slight weight saving too. Both models come with a spare spool.
Price: £249.99
DAIWA EMBLEM 35 SCW 5000C QD REEL Review
Daiwa is poised to introduce its first big-pit reel with a 35mm-wide spool for use with thicker diameter reel lines.
The new Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD scores highly on looks and performance, with cult all-black styling and impressive features. These include a reduced oscillation speed known as Slow Cross Wrap for faultless line-lay and ideal for long-range casting and heavy-duty work.
The reel runs wobble-free on six ball-bearings, its 4.9:1 gearing retrieving a mighty 106cm (41.8ins) of line per handle crank. The shallow spools (one spare) hold around 300 yards of line. Daiwa’s QD front drag system goes from virtually locked-up to freespool mode in half a turn of the knob. Twist-Buster 2 line management and a rock-solid Air Rotor add to the winding power.
Price: £175
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
Daiwa Ninja Match and Feeder reel
Daiwa's latest addition to its highly acclaimed Ninja range is this versatile Match & Feeder reel in five different sizes.
We were really impressed with the original Ninja reels, which are super smart, practical and above all offer great value for money at less than £60 RRP.
Now the Match and Feeder boasts an improved Distance Control line clip. And it features slightly revised sizes of 3012 (in single and double handle) and 4012 (in single handle only) options.
Good winding power is provided by the geared down retrieve and smoothness is enhanced with 4BB and Infinite Anti-Reverse. There's a bit of a weight saving from the graphite body and you'll get a carefully adjustable front drag.
TECH SPEC
New Distance control line clip
Double handle options
Air Rotor
Twistbuster II
Digigear II
ABS
Infinite Anti Reverse
Spare Spool
SIZES
2508A
2508DA
3012
3012DA
4012D
PAY AROUND
£64-£69.99 RRP
Maver Enigma 3000 fishing reel
The ideal companion for any Maver Reality rod, the latest Enigma 300 reel turns in an amazing performance for a model at such a modest price.
Ideal for float and feeder work, it runs silky-smooth on nine bearings.
Top-end technical features include a double soft dampening line clip system, which prevents snap-offs should you hit the clip a little too enthusiastically.
A computer-balanced rotor, titanium-plated line roller, excellent line lay and ambidextrous handle give added reel appeal to this pleasing product.
PAY AROUND
£79.99
Black Viper MK 850 FD reel
It isn't just the Black Viper Feeder rods that Browning has got right.
The latest Black Viper MK FD reels, crafted to cope with the rigours of long-distance feeder work, are their perfect partner.
A fast 5.5:1 retrieve speed cranks in an impressive 105cm of line per spool oscillation, and the reel also boasts an oversized wide, shallow spool that copes equally well with braid and mono liines.
It can be filled without resorting to lots of backing line, the pleasing end result being faster and longer, consistently accurate casts.
The specialist Viper model also features a sophisticated worm shaft gearing which ensures effortless retrieval, even when winching in the heftiest of feeders or leads.
Other key features include a non-twistline roller supported by ball-bearings, large surface multi-disc front drag system, aluminium long stoke spare spool, and CNC-made anodised stainless steel handle. You indeed get a lot for your not-inconsiderable outlay.
PAY AROUND
£119.99
DAIWA NINJA 3012A MATCH REEL
Looking for the perfect companion to the Daiwa Powermesh Float rod?
The eye-catching new front drag Ninja Match reels in 3012 and 4012 sizes are both suitable for floatfishing, although you may find the larger one a little bit
on the heavy side if you’re holding the rod for sustained periods.
Air Rotor, Twist Buster, Air Bail and a spare spool all come as standard, and geared-down oscillations furnish the reels with substantial retrieving power.
Price: £49.99
Nash BP-12 Fast Drag fishing reel
This great looking Fast Drag big pit reel has all-black looks, and its large capacity spool is made for challenging venues, long casts, and the boating out of baits to extreme range.
Features include dual spot line clips, line guard spool system, level wind line-lay, and an oversized line roller to reduce line twist on the retrieve.
The single-turn front Fast Drag system is easy to operate and precision set, while the CNC-machined ergonomic handle includes an isotope slot, something we’ve never seen before on any reel.
PAY AROUND
£87.99
Leeda GT-X Review
In tackle terms your money goes a lot further than it used to. Advances in technology and manufacturing processes mean that features once exclusive to top-end products are more affordable and in general use.
Since its launch in early 2016, Leeda’s Concept GT brand has established a reputation for quality products on a budget. The eye catching GT-X reels include two new front drag models and a freespool version.
The smallest in the range, the FD30, is ideal for all float and light lure work, while the slightly larger spool of the FD40 lends itself more to feeder tactics. A freespool mechanism and double handle suit the FS40 perfectly to tackling barbel, tench, bream and carp.
All GT-X reels have five ball-bearings for silky smooth performance, a hard-wearing stainless main shaft, precision double anodised spool (with spare), and interchangeable folding handle.
The chunky bail-arms feel solid, while the sensitive front drags can be quickly and easily adjusted while playing a fish, going from fully locked to giving line freely in one full turn on the front spool disk. Ergonomic EVA handle grips and a sleek body design complete the bargain package.
Price: £42.99
Daiwa 16 TDX Fishing Reels
BUY NOW for £250 from Chapmans Angling
Is it just me, or are these new Daiwa 16 TDXs the best-looking match, pleasure and specialist reels ever to grace these pages?
Yes, they do carry the sort of price taglikely to draw a ‘you’re having a laugh’ comment from the wife, and telling her they’re must-have kit will cut precious little ice, believe you me.
But just look at them… like puppies in a pet shop window, they’re irresistible!
The all-new bells-and- whistles 16 TDX reels (the number 16 refers to their year of introduction by Team Daiwa) arrived here in the UK a tad late – but they’ve been well worth waiting for.
Their striking red-and-black looks are matched by technical credentials that wouldn’t look out of place inside the cockpit of Sebastian Vettel’s F1 car.
Zion carbon bodies and rotors offer super-lightweight handling, but with more strength and power than any aluminium-bodied reel.
Housed within is a gear alignment system with zero distortion, no matter what the weight loading, matched with rotation so smooth that stirring your morning cuppa feel like hard work by comparison.
If that still doesn’t impress, then check out the other patented Daiwa features – precision Quick front drag system, HIP high-impact line clip, Air-bail, Twist Buster and Digi-Gear.
The icing on the cake (and not before time) is a spare spool included as standard.
There are six 16 TDX reels to choose from, with single and double handle options, enough body sizes to suit all angling styles, and even a high-speed version, sure to find favour with the discerning lure angler.
Mark Sawyer
BUY NOW for £250 from Chapmans Angling
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
Shakespeare Cypry XT reels
Shakespeare has just unveiled these eye-catching Cypry reels. The freespool models, in three sizes, cover all aspects of carp fishing. The 40 body size is ideal for small commercial match carp waters, while for big open-water venues there’s the 80 reel with its long-cast spool to achieve maximum distance.
Keen prices are matched with plenty of key features such as large-diameter bail arms, aluminium spools, proven winding reliability, retrieve ratios of between 4.1:1 and 5.2:1 and super-smooth grease felt drag systems.
To go with these, Shakespeare has also released a range of three matching Cypry carp rods.
PAY AROUND
XT40 FS £29.99
XT60 FS £34.99
XT80 FS £39.99
Shimano Ultegra 2500 FB Fishing Reel
Shimano's new Ultegra 2500 FB reel looks ideal for all float, light feeder and lure fishing applications.
In eye-catching silver and gold livery, it offers superb winding power thanks to the state-of-the-art cold forging technology used in its Hagane gearing system.
The reel lacks a backwind facility, but this shouldn’t been seen as a negative, since its superb precision front drag system – itself a work of art – can be instantly adjusted and relied upon to safely control any hard-fighting fish.
The Ultegra boasts many other key Shimano features, including the latest G Free body technology.
This shifts the reel’s centre of gravity closer to the rod, reducing hand fatigue and making casting more comfortable.
The stiff XT-7 body material offers perfect protection and support for the Hagane gears, X-Ship line-lay system and shielded A-RB bearings, allowing them to work to maximum efficiency.
PAY AROUND
£119.99
Weight: 240g
Gear ratio: 5.0:1
Line capacity: 240 yards of 0.20mm,
160 yards of 0.25mm
Bearings: 1 x S A-RB, 4 x 4BB, 1 x roller
Line retrieval: 73cm per turn
Maximum drag: 9kg
TECH SPEC
X-Ship line lay
Hagane gearing
Coreprotect system
ARC spool
XT-7 framed body
Cold forged aluminium handle
Aero Wrap
Browning Commercial King fishing reel
Browning Commercial King fishing reel. These compact but powerful reels are ideal for landing hard-fighting carp using feeder or waggler tactics.
Available in two sizes - the CK 2-430 and the CK 2-440. The smallest of the pair compliments beautifully float rods used for pellet and standard waggler fishing and its compact size doesn’t unbalance light and short rods.
The bigger CK 2-440 reel on the other hand is just the job for all your feeder work.
Each reel features a shallow spool, a one-touch folding handle for ease of storage and transportation, a sensitive ‘click-stop’ vernier front drag system which allows quick adjustments when playing a fish plus a safe nylon line clip in a lined recess. A spare spool is also supplied for use with different line strengths.
And at just under £60 they won’t break the bank either!
PAY AROUND
RRP £59.99
Daiwa TDM fishing reel
These eye-catching new Daiwa TDM reels should set match angler’s hearts racing. In a classy matt-black and deep red livery, the full TDM range has five models in all, the powerful TDM 4012 QDA (shown here) being the largest.
All feature the latest Quick Drag system. In the event of aggressive runs from big fish, line is given freely without over-runs, and rods are saved from being dragged in. The adjustment is so precise that little more than a half-turn from left to right on the front of the spool instantly puts you back in charge.
This QD system, much favoured by carp anglers who prefer big pit-style reels to freespools, is sure to catch on quickly with match anglers who visit waters renowned for their big, power-packed carp – Boddington and Earlswood reervoirs spring to mind.
The aluminium-bodied TDM reels with single and double handle options are up there with Daiwa’s very best. To Twist Buster line retrieve and super-smooth Digigear meshing, lightweight Air Rotor balance and durable hollow metal Airbail arms you can add mono-friendly line clips. These are ideal when fishing a Method feeder at range or for short to medium range bomb work.
PAY AROUND
£159.99
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.