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Best big reels for pike and big carp fishing, tested by DUNCAN CHARMAN
QUANTUM RADICAL HEAT 1050
£66.50
Grey body with a silver spool, this ten ball bearing reel equals the fastest retrieve of all the reels tested with a gear ratio of 5.5:1. The spool lacks the capacity of others capable of taking 180 m of 0.35 mm line, yet the line…
Tested by STEVE LOCKETT
TRABUCCO SUPERCAST XT9
£54.99
This reel comes with two very wide and nice shallow spools. It should be superb for long casts with either heavy float or leger tackle. Sadly, the drag washer was distorted and the handle would not tighten, thus devaluing a potential cracker.
No sign of handle drop-back with the anti-reverse on. The bail arm is a…
Tested by DUNCAN CHARMAN
MAVER C125 INSPIRATION 6000
£69.99
Comes with two aluminium spools with a capacity of approx 200 m of 0.35 mm mono, plus an instant anti-reverse system. It weighs in at 17 oz. Boasts 9+1 bearings, a gear ratio of 4.9:1 and large comfortable grip handle, although this doesn’t create the most balanced feel. Drag is set by a…
Tested by Dave Coster
MITCHELL MAG-PRO 4000
£91.99
A lightweight front drag reel with a single wind up assembly handle and supplied with two deep aluminium spools. The latter can hold up to 200 metres of 0.25mm diameter mono; one spool is heavily perforated while the other isn’t. This design has 10 ball bearings making it an extremely smooth runner, plus it picks…
Tested by Ian Welch
ZEBCO COOL VIPER S
£16.99
A great value starter reel but lacking the finesse of control and solid reliability demanded by regular commercial carpers. Three ball bearings and 5.1:1 gearing deliver decent power via a tough handle with soft-touch grip, but it lacks real oomph in the engine room and the bale arm roller didn’t function correctly. Line capacity…
