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 strong hollow type and the roller is plenty big enough to make playing fish a dream. Supplied with a deep spool as well as the shallow version, which will take 150 m of 8 lb line. Single handle with a neat and soft grip helps with balance. Nine ball bearings keep it running smooth.
SCORE: 24/30

OKUMA TRITON REAR DRAG TTR30M

£30
The Triton is well priced, but feels like it may not last through years of hard use. A handle with four locking pins to secure it feels good, but the rest of the body does not feel quite so robust. The rear drag feels good, if not as precise as others here, and the very wide bail arm roller will help when playing fish. Both the supplied spools take 100 m of 6 lb line on narrow spools. Infinite anti-reverse works well but makes the reel rather stiff compared to when the anti-reverse is switched off. A nice, soft rubber grip on the handle adds a touch of class to an otherwise unremarkable reel.
SCORE: 25/30

DAIWA HARRIER 2553 MATCH

£54.99
Sharing some features with Daiwa’s top-of-the-range reels, the Harrier looks good for the money. Rear drag works well with a Twistbuster bail arm roller to keep fish moving quickly. The two supplied spools take 120 m of 4 lb and 130 m of
8 lb, but seem a little narrow for long casting jobs. The one-touch handle is not as positive as others in the test and the handle grip feels quite hard and slippery. Hollow bail helps to stop drop-back and looks very sturdy. Not the lightest at just over
11 oz, but feels well balanced and runs very smoothly on the retrieve.
SCORE: 25/30

ABU GARCIA CARDINAL 204i MATCH

£56.99
Two shallow spool taking 150 m of 4 lb line, plus one deeper model for 150 m of 12 lb make this reel quite versatile. The double-handle suggests legering is the strong point. The bail arm is very sturdy with a very wide roller and the whole ensemble balances very well with no drop-back. At 11 oz, this is quite a heavy reel, again suggesting it is better sat on a rest. Feels very positive due to five bearings, and will work well for bigger fish and more extreme commercial situations. Front drag works very well and is easy to adjust accurately.
SCORE: 26/30

SHIMANO EXAGE 3000SFC

£69.99
Despite only having five ball bearings, the Exage feels like the best made of all the reels on test. The gearing will undoubtedly do the job for many years to come.
The spools are a bit on the narrow side and the front drag, though working very well, is not so easy to adjust accurately. The large handle grip is easy to hold, but makes the handle drop back a lot when on anti-reverse. Supplied with a spare spool, the spools take 120 m of 8 lb line, making this more suitable to legering tasks. Bail arm is thin wire, but with a decent sized roller, and operates well.
SCORE: 26/30

FISHZONE BLACKJACK HS40M

£34.99
The Blackjack is a cracker of a reel and would make a superb choice for most commercial legering tasks. The double handle balances nicely and works with the tough hollow bail arm, big roller and wide spool to make cranking fish a dream.
Two spools can take 150 m of 6 lb or 150 m of
12 lb line to suit all-round work or bigger fish.
Positive clicks of the front drag allow small adjustments to be made easily. A matt black finish helps this reel to stand out, but the performance is worthy of inclusion in the line up. Feels the heaviest reel on test, so definitely one for the rod rest.
SCORE: 27/30

SHAKESPEARE MACH2XT

£62.99
The Mach 2XT makes a superb package, coming as it does with both a single and double handle, two spare spools and a cloth bag. Feels smooth due to seven bearings, but the single handle drops a long way when setting a quivertip. Swapping to the double-handle is essential for legering or precise float fishing. The bail arm looks very strong, but the roller is quite small, meaning fish will need to be pumped in. Drag is smooth but not easy to micro-adjust due to an absence of audible clicks. Spools are quite wide and will take more than the claimed 100 m of 3 lb line, probably more like 100 m of 6 lb.
SCORE: 28/30

BEST BUY

DRENNAN SERIES 7 FLOATFISH

£33.95
Coming with three spools and handy push-on tabs to keep track of which spool is loaded with which line, the Series 7 is a real bargain. Eight ball bearings and a wide bail roller keep things moving smoothly. The easy fold handle works very positively but does drop back slightly. The spools will take 100 m of lines from 2-6 lb, the alloy spool is for those who need heavier lines. Nice touches include the deeper groove in the spool to stop tag ends of a knot sticking through the line when loaded.
Would benefit from a wider spool and hollow bail arm, but then you can’t ask for more at this price. The rear drag works well, if not quite as sensitive as a front version.
SCORE: 29/30

NOTE: All products tested May 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

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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 front dial, and the free-spool rear sited lever offers a range of tension settings across a pleasing two turns of the control. The plastic line clip did damage my line though and the silver cosmetics won’t appeal to everyone.
SCORE: 24/30

QUANTUM RADICAL HEAT V1050

£67
Weighing in at 17 oz this single-handed reel comes with two long cast aluminium spools with a capacity of 160 m of 0.35 mm mono. The multi-disc front drag adjusts through 3 turns. The free-spool, selected by the usual lever on the rear of the body, offers a range of tension settings adjusted via 3.5 turns of the rear control. But it is limited, especially on the heavier tension settings. Featuring 10 bearings and a gear ratio of 5.5:1, it comes with a continuous silent anti-reverse system. I feel it lacks balance and the plastic sprung loaded line clip causes slight line damage.
SCORE: 24/30

CORMORAN PRO CARP BR-XL 10 PiF 5000

£57
Weighing in at 16 oz, the grey coloured body and silver aluminium spool is cosmetically pleasing. Front drag operates through 3.5 turns to provide a smooth clutch. The spool takes 160 m of 0.35 mm mono. Spare spool supplied. The free-spool switch is tight and adjusts using a comfortable rear control knob, with 2.75 turns of adjustment. But it’s limited, especially on high tension settings. Single handle with comfortable grip, 9 ball bearings, 5.5:1 gear ratio, silent anti-reverse and oversized ‘anti-twist’ line roller, however the metal sprung loaded line clip produce’s slight line damage.
SCORE: 25/30

ABU CARDINAL 57FS

£81.99
Solid and robust with 12 bearings and a gear ratio of 4.8:1, this reel has a balanced feel and comes with two aluminium spools capable of carrying 300 m of 0.35 mm mono. It’s slow oscillation creates perfect line lay. It takes 3 turns to adjust the carbon matrix front drag through its settings. Weight is 23 oz. Free-spool is selected with the rear switch set in the back position, which takes some getting used to. Free-spool tension via a rear control knob adjusts through 3 turns. Large single handle and smart cosmetics but again the plastic line clip causes too much line damage for my liking and burrs around its recess creates concern. This is a big reel, one of the smaller sizes may be more suitable.
SCORE: 26/30

KORUM KXi 50

£49.99
Appealing understated graphics and supplied with a spare aluminium spool with a line capacity of 160m of 0.35 mm mono. Front drag adjusts through 3 turns. The free-spool is the rear switch type, and adjusts through 3.25 turns via a soft touch rear control knob. Line clip is ‘line-friendly’ creating minimal damage but line tends to spring out on force creating concerns on reliability. The double-handle, anti-vibration system and 8+1 bearing produces a balanced smooth feel and anti-twist line roller ensures good line lay. Gear ratio is 5.5:1. Weight is 17 oz.
SCORE: 27/30

OKUMA EPIX V2 BAITFEEDER 55

£39.99
Fashionable lightweight grey body and silver spool single handle reel, weighing in at 17 oz. The aluminium spool, unfortunately no spare supplied, has a capacity of 260 m of 0.35 mm mono and is a push-button release design. The front drag is adjusted through too many turns for my liking. The free-spool is operated using a rear mounted lever, and is tensioned via a rear control and adjusts from locked up to very light through just two turns. The plastic line clip is as good as any tested and the 5 bearings, 4.5:1 gear ratio creates a smooth balanced feel.
SCORE: 28/30

BEST BUY

SHIMANO BAITRUNNER DL 10000 RA

£89.99
Stunning midnight blue body and gunmetal grey spool. It weighs in at 21 oz. Aluminium spool is released using a push button. It comes with a rear drag, the Baitrunner is operated using the standard rear mounted lever. Free-spool tension being adjusted via a dial set, just in front of the rear drag. Spool can be locked up tight or set extremely light. Full adjustment achieved through a pleasing two turns. It’s supplied with two spools capable of taking 350 m of 0.35 mm mono. Also featuring a double-handle, 4 ball bearings, silent anti- reverse system and oversized power roller for perfect line lay. Well-built and made to last!
SCORE: 29/30

NOTE: All products tested November 2010. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

* NOW GO AND CHECK OUT OUR GREAT COMPACT FREE-SPOOL REEL REVIEW HERE

This week we have added two new videos, both relating to exclusive content in our latest Angler’s Mail magazine, where you will learn loads.

There’s carp star Danny Fairbrass using one of the products of 2010, the Daiwa Windcast Z reel. To watch that, click HERE ….and be sure to read our Gear of the Year printed feature (November 23 issue).

See this great reel in carp action via ANGLERSMAILTV, our YouTube channel.

NOW WATCH THIS!

And we have just added some awesome video footage from (November 23 issue) Action Replay, where Harris Sportsmail boss and National match champion Steve Collett fishes for Lake District pike.

Steve Collett stars in Action Replay - and also "live" in video, added to ANGLERSMAILTV, viewable via this website.

Watch the Action Replay footage  HERE …. it’s enough to make you want to go fishing right now!

See this great reel in carp action via ANGLERSMAILTV, our YouTube channel.

Want to see a hit product in action? You can, right now, via the wonders of ANGLERSMAILTV…

To coincide with The Best Products of 2010 in our magazine (new issue, dated November 23), this website’s video section (bottom right of page) now includes some great footage of big fish man and Korda boss Danny Fairbrass landing a cracking Gigantica carp on a Daiwa Windcast Z Reel.

Listen to the reel purr as the heavyweight strips line off the clutch and hear how highly Danny rates this top selling, feature-packed distance casting reel  as he wears the big mirror down.

Watch it now, by clicking HERE!

And be sure that you check out all of the products from top manufacturers that made it into our magazine’s special “Gear of the Year” feature.

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 up line very fast due to its 6.2:1 gear ratio. Other features include a snazzy silver/gold finish, an anti-reverse lever set underneath, ultra smooth clutch settings and a very snappy bail arm mechanism. The screw up assembly single handle does tend to wander of its own accord but otherwise this is a pretty versatile feeder reel. It suits everything from casting out light to heavy-duty feeders, but will need backing on its deep spools with thinner reel lines.
SCORE: 26/30

SHAKESPEARE MACH 3XT 035

£73.99
This is quite some package because you get single and double handle options, a deep aluminium spool and 3 shallow aluminium spools with this lightweight front drag reel. The shallow spools hold 100 metres of 3 lb line, while the deep version can take nearly 200 metres of 0.25mm mono. The Mach 3XT 035 also features an anti-reverse lever underneath its body, a 5.2:1 retrieve rate and a finely adjustable clutch system. It’s a very smooth running machine that’s light enough to combine with shorter feeder rods, but also powerful enough to use with heavy-duty feeder methods. The robust bail arm is very positive and it winds line neatly onto the big diameter spools. The single wind up assembly handle is prone to wandering but the double handles soon rectify this problem.
SCORE: 27/30

CORMORAN CORCAST 5PiF SUPER JET FEEDER

£59.95
Big diameter aluminium spools are the first things that stand out with this powerful 5 ball bearing reel. These guarantee no line bedding problems and super smooth casting, which helps to gain greater distances. The deep spool takes 200 metres of 6 lb line, while the shallow version can hold 100 metres comfortably. The Jet Feeder has one-touch handle assembly, an anti-reverse lever underneath, front drag adjustment, a decent sized line clip and a meaty, positive action bale arm. The Line Guard Protector is the most novel feature, entailing two brushes that prevent line from snagging under the spool. This reel offers great cranking power and a fast 5.1:1 retrieve rate. It’s a no-nonsense design capable of handling just about anything and casting to the horizon.
SCORE: 27/30

MAVER POWERLITE 4000

£65
Smart looking rear drag model that’s packed with 8 ball bearings and supplied with two big capacity aluminium spools, capable of holding up to 220 metres of 10 lb line. The spools are perforated for extra lightness, also featuring fast push button release and line clips. The Powerlite is a streamlined design with an attractive ‘mirror’ grey finish and a wide set single handle. There’s a rubber grip on the very precise rear drag, while the anti-reverse lever is underneath. This powerful winding machine retrieves line with a 5.2:1 gear ratio and has a thick aluminium bale arm with a firm action. The spools are quite deep but their long nature doesn’t restrict line flow. This versatile reel suits the rigours of feeder fishing, cranking in big fish and handling heavy feeders.
SCORE: 27/30

PRESTON INNOVATIONS PXR 4000

£69.99
Designed specifically for feeder fishing this businesslike front drag reel offers 10 ball bearings and a roller bearing. Combined with a high strength Drive Gear this provides bundles of smooth winding power and fast 5.1:1 line retrieve. Two medium depth aluminium spools take up to 125 metres of standard 10 lb line and also feature circular line clips. The anti-reverse lever is positioned underneath the body and you get a standard single handle for purists like me, plus a balanced double handle to prevent excess movement when tightening up to feeders. I couldn’t fault the line lay and casting capabilities of the PXR, which will undoubtedly handle all feeder regimes, especially more demanding ones like casting heavily loaded feeders and cranking in big fish.
SCORE: 28/30

DRENNAN SERIES 7 FEEDER 9-40

£34.95
A lightweight, streamlined reel that won’t unbalance lighter carbon feeder rods and yet has all the attributes required to punch swimfeeders out good distances. This rear drag model comes with one alloy and two composite shallow spools. These can carry up to 90 metres of 0.25 mm diameter line, featuring a push-button release and you also get unique interchangeable rubber breaking strain buttons for easy spool identification. This model has a positive bale arm action, an anti-reverse lever underneath, a 5.2:1 gear ratio and an ultra smooth rear drag. Typical Drennan attention to detail includes a clever knot groove at the back of the spools to prevent the line from snagging. The single handle has one-touch assembly and doesn’t wander.
SCORE: 28/30

SHIMANO BAITRUNNER DL 4000FA

£79.99
Shimano’s classic Baitrunner facility has been scaled down in this smaller sized reel to suit lightweight modern feeder fishing rods, offering a front drag format with the popular free-spool lever and tension knob at the back. This will be of particular interest to Method feeder enthusiasts, preventing savage takes from carp ripping the rod off its rests! The new reel has 3 shielded ball bearings and a roller bearing, double handles, a 4.8:1 gear ratio, plus a bundle of typical bonus Shimano features. There’s a cold forged aluminium spool and a graphite version, both deep and capable of holding 260 metres of 0.25mm line. This is a powerful, workhorse of a reel but the deep spools will need backing out for standard commercial usage and you need to like double-handles.
SCORE: 28/30

BEST BUY

ABU GARCIA CARDINAL C404i-M

£64.50
This smart looking front drag design has eye pleasing silver, grey and black cosmetics and is surprisingly lightweight considering its large diameter spools and businesslike body. The dog leg shaped single handle needs to be screwed into working mode, which loses points over one-touch designs, but to be fair it’s as rock steady as the best counterbalanced models. The reel is packed with 8 ball bearings and has a speedy retrieve rate of 5.1:1, along with an anti- reverse lever set underneath. You get no less than three aluminium spools: two shallow ones taking up to 150 metres of 4 lb line and a deep version that can store 200 metres of 10 lb mono. Adds up to a superbly powerful and smooth feeder fishing reel, capable of dealing with the most demanding applications.
SCORE: 29/30

NOTE: All products tested July 2010. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

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 of 100 m of 0.30 mm is adequate for commercial work but line lay is variable and line clip very poor. Front-mounted clutch jars slightly but rear free-spool mechanism is user-friendly and reliable. A spare spool is provided.
SCORE: 19/30

BROWNING BLACK MAGIC BF630

£48.99
A smooth and powerful commercial performer with five bearings, perfect anti-reverse and high gearing of 5.4:1 making short work of retrieving. Deep aluminium spool holds 140 m of 0.30 mm line which is laid in even coils to assist casting and there is a good, oversized roller bearing but the line clip on my model was bad, almost shredding my test 10 lb mono. Front-adjusted clutch is smooth and the free-spool mechanism easily adjusted and reliable. A shallow, match-style aluminium spare spool is provided.
SCORE: 22/30

CORMORAN SINUS-BR 6Pi

£34.95
Five ball bearing performance and gear ratio of 5.1:1 delivers a gutsy performance from this smart and robust black and silver free-spool which delivers decent power without undue wobble or stress. A comfortable wooden handle, reliable bale mechanism and
anti-reverse feature but line lay is not perfect and the aluminium longcast spool, holding 120 mm of 0.25 mm line, had minor damage on the lip which could weaken line. Line clip is horribly harsh but the rear–mounted free-spool and front-mounted clutch are reliable and smooth. Spare aluminium spool provided.
SCORE: 22/30

OKUMA SAONE SE-30

£79.99
Powerful, stylish compact free-spool delivering enough grunt for heavy-duty commercial carping via six bearings, 5.0:1 gearing, perfect anti-reverse and a tough handle with soft touch grip. The two aluminium spools hold
100 m of 0.30 mm line, the roller bearing is large and reliable and the line lay reasonable but the clip is poor. Front drag is easy to tension, smooth enough to cope with fish of any size and the free-spool mechanism is sweet although not the easiest to set. Main downside is the price when compared to similarly appointed models.
SCORE: 23/30

QUANTUM HEAT 1030

£58.99
There’s bags of solid and reliable cranking power here for commercial hauling with nine bearings and a gearing of 5.4:1 smoothly driven by a tough handle with a comfortable rubber grip. Two aluminium spools hold 170 m of 0.25 mm line and line lay on the spool enables good casting with line management further enhanced by a decent roller although the line clip is a liability. Front-adjusted drag is smooth enough to cope with fast-moving, powerful fish, anti-reverse mechanism is sound and the free-spool mechanism is sweet and easily adjusted.
SCORE: 24/30

GRAUVELL SONIC 1500

£49.99
A double handle with sure touch rubber grips delivers great balance to this pokey performer which is an ideal complement to a light carp or barbel rod for commercial bagging. A 5:1 gearing and six bearings provide solid performance with no free play and there is good line lay on the two aluminium spools holding 140 m of 0.30 mm line. Oversized roller bearing helps combat line twist but the line clip is harsh and unforgiving. Free-spool and clutch mechanisms are rear and front mounted respectively and both are easily adjusted and reliable.
SCORE: 24/30

MITCHELL AVONRUNNER

£39.99
Nicely-sized but still remaining compact this sharp-looking, five-bearing free-spool delivers solid and reliable power with a 5.1:1 ratio which will withstand the toughest commercial punishment. Retrieve is wobble-free, the anti-reverse solid and the whole package robust. Great line lay on a properly-sized aluminium spool holding 190 m of 0.28 mm line aids casting and the line clip is not too bad. Front-mounted clutch is sweet and the free-spool lever and adjuster easy to set and reliable throughout the range of settings. A spare polymeric spool is provided.
SCORE: 25/30

BEST BUY

DAIWA REGAL PLUS 3500S BRi

£64.99
Wide aluminium spool on a compact reel delivers exceptional line lay and casting performance with
140 m of 0.30 mm line ideal for bagging pools. Air bale, twist buster roller and usable clip complete the impressive top end. In the engine room bags of solid cranking power is generated with six bearings and 4.9:1 gearing, anti-reverse is instant and there’s no wobble with a large, comfortable, sure-touch grip on a one-touch folding handle driving it all. Front drag is micro-adjustable and silky smooth, the free-spool easily set and equally sound. Spare aluminium spool provided.
SCORE: 26/30

NOTE: All products tested April 2009. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.