Rating of carp reels: review of the best models

A good reel for carp, what should it be? As everyone knows, carp and carp are strong fish that can reach a weight of more than twenty kilograms, and to effectively fish for such large fish you will need appropriate gear, in particular a powerful rod with a large test and a large carp reel of a power structure.

Key points when choosing a carp reel:

1. Housing material
2. Bobbin length
3. Spool shape
4. Bobbin Capacity
5. Stiffness and handle length
6. Gear ratio (revision)
7. Coil pull
8. Number of lines reeled out per revolution
9. Line winding quality
10. Rotor stiffness
11. Number of bearings
12. Smooth ride
13. A bayrunner is required
14. Stable friction brake

In this article we will describe carp reels with all their capabilities; you can read about feeder reels in the corresponding article at the link.

Today, visiting fishing stores can be a very difficult task, since deciding to choose any product from a variety of similar products is problematic.

Manufacturers of various fishing equipment, and manufacturers of fishing reels too, try to claim that using their new product you can catch more fish than using another brand of product.

There are many types of reels from many manufacturers - so where to start choosing a carp reel ?

Review of carp fishing reels

First you need to choose a fishing style - and you need to take into account not only your usual fishing trips, but also possible future fishing trips - this is the only way to choose a more or less correct carp reel that is more suitable for your needs.

There are universal reels, and there are reels for a narrow specialization, which include large carp reels. Therefore, it is important to choose a reel based on its practical suitability, and not on its beautiful appearance; it is imperative to have a baitrunner - a special mechanism for dropping the line, read about it further in the text.

Bobbin size

Most carp fishing takes place on large paid reservoirs, where you need to cast heavy equipment over long distances, sometimes even further than 150 meters. So, the casting distance depends, in particular, on the reel and the size of the spool. Carp are strong fish, and in order to prevent the fish from tearing the equipment, you will need a thick fishing line or cord, and the thicker this fishing line, the more capacious the spool of the carp reel should be.

Moreover, there must be a decent supply of fishing line on the reel, since when fishing, the carp may move to depth, and in this case it will be necessary to release the fishing line from the spool so that the carp gets tired and offers less resistance in further fishing.

Shimano ULTEGRA CI4

So taking all this into account, the spool of a carp reel must be very large. A carp reel is considered truly carp if its spool value is 5000 or more. This number on the reel indicates the capacity of the spool.

The spool must be made of metal, ideally titanium or stainless steel. Since the hardness and smoothness of the surface of the reel affects both the casting range and the reliability of the equipment, because if there is even a small burr on the spool, this can cause a beard, damage to the fishing line and even breakage of the equipment.

Best models

Each manufacturer has its own leader, it costs more than others, but the model range also includes more affordable, interesting options.

Read more

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If you are looking for one of the fastest fishing reels in this segment, then the Daiwa Emblem Pro 5000 should appeal to you

Rating of carp reels:

• Daiwa. The Emblem Pro 5000 model belongs to the middle class. Includes 7 steel bearings, 2 are corrosion resistant. The “Daiwa” drag includes a friction brake of 10 discs with high sensitivity to adjusting cords of any size. The spool capacity is 5000, has an elongated design, ensuring ease of long casts. Another good carp reel “Daiva” is Black Widow 5000, Liberty;
• Shimano carp reels. The manufacturer is distinguished by the optimal ratio of product quality and cost. The Ultegra Spod model is one of the best in the large reel category with a size of 10000, has a spool capacity of 290 m with a line thickness of 0.35 mm and 5 bearings. Another option from Shimano is SUPER BAITRUNNER XTE A. They have a rear clutch and two spools. The model range uses 7+1 bearings, and the weight of the structure is 550 g;
• ESP carp reels. The Onyx Big Pit Reel features a fast front drag, 7+1 bearings and 300m line compatibility with a line diameter of 0.33mm. Includes universal handle;
• Okuma. The Epix V2 Baitfeeder is a model from the manufacturer Okuma, suitable for precise adjustment of the brake located on the back of the reel. Designed for small and medium-sized carp, as well as other river fish of similar weight. The spool holds 100 m of fishing line with a thickness of 0.4 mm. The clutch includes a multi-disc system that protects against contamination. Okuma carp reels are equipped with a button for quickly changing the reel. Spool size – 6500, weight – 460 g;

Before choosing a carp reel model, you need to decide what the basic requirements are for fishing

• Penn carp reel. The manufacturer Penn offers a small selection of products, but the range includes a good Affinity 8000 model in several modifications. Its purpose is to catch prey at a great distance. There is a built-in forged spool that allows you to make long casts as easily as possible. The model weighs 730 g due to the use of titanium in the line handle, shaft and rotor of the braking system. Using Quick Drag technology, the clutch can be quickly adjusted. It is resistant to corrosion thanks to stainless bearings. Withstands 15 kg of weight, holds up to 480 m of 0.35 mm fishing line;
• “Qaida” carp reels. The Chinese manufacturer “Qaeda” is in great demand due to its wide range of products and low cost. Models of the KQT, HU, HD, HA, KT lines cost between $15-30. Most Kaida variants differ in the size and capacity of the spool. The product cannot be called very high quality, but in terms of price and quality it is superior to many other options;
• DAM carp reels. The Quick Z-Base option is suitable if you want to save money, but it is better to take the SLS 570. The advanced version has 5 bearings, an attractive design (with carbon inserts), produces a dense laying of the line, has a folding handle and a stainless steel bow. Used for extremely long casts;
• Fox carp reel. The Stratos 12000 S model is suitable for fishermen with a limited budget; if you have the opportunity to overpay, take the full version - “Fox” 12000 XT. Equipped with a front clutch, which is protected from sand penetration. Has a free roller, Mesh-Tec (reduction system), rotating line protection, CNS system, etc.;
• Flagman reels. Squadron Long Cast Spod is especially popular. “Flagman” integrates an anti-reverse system, makes the reel from aluminum, and includes 8+1 bearings;
• “Cormoran”, most often they take PRO CARP 6PIF 5000. It consists of 5 stainless bearings, a stopper, a brake handle, an aluminum spool with a manual, reinforced shackle. The spool holds 280 m of 0.4 mm fishing line and weighs 520 g.

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Catfish spawning

It is not surprising that such products practically do not create problems when fishing.

Carp reel baitrunner

In addition to the spool, it is worth paying attention to the baitrunner, since now it is installed on almost all carp reels. Why is a baitrunner so useful, you ask?

So we will answer, the baitrunner is a small bracket located at the back of the reel, which, when pressed, allows the fishing line to calmly come off the reel.

A baitrunner is a kind of analogue of a friction clutch, although when the reel handle is rotated, the baitrunner is automatically turned off.

If, when fishing for a large fish, you feel that the fish has suddenly jerked, and you do not have time to adjust the softness of the clutch, then a baitrunner will come to the rescue.

The baitrunner in a carp reel can also be used as a signaling device, because if a fish pulls the line when the baitrunner is turned on, a rather loud cracking sound is produced, which can be heard many meters away. The softness and hardness of the baitrunner is adjusted at the rear of the reel.

Comparison with a conventional coil

An inertial reel differs in that when casting, the drum continues to rotate by inertia, which creates certain inconveniences. Reels for carp fishing are made without inertia; thanks to the line guide bracket, the line is distributed rationally when casting. The difference between them is quite significant. Let's consider what the problems of the inertial model are.

• It is impossible to cast light weights using such a reel; it is impossible to fully spin it.
• The inertial reel drum will resist the force of unwinding even if the line is equipped with a heavy weight, so it is impossible to cast too far.
• When the nozzle is immersed in water, the reel will continue to wind the line by inertia, which will lead to its tangling.

Now let's figure out what the advantage of a spinning reel is.

• With its help, you can throw a sinker with any weight far and accurately.
• Thanks to the line guide, the line does not get tangled when the drum rotates.
• The baitrunner system plays an important role in a spinning reel.

Coil clutch

Great importance should be paid to the clutch, which is located on the spool. The friction clutch is a standard mechanism of any spinning reel, which in automatic mode allows you to release the fishing line from the spool under some load.

The friction is fast and smooth. The fast clutch of a carp reel , and of all reels in general, is a clutch whose rigidity is limited to one revolution, that is, if you turn it in one direction, the clutch is completely tightened, in the other, it is completely relaxed. So take this into account and choose what you need.

It is worth noting that there is not a single carp reel that could satisfy the needs of every fisherman. carp reels in stock , which are intended for any situations and conditions.

Types and characteristics of coils

All reels for carp fishing are spinning, and they differ in the following parameters:

• Front friction brake available.
• Rear friction brake.
• Product weight.
• Availability of additional spool.
• Spool size and depth.
• Gear ratio value.
• Number of bearings.
• The material from which the reel mechanism and body are made.
• Availability of a bayrunner system.

You can also add appearance and design. Here, perhaps, are all the most obvious differences. There are also differences among manufacturing companies. Some have been producing fishing tackle and accessories for a long time, others have recently entered the market. Of course, companies that have been operating for a long time have a much higher rating, and the quality of the product is at a higher level. However, there are also young companies that have managed to pleasantly surprise and delight users with their products.

The best products for carp fishing

Beginner fishermen who have no desire to choose, delve into the intricacies of production, or determine the degree of advantages and disadvantages in order to buy a reel will only need to look at the list of rated products from leading developers.

These companies have spent many years earning their reputation. Their products have the best reviews from experienced carp handlers and deserve the highest quality ratings. If you choose any one from the list, you definitely won’t miss it. All that remains is to navigate the cost.

Feeder reel rating

The top ten includes the following products:

1. Daiwa Infinity-x 5500 BR The Japanese company Daiwa was founded in 1945. Specialization and main activity is the development and production of fishing products. Since 1974, it has been the absolute leader in this industry. In 1994, she created the world's best series of spinning reels. The one presented here is one of them. The price ranges from 29 to 35 thousand rubles. The product provides long-range and accurate casting, is ideally balanced, all parts are coated with an anti-corrosion compound, 5 stainless steel bearings, ceramic coating and the presence of a titanium spool flange, equipped with a baitrunner, convenient fixation of the line guide bracket. Large spool capacity 5500, gear ratio 4.2:1, weight 795 g, spare spool available. The disadvantages include the high cost.
2. Shimano Catana 2500 FC Second place is occupied by another oldest Japanese company, Shimano, founded in 1921. The price of the presented reel is within 4 thousand rubles. Provides smooth winding of fishing line, smooth running, equipped with a reverse blocking system, gear ratio 5.2:1, 2 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, front friction brake. Spool capacity 240 m, weight 260 g, there is a spare spool, made of durable materials. The disadvantages include the following: few bearings.
3. Ryobi Ecusima 4000 Vi. The third Japanese company, Ryobi, was founded in 1943. The price for this reel varies from 1835 to 3409 rubles. depending on modification. It has a graphite body, front clutch, 4 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, baitrunner system, titanium nitride spool coating, capacity 160 m, perfect balancing, gear ratio 5.0:1, weight 302 g, spare spool available. Disadvantages: the need for a tool to reinstall the handle. This model is considered among users to be the best budget option. It is distinguished by power and durability.
4. Daiwa Black Widow. The fourth place is occupied by the recently launched feeder reel model from Daiwa, designed exclusively for carp fishing. The price ranges up to 6 thousand rubles.
5. ESP Onyx. The next line is taken by the ESP brand. The company was founded in 1999 and during this short time has made a fairly significant contribution to the recreational and sport fishing industry. If the leading consultant of the company is the legendary British carp angler Terry Hearn, then it cannot be otherwise. This reel was the fruit of their joint labor. Its price reaches 13,300 rubles. Created specifically for carp fishing , the set includes two turned, conical spools made of anodized aluminum, smooth winding, accurate and long casting, two friction brakes - front and rear, quick-folding handle, stainless steel clip, 7+1 bearings, gear ratio 4, 3:1, rotary brake, front brake protection, easily accessible reverse lever, weight 720 g. Everything is fine, if only for the low cost and the absence of a baitrunner.
6. FOX EOS. Next is the FOX company, which was formed in 1967 in Essex, gradually developing, and by 2000 entered the global market of the carp fishing industry. Her reel costs from 7 to 8 thousand rubles. Excellent line laying, the recess of which is 5.5:1, allows you to make long casts, 5 stainless steel bearings, capacity 260 m, good balancing, large handle increases traction force, weight 558 g, equipped with a baitrunner. Among the disadvantages are the low price and the lack of a spare spool.
7. Daiwa Emcast. The following two items are again presented by Daiwa. Price 8 thousand - 10 thousand rubles. depending on modification. The mechanism of the so-called endless screw is used, which allows increasing power, winding 4.1:1. It has a large conical spool with a capacity of 530 m, a strong friction brake designed for loads of up to 10 kg, 5 bearings, a spare metal spool, weight 660 g. Disadvantages, like the ESP Onyx, high price and lack of a baitrunner.
8. Daiwa Windcast-BR. Price 8745 rub. Long casting, use of a special ABS spool with an increased diameter and reduced weight, ideal laying, spools and handle made of anodized aluminum, there is a spare wheel, 4 bearings, rewind 4.6:1, volume 450 m, strong drag up to 16 kg, baitrunner. The disadvantages include the price, but many users claim that it is quite consistent with the quality.
9. Shimano Aerlex. The last two lines of the rating are occupied by Shimano products. Price from 11500 to 13500 rub. taking into account modifications. Both spools are made of anodized aluminum, the number of bearings is from 1 to 4, the front lip of the spool is made with an angle, which makes it easier for the line to come off and reduces the likelihood of it getting tangled, the body is made using XT-7 technology made of carbon fiber, etching from 4.6: 1 to 5, 3:1, capacity from 210 to 270, planetary mechanism type. The high price and lack of a spare spool make this reel less attractive.
10. Shimano Ultegra-CI 4 5500 XTB. Price 31200 rub. Positive qualities include: modification CI 4 - this is the latest technology for manufacturing the body, which makes the reel lighter and stronger, ultra-strong AR-C spool made of cold forged aluminum, baitrunner, line laying system, 5+1 high-quality bearings, gear ratio 5.3 :1, capacity 290 m, weight 455 g, two spare spools. The high price of this product will not confuse only true fans of carp fishing.

Some manufacturers include an additional paint coating in the price of the premium