Choosing a budget carp reel with a baitrunner

What are the criteria for choosing a carp reel?

In addition to the main features of carp fishing reels that characterize its intended purpose, each manufacturer introduces into the design of its mechanism some diverse improvements that can increase the competitiveness of the product and thereby simplify fishing. Of course, the main criterion for selecting mechanisms is the presence of a two-stage braking system for controlling the operation of the spool, namely a clutch and a baitrunner. If the advantage of a friction brake is considered to be gradual and smooth regulation, then the essence of a baitrunner is purely the immediate ability to drop the line during an uncontrolled forceful pull of the bait with a trophy.

A large spool with a straight profile or a reverse cone profile provides an ideal combination of gear performance with braided lines. Such profiles can accommodate large volumes of thick and rigid cords, as well as provide high-quality long-distance casting. Pay attention to the leg of the device, the clamping area of ​​which is disproportionate in size to that of a conventional spinning rod. When purchasing, it is important to compare the size of the leg with the size of the reel seat of the tackle itself.

In terms of cost, today it is quite possible to choose a decent product with the functionality required for carp fishing among budget devices. We will present the main design features of the inertia-free system from a detailed perspective as a continuation of our article.

Front and rear clutches

A reel for carp fishing cannot do without a friction clutch, which has a smooth adjustment, allowing you to quickly adjust the brake parameters to rapidly developing fishing conditions and, in particular, an increase or decrease in the load on the tackle. As is known, in the model ranges of inertia-free models there are variants of mechanisms with different locations of clamping handles regulating the brake. The clamp can be located in front of the reel on the spool itself or behind the body behind the gear box. As a result of established practice in carp fishing, fishermen recognized the location of the clamping mechanism in the front part of the device as the most convenient design.

Carp reels in such modifications are easier to adjust as you fish, and the handles themselves are large, allowing you to significantly change the clamping force in small steps when rotating the regulator.

Carp reel by baitrunner

Carp reels with a baitrunner are not clearly perceived by all anglers in terms of the usefulness of this function. An additional brake increases the size and weight of the device, making the product massive and quite heavy, especially if you conduct dynamic fishing. But most carp anglers accept the baitrunner as a necessary element of fishing, which reliably protects the gear from being pulled into the water and breaking the equipment when catching a trophy of serious weight. In addition, carp fishing is not characterized by a high frequency of casting and is largely carried out using ambush and wait-and-see tactics, where hours of waiting pass between changing baits and filling feeders, and the fishing trips themselves last during daylight and dark hours, sometimes without close observation from the angler .

The function is activated by moving the lever, releasing the shaft from the gear mechanism of the mechanism, as a result of which the spool, under a small pulling force, begins to rotate freely, lowering the cord. The presence of a baitrunner system increases the cost of the device, but guarantees the integrity and safety of the gear.

Spool shape and capacity

The large size of the spool facilitates the storage of long cords, ensuring delivery of installations over 100 meters. But the range of the tackle is characterized not only by the amount of fishing line that fits into the profile, but by the ease of its release when casting. Low profile vault types with a regular or straight cone shape are most effective for throwing distance. The shape of the spool with a reverse cone prevents the loops from spontaneously dropping, which is important when using heavy and rigid braided lines. The casting range is reduced, but the number of defects when casting with shooting equipment becomes significantly lower.

The classic low-profile cylinder is considered a universal spool shape. The capacity of such a storage facility is large, and the casting parameters are reduced slightly. The shape and capacity of the spool, based on the above characteristics, is taken depending on the conditions and fishing tactics. The capacity of the spool is used to judge the size of the mechanism itself, which is expressed in digital values ​​indicating the size of the product. For carp fishing, devices ranging from 5000 units and above are used.

Gear ratio

The gear ratio characterizes the ratio of the number of revolutions of the rotor, or, more simply, the line layer, when the handle is turned completely once around its axis. Reels for carp fishing are available in a power version.

Important! The gear ratio of a traction, powerful, inertia-free carp fishing gear is always less than five.

The value of the transmission coefficient directly depends on the pitch of the teeth of the drive gear. The gear ratio can be found out from the device’s marking, which looks like a numerical ratio, for example, 5.0:1 or 3.5:1. Most often, the information is applied to the body of the product next to the manufacturer’s brand logo. This applies to both budget carp reels and exclusive expensive mechanisms.

Number of bearings

Bearings contribute to the smooth running of the inertia-free system and the reliability of the mechanism. But a large number of them does not always indicate the high quality of the device. The optimal number of bearings in powerful power inertia-free motors is 4+1, where four indicates the number of ball bearings, and one indicates the presence of one roller bearing. Such a balance of these parts in the device will ensure long and reliable operation of the product without costly and complex maintenance.

It does not affect the deterioration of the performance characteristics of carp reels and does not needlessly increase the cost of spinning reels, which is something manufacturers sometimes like to do, declaring a large number of bearings in the product, praising the resulting improved, but absolutely useless functionality.

Clip

A carp reel should have not only a capacious spool, but also a device on this part of the device such as a clip. The clip serves as a casting distance limiter, completely stopping the release of the cord at a fixed point in its length. When choosing a product suitable for fishing, pay attention to the type of material from which the clip is made. To cast heavy rigs, it is safer to purchase a product with a large spool equipped with a round-shaped metal clip. This type of device deforms the fixed cord to a lesser extent, and due to the strength of the material, guarantees its long-lasting operation.

Important! It is convenient to purchase devices with a pair of clips on the spools.

This improvement allows you to record two promising fishing points at once, in which you fish alternately, without reconfiguring the gear.

Best models

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

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What gear should you use to catch carp?

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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