I am looking at getting a set of these, does anybody know if they are any good,,
In reply to Post #1
I've had mine for the past 19 years 🤣 they've taken all the abuse over the years and still remain strong.. and I've only serviced them once!
I do believe they bought out a cheaper set which wasnt made as good 🤷🏻♂️ (not Japanese metalwork) but that maybe hearsay.
I've had mine for the past 19 years 🤣 they've taken all the abuse over the years and still remain strong.. and I've only serviced them once!
I do believe they bought out a cheaper set which wasnt made as good 🤷🏻♂️ (not Japanese metalwork) but that maybe hearsay.
In reply to Post #1
I too have used these reels for near 20 years, might be over, present set are 10 years old, I almost bought Tournies but wanted the BR facility. I love mine, wouldn't swap them for anything* but that's not really a review.
Mine have been bomb proof, absolute work horse of a reel, never had a problem with one. I have upgraded to carbon washers and new line clips.
They're a bit 'Marmite' people either love them or hate them. Main critique, the line clip is crap, people describe them as a coffee grinder gearing wise, the reverse taper spool is also not to everyones liking and they're heavy.
I have no doubt they have been superceeded in many aspects, would that make any difference to most anglers? would that make any difference to the reel? the fact they're still selling them after all these years says it all really.
* I would swap mine for the same model if they made it lighter but that's about it, new line clip design would be good.
I too have used these reels for near 20 years, might be over, present set are 10 years old, I almost bought Tournies but wanted the BR facility. I love mine, wouldn't swap them for anything* but that's not really a review.
Mine have been bomb proof, absolute work horse of a reel, never had a problem with one. I have upgraded to carbon washers and new line clips.
They're a bit 'Marmite' people either love them or hate them. Main critique, the line clip is crap, people describe them as a coffee grinder gearing wise, the reverse taper spool is also not to everyones liking and they're heavy.
I have no doubt they have been superceeded in many aspects, would that make any difference to most anglers? would that make any difference to the reel? the fact they're still selling them after all these years says it all really.
* I would swap mine for the same model if they made it lighter but that's about it, new line clip design would be good.
In reply to Post #1
I would echo the below, would be a great big water, row the baits out type of reel as it holds masses of line and has some serious grunt. I especially didn't like the weight though and the line lay isn't up to some reels these days I would say.
I would echo the below, would be a great big water, row the baits out type of reel as it holds masses of line and has some serious grunt. I especially didn't like the weight though and the line lay isn't up to some reels these days I would say.
In reply to Post #2
They did bring out a cheaper version that were silver but they weren't around for long. I had the originals when they first came out and they could withstand a nuclear bomb blast there that solid. The only downside is they weigh an absolute ton but not really an issue as there sat on banksticks most of the time.
They did bring out a cheaper version that were silver but they weren't around for long. I had the originals when they first came out and they could withstand a nuclear bomb blast there that solid. The only downside is they weigh an absolute ton but not really an issue as there sat on banksticks most of the time.
In reply to Post #1
Had mine for over 16 years now and with regular(ish) servicing they still perform like new. They're not heavy, just heavier than your more modern reels, you'll get used to them and never have to buy another reel.
Daz
Had mine for over 16 years now and with regular(ish) servicing they still perform like new. They're not heavy, just heavier than your more modern reels, you'll get used to them and never have to buy another reel.
Daz
In reply to Post #1
If they're good enough for Oz Holness then they should be good enough for anyone !
If they're good enough for Oz Holness then they should be good enough for anyone !
In reply to Post #1
mine didn't come with a spare spool either which was annoying.
mine didn't come with a spare spool either which was annoying.
In reply to Post #5
Sportsmatics, I've had 4 for 20 years and used in small ponds all the way to long distances at Chanty..... there are 100% better reels out there but no way i'm swapping these.
Sportsmatics, I've had 4 for 20 years and used in small ponds all the way to long distances at Chanty..... there are 100% better reels out there but no way i'm swapping these.
Similar to what has been said, had mine for near on 20 years before I moved on, faultless and never serviced during that time 
Line clips are crap, if that bothers you
They could do with a quick drag for playing fish on, again if that bothers you
The line guard system works fine but could be described as a bit clunky
The weight, bit heavier but not an issue for me, until you pick something lighter up. they key point though is how they balance out and feel with your rods, no problem for me
10/10, Happy days
Line clips are crap, if that bothers you
They could do with a quick drag for playing fish on, again if that bothers you
The line guard system works fine but could be described as a bit clunky
The weight, bit heavier but not an issue for me, until you pick something lighter up. they key point though is how they balance out and feel with your rods, no problem for me
10/10, Happy days
In reply to Post #9
Sportsmatics i believe were out before the infinity i have had 3 for 35 years not a single problem.They have less bearings than infinities .
Sportsmatics i believe were out before the infinity i have had 3 for 35 years not a single problem.They have less bearings than infinities .
In reply to Post #11
Dont think the sportsmatics were around 35 years ago. Mebees 25 years. Did they not come out after the infinity x reels?
Dont think the sportsmatics were around 35 years ago. Mebees 25 years. Did they not come out after the infinity x reels?
In reply to Post #12
Well im sure i had them before infinitys, i know i got three from japan sometime 90,s i thought to replace my pms apart from the colour the only differences were a plastic spool and a few ball bearings .Both great reels.
Well im sure i had them before infinitys, i know i got three from japan sometime 90,s i thought to replace my pms apart from the colour the only differences were a plastic spool and a few ball bearings .Both great reels.
I never really got on with mine. They just felt a bit too big for my personal taste, and ive never really understood the need for a baitrunner, so that bit was wasted on me.
They are a lovely reel though, i loved the feel of them, and the look of them. If i ever had to do any boat work, they would be my top choice. Maybe it was the rods i had them on that wasnt balanced. I think as with everything its a personal choice, and youve got to try them to see how you get on.
They are a lovely reel though, i loved the feel of them, and the look of them. If i ever had to do any boat work, they would be my top choice. Maybe it was the rods i had them on that wasnt balanced. I think as with everything its a personal choice, and youve got to try them to see how you get on.
In reply to Post #12
I think they were after, a cheaper version / option of the infinity's and were released afterwards in the UK
I think they were after, a cheaper version / option of the infinity's and were released afterwards in the UK
In reply to Post #1
BOMB PROOF reels
I used a set of 4 infinity X 5500 on my Europe trips will reel in anything that swims Lovely clutch and has a fast retrieve also a great casting reel my only criticism line clip (((Jim's Reel Shop are able to supply line friendly sprung replacement line clips FOR THESE AND LOTS OF OTHER )))
bait runner is excellent perfect tension adjustment
THE WEIGHT never bothered me in the slightest as FFS you only pick the thing up to cast or reel a fish in ? its not like your match fishing and casting all the time
but of course it really depends on your rods and how big your fish your hoping to catch if its 60s upwards and a possible big old snotty catfish 100plus picks up your bait you will like me be glad you were using these reels
A VERY HANDY WEBSITE TO MARK >> LINK POO 
BOMB PROOF reels
I used a set of 4 infinity X 5500 on my Europe trips will reel in anything that swims Lovely clutch and has a fast retrieve also a great casting reel my only criticism line clip (((Jim's Reel Shop are able to supply line friendly sprung replacement line clips FOR THESE AND LOTS OF OTHER )))
bait runner is excellent perfect tension adjustment
THE WEIGHT never bothered me in the slightest as FFS you only pick the thing up to cast or reel a fish in ? its not like your match fishing and casting all the time
but of course it really depends on your rods and how big your fish your hoping to catch if its 60s upwards and a possible big old snotty catfish 100plus picks up your bait you will like me be glad you were using these reels
A VERY HANDY WEBSITE TO MARK >> LINK POO
In reply to Post #15
Could well be , im often wrong 👍
Could well be , im often wrong 👍
In reply to Post #12
They Sportsmatics came out in 2005 and where my first set of big pit reels. I still have 2 that I use on my spod and marker rods. Expect them to last another 16 years
They Sportsmatics came out in 2005 and where my first set of big pit reels. I still have 2 that I use on my spod and marker rods. Expect them to last another 16 years
In reply to Post #18
Im well out then , i must have got the infinities first .
Im well out then , i must have got the infinities first .
Ten years ago when I joined my syndicate everyone had infinities or sportmatics during that time they have all moved them on. Some because they felt they where ott others because of wanting a change. They are great reels the other contenders being the Shimano Long Cast which are as good if not better.
In reply to Post #1
GOT 3 infinitys, brilliant 16 years old ,one service,from tackle box kent, still doing it
GOT 3 infinitys, brilliant 16 years old ,one service,from tackle box kent, still doing it
In reply to Post #1
. . .seriously considering a set . . .2nd hand minters are difficult to find because no one wants to get rid!
Wooden handles, ABS spools, semi-retro good looks . . .what's not to like!
. . .seriously considering a set . . .2nd hand minters are difficult to find because no one wants to get rid!
Wooden handles, ABS spools, semi-retro good looks . . .what's not to like!
In reply to Post #22
I had a mint set on here about 6 weeks ago no one wanted them put them on ebay went in one hour ! Original big baitrunner longcasts are just as good if not better got a mint set of those on now.
I had a mint set on here about 6 weeks ago no one wanted them put them on ebay went in one hour ! Original big baitrunner longcasts are just as good if not better got a mint set of those on now.
In reply to Post #23
Big baitrunner longcast
https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/shimano-big-baitrunner-xt-a-lc-reel
Big baitrunner longcast
https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/shimano-big-baitrunner-xt-a-lc-reel
In reply to Post #24
Sorry i have ammended my post , of course the originals are baitrunners ! And much better than the current model.
Sorry i have ammended my post , of course the originals are baitrunners ! And much better than the current model.
In reply to Post #25
I've serviced loads of these over the years and they just don't go wrong, same as the original shimano big baitrunner lc's. The singular weakness the infinitys seem to have is the baitrunner click pawl plate, which occasionally snaps as it is simply a slither of sprung metal that eventually can snap but they're pennies to replace
I've serviced loads of these over the years and they just don't go wrong, same as the original shimano big baitrunner lc's. The singular weakness the infinitys seem to have is the baitrunner click pawl plate, which occasionally snaps as it is simply a slither of sprung metal that eventually can snap but they're pennies to replace
In reply to Post #26
That's why the plate should be replaced on a service, preventative maintenance.
That's why the plate should be replaced on a service, preventative maintenance.
In reply to Post #27
Goose there's a large element of anglers out there that don't have their reels serviced and parts changed for preventative maintenance, I've seen it said so many times over the years on here and elsewhere " had them for 20 years and never had a service etc" but thats not a good thing is it, they're little mechanical machines at the end of the day which require maintenance once in a while to keep them performing, so whilst i agree 100% with your reply it was nothing other than a heads up for the original poster as to a potential issue.
Goose there's a large element of anglers out there that don't have their reels serviced and parts changed for preventative maintenance, I've seen it said so many times over the years on here and elsewhere " had them for 20 years and never had a service etc" but thats not a good thing is it, they're little mechanical machines at the end of the day which require maintenance once in a while to keep them performing, so whilst i agree 100% with your reply it was nothing other than a heads up for the original poster as to a potential issue.
In reply to Post #28
Agreed but owners should realise that stripping, cleaning and replacing the dirty old contaminated lube with new clean stuff can only be a good thing.
Agreed but owners should realise that stripping, cleaning and replacing the dirty old contaminated lube with new clean stuff can only be a good thing.
In reply to Post #26
In reply to Post #1
Been out of carp fishing for 13yrs, just getting back into it and
needing to buy an entire setup, which is a task. .
In the past I hade the following big pits
Long casts
Sportsmatics
Entohs
Infinitys
Power aero 10000XTs
For me out of that list the best reel for build quality was the original longcast. However from
a function and also to look good think the infinities were best maybe just because
of the wooden handle and BR.
I've gone for x3 Emblem 45 SCW - Gold Spools as I got them for just ove 300 quid
used once.. Don't know if I'll still have them when I eventually hit the bank which will probably
be next year.
Been out of carp fishing for 13yrs, just getting back into it and
needing to buy an entire setup, which is a task. .
In the past I hade the following big pits
Long casts
Sportsmatics
Entohs
Infinitys
Power aero 10000XTs
For me out of that list the best reel for build quality was the original longcast. However from
a function and also to look good think the infinities were best maybe just because
of the wooden handle and BR.
I've gone for x3 Emblem 45 SCW - Gold Spools as I got them for just ove 300 quid
used once.. Don't know if I'll still have them when I eventually hit the bank which will probably
be next year.
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