In your opinion what is the best reel available at the moment?

In reply to Post #1
That you can buy new? There's a lot of older stuff available that walks all over most modern reels

In reply to Post #1
If you can still buy the black and silver Daiwa ISO's, I would say they are the best all round reel.

In reply to Post #3
Agree, had them all and the oroginal iso is still my favourite carp reel ever. The original castizms are my next favourite and like a mini iso but ive always been a daiwa fan.

Reels are a very personal thing. The best available are probably the new Basia's or Shimano tech's.
Personally I can never get on with modern reels so always end up back with my 25 year old Emblem Z's. To me they are the best reels, many would disagree!

Had a few of the latest reels
12000 xtc techs
12000 xtb tech mgs
Daiwa iso (original)
Power Aero's
Daiwa basia 19's
Daiwa basia sld
Daiwa basia 20's mag sealed
Shimano xtd tech mgs.
If want basia then it's the sld for me,if shimano the latest tech mgs are hard to beat.
I only regret selling the iso's and the xtc techs but really rate the latest xtd mgs

In reply to Post #7
Just a few then

Original Daiwa ISOs are my fav!

My favourite reels are my shimano 5500 ci4 baitrunners. Can't see any reason to change unless extreme range casting is absolutely necessary. I have okuma 8k for that. Not needed currently though.

In reply to Post #1
All round I'd say Tournament 5000T is still hard to beat - short rods / long rods - not too heavy / not too light - decent capacity - reliable. Never owned a Basia but they seem to be fragile beasts . . .

In reply to Post #1
Are you talking value for money ?

Shimano xtd.... Just kidding 😂😂

In reply to Post #10
All the basia's I owned seemed fine,I did not own them long term I must admit

Still 5000T/6000Ts for me. If they ever break I might look at something else, but I doubt it. What more can a reel do for £600?!

5000T is probably the best all rounder for the money. SS3/5 are a fair price too at the moment

Mitchell 300A

My favourite reel of all time isnt a carp reel its a abu suveran 4000.

In reply to Post #10
Had those and it are very good reels. Switched to daiwa emblem z a couple of years ago.
These are just perfect. Same quality, little bit less weight and much smoother.

In reply to Post #1
At the moment:
Daiwa basia sld or shimano aero technium 14000 mgs XTD,
price quality wise: shimano ultegra 14000 XTE, Improbable quality

In reply to Post #15
5000ts, the best all rounder for the money? They do a job. But they can't be considered in the best bracket for anything, other than being able to treat them a bit rougher and they don't break as easily. But who buys tackle to throw it around? Oh, and making you look ‘old skool'. Plenty of cheaper modern day reels that can and will do the same job.

I had a set, for a long time, and whenever I used them, when I went back to my slds, or original basias before that, and for the life of me couldn't understand it. My slds have had a hard couple of years, getting covered in dusty water everytime it rains, which has been a lot for me, and being submerged in silty water, on several occasions when I wasn't concentrating. And they are still going as well as they were new.

5000t is a top end reel from 20 years ago. Still commanding a fair wack from the tackle shop. Now put that in terms of, for example. A 20 year old tv may still work, but technology has moved on for the better, and the price of old technology drops. Way too much money for what they are now. The emblem range for example, when I've handled them, weight aside, feel very smooth and modern, and solid.

And I know basias are over priced aswell. It's all plastic, made in China, built to the lowest cost possible. But they are better reels to use.

In reply to Post #20
But how do you quantify 'better' reels to use? Other than looks / weight and perhaps a perceived 'smoother' retrieve what's ACTUALLY better about a more modern reel compared to a Tourney?

Line lay? - not really; super slow oscillation is meh - and my Tournies have wormdrives
Clutch? - not really; mine have carbon washers and are QD - smooth as you like
Retrieve - marginal if any realworld difference - my Emblem 5000A have a much longer ratio and can crank in trees
Casting distance - absolute rubbish - reels make little if fa difference - 6000Ts can be smashed to infinity

I'd rather use gear that's stood the test of time and won't let you down - irrespective of the 20yr old plus design! Daiwa ISOs are prob the more modern equivalent and their now classed as oldishskool ffs

In reply to Post #21
Other than looks, weight and smoothness? Doesnt leave many areas

And youve modified yours to make the drag better and line lay better? Like triggers broom.
So £300 a reel now, what do your reels do better than a more modern emblem. Standing the test of time is hardly a valid argument, as whats to say the new emblems wont last just as long?

I had basia qds, for 11 years, and i got them second hand. And they were never once serviced. Imagine thats a lot longer than most people who own tournies have had them, and potentially fished for. Does that qualify as standing the test of time, as most people who havent ysed them, put them down as fragile.

I have no doubt a 6000t can be smashed as far as a more modern reel, but the weight counts against it, it takes more effort to move more weight. The lighter more modern reels are better designed for it. Its basic physics. So weight is imprtant to casting distance

Out of interest, have you ever used more modern reels, like a basia or tech alongside your tournies? As i have, and i can say, with experience, there is no comparison to how they feel in hand

In reply to Post #22
👍

In reply to Post #1
For what? I use different reels for different situations, e.g. margin fishing or smaller waters = Shimano 5000 baitrunners, close to medium range = Daiwa Castizm QD, long to extreme range = Shimano Aero Technium MGS or Shimano Big Baitrunner Ci4 1400. For stalking and floater fishing I use Shimano Vanfords in 4000 size.

If I was forced to use one reel? The Castizm. Best reel Daiwa have made in a long time, shame they discontinued it.

In reply to Post #24
I thought you had issues and got rid of your castizms after your mate at Daiwa got them repaired for you

In reply to Post #22
Unless your a tournament caster; all big pits will cast pretty much the same distance give or take a yard or two - fact

So really what this boils down to is looks and smoothness; as stated I've never had Basias (perhaps regrettably based on your experience) but I have had ISOs and whilst they were a step up in smoothness (my modern plasticy Emblem BR25As that I use for Barbel are waay smoother than my Tournies) I still perferred my Tournies; I suppose it boils down to what you have most faith in - spending £000's or 00's - unlike rods I think the performance benefits are negligible and I'd rather have reliable workhorse than a preened stallion when dragging in the fish of a lifetime . . .

In reply to Post #17
Snap Pure Swiss quality, none of your modern Reels come close.

I have a pair on my Barbel Rods

I don't think despite what others may say, that current models from Daiwa or Shimano are as good as reels from years ago.
The build quality feels tacky, not as strong, not as durable and cheap.


Technology has moved on
That may be, but modern technology is not always as effective as older technology, and sometimes we go round from long spools to deep spools, to coned spools, back to long spools.

I have had the choice of reels for years, as in if I wanted it I could save up for it, but at the same time, I want to look and feel an item before I buy it.

Shimano Reels from the 1990's I would still be using Aerlex or Biomasters, quite happily. A 1/2 turn of the clutch and from 'freespool' to tight, and I'm positive on that as I used them myself.
I actually wish I hadn't sold 3 of mine when I decided I didn't need a 'Big Pit' reel on my water and dropped down to DL10000's. The DL's were nice, but most definitely not as durable.

When I went back to a big lake I went back to a Big Pit, and chose after trying various reels, the Beastmaster XTA's. They are still going, and I think are better than the C14's. Bear in mind I worked in a tackle shop, so could play and get a discount on the RRP.

In reply to Post #26
You can take that same approach with everything in life, and still be driving a 90s toyota previa, nice and reliable them, last forever. Newer lighter reels will assist you in casting. They make not, due to size etc give any more yards to a cast, but you cannot claim that the weight does not aid distance casting and make the whole process easier.

Your bias towards the tournies seems to be based purely on reliability by the sounds of it. But im not sure you can use reliabilty as a negative when comparing them against more modern reels, that havent been around as long. As whats to say they wont last that long.

Im not a tournie hater, i had some, im just not caught up enough in the hype to believe they are as good as modern alternatives. People like what they like, and thats all good. But they have no place in a “best reels” conversation.

In reply to Post #28
The build quality feels tacky, not as strong, durable and cheap?

For example, you hold an sld basia, then a tournie, then an old aerlex, one turn of the handle and youre still walking away with the tournie or aerlex.

I have an old aerlex in the cupboard, and its awful in comparison, to even a tournie. You can buy it if you like.

I think most people feel that weight means strength and reliability. Material technology has moved on. I mean just how strong does a carp reel have to be?

I love my 20 year old Techniums xt's btw

Tournaments are so so so poor. Look bloody cool though. If that's your thing.

As previously said most big pits there won't be a big difference in casting ability. But I like it to feel nice to reel

Cult cult cult

Why they don't rerelease the tournament with new internals and materials I don't know. It'd fly off the shelves.

In reply to Post #31
If Daiwa bought out an SS9000 with updated internals, tighter tolerances and lighter materials etc I'd be all over them.

I personally think the Shimano Technium 10k XT takes some beating.

I've had loads & loads of the top end reels over the years, mainly Shimano but a few Daiwa here and there too, IMO almost every reel has some sort of design flaw that makes them not quite perfect.
Almost impossible to say which reel is “The” Best as different people want different things.

I've currently got the Technium 14000 XTC, they're really nice apart from the rubbish Line Guard meaning the line goes behind the spool fairly regularly.

Shimano Technium 10,000 XT

End of.

In reply to Post #32
I agree on a personal level.

All modern reels look cheap, tacky and fragile to me. But it seems like that's what people want.

Let's be honest, with the likes of Okuma knocking out high quality modern reels for under £100 anything past that is just showing off.

Showing off is also fine if that's your thing.

In reply to Post #35
I wouldn't say it's just showing off. I don't think everyone that owns £40k watches are showing off. Some really like the look and feel of them on their wrists.


Normally the people that call them people “flash” are jealous

In reply to Post #32
Techniums I think are the best all round reel ever made. Caters to the heavy and robust and had all the necessary tech and smoothness.

In reply to Post #35
Just saw a video of the new okuma obsidians, on paper they have it all.
There is a youtube video about them, not sure when are they gona be out.
Hope they dont cost 200 eur per.

Edit: just saw the price on a german website 200 eur on discount

In reply to Post #35
Why is it showing off,what car do you drive

In reply to Post #29
You only have to take a look at the state of some of the original release Basias on sale in FB to know that the newer versions aren't going to cut it in 20yrs let alone 10 - however I get your point - hopefully in 20yrs I'll have sacked off carp fishing and be chasing tarpon off the back of my holiday home jetty in the keys . . .

And on that note isn't is perhaps true that the older release reels (eg tournaments) were originally designed to last the rigours of sea fishing - correct me if I'm wrong but does this apply to Basias / Tech Mags or are they technically 'dedicated' carp reels?

In reply to Post #40
I'm not a fan of basias. I prefer techs and I preferred my old isos to my brothers old basias. I'd NEVER buy basias (my personal taste preference) Even with that being said, I'd be very surprised that if I owned a set of new basias or new Techniums etc that they'd still be going in 20 years. Our carp reels get cast a handful of times a day and aren't exposed to the strains of other reels in other types of fishing and they stay nicely on their stainless perches and wiped over when they get dirty and serviced every now and again.

And let's have it right.....most people that are buying these modern reels aren't expecting or needing them to last 20 years. I want new reels every 4/5 years. Some people want new reels every time a new one comes out.

It's like my car. I don't need a car that will last 25 years. I'd rather a nice car every few years

In reply to Post #29
Not sure about the car analogy but you could be onto something - I've owned BMWs for the last 20yrs and am on the verge of buying a spangly new X5; I'm brand loyal based on the consistent driving experience, better than most performance and general reliability - does this sound more like a Basia or Tournie owner? Or should I be in a Landrover?

In reply to Post #42
You're fortunate to be in that position. Many of us aren't. For a multitude of different reasons. Go for what makes you happy. Do the most good with what you've got. That's my philosophy.

In reply to Post #42
Loved my older BMW's,my e30 325i was my favourite.I don't really like the latest models,I think they have lost some of the driving experience.There is nothing quite like rear wheel drive and a slippery road to get your heart racing.

In reply to Post #43
Nice philosophy and agree with you; however point is I buy the cars I do because they provide the best balance of enjoyment performance and vfm I can luckily afford; same goes for reels / tackle! Cannot afford / don't need an M3/AMG Merc/Ferrari!

In reply to Post #42
Bmws are amazing drivers cars. Had an m135 for a bit, the 3 litre one epic little car, that was far too powerful for the size of it, a right twitchy little *******. And an awful car for fishing. One thing bmw do though, is let you know if you havent bought top of the range. May as well stamp peasant across the back.

However if you dont look after them, and service them, that reliability soon goes out the window.

And in relation to the basias on ebay, im sure if you kicked a set of tournies around and didnt look after them, they would struggle to give 20 years service. Its all horses for courses. Most stuff lasts longer if you look after it. And the original release basias cant be far off 20 years old. Be interesting to see how many sets of tournaments out there, are actually 20 years old, and not bought in the last 5-10 years or less

And i think most of the daiwa big pits from that period, tournies, basias , i have little knowledge of shimanos, originally were intended for the surf casting, spinning world and were adapted for the carp fishing market?

In reply to Post #46
Take it from someone who's serviced hundreds of basias, tournys, isos and techs they all have they're good and bad points but looked after they will all last a long time. Basias are very simple internally with very little to go wrong, I'm not quite sure why they get the fragile reputation in some quarters as they're much tougher than you would be led to believe, the common faults are burred dura-aluminium drive gears and rusted antireverse and line roller bearings on the early models, tournament 5000 issues are water ingress and again burred dura-aluminium gearing on later versions. Isos i see very little issues with and techs are generally pretty bomb proof although i have done a few sets where the antireverse bearing has corroded but most of the above faults are caused by dipping reels or sloshing water over the spool

In reply to Post #47
They get that stigma I think because of the weight and “plastic” and “cheap” feel people go on about.

So many people think weight = quality.

Tournies. Look good. Sound crap. feel worse.

In reply to Post #48
Don't forget all the internet bull****, where someones mates dog had a set and bent the shafts on them when it was a Tuesday once.

Fair few of those on this forum.

I'm pretty sure tournies are made from plastic, probably more plastic than basias have.

In reply to Post #49
So daiwa strengthened the shaft on hearsay from someone's mates dog .

In reply to Post #50
I thought daiwa mentioned it on a promotional video

In reply to Post #51
The only plastic on a tourny is the bail arm kicker and a few bushes, no different to the 1st basia really, as for bent shafts.......yes it does happpen and yes i have replaced them but i do think its more user error than a design error

In reply to Post #52
So it is down to the dog then

Whats the body and rear cap made from on a tournie then?

In reply to Post #51
I doubt theyd have said theyd upgrades it due to dogs bending them though, maybe as they realised they could strengthen it. But they are still selling the original basias? and customs etc, and as far as i know they havent upgraded anything internal in those. Maybe littleian knows?

In reply to Post #54
Correct mate the internals on all the basias except the basair and sld are the same although the basair has a couple of refinements such as the rotor gear is held in place with a plate then the ar bearing is on top of this whereas the normal basias have a singular plate holding the whole top section in place. As for the body material of the tourneys its whisker graphite but the backend cover is plastic (forgot about that!)

In reply to Post #55
You based in essex mate? I may treat my slds to a little service if so. Dont really need it, but as i said, theyve been submerged in silty waterand covered in wet dirt on more than a few occasions so a bit of a going over couldnt hurt

Not cool/fashionable to say, but Shimano Baitrunners (Super XTR RAs) are probably my all time fave carp reel.

In reply to Post #56
Yes mate near southend 👍

The car analogy:
I had a Ford Sierra 2.0l i ghia, absolutely lovely to drive, very fast, comfortable.
Since them i have found more recent Ford cars blooming horrible; Mondeos, Focus, just yuck. I'd go back to the Sierra anyday.

Volkswagen Golf, Mk.4, nice, nippy, decent car. The mk.5 and 6 are genuine updates, of a good vehicle. Many 20year old Golf's are still on the road, and still reaching sensible money. In fact, the used car market for one has doubled in price.

Shimano reels are not necessarily a better upgrade over the years.


Given the choice, yes I would still use a 1995 version Biomaster or Aerlex, or the Aero GTE4000/4500 Baitrunners over the current DL range.
In fact I do still use an Arlex for spodding and bass fishing.

In reply to Post #47
Just been to my local AD due to Bank Holiday boredom and ended up walking out with a new Spankmonkey collapsible bucket (I am going insane)

Checked out the reel rack and there they were, by some strange twist of fate, side by side in all their glory - a Tournie 5000T & a Basia 45 SLD QD

In another weird twist - the Basia is EXACTLY (now on discount) twice the RRP of the Tournie - but is it genuinely twice the reel?

Didn't need to fiddle with the Tournie as I own 2x sets already (5000T & 6000T), so I gently fingered the Basia with anticipation - the stem was worryingly slender but the Zaion rotor was nice to the touch and looked pretty - not sure about its ability to stop line getting under the spool unlike the Tournies failsafe 'industrial' rubber ring. On gently cupping the Basias underside it didn't feel amazingly light in comparison but then the spool is a buxom 6000T size. Loving the Tourney style wooden nob (who are they trying to appeal to I wonder?) but the handle itself looks like it belongs to a waay cheaper AD Aventus reel and not having the ability to unfold ones leg(s) instantly would simply annoy me. . .

TBF the wet dream continued and I was envisaging how good these all black, very scratch able reels would look like on my Black edition Aviators . . . but then the moment passed - and I walked away safe in the knowledge that it was only a temporary lapse of judgement . . .and that my new bucket would bring me more pleasure

In reply to Post #39
Weird question on a reel thread

I drive a Skoda Enyaq IV. I don't think anyone driving a Skoda could be accused of being flash. It is practical for what I use it for though.

My point about showing off is this.. of all the fishing tackle people can spend their hard earned on expensive reels are possibly the most pointless. There is nothing that a Tech Mgs reel at £600 a pop can do to increase your chances of catching a fish that a £100 Penn cannot. Both have large spools for casting, both hold as much line as you need to, both will retrieve your line and fish reliably.

I'm not knocking those who want to spend their money on expensive reels, I'm certainly not ‘jealous' as I could do this too. It's just my opinion that of all the tackle you can spend on fancy reels are the least important to catch a fish.

It's also funny how people seem to have such an emotional attachment and intense need to defend their choice of fishing reel (aimed at this thread in general, not one particular poster)

Have a set basia sld qds on my 13ft rods they are lovely reels but it's a hype more than anything as my shimano 1400 xtds on the everyday rods taking a beasting over the years and have never missed a beat.

Im biased as only ever owned 2 different brands of reels. Started out with fox fs7000 reels which were awful. Got some fs12000 reels which was junk and broke on me more than once, then bought a set of basia QDX's which lasted me 4 years and when sold was still as good as the day i bought them. Sold them as upgraded to basiair 45qd reels which looked more premium but did the same job. They did not last as well as the qdx's got clunky and had to service them twice over the few years i owned them. Then flogged them and bought the z45 mag sealed basiairs. Have had them now coming up to 3 years and they are still perfect.

Completely over the top unnecessary does nothing as mentioned cheaper reels don't do but i have no regrets either. They are light as anything look lovely on my cork handled basia rods and does everything out of a reel i want them to do.

One day i will try some shimanos but as it stands can't see any shimano doing a better job and no shimanos looks as nice that's for sure

In reply to Post #63
Exactly.

We don't need them but we like them.

In reply to Post #63
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that!
Personally I don't totally like the 'look' of the top end Shimano or Daiwa offerings... I've always been a Shimano user, but between the 2 I'd go for the Basias, as I really don't like the Shimano's pointy back end. However on looks alone, give me a set of Tournies please!


No one voting for Infinities?

In reply to Post #65
My black custom Technium xt10000 take some beating in the looks department ❤️

The Technium 10,000 XT's with their tiny body and big spool always remind me of Abu 506 match reels but a lot bigger.

I havent owned or used any of the latest super expensive reels however in my well over 50 years of dedicated carp fishing I ended it with 4 Daiwa Infinity X BRs 5500 these reels will reel in any fish that swim proper workhorse looked after will last a lifetime

then when ill health forced me to stop my Worldwide fishing and target smaller fish
I re discovered Barbel and chub
then a quest to find the best reel for the job
answer = Shimano XTEA bait runners 7 bearings and gears that were made with the best gears super clutch could not find anything better
( shimano changed the material the gears were made from ? after this model ?
some say they were just lasting too long and cost too much to manufacture ? )

the only thing that could surpass the performance and quality IMO but the cost is to high for my pocket is the
Shimano Thunnus Ci4 8000

In reply to Post #68
I always fancied some of those thunnus reels but never got round to buying them. The big power knob always put me off as it was on all the models other than the 4000 size and the other thing was how thin the bale arm was as its the same as the bale arm that was on my 6000d baitrunners and i bent the bail arm on two of those and im super careful with my gear. I loved the dark metallic blue colour. Was there not a big blue version brought out for the carp market years ago? Im sure lee jackson used to use them.

In reply to Post #69
Big bait runner M was the blue one, I had them but they were ridiculously heavy. Best barbel reels I've owned were original twin powers which I sold last year and bought the sal****er version, not cheap but brilliant reels. A mate owns the ci4 medium bait runners and they are serving him very well and taken some abuse on big rivers in Europe. I've tried a few daiwa Inc certate but prefer my twin powers.

In reply to Post #70
Had a few twin powers and stellas over the years and there great reels but the new certate 19LT is on another level for me. Had an exsist in my basket a few times but never had the balls to spend £900 on a spinning reel. One day mebees. Ive watched countless videos on youtube from people who know everything about reels and strip reels to bits to see which is the best and has the best gearing and internals and the certate 19 always comes out on top of the sub £500 bracket. The earlier 16 certates which ive just sold a pair of are not a patch on the latest 19 version, but I still love my suverans the most. At the end of the day everyone is different and we all have our favourite reel which the next person might not like at all.

In reply to Post #71
I actually prefer the sal****er twin power to the stella . Another friend has a van staal for salmon lure fishing but not a fan of that either.

In reply to Post #72
Ive never really liked the super shiny chrome finish on the stella, the daiwa exist is the same, both way to shiny.

In reply to Post #68
Still using my infinities they will outlast me if looked after

In reply to Post #74
Truly brilliant reels the infinity br are, the only singular issue I've ever seen with them are the baitrunner clicker plates can snap as they're just a sprung metal plate but apart from that they're the mutt nuts

Simple answer as always when the latest 'what's the best' prefixed question comes up is, owt by badger tackle fella, as they ain't got a clue but want to look the part with the cooler gear until the crash course instant carp god routine is perfected.

In reply to Post #76
i have a couple of thunnus 4000 eu, with the sensible small handle... Lovely reels, but fragile bail arm... How these things get through quality control baffles me. It's also a reason I often use my older 5000 XTEA baitrunners, or even 5010 GT baitrunners. Early Stradics, in white, are also worth a mention, so smooth...

I just bought these from Ebay
they are brand new never seen the bank bought all those years ago until now
and I had to have them

In reply to Post #78
Rare as hens teeth a brand new set 👍🏻

In reply to Post #78
Those look sweet Gerry.

I have a set of 3 boxed as new GT 6010's. If they see the bank once a year they are lucky.

Sometimes it's not the most expensive, latest blingy reels that are the best, its the bit of kit that we used all those years ago that still have a special place in our hearts.

In reply to Post #80
The original XTEA reels 6000,8000,and 10000 are all exactly the same reel its only the Spools that are different
And I still cant find a better reel for my Barbel and Carp fishing in this country the only Mod thats REALLY worth doing is fitting the Dragon washers that FELINDRE sell these make a good clutch an AMAZING clutch also he does them for front drag reels and thats also a total transformation but then if you have 30 years servicing Shimano reels you know what is the best

Front Drag Reels : the NEW Felindre Quick Drag washers These washers will improve your drags performance tenfold.
Rear Drag Reels : The NEW Felindre Dragon Washers that have been in production for over a year, they are a revolution for Shimano Rear Drag reels.

In reply to Post #80
This fits in with the car analogy.
Newer cars are not necessarily any better than cars of yesteryear. I'd have a Sierra over a Mondeo or Focus now.
Modern cars are often 'over-engineered', harder to fix if anything goes wrong, not as nice to drive, and simply not as good.

The ST Baitrunners that OG pictured are lovely pieces of kit, and I would back them over current models. Same with the Aero GTE 4000/6010's, I would back them against current models.

Top price range of today does not mean they are better than those reels of then.

In reply to Post #75
I've had 2 sets of Infinity's over the years and would agree with both points - they are bomb proof but the Baitrunner clicker piece can fail. Only a £6 part from Jim's Reels to replace.

As I service my own reels ( obviously not as experienced as you) I have found the Infinity's to be the trickiest ones yet. I think If I did it often I'd make a couple of custom tools to deal with holding parts in place when closing them up again.

However, what always makes me smile when hearing the term ‘bombproof' used in conjunction with these reels is the the internal springs. Strong bodies, strong gearing etc etc but the springs are as fine as human hair. They are so thin and delicate I'm amazed they work so well without failing.

In reply to Post #83
They are delicate little springs but I've yet to see one thats failed........you watch now I've said that

In reply to Post #78
Have a set of 10k and will never sell them.
Nice to find a new set 👌

ive had numerous reels over the years but would never sell my 5000 or 8000 super baitrunners

In reply to Post #83
That's inserting about the internals. Never had mine in bits, sat behind mine for near on 20 years, completely faultless

As for new reels, bling, bling and more cheap plastic crap, couple this with tart nation and I think it's another crafty ploy from the manufacturers to sell “consumable” plastic bits £

In reply to Post #84
Littleian, how much actual plastic is used on the outer of ‘modern' reels plrase mate. The bits that people can actually feel?

In reply to Post #88
All dependent on model and manufacturers on most daiwas its the back end, handles, blanking caps and sometimes the bail arm roller arm etc on shimanos the ci4 is a carbon polyamide mix so effectively carbon reinforced plastics and again handles, blanking caps, bail roller arms