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Which Reel? (25 posts / 7,476 views)
DrummerBear DrummerBear
Posts: 13
Post #1 20 Nov 2024 14:21
0
Hey all,

Anyone have any experience of the following reels? Looking to upgrade my old Daiwa BR2050's and found some of these for sale.

Shimano Biomaster XSB 8000
Fox 12000 XC
Daiwa Tournament Entoh 5500
Daiwa Emcast Advanced 5500
Daiwa Emblem 5000t

Cheers
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #2 20 Nov 2024 14:48
0
In reply to Post #1
Avoid the fox.

Emblems are no frills but bulletproof.

Biomasters are OK but emblems better in my opinion.

Entoh's were and are a very good high end reel. Not cheap but quality kit.

I've not used the emcasts





DrummerBear DrummerBear
Posts: 13
Post #3 20 Nov 2024 21:57
0
In reply to Post #2
Cheers, I've also had a look at some Ocuma 8k reels

No idea what I'm looking for to be honest
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #4 20 Nov 2024 22:03
0
In reply to Post #3
The okuma 8k is a great reel for the price, wouldn't be a bad shout.

Are you after 2 or 3 reels and what's your budget?
Monkeypox
Posts: 440
Post #5 20 Nov 2024 22:04
0
In reply to Post #3
Both the Okuma 8k and Obsidian are great reels.
DrummerBear DrummerBear
Posts: 13
Post #6 20 Nov 2024 23:07
0
In reply to Post #4
Yeah, they do seem good value.

I'm thinking of going to a 3 rod setup with new rods maybe too. In terms of budget, I don't think I can go much more than £100 or so per reel.
Matt_g
Posts: 190
Post #7 21 Nov 2024 08:36
0
In reply to Post #1
Hi, got emblem 45 and nice smooth reel but a bit heavy. Can recommend the okuma obsidians - super light and smooth drag. Set of 3 on eBay at the moment for £130 each if you can stretch? Better than my ultegra 14000.
OatcakeFred OatcakeFred
Posts: 1,466
Post #8 21 Nov 2024 12:28
0
Have you considered any of the Penn offerings? Apparently bulletproof, the Affinity III is the one to go for, but there are cheaper models also.
DrummerBear DrummerBear
Posts: 13
Post #9 21 Nov 2024 12:44
0
In reply to Post #8
I'm so out of touch with reels in general, to be honest I've not heard of Penn before.

I'll have a look at the affinity ones now, thank you
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #10 21 Nov 2024 12:47
0
In reply to Post #9
The penn or the obsidian are the two best for the money imo
Carper1976
Posts: 307
Post #11 21 Nov 2024 14:41
0
Penn - I am converted after using Daiwa and Shimano for years. Penn are in a league of their own!
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #12 21 Nov 2024 14:55
0
In reply to Post #9
The Penn 7000 have been getting great reviews on the forum for some time, do a search, a few say the 8000 are too big. Penn have steadily moved into the U.K market over the last few years re coarse fishing but they have been big in sea fishing for a very long time.
The line lay looks superb from what I can see and if I were in the market for new big pits I'd seriously consider them, primarily beause they have far less 'Carp Tax' and I don't like the idea of paying more than I need to.
DrummerBear DrummerBear
Posts: 13
Post #13 21 Nov 2024 16:39
0
In reply to Post #12
Just making sure... is that the affinity 3 that is 7000?

I agree, I'd like to avoid the carp tax as thinking about it I'll be getting rods, reels but also need a new rod pod cos mine is only a 2 plus bite alarms!

Hopefully some good black friday deals or at the Sandown show next weekend!
OatcakeFred OatcakeFred
Posts: 1,466
Post #14 21 Nov 2024 17:18
0
In reply to Post #13
Yes, the Penn Affinity III 7000. Also consider the second hand market, have a look on Facebook Marketplace.

Also, to save you a bit of money, keep the 2 rod pod and put your third rod on a set of sticks. Providing of course you're not fishing off platforms or hard ground. It's a better solution because you can easily get to and land a fish on the middle rod, whereas on a 3 rod pod, it can be difficult.
Carper1976
Posts: 307
Post #15 21 Nov 2024 18:05
0
Have a look at the Penn Vantage XT 7000 or 8000 (it is very big!). Stunning reels and I've never seen a reel so smooth. Beautifully finished with more ball bearings than the top of the range Daiwas and Shimanos. I got mine for £150 each which was a steel but I would gladly pay £200+ for these now I realise how good they are!
karmh karmh
Posts: 1,177
Post #16 21 Nov 2024 18:13
0
I'd get Penn affinities or rivals. I've had two sets and currently have the affinity 3s and won't get rid unless some affinity carbons come up for a good price.

I really don't get the daiwa hype, I've had old daiwa, new daiwas, cheap and expensive and they all feel rickety and not smooth.

vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #17 21 Nov 2024 19:24
0
In reply to Post #16
I agree re smoothness, my Infinity XBRs are anything but...that's why I like them, because they're not prone to throw a wobbler at the slightest splash of sand as the tolerances aren't so tight, almost bomb proof if not in trend (ignore the reverse taper spool..lol)

A reel with the smoothness of newer types and the line lay of better types that can take a bashing, Daiwa tried that with the Basia, hmm.
DrummerBear DrummerBear
Posts: 13
Post #18 22 Nov 2024 09:39
0
Thank for all the advice

Think I'll be on the hunt for some Ocuma's or Penn's as they sound excellent

If I can't get some Affinity 3's, Vantage's or Obsidian's in my budget I can always go for the 8k's
NemesisWitch NemesisWitch
Posts: 1,423
Post #19 22 Nov 2024 10:11
0
In reply to Post #18
The 8k's are brilliant. Do not be put off by the price!
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #20 29 Nov 2024 07:44
0
If this is already out there ignore, but I just came across this reel, did a quick search and it doesn't reveal much in the U.K. It looks like Daiwa are taking challenges to the Big Pit market at the lower cost end seriously. Daiwa 24 Vertice, new for 2025....might have made more sense to call it the Daiwa 25..why do they do that! Given the trend for the 10' rod adding it's the perfect match for 10' rods won't hurt either.
Just over £80, not a bad price point.

LINKY POO™ https://www.protackleshop.co.uk/en5/daiwa-24-vertice/s/39110

This is their Ebay shop desc, Fishing Mart Poland, I've bought from ProTackle many times without issue.


The price-performance winner among the big pit series with 35mm stroke!

This classic carp reel with 35mm stroke combines timeless design with quality components. The conical shaped long cast aluminium spool supports long casting distance. Due to the power gears low ratio, even heavy rigs can easily and fast be retrieved. The reel offers excellent winding power once fighting a fish and easily copes with large fish.

Thanks to the compact body, the 24 Vertice is the perfect match for 10ft. Stalker rods as well.

5 ball bearings
Infinite Anti-Reverse®
QD® Quick drag system
35mm spool stroke
Aluminum longcast spool
AIR BAIL®
Twist Buster® II line roller
Machined aluminum handle
T-Shape handle knob
DrummerBear DrummerBear
Posts: 13
Post #21 30 Nov 2024 18:15
0
Anyone used the Sonik Herox reels at all?
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #22 2 Dec 2024 17:44
4
In reply to Post #21
Avoid sonik reels. Total garbage.
Spen89 Spen89
Posts: 507
Post #23 2 Dec 2024 19:51
0
In reply to Post #22
I concur
Exiledcarper Exiledcarper
Posts: 328
Post #24 5 Dec 2024 14:25
0
In reply to Post #22
I havr heard that Sonik's Tournos reels aresilid enough, but then they are actually madenby Akuis, who have a very good reputation amongstvthe surf casting community.
Otuer Soniks ? I have one of their VaderX reels on one of my compact rids and the reel does seem a bit flimsy to me. Nithing specifuc, but I just don't believe it wull have a great lifespan.
A good friend also has similar views of his Sonik Spod reel, ie. lack of build quality.
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #25 7 Dec 2024 23:41
0
In reply to Post #15
The vantage I believe is a black version of the grey tidal xt which is also a fantastic reel and if I were after a set of big pits I would buy a set of three of these over the technium's as they are a third of the price . Ok they are heavier but on use you hardly notice it.
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