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Best place to read reel reviews? (13 posts / 924 views)
BiigTony BiigTony
Posts: 323
Post #1 12 Oct 2020 07:56
0
I've had fox FX9's for a number of years and they've been excellent, but I fancy a new set for Xmas so I want to start reading up on them now. I've searched the forum and there are plenty of posts, but I'm after indepth reviews, preferably with a look at the reel on release, as well as a more detailed look further down the line when it's been put through its paces.

Can anyone recommend a good place to read such reviews?
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #2 12 Oct 2020 08:22
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In reply to Post #1
I dont think there is anything like that. The best place for reviews is on here. All the reviews that were in the mags were totally false, they never said anything was bad as the manufacturers paid them money for advertising.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #3 12 Oct 2020 08:36
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In reply to Post #1
There's isn't anywhere that isn't biased, forums are the best place
Busted
Posts: 1,882
Post #4 12 Oct 2020 14:57
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In reply to Post #1
Every properly published review will be biased. Even on here there is an element of it but you are more likely to get an honest opinion from a forum
Lostagudun
Posts: 121
Post #5 12 Oct 2020 17:36
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In reply to Post #1
Same here with the FX9's. had them the last 3 years, still as good as the day I bought them. Except for a little cosmetic damage, where they have been chucked/dropped.
Do feel the need for an upgrade at some point. Other things needed first.
Spen89 Spen89
Posts: 507
Post #6 12 Oct 2020 18:11
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In reply to Post #1
Just do what I've been doing for years. Google the product name and put forum on the end. Review sites for carp tackle are mostly paid for reviews so they rarely ever say a bad thing.
Spen89 Spen89
Posts: 507
Post #7 12 Oct 2020 18:12
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In reply to Post #3
Surprised you didn't just respond with “get penn affinitys a be done with it”
BiigTony BiigTony
Posts: 323
Post #8 12 Oct 2020 19:34
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In reply to Post #7
And this is what I want to avoid tbh. If I ask what reel people think I should get, I'll get subjective recommendations based on user experience and mostly because people are seeing the positives in what they've bought. The other thing that you rarely achieve with forums is the comparison from one to the other, obviously because most anglers don't have numerous sets of reels and if you haven't owned a reel, you can only go off what you're being told.


There might be YouTube channels worth looking at, but if anyone wants to suggest decent replacement reels, feel free to let me know. I like the size of the fx9 reel, but wouldn't be against going a little bigger if needed. I'm not into old skool reels and would much prefer something newly/recently released with nifty features.

Thanks again
runneil runneil
Posts: 1,949
Post #9 12 Oct 2020 19:34
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In reply to Post #7
Spen89 Spen89
Posts: 507
Post #10 12 Oct 2020 19:59
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In reply to Post #8
In all honesty the penns are highly regarded everywhere I looked and are now into their 3rd iteration, I still have my mk1s and they've had some hammer and haven't missed a beat.

There isn't anything out there in the carp industry that i am aware of that reviews products in a honest manner. This could be said for many industries really. Forums are best for researching a specific product yet people still tend to go with their original choice even after hearing opinions in my experience

I'd also say that there hasn't been many, if any improvements in reel technology since the release of the FX9s. There are alternatives of course.
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #11 13 Oct 2020 00:14
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In reply to Post #8
your best bet is to go into an angling direct store and get a feel for some in there, assuming you're allowed to touch them at the moment. also depends on your budget. loads will recommend tournaments, they will last and are bomb proof, but so is a Toyota Previa and no one wants one of those. I own them and still use them so a far from biase review of them they do a job but are awful to use, wobbly and noisy. I also have a set of basias, lovely smooth reels, need a little tlc but no issues with them.
if I was buying reels now, I would go for the newish Daiwa emblem 45s, black or gold spooled, quarter of the price of the Basia, half the price of the tournament's, feel pretty sturdy, smooth light enough and they look smart. if they was available when I bought the basias id have got these instead. I am a Daiwa fan, no reel knowledge (see what I did there) of Shimano reels but I'm sure someone will be able to give you some options there.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #12 13 Oct 2020 00:30
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In reply to Post #7
BiigTony BiigTony
Posts: 323
Post #13 15 Oct 2020 21:42
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In reply to Post #11
Thanks mate, that gives me a good starter and I appreciate your help. My budget isn't really an issue. I can afford basias, but I don't think I'd buy them if people were strongly recommending reels of similar quality for a much cheaper price. I'll certainly look at the ones you've mentioned.

RE the fx9s - thanks to the other comment that there is no new tech. Its that kind of thing that would make me look elsewhere, but I just feel its time for a new set. The fx9s have been brilliant tbh. I bought them after recommendations from Ken Townley and if he says they are good, that's good enough for me. The line lay is superb and the double line clip is a must. I just want a change.
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