BR25a. Looking at these to go with a set of 10ft rods what do you recon ? I've normally gone Shimano but fancy a change.

In reply to Post #1
Stick with Shimano.

Avoid the baitrunner version but the qda castizms are superb.

I was hoping for good reply's, sod it back to the drawing board. I've always used Shimano gt 6010's for most of my fishing. Nothing wrong with them for nearly 25 years old but the spool is wobbling a bit now and fancy a change with a bit more grunt.

In reply to Post #4
I went from Shimano to Daiwa and lasted 6 months before I switched back. Hard to put into words what I did not specifically like about the Daiwa but if you are used to Shimano, it is probably worth looking at other Shimano models that meet your needs

In reply to Post #1
What's your budget do you really want to spend £200 + per reel ?

In reply to Post #5
I've done the opposite, always used Shimano but after picking up some Cast'izm 25a's I've slowly shifted all of my reels to Daiwa and not been disappointed at all. I just prefer the Daiwa's although similary can't really say why. My only remaining shimanos are Stradics on lure rods and a spod reel.

In reply to Post #1
You (OP) don't state which BR25A. There the the Emcast, Cast'izm, maybe other lines with a BR25A version.
If you're looking for BR function, consider the older Windcast QDA 5500 with BR. Still available new from the online sellers (and I guess Ebay) at around £150.
Also confirm your budget and exact functions/specs and we can provide more suggestions.

There was an earlier Br version named Freespool which looks to be £50 - £60 cheaper with an all black spool. I still like the option for the adjustable bait runner and a spare spool supplied. I used to have big emblems they were green with a chrome butt end but sold them years ago, still have a basic emblem on my spod rod which has seen plenty of abuse.

In reply to Post #8
The thread title says Cast'izm.

In reply to Post #1
I've got Emblem BR25As on 2x sets of Barbel Rods and one as a 10' spopper/spomb rod reel . . they are the poor mans version of the Castizm BR25A but other than finish/no mag seal/no spare spool, exactly the same reel . . . . the clutch is excellent as is the baitrunner.

Also have the Daiwa Whisker 25 QDs on my 10' Carp set up - these 'replaced' the Castizms and some say they're inferior but I like em! Will say the drag on the cheaper emblems is actually smoother (broader progression) than the more expensive Whiskers but these can be improved with ice/carbon washers etc . . .

I've just been looking at secondhand stuff, people are trying to charge more than paying for new stuff
Got my eye on a couple of sets but I find it difficult to work out the reel sizes from all the different model numbers.

In reply to Post #12
I rate my Emblem BR25As - you'll pick up a set a LOT cheaper 2nd hand than the Castizm variant . . . they're a 'mini big pit' in terms of size and the body and spool are short but they've got plenty of cranking power / good gearing ratios and a decent clutch