Rating of carp reels: review of the best models

Any fishing reel must be reliable, but the requirements become even higher when it comes to carp reels. Carp models, in addition to their robust design and well-functioning mechanism, must have a capacious spool for 200-300 m of fishing line with a diameter of 0.3-0.4 mm.

It is also desirable to have another spare spool, which could be easily placed directly at the fishing site.

The rating of carp reels can be divided into three segments: budget, medium, elite, we have collected the best in their price segments, that is, in terms of price/quality ratio.

Rating of carp fishing reels

Daiwa Emblem Pro 5000 – $65
Infinity-X 5500 BR - $410
Daiwa Black Widow – $70
ESP Onyx - $120
FOX EOS 12000FS – $80
DAIWA EMCAST – $130
DAIWA WINDCAST BR – $130
SHIMANO AERLEX -180$
Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD – $170
Avid Carp - $190
Daiwa Tournament Basiair Z45QD MAG Carp Reel – $800
FOX 12000 Xt - $440
Ultegra Ci4+ 14000 XTC — $270
Shimano Aero Technium 6000 XSC - $590

A good carp reel should be equipped with a reliable baitrunner and a spacious spool.

The baitrunner is a special mechanical system designed to release fishing line when the line guide is closed, and, at a minimum, helps protect the equipment from breaks.

Every year, manufacturers come up with new and improve old mechanisms, use better materials, and experiment with design and shape.

In such conditions, it is difficult to choose a truly high-quality model that is worth the money and will not break down after several fishing trips. Therefore, to help beginners, we offer the following rating of carp reels.

If you are interested in the topic of spinning, we recommend our review - spinning reels.

Best models

Each manufacturer has its own leader, it costs more than others, but the model range also includes more affordable, interesting options.

When does carp spawn?

If you are looking for one of the fastest fishing reels in this segment, then the Daiwa Emblem Pro 5000 should appeal to you

Rating of carp reels:

Daiwa. The Emblem Pro 5000 model belongs to the middle class. Includes 7 steel bearings, 2 are corrosion resistant. The “Daiwa” drag includes a friction brake of 10 discs with high sensitivity to adjusting cords of any size. The spool capacity is 5000, has an elongated design, ensuring ease of long casts. Another good carp reel “Daiva” is Black Widow 5000, Liberty;
Shimano carp reels. The manufacturer is distinguished by the optimal ratio of product quality and cost. The Ultegra Spod model is one of the best in the large reel category with a size of 10000, has a spool capacity of 290 m with a line thickness of 0.35 mm and 5 bearings. Another option from Shimano is SUPER BAITRUNNER XTE A. They have a rear clutch and two spools. The model range uses 7+1 bearings, and the weight of the structure is 550 g;
ESP carp reels. The Onyx Big Pit Reel features a fast front drag, 7+1 bearings and 300m line compatibility with a line diameter of 0.33mm. Includes universal handle;
Okuma. The Epix V2 Baitfeeder is a model from the manufacturer Okuma, suitable for precise adjustment of the brake located on the back of the reel. Designed for small and medium-sized carp, as well as other river fish of similar weight. The spool holds 100 m of fishing line with a thickness of 0.4 mm. The clutch includes a multi-disc system that protects against contamination. Okuma carp reels are equipped with a button for quickly changing the reel. Spool size – 6500, weight – 460 g;

Before choosing a carp reel model, you need to decide what the basic requirements are for fishing

Penn carp reel. The manufacturer Penn offers a small selection of products, but the range includes a good Affinity 8000 model in several modifications. Its purpose is to catch prey at a great distance. There is a built-in forged spool that allows you to make long casts as easily as possible. The model weighs 730 g due to the use of titanium in the line handle, shaft and rotor of the braking system. Using Quick Drag technology, the clutch can be quickly adjusted. It is resistant to corrosion thanks to stainless bearings. Withstands 15 kg of weight, holds up to 480 m of 0.35 mm fishing line;
“Qaida” carp reels. The Chinese manufacturer “Qaeda” is in great demand due to its wide range of products and low cost. Models of the KQT, HU, HD, HA, KT lines cost between $15-30. Most Kaida variants differ in the size and capacity of the spool. The product cannot be called very high quality, but in terms of price and quality it is superior to many other options;
DAM carp reels. The Quick Z-Base option is suitable if you want to save money, but it is better to take the SLS 570. The advanced version has 5 bearings, an attractive design (with carbon inserts), produces a dense laying of the line, has a folding handle and a stainless steel bow. Used for extremely long casts;
Fox carp reel. The Stratos 12000 S model is suitable for fishermen with a limited budget; if you have the opportunity to overpay, take the full version - “Fox” 12000 XT. Equipped with a front clutch, which is protected from sand penetration. Has a free roller, Mesh-Tec (reduction system), rotating line protection, CNS system, etc.;
Flagman reels. Squadron Long Cast Spod is especially popular. “Flagman” integrates an anti-reverse system, makes the reel from aluminum, and includes 8+1 bearings;
“Cormoran”, most often they take PRO CARP 6PIF 5000. It consists of 5 stainless bearings, a stopper, a brake handle, an aluminum spool with a manual, reinforced shackle. The spool holds 280 m of 0.4 mm fishing line and weighs 520 g.

What is a shock leader and what is it for?

It is not surprising that such products practically do not create problems when fishing.

Daiwa Emblem Pro 5000

A good quality carp spinning reel, powerful and durable, one of the fastest models in its price category. Has 7 bearings, one of which is anti-corrosion. The internal mechanisms are made of high-quality stainless steel and durable duralumin.

Thanks to the installed 10-disc friction brake system, the latter can be adjusted with high sensitivity. A large spool allows you to wind a sufficient amount of fishing line with a diameter of 0.3-0.4 mm and make casts over long distances. The reel also comes with a second metal spool.

Reel Carp Pro Cratus 8000 FS

, designed for installation on powerful, long-range carp rods. The design includes.. Dimensions and weight Weight:: 825 g Characteristics Number of bearings:: 8+1 Size:: 8000 Reel type:: Inertia-free with baitrunner Technical characteristics Line capacity:: 0.35 mm / 280 m, 0.4 mm / 220 m Winding per turnover:: 110 cm Gear ratio:: 4.5:1 Pull on the clutch:: 10 kg General characteristics Spool material:: Metal Purpose of the reel:: Carp Presence of baitrunner:: with baitrunner Clutch location:: Front/Rear

Daiwa Black Widow 5000

Another high-quality reel from the Japanese manufacturer Daiwa. Equipped with a baitrunner and 3 ball bearings. The aluminum spool holds 230 m of fishing line with a diameter of 0.4 mm. The presence of a special GiroSpin system reduces any vibrations to a minimum and allows all parts of the mechanism to move smoothly.

The spring and shackle of the line laying device are distinguished by serious durability. Although this model, due to its characteristics, is used for catching a wide variety of fish, it is primarily classified as a carp reel.

Shimano Super Baitrunner XTE A

The no less famous and also Japanese company Shimano has in its assortment a wonderful series of carp reels Super Baitrunner XTE A.

Thanks to the use of the latest technologies and high-quality materials, the manufacturer has managed to create truly powerful and reliable products.

Of course, the reels of this series have a multi-disc rear friction brake system and are equipped with

spacious spool (size depends on the specific model). Number of bearings – 7+1, gear ratio – 4.6:1. The kit includes another anodized spool. The coils of this line weigh 540-560 g.

Banax Helicon 500NF

Although Banax does not occupy a leading position in the global fishing market, it has proven itself in creating powerful and durable reels, primarily for sea fishing.

But the South Korean manufacturer also has a series of excellent Helicon carp reels in stock, one of which we will pay attention to.

The body of the Banax Helicon 500NF reel is made of graphite material, which is why it is characterized by impressive strength. The model has a rear friction brake and a baitrunner, and the spool holds 140 m of fishing line with a diameter of 0.4 mm.

Number of bearings – 5 ball and 1 roller. The line roller of all reels in the series is coated with titanium nitride. As a result, we get a reliable modern reel for carp fishing at medium distances.

Criteria for choosing carp reels

Many manufacturers of fishing gear are constantly competing and are gradually modernizing the design. In the model range of carp reel companies, there are expensive options, with a non-standard shape, made of high-strength materials, with various additional functions and types of mechanisms. Intense competition has led to an abundance of options.

How to catch fish on the track?

There are 3 key criteria for choosing carp reels:

baitrunner. Carp models differ from other types of fishing reels by the presence of a baitrunner. During sharp and strong bites, the system is designed to preserve the equipment and prevent line breakage or rod breakage. The mechanism ensures easy release of line from the spool. The clutch and baitrunner have a similar principle of operation, but for the latter to work, a soft adjustment is required;

In a competitive environment, manufacturers do not stand still and are constantly upgrading existing reels for carp fishing

friction brake. Large reels with a powerful drag will help you catch big fish. The powerful system allows the fisherman to catch fish without damaging the integrity of the fishing rod, even during strong jerks. This mechanism differs in the speed of rotation of the clutch, sometimes the differences are colossal. Slow options allow you to smoothly and accurately adjust the coil, while fast options allow you to adjust the coil in 1 revolution. Here the choice depends on the preferences of the angler;
spool. For carp, take tackle with a large spool, since medium and long casts are often required to catch prey. Spool capacity is an important factor; it is better to take a model that can hold about 200 m when using braid with a thickness of 0.3-0.4 mm. All spools differ in shape; carp versions are often made with a straight or reverse cone. The former have a slope towards the line being dropped, while the latter have large turns in front of the spool; they are more often used in combination with braided fishing line. The size of the carp reel should be large - 5000 or more;
reel foot. The choice of reels is not least carried out taking into account the size of the foot; all its dimensions are taken into account. Not all models are suitable for the reel seat; a fitting should be done at the time of purchase;
carp reel price. For many fishermen, this is the most important point, since the cost fluctuates over a wide range. There are options with a high cost, although they are of high quality, not every fisherman can afford them, but there are also cheap options. It is important to find the optimal balance here.

Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, which help to compile a rating of carp reels.

Budget carp reels

If your budget is significantly limited, but you really want to hunt carp, pay attention to the following inexpensive, but quite decent carp reels.

For example, the Okuma Enduro Baitfeeder has a low cost and is suitable for catching small and medium-sized carp. It is made of durable graphite and is well protected from water and dirt getting inside, has a rotor balancing system and a good bayrunner.

From the same company there is another good carp model, Proforce Baitfeeder, with a graphite body, 3000 aluminum spool and low cost.