Reels

A compact reel with free-spool facility, which offers exceptional value for money

The all-new improved matt black cosmetics make this one of the best looking reels I have seen for a while and, yes, it has the seamless performance we have come to expect from the brand that has produced some of the most iconic carp fishing reels around. Feature packed with X-Ship, Super Slow Oscillation 50 and Aero Wrap II, this is a steal at under £140. The instant multi-disc drag means the reel can go from free spool to locked up in just half a turn, allowing you to stay in tune with a fighting carp in an instant. Complete with an extra spool and four line reducers, you can effortlessly have two spools ready to go with different main lines and respective breaking strains.

In response to public demand for a larger version of the popular EOS 10000 reels, Fox has introduced this larger 12000 version in two models. Considering the price tag, each is a pretty smooth operator and I hope Fox has ordered plenty in advance because they’re surely going to be big sellers. The list of features is impressive, especially with that price tag in mind. I keep referring to the price but with good reason; this is a heck of a lot of reel for that sort of money.

The old Tournament reels went down in the annals of carp fishing history as absolute classics and you’ll still see plenty of old-school anglers using them. They were built to last and I once described them as the Land Rover Defender of reels. They weren’t without their issues, but one or two of them, including the squeaky retrieve, almost added to their charm. More recently Daiwa upgraded the classic Tournament, with improvements internally and with some material upgrades.

Rods and reels can be described as the most important and crucial hardware an angler needs. Instead of just serving a purpose, it has been duly noted that we care what these items look like too. Reels are great bank bling items. Aesthetics are important to many but what we feel the discerning carp angler wants is value for money and performance.