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.
Shimano’s Aerlex has long been a hugely popular reel, with its combination of performance and excellent value. I remember being out with big caster Mark Hutchinson a few years back and some of his longest chucks were made with one of the older Aerlex reels. The Aerlex family has continued to improve over the years and these days they’re better than some reels that once would have cost two or three times this price.
Today’s Aerlex retains the robust performance at a price that most anglers can afford (expect to pay considerably less than the RRP we’ve stated) and a ‘spod’ version was added a couple of years ago.
It’s easy to become a little cynical when reviewing as much fishing tackle as and Dan and I do. Immunity to manufacturers’ wild claims about this product or that is not uncommon. We make our own minds up about products in a bid to help you make the correct buying decision. Most tackle is of a decent standard these days, but by the same token it takes quite a bit for me to really get excited about a particular item.