Fox Stratos FS 7000 - Long Term Test

Overview The Stratos 7000 is identical in every way to the 10000, but is an 84% scaling of its big brother. It is suited to Barbel and specialist anglers or small water carp fishing with lighter lines. The FS7000 is supplied with a single handle as well as the double handle which is fitted as standard. Stratos is supplied with a set of shims which can be used to customise the profile of the line lay on the spool to flat, front coned or back coned. The Stratos' Free Spool system is engaged by positioning the switch away from the reel body. This ensures that when playing a fish, the lever sits flush to the reel so it cannot be accidentally re-engaged during the fight. Five complete turns of the front disk are needed to take the clutch from the lightest inertia setting to fully locked down, ideal for snag fishing. This gives the user infinite adjustment for almost any line or situation. The unique design allows the spool to be removed with the push of a button and the clutch setting is unaffected. Spools can be removed easily with the push of a single button. The highly polished machined spool reduces friction allowing the line to glide effortlessly off the spool when casting. A spring-loaded casting clip with 'cushion seating' stops damage to the line. The casting clip allows the angler to pinpoint hotspots with great accuracy time after time.

Verdict This FS7000, the smaller and lighter version of the FS10000, somehow feels better. I can't tell you why, but now I've used it for almost a year I know it's not my imagination. Like the 10000, the most impressive thing about the 7000 is the long spool and the line lay. It's excellent, and it was my reel of choice when I won the FM Clattercote event on the method feeder in May 2007. That day was quite windy but I knew I had to get the distance to reach the fish that would have been pushed out due to their being a big match on both banks: the middle area of the lake would be the safest place for them, at least where I was pegged. Clattercote last year, both me and the fish were feeding occasionally I'd changed from a reel with a shorter spool and there is no doubt that the longer spool and better line lay of the Stratos made everything easier. I could achieve those extra yards with much less effort and therefore with more accuracy. Otherwise my comments on the 10000 apply, so there is no need to repeat them here. The FS7000 is the right size for light carping, barbel, and tench fishing. It feels good in use, which is important, for no matter how well engineered a reel is you won't fish well with it if it doesn't feel right. And it's probably one of the best on the market when distance is important. Rating: 9/10