Group Tests

GrahamM · Apr 4, 2006

Is the general concensus that these group tests we've started are useful?

Unlike some group tests you see we are actually taking the gear out and using it rather than just running an eye over it as it lies on the office desk.

Richard Farrow · Apr 4, 2006

Very useful Graham, fishing equipment actually taken out and used/tested by knowledgable anglers is I feel the only way to judge on an 'even playing field'. I used to take 'Improve your coarse fishing' regularly and they used to do similar features regularly which I always read. Of course there will be the personal preference aspect of any bit of kit, but it may help the FM members narrow down their choices, thus allowing them to then go to their local dealer and play around with a couple of reels. The RRP always helps as the budget of different anglers will vary immensely, so it was nice to see reels with a good price range. Please keep this type of review going if possible. How many field tests per reel were carried out?
It would be nice to see the line capacity for all reels stated, for me being old fashioned on the basis of yardage and breaking strain as opposed to capacity in mm.

GrahamM · Apr 4, 2006

The reels were used several times in various locations and then brought together to be used in one location for the photographs.

Fred Bonney · Apr 4, 2006

Excellent idea, and well worth continuing Graham.
Missed the rod review, being away,but seeing this one, gave me the opportunity to go through that too.
I'm not in the market for either at the moment but, both sets of review gave me food for thought.
Thanks for an additional service.

Paul Morley · Apr 4, 2006

Yep, including non-trendy brands etc. The market is wide open and this kind of reviewing is essential. The standard of review in publications is low, repetitive and beset by product placement, I simply cannot trust it any more. I worked in specialist retail for ages, personal recommendation by users is paramount as is plenty of reearch, which we can all do. Let's get away from the domination of a few brands, it's like tesco all over again!

Nigel Connor(ACA ,SAA) · Apr 4, 2006

Graham, is there any plan to revisit the reviews say in 6 months so as to give the product a long term assesment?

How do you become a reviewer??

Beecy · Apr 4, 2006

yes another very good reveiw to follow on from the feeder rod one.

How about one on lines Graham, in particular the low diameter hi-tech stuff. They could all be mic'ed up to check stated diameters and rigged up to scales to check Braking strain, strecth, effect of knots ?

BAZ (Angel of the North) aka Fester · Apr 4, 2006

Not actually a group test but the first place I look when I want to buy an item of tackle is in th F.M. tackle review section, as I did at the weekend when I was looking for a rig wallet.
I would also be very interested in a lines group review.

Peter Jacobs · Apr 4, 2006

"How do you become a reviewer??"

Nigel, simple, the queue starts right here, behind me ;-0)

Graham,
I think the group tests are a great idea especially given the price range that you covered.
I do like the look of that Caldia, it looks a nice reel and maybe one to surplant my old closed face reels?

Need to get down to Dave's and take a really close look.

BLAM · Apr 4, 2006

Interesting, and more importantly helpful in that it is an objective review.

david bruce 1 · Apr 4, 2006

Great idea. There is so much tackle out there how do you decide - by paying top dollar all the time in the hope it is true value? A review that goes across the whole price range and compare them all is just what we need. Thanks

GrahamM · Apr 4, 2006

Graham, is there any plan to revisit the reviews say in 6 months so as to give the product a long term assesment?

Difficult that one, as apart from the odd ones we keep for personal use, the rest are used as competition prizes, and we have plans to give some items to the kids on our National Fishing Week event in August, again being jointly organised with Jeff Woodhouse.

How do you become a reviewer??

Be an editor or assistant editor for FM!

How about one on lines?

Good idea, we'll get that one organised.

Shrek · Apr 4, 2006

I think they are very well balanced reviews, unlike some you see in other fishing magazines where the top review always seems to go to a piece of kit from the magazines sponsors, allegedly!!!!

Keep them coming.

Are you going to stick to coarse fishing gear, or is there a chance to look at some game fishing or sea fishing gear?

GrahamM · Apr 4, 2006

Would love to do game gear as well Adrian but we need to make game fishing more prominent on the site to help pursuade manufacturers to send us the gear.

Ian Cloke · Apr 4, 2006

"5 Ball Bearings plus 1 CRBB"

Sorry if I appear thick but, what is a CRBB? I know it's some ball bearing, but what does the CR stand for?

Overall some good reviews, will the manufacturers get a copy of them Graham?

Just one little question though, the Shimano got more stars (in total) than the Daiwa, so why was the Daiwa rated as the best??

njb51 · Apr 4, 2006

CR = Corrosion Resistant

Frothey · Apr 4, 2006

maybe the site should have a glossary Jonny.....oui?

i think the group tests are better than lots of individual ones, easier to make a comparison. would still be good if you went back (like you sometimes do) later on the ones you keep.

GrahamM · Apr 4, 2006

'Editor's Choice' doesn't mean it has to have the most stars, just that it has to appeal to the editor the most. In spite of losing a star for not having a double handle (personal preference) I still chose it as the best of the bunch.

Reviews will always have a lot of personal opinion in them and are only meant as a guide. The Shimano is an excellent reel, and I was really impressed with the Shakespeare for the money. Another editor may have made a different choice.

GrahamM · Apr 4, 2006

We'll do long term tests on the ones we keep. They just won't be compared to the rest in the group.

Ian Cloke · Apr 4, 2006

Thanke Jonny & Graham, for the explanations.

Group Tests

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