Shimano DL2500 FA - Is there a better option ??

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 11, 2011

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]I have set of 1.2lb, 11' specialist rods that i use for static fishing with alarms. Primary targets being stillwater Tench, Bream & (if very lucky) larger Roach. Thinking of pairing up with DL2500FA Shimano Mini Baitrunners. I already have one of these reels on my feeder rod so maybe i am a little blinkered.

Are there better options i should be considering ??[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]

PitsfordPirate · Sep 11, 2011

Have you tried your existing 2500 on your 11ft rod?

If it feels fine to you, just get another, makes life a lot easier with spare spools and lines.

If it aint broke, don't fix it mate.

The Pirate.

Edit: When I first bought and fell in love with the 5010 to use as a feeder reel, I eventually ended up buying another three over time and use them for just about everything, feeder, pellet waggler, plugging and dead baiting. Some things just fit like a glove.

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 11, 2011

Yep feels fine to me. I think the shorter 11' compliments the smaller reel, but as need 3 of them thought would see if i missing another option

sam vimes · Sep 12, 2011

The XT2500FA is a better reel but so it should be, it costs more. If the DL works for you then it may still be a wise choice. There's something to be said for for the flexibility of having matching reels and all those extra spools that fit.

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 12, 2011

Thanks chaps. However now having concerns that the DL2500 may be a little small. I have moved 5000 GTE-C reels off these rods as they were to heavy & unbalanced. Can anyone tell me if the DL 4000FA is significantly smaller than the 5000 sized baitrunner to make enough of a difference .... or should i just stick with the DL2500. I'm using 6lb mainline (DL2500 holds plenty) and will be used on stillwaters up to 40yards.

Jeff Woodhouse · Sep 12, 2011

Comfortably_Numb said:
Can anyone tell me if the DL 4000FA is significantly smaller than the 5000 sized baitrunner to make enough of a difference

In short, yes. But that's just based on feel, I've not had the two side by side to judge accurately, just a quick feel in a shop (nice) and then at home felt my 5000 GTE-B.

Pity is the 5000 GTE-B now uses the same size body as the 6000 and 8000. It's BIG! One dealer told me the spools would also cross fit, but I tried the 8000 spools on the 5000 and they hit the bottom, so no, they don't fit, but that's more the rotor size than body size.

I don't see anything wrong with having a 2500 and a 4000 in the same type of reel, they will both feel the similar in your hands when in use.

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 12, 2011

Jeff Woodhouse said:
In short, yes. But that's just based on feel, I've not had the two side by side to judge accurately, just a quick feel in a shop (nice) and then at home felt my 5000 GTE-B.

Pity is the 5000 GTE-B now uses the same size body as the 6000 and 8000. It's BIG! One dealer told me the spools would also cross fit, but I tried the 8000 spools on the 5000 and they hit the bottom, so no, they don't fit, but that's more the rotor size than body size.

I don't see anything wrong with having a 2500 and a 4000 in the same type of reel, they will both feel the similar in your hands when in use.

Do you know if the spool of the 4000 is longer than the 2500 DL's or just deeper ??

Jeff Woodhouse · Sep 12, 2011

Comfortably_Numb said:
Do you know if the spool of the 4000 is longer than the 2500 DL's or just deeper ??

??????? Bigger all round perhaps?

sam vimes · Sep 12, 2011

Comfortably_Numb said:
Do you know if the spool of the 4000 is longer than the 2500 DL's or just deeper ??

Upscaled proportionally in every dimension as far as I'm aware.
If you are using no more than six pound line and chucking forty yards, the 2500s should be adequate. The differences between 2500s and 4000s is only the spool and rotor sizes. The bodies are the same size. Go for the reel that balances the rod best.

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 12, 2011

Have to say the 2500 do sit lovely on them .... but not having the 4000 to compare makes me nervous

mg:

PitsfordPirate · Sep 12, 2011

Comfortably_Numb said:
Have to say the 2500 do sit lovely on them

Mate, you have answered your own question and its been backed up, honestly don't look for complications where there aint none, just go for another 2500.

The Pirate.

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 12, 2011

Fair point. Thanks for responses

mark brailsford 2 · Sep 12, 2011

hi mate,
I own the XT2500FA and it is a superb reel. I don't think you will better the shimano babies so stick with what you have and buy another (2) to match. The only difference I have found with these reels is the size of the rotor/spool, they use the same size body.
I bought my baby to match my fox duo-lite specialist rod (the colour matches too, yes, tart comes to mind!!) and it is just the right size, I think the 4000 size would just be a tad to large.
I also own another baby baitrunner to go with my duo-lite barbel rod, a 400D series but these reels are in a different class to the other small bait runners! They are built like tanks, the handle screws straight in to the gears, and they are saltwater proof with shielded bearings! They really are the mutts nutts, the only gripe I have with this reel was that for the price (£140) it only comes with one spool and a spare costs an eye watering £40!!! If that doesn't put you off then take a look at one, they really are THE reel for barbel fishing!

mark

sam vimes · Sep 12, 2011

mark brailsford 2 said:
hi mate,
I own the XT2500FA and it is a superb reel. I don't think you will better the shimano babies so stick with what you have and buy another (2) to match. The only difference I have found with these reels is the size of the rotor/spool, they use the same size body.
I bought my baby to match my fox duo-lite specialist rod (the colour matches too, yes, tart comes to mind!!) and it is just the right size, I think the 4000 size would just be a tad to large.
I also own another baby baitrunner to go with my duo-lite barbel rod, a 400D series but these reels are in a different class to the other small bait runners! They are built like tanks, the handle screws straight in to the gears, and they are saltwater proof with shielded bearings! They really are the mutts nutts, the only gripe I have with this reel was that for the price (£140) it only comes with one spool and a spare costs an eye watering £40!!! If that doesn't put you off then take a look at one, they really are THE reel for barbel fishing!

mark

Are you me?

Also have XT2500FAs for the lighter specialist gear, Fox Duo-Lite Specialists and Avons. Use 4000Ds for barbelling, unless I'm on the Trent.

4000Ds are definitely a cut above but the XTFAs are, I feel, far better value for money.

barbelboi · Sep 12, 2011

I've been using the DLFAs, 2500 and 4000, since March of this year and am well pleased with both. Not had the pleasure of using/owning a 4000D but from all the good words from here, and from friends that do, they must be quite something. In the end I got a very good price deal on the DLFAs (considerably better than what I could get on the XTFAs at the time) and, as stated, am not disappointed after a good five months use.
Jerry

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 12, 2011

barbelboi said:
I've been using the DLFAs, 2500 and 4000, since March of this year and am well pleased with both. Not had the pleasure of using/owning a 4000D but from all the good words from here, and from friends that do, they must be quite something. In the end I got a very good price deal on the DLFAs (considerably better than what I could get on the XTFAs at the time) and, as stated, am not disappointed after a good five months use.
Jerry

Out of interest at what point do you feel the need to step up from the 2500 to 4000 size DLFA's ??

sam vimes · Sep 12, 2011

Comfortably_Numb said:
Out of interest at what point do you feel the need to step up from the 2500 to 4000 size DLFA's ??

Here's what I do. 2500s on light specialist gear where chub, bream and tench will be the intended quarry with no more than 6lb line.
4000s for barbel fishing on rivers that don't require a long cast. I'll tend to be using 10-12lb line in this scenario though. If the fishing demands line somewhere inbetween then I'd use 4000s.

The difference in weight between 2500 and 4000 models in the same range is negligable. I'd base your decision on how well the reel balances your rod and the intended line to be used. I'd reckon that what you've said would have me choosing the 2500. If you went for the 4000 it wouldn't be an issue at all. Just satisfy your own preferences.

Comfortably_Numb · Sep 12, 2011

sam vimes said:
Here's what I do. 2500s on light specialist gear where chub, bream and tench will be the intended quarry with no more than 6lb line.
4000s for barbel fishing on rivers that don't require a long cast. I'll tend to be using 10-12lb line in this scenario though. If the fishing demands line somewhere inbetween then I'd use 4000s.

The difference in weight between 2500 and 4000 models in the same range is negligable. I'd base your decision on how well the reel balances your rod and the intended line to be used. I'd reckon that what you've said would have me choosing the 2500. If you went for the 4000 it wouldn't be an issue at all. Just satisfy your own preferences.

Very informative. Thanks

barbelboi · Sep 12, 2011

Comfortably_Numb said:
Out of interest at what point do you feel the need to step up from the 2500 to 4000 size DLFA's ??

Oops, just got back from the winter thread, pretty much what Sam posted.
Jerry

mark brailsford 2 · Sep 12, 2011

The reason I like the 4000D so much is because it is so versatile. I can use it for specialist work for barbel and carp, also lure fishing for pike zander and sea bass and also (if I get the chance) boat work with jigs and such. So IMO they are really good value for money (shop around and you may pick them up for around £115-£120) and such is the build quality they will last years.
oh, the reason they are so tuff is because they were designed in the USA for marine use with such species as barracuda, tarpon, permit, bonefish and even marlin! so that gives you some idea of why they are built the way they are.

mark

Shimano DL2500 FA - Is there a better option ??

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Moaning Marlow Meldrew

Well-known member

Moaning Marlow Meldrew

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned