If you're looking at anything up to a 5000 size have a look at the Daiwa Emcast BR Matt.
I really rate them for a reel that you should be able to pick up for £60 - £70 apiece. Very good drag, plenty of cranking power, smooth in operation and very robust.
Easily enough to cope with a carp that's got a chip on its shoulder.
There's very little difference in weight from the 3500 to the 5000 due to the only difference being the spool size (other than the 5000 which has a slightly wider rotor to accommodate the further increased spool size) and you get two metal spools too, single and double handles supplied as standard.
Additional spools are also readily available from Daiwa, IIRC I paid around £12.50 for mine.
I use all the sizes on my heavy Avon rod which is around 1.6lb tc and they all feel nicely balanced but that's subjective to the rod so just be aware although I can't see it feeling out of place.
I've used 'em for my winter pike fishing and lots of barbelling with no problems at all, I've put a couple of others on to them and they've been really pleased too.
A really good, robust and reliable workhorse imo and there's even a cheaper version with fewer bearings (Black Widow) if you don't want to stretch to the reasonably modest cost of the Emcasts...
Emcast BR | daiwasports.co.uk
I don't agree by the way but then what do I know!
