Group Test – Small/Medium Fixed Spool Reels |
On Test: |
Shimano Stradic GTM-RA 4000They say:
We Say:
The spools supplied with the Stradic are excellent. Both spools have titanium lips to them, which aid enormously when casting, reducing friction and allowing the line to slip off the spool with the greatest of ease. The spools are easily changed by pressing the release button at the centre of each spool, and then just simply click the other spool into place. Reels with double handles, which were introduced by Shimano, are becoming more propular. They certainly feel better balanced than single handled reels and are preferred by many anglers. The included bottle of lubricating oil is a nice touch.
Daiwa Caldia 3000They say:
We Say: The whole reel has a good feel to it, giving you pleasure just to handle it, which is important. The editor is a fan of double handle reels, and the single handle is the only thing that, for him, lets it down. The single handle will, of course, appeal to many other anglers, especially since it folds for easy storage. |
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Badger MXS-30
They say:
For those seeking a quality beautifully balanced match, feeder or light specimen reel then there is a reel for you in the MXS Match Reel range. The MSX-30 is the perfect match carp/ commercial carp fishery / heavy feeder reel / light specimen reel.
Features:
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We Say:
First impressions of this reel lead to the comment ‘this looks a tough one’. The Badger looks as if it was built to last and handle big fish in many situations. The heaviest of the bunch on test, the Badger reel is more suited as a feeder reel and handles this job well. It has no problem chucking out heavy weights and then reeling them in at a pace which is most welcomed when feeder fishing; meaning it can pull in a fair bit of line with each turn of the handle. 
Casts are kept smooth, again with a metal lip to the spool and line is laid on exceptionally well. The Badger comes with one spare spool made entirely from graphite and has an ambidextrous handle to suit either right or left handers. The rear-drag mechanism is smooth enough, allowing you to fine tune your drag setting.
Although the biggest of all the reels on test, the Badger does not feel too bulky and considering the very attractive price it offers exceptional value for money.
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Mitchell Avocet 4000 Pro
They say:
The Avocet Silver spinning reel is built with 4 bearings. All Avocet reels feature a solid and smooth operation, the patented Mitchell quick-change spool system and two skirted spools. They also include a reversible handle for left or right handed fishing, Instant Anti-Reverse and durable bale configuration for optimum line pickup and even winding on the spool.
Features:
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We Say:
And now for something almost completely different in this interesting reel from Mitchell. The Avocet is a handy little float or light feeder reel but the way in which the spools are mounted is a new one on us. 
Unlike the regular push-button on and off the spindle design, the Avocet spools twist onto a housing using a bayonet type system. The idea is probably a cost-saving exercise in that each spool uses less material in production. It is also lighter. However, we were not fond of the idea as it can become a little annoying when you leave line in the clip on the main body, and then remove the spool, resulting in the line peeling off in a right old mess. Also, the fact that Mitchell haven’t incorporated a line clip on the spool itself means its has to be packed away with line flailing everywhere unless you use the good old fashioned elastic band. But try this for yourself as you may find it easier to come to terms with than we did.
Otherwise the reel performed well, with good line lay and a smooth ‘feel’.
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Shakespeare Zeo 035They say:
We Say: What its life span will be like we don’t know, but we suspect it will be up there with the rest of the reels in this group that are in the same price bracket. Only time will tell. But based on what we can see so far this reel is highly recommended.
Okuma Electra ETR-30MThey say:
We Say: There is nothing that says you shouldn’t use it for float fishing although it is certainly more at home as a feeder reel. The drag on the Electra is second to only a few and is one that can be fine tuned with sheer simplicity. The rear drag dial offers good grip, the anti-reverse switch is located at the bottom of the reel stem and has been inset to sit flush with the shape of the reel, so, no sticky out bits on which the line can catch. The Electra comes with one spare spool made from graphite, but this has a metal lip the same as the main spool, aiding casting. Line-lay on this reel is excellent and can be adjusted by using two supplied rubber washers, allowing the line to lay tapered towards either the front or back of the spool.
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