The best reels for under £75

Our pick of six of the best budget-priced fishing reels

The best reels for under £75

by Angling Times |
Updated on

If you’ve got £75 to spend on a new fishing reel, your choice has never been wider. Where once you were limited to just a couple of brands, these days, most tackle companies have a range to suit all pockets.

This wider choice has led to keener prices for the budget-conscious angler. Buy wisely, and you can expect them to perform well and last you a long time. Here, then, are six budget-priced crackers to get your tackle-buying juices flowing...

Best reels under £75 at a glance

Korum Latitude

Matrix Aquos Ultra 4000

Daiwa Black Widow BR

Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000RB

Drennan FD3000/4000

Maver Reality

Best specimen all-rounder fishing reel

Want a reliable all-round freespool reel at a bargain price? Then Korum’s Latitude models are well worth a look.

In 5000 and 6000 body sizes, the Korum Latitude reels hold a generous 300m of 0.33mm line. The larger version is perfect for pike and carp, while the 5000 is better suited to barbel, tench and bream. Features include S-Stroke oscillation for perfect line lay, an anti-friction spool lip and a one-touch ambidextrous handle.

Pros

  • Brilliant price.
  • Super smooth mechanics.

Cons

  • No spare spool.

Best match all-rounder fishing reel

Matrix Aquos Ultra 4000
Price: £64.99

Offering trouble-free performance at a budget price, the Matrix Aquos Ultra 3000 & 4000 reels have super-light compact bodies, multi-disc front drag systems and an advanced bail-arm shape aid for faster linepick-up – making them ideal for trotting.

Seamless drive is provided by eight ball-bearings, and the 5.1:1 gear ratio generates an impressive line retrieve of 87cm (4000 size) and 75cm (3000 size). The Matrix Aquos Ultra is a fantastic all-round fishing reel which is light in the hand and packs some serious power.

Pros

  • Light and compact.
  • Great cranking power.

Cons

  • Not the biggest line capacity.

Best all-round freespool fishing reel

Daiwa’s cheapest freespool reel, the Black Widow BR, is still a quality offering.

The Black Widow BR comes in four sizes from 3500 to 5000 and is perfect for big-fish and feeder work. The Black Widow has many recognisable Daiwa features, such as Airbail, Twistbuster, and the BR freespool mechanism. The largest 5000 model weighs 473g and will hold 310m of 14lb line.

Pros

  • Superb Freespool facility.
  • Holds a generous amount of high diameter line.

Cons

  • No spare spool.

Best value for money fishing reel

The Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000RB reel has it all – reliability, durability, flexibility and unrivalled Baitrunner technology, all at a fabulous price.

The RB comes in a 6000-body size for specimen use and a larger 10000-sized reel for monster carp. Key features include a double handle grip, sleek XT-7 body, and die-cast gearing. The larger model holds 250m of 0.40mm line and weighs 555g.

Pros

  • Superb value.
  • Fantastic Baitrunner.

Cons

  • No spare spool.

Best float fishing reel

Drennan’s proven 3000 and 4000 FD (front drag) reels are up there with the best – especially for floatfishing. The three spare alloy spools take between 90m and 100m of standard mono line.

Best used with reel lines from 3lb to 6lb, the Drennan FD3000/4000 reels are perfect for all styles of float fishing. Spools have a knot depression and a deep groove to give a perfectly flat line bump and snag-free line lay. Three spare spools mean you can tackle up ready for any situation.

Pros

  • Three spare spools supplied.
  • Great line lay.

Cons

  • Not the biggest line capacity.

Best novice fishing reel

Maver Reality
Price: £32.99

Maver’s eye-catching Reality is an excellent choice for novices.

The Maver Reality is easy to use, with a faultless self-trip bail-arm, and its oversized line roller prevents line spin. The smaller 3000 lends itself to float fishing, while the slightly bigger 4000 is better suited to light feeder and leger work.

Pros

  • Looks fantastic.
  • Great for float fishing.

Cons

  • Not the biggest line capacity.
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