Best Carp Reels 2024: A Buyer’s Guide

For many anglers, the reel stands out as both the priciest and arguably the most crucial piece of equipment. The market offers a wide range of choices, making it a challenging decision when it comes to investing in the right reel. Hence, we’ve meticulously curated a list of our top carp fishing reels in 2024 after thorough research.

While not all these reels boast cutting-edge, high-tech features, they cater to the needs of most anglers. If you’re seeking the ultimate carp fishing reel and have ample resources, the Diawa Basia QDX stands as a top recommendation. However, for the majority of anglers, this might exceed their needs. The reels listed below cover a broad spectrum of fishing situations encountered by most, making them more than adequate choices.

• Shimano Baitrunner DL 6000RB: Best Overall
• Daiwa 20 Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD: Simply The Best
• Shimano Ultegra XTE 14000: Best Long-Range Reel
• Diawa Black Widow 25A: Best Value
• Fox EOS 12000/EOS 12000FS – Most Durable
• Okuma INC Carp Reel: Best Compact Reel

Shimano Baitrunner DL 6000RB: Best Overall

The Shimano Baitrunner represents exceptional value for its price, boasting a rich set of features, solid construction, and reasonable cost. Despite being affordably priced, it offers a plethora of high-end reel features. While opting for a reputable brand like Shimano might involve a slightly higher investment, it pays off in the assurance of buying from a trusted manufacturer and avoiding potentially subpar products.

Crafted specifically for carp anglers, this 6000 model excels in casting distances effortlessly while maintaining a manageable weight, making it an ideal choice for medium-sized bodies of water. Its rear drag controls facilitate easy tightening when a fish takes the bait.

Moreover, this reel accommodates diverse fishing techniques, catering well to the requirements of the average angler. It’s more aligned with the needs of everyday anglers compared to those showcased by carp fishermen on YouTube who possess multiple rods, reels, and an extensive tackle worth thousands of pounds.

Key Features:

• XT-7 body and rotor
• Front drag system
• Cold-forged aluminum spool and XT-7 spare
• Floating Shaft II
• Super Stopper II
• Varispeed
• Power Roller
• DynaBalance
• Gear ratio of 4.8:1
• Line capacity of 200 yards/15lb (240m/0.35mm)

Daiwa 20 Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD: Simply The Best

The Basia reel holds an esteemed status among carp fishing enthusiasts, renowned for its various highly sought-after iterations. Standing out among them is the Daiwa 20 Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD, a reel that commands a price tag exceeding £500 but represents the pinnacle of carp reel excellence.

Laden with cutting-edge technology and crafted from premium materials, this reel embodies a lightweight design complemented by a substantial 45mm spool, excelling notably in casting distances.

However, for most anglers, justifying such a substantial investment solely based on performance might pose a challenge unless they are professional anglers seeking unparalleled precision and capability.

Nevertheless, the Basia impresses with impeccable finishing and innovative features, such as the Magsealed Zaion Body. This technology, employing a carbon-based structure with magnetic components, ensures both durability and the prevention of debris from affecting the internal reel mechanisms.

Key Features:

• QD Quick Drag
• HIP High Impact Line Clip
• Aluminium Tough Digigear
• One Piece Air Bail
• Infinite Anti-Reverse
• Aluminium Machine Cut Screw-In Handle
• Wooden Handle Knob
• Spare Spool Supplied In Box
• Magsealed Zaion Body
• Zaion Air Rotor
• 45mm LC Long Cast Spool
• Slow Cross Wrap

Shimano Ultegra XTE 14000: Best Long-Range Reel

The Shimano Ultegra XTE stands prominently in our reel ranking due to its remarkable line precision attributed to its incredibly slow oscillations. Surpassing reels double its price, it excels in long-distance casting and tackling larger fish, delivering thrilling fights without compromising control. This reel showcases exceptional maneuverability, especially when paired with a suitable rod.

While positioned among the pricier options, the Ultegra justifies its cost with a comprehensive array of high-quality features and a finish reminiscent of reels worth several hundred pounds. Within its mid-priced category, it emerges as a fantastic long-range reel, arguably one of the best available.

In this price bracket, the Ultegra XTE appears to reign as the finest big pit reel, setting a high standard that we have yet to see surpassed.

Maintaining Shimano’s hallmark quality, this reel boasts premium materials and an impeccable finish. Notably, its design is a standout feature, flaunting a stunning matte black appearance coupled with a sleek and minimalist style. Its subtle yet stylish aesthetic sets it apart, making it a reel that few others can rival in terms of looks.

Key Features:

• Body Material: CI4+
• Bearings: 4+1
• Family Type: Big Pit/Carp
• Extra Spool: Alu Cold Forged
• Spool Material: Aluminium Anodized – Alu Cold Forged
• Handle: Screw-in Gear Aluminium Forged – Anodized

Diawa Black Widow 25A: Best Value

The Black Widow excels in casting accuracy, delivering precise targets at impressive distances with good line lay and fast retrieval. It’s a solid choice for those seeking quality reels without breaking the bank.

Although it doesn’t match the company’s flagship models, its lightweight body, efficient retrieval, and substantial cranking power make it a competitive option. Comparing it to significantly more expensive Daiwa reels, the minor differences make it challenging to justify the higher price tag.

Considering all aspects, the Black Widow stands out as perhaps the best value-for-money reel within the Daiwa and broader carp fishing reel market.

While not reaching the highest tier, the reel exudes a premium feel with excellent materials that, while not top-tier, offer a pleasant and well-finished experience. The sleek black paint finish adds to its allure, giving the Black Widow a stealthy and appealing appearance.

Key Features:

• Graphite body
• Line-friendly line clip
• Abbreviated drag range
• Twistbuster
• Metal Handle
• Infinite Anti-Reverse
• 1BB

Fox EOS 12000/EOS 12000FS – Most Durable

The Fox EOS 12000 stands as a testament to exceptional performance, boasting formidable cranking power ideal for enduring the most demanding fishing scenarios. While not the lightest in its class, its construction from high-quality graphite ensures enduring resilience.

Distinguished by a seamlessly smooth and rapid retrieval, the Fox EOS 12000 delivers a nearly flawless line lay, owed to Fox’s Mesh-Tec gearing system. This reel provides an engaging experience during both casting and the excitement of engaging with fish.

Moreover, the Fox EOS 12000 series includes the 12000 FS model, featuring a versatile multi-drag system labeled “FS” for free-spool. This functionality enables swift transitioning between drag settings—allowing a slack drag for stationary rods and an adjusted fighting drag for challenging fish encounters, effortlessly adjusted at the flip of a switch.

Both the Fox EOS 12000 and 12000FS reels epitomize exceptional craftsmanship, boasting sturdy components while retaining an unexpectedly lightweight profile given their size. Their overall build exudes durability, reliability, and a refined finish that genuinely captivates.

Key Features:

• Matt black styling with understated graphics
• Hardwearing graphite body
• Suited to general fishing and also use as a spod reel
• Quick Front Clutch with grit guard
• Pro Cast Lip on the spool
• Twist-Free Roller
• Mesh-Tec gearing system
• Anti-Backlash system
• Rotor line guards
• Sprung line clip
• CNS system
• 7 stainless ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
• Spare spool options are available separately
• Gear ratio 4.5:1
• Weight 744g

Okuma INC Carp Reel: Best Compact Reel

Over time, Okuma has introduced several compact yet powerful big pit reels. Years back, we admired the CB-60, and now this. This reel embodies everything desired in a big-pit reel, condensed into a compact form. Ideal for travel or for anglers who fish more actively.

One of the standout features of the Okuma INC Carp Reel is its smooth and consistent performance. The reel’s drag system operates flawlessly, offering anglers the control they need when engaging in battles with powerful carp. Casting with this reel is a pleasure due to its excellent line lay, allowing for impressive distances with accuracy.

Moreover, the ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling during long fishing sessions. The reel’s construction incorporates high-quality materials, signifying reliability and longevity, even under rigorous fishing conditions.

Key Features:

• Compact body Long Stroke spool trip 30mm
• Corrosion-resistant graphite body
• 3 ball bearing + 1 roller bearing
• Quick Set infinite anti-reverse system
• CFR : Cyclonic Flow Rotor
• Machine cut aluminium spool
•  Round metal line clip Rigid metal handle Wooden handle knob
• Worm shaft oscillation system
• Machined cut brass pinion gear Heavy duty, solid aluminium bail wire
• RESII: Computer-balanced rotor system Even Flow line roller