Best Budget Carp Reels (Updated )
A quality carp fishing reel is a very important piece of equipment to get right. After all, it does most of the work along with the rod when landing that big carp you have hooked into!
We have put together our recommendations of the best carp reels that will not break the bank but will provide you with a top-quality carp reel that will last for years, catch carp and not let you down.
Be sure to check out our Best Carp Fishing Rods for all budgets!
After a big pit carp reel? Check out the 5 Best Budget Big Pit Reels
Features of the best carp fishing reels
When recommending the best carp fishing reels we have taken into account the following features and points which we believe are key to ensuring you get the best carp reels for your money.
- Smooth retrieval
- Spool size
- Weight
- Power
- Reliability
- Aesthetics
- Price
Let's check our selection of the best carp fishing reels.
Shimano DL Baitrunner Carp Fishing Reel RB
★★★★★
The Shimano Baitrunner DL carp fishing reel incorporates many features found in a reel of twice the cost. Made of top-quality components along with a plethora of aesthetic updates make the DL series very popular with all anglers and a product that will always be considered in the list of best carp fishing reels.
The Baitrunner design is the original free spool carp reel and has been developed over the last 30 years by Shimano, continually improving with each release.
Many other manufacturers try and imitate the Shimano Baitrunner design, but they struggle to compete.
The DL series is available in four models including two front drag in 2500 & 4000 and two rear drag in 6000 & 10000 spool sizes.
An incredible carp reel for the price point that caters for all types of fishing, including the big carp, and a reel that will last for years with great reliability and one of the best Shimano carp reels on the market at this price point.
Shimano Carp Reel Features
- Stainless steel ball bearings providing a smooth and powerful reel
- Cold forged aluminium Spool with spare spool
- Super stopper II system
- Precise drag system
- Superb line lay thanks to Varispeed oscillation
- AR-C spools and line management system
- Power roller
- Lightweight
- Double handle design
- Shimano developed over three decades
- Classic design and feel
- Superb price for the features
- Reliable for years
- Caters for all types of fishing
Amazon Customer Review:
Best value reels at this price point for Carp/Pike fishing on the market. Lovely smooth action, strong, robust, really smooth rear clutch. Absolute joy to use in Summer or depths of Winter. Recommend these to anyone. Check Price on Amazon
Shimano Baitrunner ST Carp Reel RB
★★★★★
The Shimano Baitrunner ST carp fishing reel is a hugely successful piece of equipment and rightly so. The Shimano Baitrunner ST series is used by specimen anglers all across the world and continues to grow in popularity. Along with the DL model, this is another Shimano product considered one of the best carp fishing reels available and we totally agree.
The Baitrunner design is the original free spool carp reel and has been developed over the last 30 years by Shimano, continually improving with each release.
Many other manufacturers try and imitate the Shimano Baitrunner design, but they struggle to compete.
The ST model is packed with a huge number of features that surprises many considering the low price of these carp reels
A top quality free spool carp reel for a great price, you can't go wrong with the Shimano Baitrunner and again will always be listed as one of the best carp reels on offer.
Shimano Carp Reel Features
- Gutsy 4:6:1 retrieval system
- Superb line lay thanks to Varispeed oscillation
- AR-C spools
- Power roller
- Lightweight
- Available in 6000 or 10000 spools which are interchangeable
- Double handle design
- Shimano developed over three decades
- Classic design and feel
- Ridiculously low price
Amazon Customer Review:
This carp reel is incredible, the bearings are extremely smooth and the action of the baitrunner function is flawless, Shimano have always been known for making good quality reels and this is no exception. Check Price on Amazon
Fox EOS 10000 Carp Fishing Reel
★★★★★
The Fox EOS 10000 carp fishing reel is full of features that will perform in all situations. The design ensures for a smooth operation every time without ever degrading thanks to the very clever engineering from Fox, a leading tackle manufacturer and producer of some of the best carp reels and other carp tackle.
The EOS 10000 carp fishing reel has been designed specifically for targeting big carp or coarse species. The Fox carp fishing reel offers huge power to control the biggest of carp when you hook into one.
A hard-working and reliable carp fishing reel that performs when you need it to.
Fox Carp Reel Features
- 5:5:1 gear ratio system
- Lightweight at 558g
- 5 ball bearings construction
- Perfect all-rounder reel
- Great line lay
- Smooth clutch and free spool design
- 10000 spool size
- Perfectly paired with 2.5 - 3lb rods
- Great price and performance from a huge name in the industry
Amazon Customer Review:
Great carp reel for the price. Works very well. Great piece of engineering. Check Price on Amazon
Best Carp Fishing Line
Don't forget to purchase some quality fishing line to match the carp fishing reels.
We have a dedicated article recommending the best carp fishing line for a multitude of different carp fishing situations including best carp line for clear water and best casting line for carp fishing.
Don't miss out - Best Carp Fishing Line
Verdict
When purchasing a carp fishing reel you do not need to spend a small fortune to get a product that has a huge range of features and performs in a similar way to that of a carp fishing reel of twice the price. Ultimately, the Shimano Baitrunner reels are still one of the best carp fishing reels but the likes of Fox offer a superb range of products and their carp reel is no different. Make sure you purchase the best carp fishing line with your carp reels and you will enjoy catching carp for years to come.
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