The skies the limit!
Tried by DUNCAN CHARMAN
Well aware that I
was awaiting a parcel containing the latest Shimano Big Baitrunner, I
was somewhat shocked when the parcel arrived, why, it just wasn’t
heavy enough. At first I thought that someone at Anglers Mail Head
Office had taken the reel out of the box for a sneaky look and forgot
to place it back, but I was wrong. Weighing just 640(g)/22.6(oz) I
instantly knew that this was the first big pit reel that had ever
felt comfortable in my hands, as although big, its weight balanced
its size perfectly and the reason for its lightness is due to the C14
construction which massively reduces weight.
Eager to put the reel through its
first proper test and with an overnight session planned the following
day at Westhampnett I loaded the reel with Nash 12lb Hardcore, rigged
my Entity 2.75lb T/C rod up with a 2.5oz inline lead, short braided
hooklink and headed south. With the easterly wind dropping
temperatures to -5 overnight my first thought was would the oil in
the reel freeze, something that often happens with cheaper reels,
however I shouldn’t have worried. Having chosen my swim, I was
faced with a strong side wind as fishing into the teeth of it wasn’t
a consideration. Depositing fifty balls of groundbait at range into
the main body of the lake, via a sling-shot, I marked the lines on
all rods and clipped up. Moulding a good helping of method mix around
the lead, increasing the weight to around 5oz, I compressed the rod
and let rip, however I soon realised that I was struggling with my
standard reels, yet when I bent into the rod with the Shimano reel
attached the line clip was easily hit, straightening the line
perfectly in the cross wind. I was fishing at what I thought was my
limits, but for the first time ever, knew that my limit had been
completely controlled by the reels I had been using. To be honest I
wasn’t expecting anything but come morning six double figured bream
had graced my net, five to the Entity and Shimano combination! The
reason I struggled on the other rod was due to dropping short every
time. How I wish they had sent me a pair! It was also during the
night that I noticed the blue and silver flashes that are impregnated
within the stylish black body, something that’s not noticeable
straight away.
I wanted to see just how far l could
cast so decided to head to my local football pitch. Trying to get a
realistic distance I kept the 12lb line as used in the earlier
session, just attached a four ounce lead and compressed the rod.
Before revealing the distance I have to say that I have never seen
line lay on a reel in such an immaculate fashion, it was simply
perfect. Not being the biggest and strongest of guy I have always
felt that 100 yards was my limit but with the Shimano C14+ XTR-A LC,
I constantly hit 130yards, sometimes further. If a professional long
distant caster rigged up correctly with a shock leader and more
powerful rod then, to be honest, the skies the limit!
Back at home I decided to check out
the specifications of the reel and impressive is an understatement!
Gear ratio 4.6:1, line capacity 12lb line 600yards, Unsurpassed
X-ship technology for an ultra smooth feel and enormous cranking
power, 6 shielded A-RB and 1 roller bearing create a super smooth
retrieve, Aero Wrap 11 combined with Slow Speed oscillation for
perfect line lay, AR-C spool for increased casting performance, one
piece bail to eliminate line wrap, instant drag spool for instant
fish playing control, an amazing 32 lines of lay per oscillation,
spare spool and free line plus a reliable line clip. I could go on
but I haven’t got the space!
The last test was to get a take from a
carp that took line initially of the baitrunner then the clutch and a
local day ticket venue produced my first twenty of the season. My
only concern is the amount of turns it takes to adjust the clutch
through its settings. When tightened right down it takes at least
three complete rotations to get the clutch slipping, then a further
two to loosen right of.
IN A NUTSHELL
As close to perfection as you are going
to get when distance is an issue, yet said that, it still feels
superbly balanced in all angling situations even when distance isn’t
an issue. Brilliant engineering comes at a cost, yet if looked after,
this reel with give you years, if not a lifetime of reliable service.
RRP PRICE. £349.99
VERDICT. 9.5/10
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