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Last Updated on 6 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 7.5
Cast & Retrieve - 7.5
Drag / Clutch - 8.0
Value For Money - 8.0
It’s nice to see a reel not made by Daiwa or Shimano be recognised as having decent quality with good performance. Avid make quality gear and are quite often underestimated by the ‘tackle tarts’.
Not only does the Avid Pro Spod Marker Reel look good but it casts really far with limited friction and the retrieval is super quick.
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio | 5.7:1, meaning the spool rotates 5.7 times for each turn of the handle, providing fast line retrieval. |
| Line Capacity | 300m of 0.23mm line. |
| 4 Ball Bearings | All stainless steel, which ensures smooth operation and increased durability. |
| Worm Shaft With slow Oscillation System | This helps to produce the perfect line lay, allows further casting and reduces tangles. |
| Fast Drag System | Allows for quick adjustments and controlled line release. |
| Dual Line Clips | Allows you to clip up twice for work in two different spots |
| Soft Touch Knob | Comfortable to use. |
Here’s how the Avid Pro Spod Marker compared to other spod reels we have reviewed:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW | 8.8 | from £169.99 |
| Daiwa Emblem Spod Reel | 8.6 | from £134.99 |
| Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD | 8.5 | from £134.99 |
| Avid Pro Spod Marker Reel | 7.8 | from £94.99 |
| Shimano Aerlex 10000 XTB Spod Reel | 7.9 | from £79.99 |
| Sonik Vader X 8000 RS Spod Reel | 7.6 | from £44.99 |
What Does This Mean?
When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.
The XR Pro Spod Marker Reel is engineered beautifully with a robust construction that exudes durability and makes you feel confident of this during intensive use.
The reel housing is made from high-grade graphite, which in the fishing reel world is known for its strength and lightweight properties. At 630g in overall weight it offers a nice balance of power and ease of use.
The internal gears are smooth and well made with 4 ball bearings used crafted from stainless steel, which we all know provide excellent resistance to corrosion and ensures smooth operation even under heavy load.
The handle is ergonomically designed and features an aluminium construction with a comfortable soft-touch knob which is something that I always feel is important during intense spodding sessions.
Overall, the reel’s build quality reflects Avid’s commitment to high performance and long-term reliability and, as such sits proudly within our list of the best spod reels.
What Does This Mean?
This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and how smooth the retrieve is.
Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.
On top of the actual, physical performance of the reel we also look at the number and type of ball bearings, the spool, line lay and the gear ratio in comparison to its required use.
With a gear ratio of 5.7:1, the Avid XR Pro Spod Marker Reel is lightening quick on the retrieve. It also offers a slow oscillation system which I love as it really does make a difference to the line lay on the spool which in turn reduces friction and allows for smoother casting.
The reel also features premium line rollers and a soft-touch handle knob, which again are features that make the laborious spodding task that little bit easier.
What Does This Mean?
When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use.
There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that it is being applied.
The clutch system of the XR Pro is super smooth and features a fast drag system. This is more prevalent when marking out your swim as just half a turn of the knob allows line to be released smoothly and under control.
What Does This Mean?
Self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. This is because it creates more of a level playing field.
Of course, the more expensive a reel is the more quality components it will have and as such will generally score higher.
Having value for money as a criterion allows us to judge how well a reel performs vs its price point and in turn allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.
I’ve scored the Avid Pro Spod Marker reel 8.0 for value for money. At just under the £100 mark the reel provides good value for money.
Its combination of high-quality materials, advanced features, and reliable performance, in my opinion, makes it a worthwhile investment for both serious anglers and those looking for their first spod / marker reel combo.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Avid Pro reel:
If you would like to see more fishing tackle reviews as well as compare prices with various tackle shops then you can do so here.
Here is a list of resources we have used as part of putting this review together:
Avid’s Official Specifications – https://www.avidcarp.com/en/products/reels/ap-0121https://fish.shimano.com/en-GB/product/reels/bigpit_carp/a075f00003iin43qae_t.html
Carpology’s Review – https://youtu.be/jx5ECeZgq6k
Hi, I’m James
And I have to make a confession: I am addicted to fishing and have been for over 30 years!
As part of my therapy, I’ve started to write about all things angling.
Learn more about me and my company on the about page.
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