If you’ve ever hooked a barbel you know they pull back, VERY HARD!
To enjoy this exhilarating fight, your gear has to be up to scratch.
One of the key bits of tackle that has to be up to the task is the reel. Without a decent reel, your success rate on the bank is going to suffer.
This guide details what to look for when choosing a reel for barbel fishing and discloses some top options that are considered some of the best barbel reels in the tackle shops today.
All different types and budgets are covered so there is an option for everyone.
Lets get straight into it.
Quick Summary
In a rush? If so then here are the top barbel fishing reels I have reviewed and featured in this guide.
Please note by clicking on the reel it will take you to a reputable retailer that sells the product at a good price. Alternatively you can skip straight to the reel reviews below.
| Best All Round Barbel Reel | Shimano Aero XR |
| A Popular Baitrunner For Barbel Fishing | Shimano DL 6000 Baitrunner |
| A Top Feeder Reel For Barbel Fishing | Preston Intensity Feeder Reel |
| A Great Open Faced Float Reel For Barbel | Preston Centris SD |
| Best Centrepin Reel For Barbel | James Young Heritage Reel |
| Good Budget All Round Option | Daiwa 23 Matchman |
What Features To Look For In A Good Barbel Reel
A barbel reel is a sophisticated piece of equipment where every component plays a crucial role in its performance.
The quality of materials used and their construction are vital factors, as these powerful fish will expose any weakness in your gear.
Here’s what to consider before selecting your perfect barbel reel.
Build Quality & Materials Used
The build quality and materials used in a barbel reel are crucial – perhaps more so than with any other coarse fishing reel due to the extreme pressures these fish can exert.
Sub-standard materials and poor construction will severely impact your fishing, potentially leading to disaster when that double-figure barbel makes its first powerful run.
Inferior build quality can result in unreliable drag systems that stutter under pressure, or gear mechanisms that fail just when you need them most during a prolonged fight.
A poorly constructed reel will also deteriorate quickly when exposed to river conditions, particularly during winter barbel sessions in harsh weather.
Premium barbel reels typically feature robust aluminium frames and spools, with high-grade internal components and sealed bearings to withstand both the elements and the incredible strain these fish put on gear.
Less expensive reels often use lighter materials like graphite composites, which might not provide the durability needed for serious barbel fishing.
Weight
When Barbel fishing there are many different tactics you can deploy. The type of reel you use will be dictated to by your chosen method.
So with this in mind, the ideal weight of the reel will depend on the type. Having said this, if the reel is too light it may lack power and durability. If it’s too heavy it will be cumbersome and unbalanced making it difficult to use.
For ease, check out the following table that summarises the different types of reel and the typical weights of the top options.
| Reel Type | Average Weight Of A Good Reel For Barbel Fishing |
|---|---|
| Baitrunner | 300-450g |
| Non - Baitrunner | 250-400g |
| Feeder Reel | 250-400g |
| Float Fishing Reel | 220-350g |
| Centrepin | 300-400g |
Drag System
The drag system on a barbel reel is absolutely critical – there’s no room for compromise when dealing with the powerful runs these river monsters are capable of.
You’ll find both front and rear drag systems available, though front drag systems are generally favoured by the majority of barbel anglers it largely comes down to personal preference.
Front drag systems, with their larger washers tend to be more simplistic and as such are less prone to developing issues.
While some anglers prefer rear drags for their quick adjustment, the extra power and reliability of a front drag system are hard to beat when targeting specimen barbel in my opinion.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio on a reel indicates the number of times the spool turns for each complete handle turn. For example, a gear ratio of 4:7:1 means that the spool rotates 4.7 times for every one turn of the handle.
The higher the gear ratio, the higher the retrieval speed, however it’s worth noting that higher ratios tend to have less torque power so a happy medium is needed.
In terms of what’s best for barbel fishing?
There is no hard and fast rule, although on average, the better barbel reels tend to have a gear ratio of between 4:7:1 and 5:3:1.
There are excellent barbel reels on the market (and in this guide) available with both slow and fast gear ratios, so your choice largely depends on personal preference and what tactic you are using to catch barbel.
Number Of Bearings
High-quality, robust bearings are an integral part of a quality barbel fishing reel. They are key, not just for smooth operation, but to withstand the immense pressure these powerful fish can exert during prolonged fights.
Good barbel reels typically feature heavy-duty stainless steel bearings, with emphasis on durability rather than quantity, though having both is a distinct advantage.
While lighter fishing reels might prioritise maximum smoothness, barbel reels need bearings that can handle the extra strain of powerful runs and sustained pressure without failing.
The anti-reverse bearing is particularly crucial in barbel fishing, as it needs to be absolutely rock-solid to prevent any handle back-play when a big barbel powers off downstream.
Some premium barbel reels also incorporate specialist bearings in the line roller to reduce line twist.
While more bearings can enhance performance, in barbel fishing it’s the quality and placement that matters most – well-positioned, high-grade bearings will always outperform a reel with more bearings of lesser quality.
Spool Capacity
Spool capacity is an important consideration for barbel fishing reels. I know it’s obvious but first off you’ll need enough line to handle those powerful downstream runs these fish are famous for.
Secondly casting distance and accuracy can be influenced by spool capacity. Basically for maximum efficiency when casting you need as little friction as possible. To achieve this your line needs to be right to the lip of the spool when wound on.
A spool that is too deep will need ALOT of line to achieve this so ensure your spool capacity is a good balance of depth to allow for maximum casting distance and fish runs but shallow enough to cater for the amount of line you have.
Line Lay Technology
When targeting barbel, especially in powerful rivers where accurate bait placement is crucial, precise line lay becomes a vital feature of your reel.
Quality barbel reels employ sophisticated oscillation systems and oversized line rollers to ensure perfect line distribution.
Most premium barbel reels feature worm gear oscillation systems, which are great for smooth line flow during those powerful runs and initial surges.
They also tend to incorporate larger diameter spools with a tapered lip design which can also help with casting efficiency.
Additional Considerations When Choosing A Barbel Fishing Reel
In addition to the physical features of a barbel reel, there are a few other considerations that will influence your choice.
The Method Being Used
When fishing for barbel, there are a variety of methods anglers use. These include ledgering, feeder fishing, and float fishing.
With each of these tactics a different type of reel with different attributes will be required to best optimise your fishing.
You can get reels that are suitable for a variety of methods and are considered a bit of an all rounder, however, if you know that you are going to be fishing in a particular way then choose a reel that has the attributes best suited for this style.
The Type Of Water
The particular river and its conditions should heavily influence your reel choice.
Fast, powerful rivers with deep runs require robust reels with powerful drag systems to handle both the flow and those characteristic downstream surges barbel are famous for.
Small, intimate rivers might allow you to use a more compact size reel, but never compromise on build quality as even modest-sized barbel can test your gear to its limits.
The Rod You Are Using
An important consideration in choosing a reel for barbel fishing is ensuring it pairs perfectly with your chosen barbel rod.
Barbel fishing often requires accurate casting as barbel can be holed up in specific spots along a river or stream.
We also know that once hooked they take off like a rocket.
With all of this in mind, your rod has to be perfectly balanced with your chosen reel to ensure:
1) You are in a place to actually hook them in the first place and
2) Once hooked you are in the position to land them.
Budget
When it comes to barbel fishing, investing in a quality reel is crucial given the immense strain these powerful fish put on your tackle.
While premium reels come with higher price tags, choosing a budget option could prove costly when that specimen barbel hits.
However, there are several excellent budget to mid-priced reels that offer the reliability and features needed for successful barbel fishing without breaking the bank.
Some of the reels featured in this guide demonstrate that you don’t always need to spend a fortune to get dependable performance.
The Best Barbel Fishing Reels
After extensive testing on the river bank and countless barbel battles, we’ve selected some of the most reliable and effective reels for targeting these powerful fish.
You can check out how the reels have been tested and scored on our dedicated page here.
The following 6 reels achieved the best scores and have been listed to cover different disciplines and budgets.
Best All Round Barbel Fishing Reel
Shimano Aero XR
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 9.0
Cast & Retrieve - 8.5
Drag / Clutch - 8.5
Value For Money - 8.5
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The Shimano Aero XR Reel has made waves in the UK angling community, promising to blend Shimano’s renowned quality with features tailored for all round coarse fishing.
It is particularly suitable as an all round barbel fishing reel as is well balanced to use for different tactics and is lightweight yet very durable to cater for both large rivers and small streams.
I personally recommend the 4000 model for small to medium-sized waters, with the 5000 best suited for larger rivers.
Shimano has pulled out all the stops with the Aero XR’s construction. The reel boasts a CI4+ body and rotor, coupled with a HAGANE cold-forged drive gear.
This combination results in a remarkably lightweight reel, tipping the scales at just 250g to 260g depending on the model. It’s one of the lightest (decent) coarse fishing reels on the market.
The reel comes equipped with 6+1 S A-RB (Shielded Anti-Rust) ball bearings. While some premium models might boast more bearings, the quality here is undeniable, providing smooth operation in both casting and retrieving.
One practical feature is the waterproof front drag system. Although its pretty standard, it does offer precise adjustments even in wet conditions. The ARC long cast aluminium spool is another highlight, designed to reduce friction and improve casting distance.
Shimano has also incorporated their SilentDrive and X-Ship technologies. SilentDrive reduces noise and vibration, while X-Ship enhances gear durability and smoothness. These advanced technologies significantly improve the overall fishing experience and give the Aero XR a competitive edge.
In summary, the Shimano Aero XR is a formidable contender in the mid-range market by successfully combining lightweight design, advanced features, and solid performance into a package that offers excellent value for money.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight build
- High-quality construction with durable CI4+ body and HAGANE gear
- Smooth performance enhanced by SilentDrive and X-Ship technologies
- Good value for money
Cons
- Some anglers have said that the Ultralight construction feels ‘less premium’.
- Bearing count, while sufficient, is lower than some high-end models
Best Baitrunner For Barbel Fishing
Shimano DL 6000
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Cast & Retrieve - 8.0
Drag / Clutch - 8.5
Value For Money - 8.5
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The DL baitrunner is one of Shimano’s most popular reels and it’s easy to see why. Not only do carp anglers love it, it’s particularly popular amongst barbel fishermen as well.
First off, it performs exceptionally well on the bank thanks to a number of high quality features that Shimano are renowned for.
The Varispeed oscillation system ensures even line lay, while features like the AR-C line management system and Dyna-Balance work together to minimise tangles and improve casting efficiency.
The Baitrunner function and rear drag system operate with trademark Shimano smoothness whilst the lightweight but durable graphite body ensures that this reel will be in you arsenal for many years.
With a cold-forged aluminium handle available in both double and single options, plus three stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing, it delivers a comfortable and smooth operation.
Scoring a very credible 8.5 on the value-for-money category, The DL range of Baitrunners offer a high quality reel, packed full of features and at a price-point that pitches it at beginners as well as more experienced barbel anglers.
With all of this in one package, its plain to see why this reel is one of the most popular baitrunners on the market today.
Pros
- Beautifully smooth Baitrunner and rear drag system
- Super Stopper II Technology
- Varispeed oscillation for good line lay
- Dyna-balance and power roller features that help minimise line twist
- Superb value for money
Cons
- One or two ball bearings short compared to the more premium reels
Top Feeder Reel For Barbel Fishing
Preston Intensity Feeder Reel
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.5
Cast & Retrieve - 8.5
Drag / Clutch - 8.5
Value For Money - 8.0
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The Intensity Feeder Reel is one of Preston Innovations popular reels thanks to its quality components, solid performance and mid-tier price point.
Available in 620 and 720 models, this reel is engineered to meet the exacting requirements of long casting and heavy-duty feeder fishing making it a particular favourite in the barbel angling community, particularly those who fish large rivers.
Crafted with a CNC-machined aluminium spool and compact body, the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel offers exceptional durability and balance.
The 620 model weighs 418g, while the 720 model tips the scales at 432g – a bit heavier than some rivals, but this extra mass translates to improved stability and durability.
The reel boasts an impressive 8+1 bearing system, meaning it has eight ball bearings for smooth operation and one roller bearing for the anti-reverse function. This configuration is above average and ensures minimal friction during casting and retrieval.
One off the Intensity’s standout features is its Speed Drag System (SDS). This system allows for quick, precise drag adjustments which is always handy when you’ve hooked something that pulls back. For me, the micro-adjustable nature of the drag instils confidence when fishing with light presentations.
The reel’s 4.6:1 gear ratio strikes a balance between power and speed, well-suited to the demands of feeder fishing. Combined with the 86cm per handle turn retrieve rate, it ensures efficient line recovery.
Despite some anglers having reservations over its weight, the Preston Intensity Feeder Reel emerges as a high-performing option for dedicated feeder anglers, particular the long casters.
Pros
- Exceptional casting ability and control for long-range feeder fishing
- Responsive Speed Drag System for precise adjustments
- High-quality construction with premium materials
- Rapid retrieve rate
Cons
- Heavier than some competing models
- Overkill for small venues
Good Float Fishing Reel For Barbel
Preston Centris SD
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.5
Cast & Retrieve - 8.5
Drag / Clutch - 9.0
Value For Money - 8.5
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The Preston Centris is a mid-priced powerhouse designed for coarse fishing anglers looking for a bit of quality in their float fishing. It’s a powerful reel packed full of features which makes it suitable for larger fish such as carp and barbel.
The 5.0:1 gear ratio hits a sweet spot, giving you enough speed for quick retrieves without sacrificing the power you need when you’re battling larger fish.
The micro-adjustable front drag system scores highly in our testing with a superb 9 out of 10. It offers precise control, allowing you to fine-tune your drag settings on the fly.
This level of control is especially handy when you’re dealing with lighter lines or more delicate presentations and hook something that pulls back hard!
With 7 ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing, the Centris offers a smoother operation than many in its price range. You’ll feel the difference when you’re retrieving, and it will hold up well over time too.
The reel comes with a single handle that is solid, comfortable to use and compliments the overall build of the reel nicely.
Another feature worth mentioning is the two line clips and push-button spool release. If you’re into varying your tactics throughout a session, you’ll appreciate how easy it makes managing multiple setups and switching spools with different line quickly.
All in all, the Preston Centris Reel offers a quality package for anglers who are looking for a reel that performs exceptionally well.
Its combination of lightweight design, durable construction, and advanced features make it a versatile choice for a variety of coarse fishing scenarios but its particularly good for fishing on rivers and streams for barbel.
Pros
- Lightweight design with durable construction
- Precise micro-adjustable front drag system
- Versatile and suitable for both float and feeder fishing
- Good value for money in the mid-range category
Cons
- Maybe overkill for beginners and pleasure fishermen
- The smallest version isn’t as compact as some other models
Best Centerpin For Float Fishing
James Young Heritage Reel
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 9.5
Cast & Retrieve - 9.5
Drag / Clutch - N/A
Value For Money - 7.5
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The J W Young Heritage Centrepin Reel, formerly known as the John Wilson Heritage, is a remarkable fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering.
Designed for anglers who enjoy trotting for barbel, chub, and silverfish on flowing water, or float fishing for carp on still-waters with a centrepin, this reel boasts an eye-catching deep green anodised finish with gold script on the back plate.
Key features include two ball bearings, a click check, a micro-adjustable disc drag, and a unique multi-position line cage, all housed in a package weighing 290g.
Built in the UK, this reel embodies the highest standards of engineering pioneered by James Young in 1884. It comes with a certificate of authenticity and is supplied in a presentation box with a reel pouch.
The Heritage Reel’s versatility shines through its suitability for various angling techniques, from gentle trotting to tackling hard-fighting barbel.
While it commands a premium price and may have a learning curve for those new to centrepin reels, its exceptional build quality, smooth performance, and connection to angling heritage make it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts seeking a blend of tradition and modern functionality in their fishing gear.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with a beautiful deep green anodised finish
- Versatile performance suitable for various fishing techniques
- Micro-adjustable disc drag for precise control
- Smooth operation thanks to high-quality ball bearings
Cons
- Premium price point
- Learning curve for anglers new to centrepin reels
A Great Budget All Round Option
Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 7.5
Cast & Retrieve - 7.5
Drag / Clutch - 8.0
Value For Money - 8.5
Compare Prices
The Daiwa 23 Matchman is a versatile, lightweight reel, that offers great value for money and is a perfect all round coarse fishing option.
It’s made with a DS4 carbon composite body and rotor, which gives a good mix of toughness and finesse. This pays off on the bank, with the 3000 model weighing just 298g and the 4000 at 434g.
When fishing for barbel, I personally prefer the 4000 model especially when fishing on larger rivers as it offers the power needed for both casting further and to handle hard fighting fish.
The reel’s aluminium spool is another nod to Daiwa’s aim for value with the Matchman 23 reel. It’s tough enough for regular use while keeping the weight down.
The folding handle that tucks away with one touch is a nice feature, making packing up easier and is also good if you apply a roaming approach to your barbel fishing.
The 5.3:1 gear ratio is a good middle ground, giving decent speed for reeling in without losing the power needed for playing larger fish. This ratio means you can bring in 82-95cm of line with each turn of the handle, depending on which model you’re using.
The drag system, called Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD), is a standout feature, especially for a budget reel. It lets you make smooth, precise adjustments, which can be a lifesaver if you hook into a larger fish.
With three ball bearings, the Matchman runs smoothly enough for its price. While it might not have as many bearings as the top-end models, in practice, it’s more than up to the job for the majority of barbel fishing scenarios.
All in all Matchmans light build, smooth drag system, and focus on essential features make it a solid choice for those after a dependable, versatile reel without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Lightweight Design
- The Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) is a great feature
- Well balanced with its 5:3:1 gear ratio
- Excellent Value for Money
Cons
- Less ball bearings than more premium models
- Retrieve isn’t as smooth as premium models
FAQs
Here are the top three questions we get asked about barbel fishing reels at eTackle.
For barbel fishing, a 5000 or 6000 sized baitrunner offers the ideal balance and power for most UK rivers. Anything larger can be overkill unless fishing very large rivers.
A gear ratio between 4.7:1 to 5.2:1 is optimal for barbel fishing. This ratio provides enough cranking power to control strong runs while still maintaining decent retrieval speed
Yes, you can technically use any reel for barbel fishing. However barbel can be caught using a variety of different tactics and methods and it is always best to ensure your reel balances well with the style you choose.
For barbel fishing, line strength is crucial given the modern size of UK fish reaching up to 20lb and their powerful fighting ability.
When combined with strong currents and challenging environments, the right line becomes essential for safe landing. Recommend breaking strains vary between 6 and 15lb depending on the size of the fish, water and whether there are any snags present.
Use the heavier end of that range for snaggy swims or specimen fishing, while clearer, less challenging venues allow for lighter breaking strains.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this guide has given you valuable insights into selecting the right reel for barbel fishing.
The reels discussed have been extensively tested across various river conditions, from fast-flowing stretches to snaggy swims, and each meets the essential requirements for tackling these powerful fish.
Investing in quality gear that matches your specific barbel fishing needs is crucial – not just for landing more fish, but for enjoying your sessions on the river.
Whether you’re targeting smaller barbel on clear stretches or specimen hunting in challenging conditions, having the right reel matched to your tactics and venue makes all the difference in both success rate and enjoyment.
Thanks for reading.
Tight Lines!