Carp fishing reels can be expensive, especially if you want to be kitted out with the top Carp reels that have all of the bells and whistles.
It doesn’t have to be pricey though.
There are plenty of Carp reels that do a really good job and perform to a high standard without having to take out a second mortgage for.
At eTackle, we review fishing gear and have reviewed many Carp reels over the years. This guide details the best budget Carp reels we have reviewed so you can make an informed choice before purchasing.
Quick Summary
Here is a quick summary of the 5 top budget Carp reels we have reviewed.
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 to more detail on the reels below.
Pos | Reel | Rating |
---|---|---|
#1 | Fox EOS 10000 | 8.1 |
#2 | Daiwa Black Widow BR | 8.0 |
#3 | Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 | 7.9 |
#4 | Daiwa Regal BR | 7.9 |
#5 | Wychwood Riot Big Pit | 7.6 |
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat We Class As A Budget Carp Reel
In simplistic terms, any reel that is under the price point of £70 is classed as a budget reel. This figure is derived from the lowest quartile of prices amongst Carp reels on the market today.
You can check out how eTackle reviews fishing reels here.
A More Detailed Look At The 5 Best Budget Carp Reels
Here is a more in-depth look at the top 5 budget Carp reels we have reviewed alongside an explanation of their specs as well as some pros and cons.
#1. Fox EOS 10000









8.1
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To start with, I have to say the Fox EOS 10000 Reel is impressive for a reel with its low price-point.
Its body is made from graphite which is pretty standard and known to be both lightweight and durable. Coming in at 558g in weight, it feels well balanced in the hand and with the CNC machined handle, is comfortable to use.
One thing you really notice about the Fox EOS 10000 is how smooth it is for a budget reel. I feel this is down to the 5+1 ball bearings which are made from quality stainless steel. It really does make the retrieve feel fluid and provides significant cranking power.
It’s finished off with a sleek, modern design with a matte black finish and subtle orange accents, giving it a real stylish and professional appearance.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight graphite body
- Smooth retrieve helped with the 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings
- Good line capacity
- Solid line clip
- A good looking reel that is well designed
- Exceptional value for money
Cons
- Some anglers have said that the gear ratio is slightly too high
#2. Daiwa Black Widow BR











8.0
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The first thing you notice about the Black Widow Baitrunner is how light it is. At 478g it is one of the lightest Carp reels I have reviewed.
It’s made primarily of high-quality graphite for the body, with an aluminium spool and handle. The graphite body offers a good balance between strength and weight, making the reel durable yet lightweight.
It features three ball bearings and one roller bearing that helps with its smooth operation and reduced friction. It also includes a lifetime bail spring, which enhances its longevity and reliability.
The Black Widow has a sleek, all-black design, making it a good-looking addition to any fishing setup.
Pros
- Durable Graphite construction with aluminium spool and handle
- Airbail bail arm and Twistbuster technology that helps reduce line twist
- Nice smooth Baitrunner and rear drag system
- Very lightweight and easy to use
- A good looking reel
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Fewer ball bearings compared to some higher-end models
- The line clip is a tad on the weak side
#3. Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000










7.9
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The Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB is built with an XT-7 carbon body, offering a strong and lightweight frame that comes in at 555g (pretty standard for reels of this type).
It also features a cold-forged aluminium spool and a balanced double handle, ensuring both longevity and comfortable handling.
It uses 1 ball bearing and 1 roller bearing, which in my opinion is the reels achilles heel. I personally would have liked more, however the reel does still feel smooth in use and for the price its offered at, you can’t really complain.
All in all the ST 10000 RB is built with a beautiful balance to it which you would come to expect with a Shimano reel.
#4. Daiwa Regal BR









7.9
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The Daiwa Regal Baitrunner is impressive in the way that it uses some of Daiwa’s proprietary technologies yet still maintains a really competitive price.
Its built with a solid composite alloy body and rotor, providing a strong yet lightweight framework.
The spool and the handle are both made of aluminium adding to the reels durability as well as keeping its overall weight down.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised on how smooth the reel feels, especially for a budget type reel. In my opinion, this is down to the five ball bearings present in the gearing which definitely makes a difference.
I also really like the reel’s Infinite Anti-Reverse system that prevents backward movement of the handle. I find that this ensures solid hook sets and generally better control when playing fish.
Pros
- Good range of sizes available
- Incorporates several Daiwa technologies
- Lightweight and versatile
- Useful infinite anti-reverse system
- Smooth operation with 5+1 ball bearings
- Exceptional value for money
Cons
- The line clip is plastic and prone to breakages
- The drag system lacks a little bit of refinement found in premium models
#5. Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel












7.6
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The Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel offers solid build quality for its price point, featuring a five-bearing system that provides smooth operation often seen in more premium reels.
Its micro-pitch multi-disc drag system allows for decent control when playing fish, while the oversized main shaft contributes to adequate cranking power for the majority of Carp fishing situations.
The inclusion of an ACS line clip and anti-twist line roller shows attention to practical features by Wychwood, making this reel a reliable choice for anglers seeking good performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Respectable casting performance for a budget big pit reel
- Five-bearing system for smooth operation
- Micro-pitch multi-disc drag for decent fish control
- ACS line clip for improved casting accuracy and safety
- Anti-twist line roller to reduce line damage
- Attractive matte black finish with dark wooden handle
- Oversized main shaft for adequate cranking power
- Exceptional value for money
Cons
- A slightly less refined overall feel compared to higher-end reels
- The drag system lacks a little bit of the finesse found in premium models
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best budget Carp reel doesn’t mean compromising on quality. The reels featured in this guide all offer exceptional value, combining durability, smooth performance, and user-friendly features.
They are all perfect for both novice and experienced anglers who want reliable gear without breaking the bank. Each reel reviewed offers unique benefits, ensuring there’s a great option for every angler’s needs.
Whether you’re looking for high gear ratios, smooth drag systems, or lightweight designs, these budget-friendly offerings have you covered.
Thanks for reading.
Tight Lines!