Reviewed

ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel

In stock eTackle score 8.3/10 5.0/5 23 external reviews from 4 sources 23 reviews

Lowest in-stock price

£119.99 from Total Fishing Tackle

Compared across 9 shops , with 7 currently in stock

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5 Things To Know

Casting distance reached around 120 yards in testing, which is the clearest performance signal.
The 7+1 ball-bearing setup is a key reason the retrieve feels smooth for a mid-priced big-pit reel.
It is a weighty reel, so it suits anglers who prefer a solid feel over the lightest possible setup.
The wooden handle gives it a more classic finish than many modern blacked-out big-pit reels.
It is featured in our best fishing reels guide.

ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel Review

ESP and Big Pit Reels don't usually go together in the same sentence in the carp-angling world. However, having put these to the test it absolutely should.

Build quality 8.0/10

Cast and retrieve 8.5/10

Drag / clutch 8.0/10

Value for money 8.5/10

How well is the ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel built?

The first thing you'll notice with The ESP Onyx is that it's built like a tank.

ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel - Drag — Good looking and built like a tank

Having put it through its paces over a number of sessions it really is as tough as nails. Sure, it's a bit weighty, but for me, that wasn't an issue and I was reaching distances of around 120 yards in testing.

The inner gearings on the Onyx are a thing of beauty, especially for a mid-priced Big-Pit. It's rare to see so many ball bearings in a carp reel and with 7+1 in the Onyx, it's plain to see why it feels so smooth.

The wooden handle is a nice touch too, giving it a bit of classic style. For the price, around 140 quid, you're getting a lot of reel. It might not be as fancy as some of the high-end stuff out there, but for the regular anglers, it's more than up to the job.

How well does it cast and retrieve?

The super slow oscillation system on the Onyx Big Pit, in my opinion, really does make a difference as it lays the line down perfectly making a real difference when casting.

ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel - Cast — Good casting performance and super-smooth retrieve

Coupled this with the Rotor brake that helps to reduce line twist and the tapered long cast spools that reduce friction, all the features seem to come together nicely to optimise your casting potential.

How useful is the drag system?

I really like the rapid lockdown drag system as it's dead simple to use and gives me all the control I need when playing a fish.

ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel - 11 — The front drag system on the ESP Onyx Big Pit reel

It features two interchangeable drag adjusters: the Fine Drag (FD) for incremental, precise adjustments, and the Rapid Lockdown (RL) for quick, half-turn adjustments from free spool to fighting mode.

This flexibility allows you to tailor the drag to your specific needs, whether it's making subtle changes during a fight or quickly locking down for control.

Is it good value for money?

The Onyx score a very credible 8.5 in the value-for-money category. It's a mid-priced reel that delivers performance typically found in more expensive reels.

Its robust build, versatile drag system, efficient casting and retrieval capabilities, and thoughtful design elements ensure it meets the demands of serious anglers, looking for one of the best Big Pits out there, without breaking the bank.

Pros

7+1 ball bearings that makes the reel super-smooth on the retrieve
Versatile drag system with two interchangeable drag adjusters (Fine Drag and Rapid Lockdown)
Slow oscillation for perfect line lay
Infinite anti-reverse feature
Features a tapered long cast spool and rotor break that helps reduced friction and line twist
Good value for money

Cons

Its one of the heaviest Big Pits out there

Features and Specifications

Feature	What this means
Gear Ratio: 4.3:1	The spool turns 4.3 times for every one turn of the handle, providing a balance of speed and power. This ratio is slightly below average for a reel of this type.
Weight: 798g	This reel is heavier than the majority of its competitors.
Line Capacity: 0.37mm/300m (Shallow Spool) and 0.33mm/300m (Ultra-Shallow Spool)	Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. This capacity is average for a Big Pit Reel.
Retrieve Rate: 100cm per handle turn	Length of line retrieved per handle turn, enhancing the speed of line retrieval. This retrieve rate is about average for this reel type.
Drag System: Fine Drag (FD) and Rapid Lockdown (RL)	Two interchangeable drag systems for precise micro-adjustments or quick changes from free running to locked drag.
Number of Ball Bearings: 7+1	Seven stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing ensure smooth operation and durability. This number of ball bearings is more than the majority of other premium carp reels.
Construction Material: Machined anodized aluminium	Durable material offering strength and resistance to corrosion.
Handle: Quick fold handle with dark wood paddle	Provides a balanced and comfortable grip and allows for speedy setup and pack down.
Anti-Reverse System: Infinite anti-reverse	Prevents handle from moving backward, ensuring better hook sets and control.
Spool Type: Long cast taper spools	Enhances casting performance by reducing friction and improving line flow.
Bail Arm: Rotor Brake	Reduces line twist and ensures smooth line lay on the spool.
Special Features: Slow oscillation, stainless steel line clip	Ensures even line lay, reduces line wear, and improves overall casting performance.

How It Compares

See how the ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel compares with other carp reels on overall score and current price.

Name	Price	Overall Rating
ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel	£119.99	8.3
Daiwa 20 Crosscast Spod Reel	£114.99	8.5
Shimano Aerlex XTC Spod Reel 14000	£105.00	8.4
Okuma 8K Carp Reel	£73.99	8.3
Daiwa 20 GS BR LT Reel	£89.99	8.1
Sonik SK-47 Carbon Reel	£53.46	8
Sonik Turbospod Reel 14000	£74.99	7.9
Avid Carp Revolve FS Reel	£54.99	7.6
Mitchell Mx1 Fs Reel Pre-Spooled	£29.99	7.5