Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB Review

Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by James Bevan

Overall Rating

7.9
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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

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In my opinion Shimano Baitrunners will always be up there as a dependable, top quality Carp reel that can always be relied on in terms of its overall performance. The ST 10000 RB is no different offering durability and robust features all at an affordable price point.

Features & Specs List With An Explanation

Features and SpecsExplanation
Gear Ratio: 4.6:1This means the spool turns 4.6 times for every one turn of the handle. This is a pretty standard gear ratio.
Weight: 555gThis is an average weight for this reel type.
Line Capacity: 0.30mm/500m, 0.35mm/350m, 0.40mm/250mAmount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. This reels line capacity is slightly higher than its competition.
Drag System: Rear dragControls resistance on the line. This reel offers a lovely smooth drag.
Number of Ball Bearings: 1+1Number of bearings in the reel, affecting smoothness and performance. This reel has less ball bearings than its competitors.
Construction Material: XT-7 carbon body, cold-forged aluminium spoolLightweight and durable materials offering strength and corrosion resistance.
Handle: Double handleProvides a balanced and comfortable grip.
Anti-Reverse System: Super Stopper IIPrevents handle from moving backward, providing better hook sets and control.
Spool Type: Aluminium spoolDurable and lightweight spool.
Bail Arm: Varispeed line layReduces line twist and ensures smooth line lay on the spool.

How The Reel Compares To Its Competitors

Here’s how the Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB compared to other budget Carp reels we have reviewed:

NameOverall RatingPrice
Fox EOS 100008.1£62.99
Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB7.9£84.99
Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel8£57.77
Wychwood Riot Big Pit7.6£46.95
Daiwa Regal BR Reel7.9£39.99

Build Quality

Build Quality
7.5
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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 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.

Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 Solid and Robust Build
A solid and durable build

Cast And Retrieve Performance

Casting & Retrieve
7.5
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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.

The Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB performs well in  this area and as such scored a credible 7.5. This is largely down to its Varispeed oscillation system and AR-C spool.

These features minimise line twist and improves line lay which in turn reduces friction and allows for further distance on the cast. 

The reel’s gear ratio of 4.6:1 is pretty standard and nicely balanced which does help it provide a smooth and powerful retrieve, and also makes it suitable for various fishing scenarios.

Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 Good on the cast
Good on the cast helped by the Varispeed oscillation system

Drag / Clutch

Drag / clutch
8.0
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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 reel features a reliable rear drag system, allowing for easy and precise adjustments. The Baitrunner technology from Shimano always provides smooth drag performance and has never let me down.

The multi-disc drag system on the ST 10000 ensures consistent resistance, which I feel is important to prevent the hook hold from slipping.

Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 Decent Drag System
Shimano's quality Baitrunner system

Value For Money

Value For Money
8.5
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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.

Scoring an overall rating of 8.5, the Shimano ST 10000 RB offers great value for money and as such sits in our top list of budget Carp reels.

It is slightly more expensive than the superb Fox EOS 10000 but does offer all the quality components and performance you would expect from a Shimano reel. 

The Pros & Cons Of The Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB

Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the ST 10000 RB:

Pros

Cons

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.

Additional Experts & Resources Used In This Review

Here is a list of resources we have used as part of putting this review together:

Fox International Official Specifications – https://fish.shimano.com/en-GB/product/reels/freespool/reardrag/a075f00002vnrmwqai.html

AD’s Review – https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/community/wednesday-review-shimano-baitrunner-st-rb/

About Me

About the founder

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.