Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB

How well is it built?

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

The ST is built with an XT-7 carbon body, offering a strong and lightweight frame at 555g which is 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 reel's achilles heel. I personally would have liked more, however the reel does still feel smooth in use and for the price you cannot 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.

How well does it cast and retrieve?

The ST performs well on the cast thanks to its Varispeed oscillation system and AR-C spool. These features minimise line twist and improve line lay which in turn reduces friction and allows for further distance on the cast.

The gear ratio of 4.6:1 is pretty standard and nicely balanced which helps provide a smooth and powerful retrieve. 87cm of retrieve per crank is identical to the pricier Baitrunner DL.

The ARC spool lip profile is shared with Shimano's more expensive reels, which helps line flow off the spool with less friction. For standard UK stillwater ranges, the casting and retrieval performance is perfectly functional.

The single bearing does mean the rotation is not as silky as the DL or CI4+. You notice a slightly coarser feel during the wind, particularly under load.

How useful is the drag system?

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 is important to prevent the hook hold from slipping. 6kg of maximum drag matches the DL exactly and handles UK stillwater carp without issue.

The Super Stopper anti-reverse eliminates any backplay on the strike. The transition between freespool and main drag is immediate with no slack when you turn the handle. For the price, the clutch system does everything a typical carp angler needs.

The rear drag position gives easy access while playing a fish.

Is it good value for money?

Scoring an overall rating of 8.5 on value, the Shimano ST 10000 RB offers great value for money and as such sits in our list of top 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 cold forged aluminium spool and XT-7 body are quality components at this price.

The gap between this and the Baitrunner DL comes down to bearings (1+1 vs 3+1) and the included spare spool. If those matter to you, the DL is worth the extra £20. For a first baitrunner or a spare reel, the ST is a dependable choice that will not let you down.