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.
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.
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.
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.
Name | Overall Rating | Price |
---|---|---|
Daiwa Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD | 9.1 | £679.99 |
Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD | 8.5 | £129.84 |
Wychwood Riot Big Pit | 7.6 | £46.95 |
Daiwa Emblem 35 SCW 5000c QD | 8.8 | £168.29 |
Fox FX11 | 8.5 | £108.24 |
Daiwa Emcast 25A | 8.1 | £109.99 |
ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel | 8.3 | £134.95 |
Daiwa Tournament 5000t | 9 | £358.95 |
Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTC Reel | 9 | £406.49 |
Sonik Tournos 8000 Reel | 7.9 | £99.99 |
Features and Specs | Explanation |
---|---|
Gear Ratio: 4.3:1 | The spool turns 4.3 times for every one turn of the handle. This is on the slow side but the large spool ensures an above average retrieve rate. |
Weight: 525g | Lightweight design, making it easy to handle. This reel is lighter than many competitors. |
Line Capacity: 0.35mm/550m | The amount of line the spool can hold, which is crucial for long-distance casting. This capacity is amongst the highest on the market. |
Retrieve Rate: 103cm per handle turn | Length of line retrieved per handle turn, enhancing the speed of line retrieval. This retrieve rate is above average for this reel type. |
Drag System: Hi-Speed Drag | Allows for rapid adjustment from free spool to locked drag, providing precision and control. |
Number of Ball Bearings: 8+1 | Eight stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing ensure smooth operation and durability. This number of ball bearings is more than many premium carp reels. |
Construction Material: HAGANE Gear, HAGANE Body | Durable materials offering strength and resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. |
Handle: One-Piece Machined Aluminium Handle | Provides a balanced and comfortable grip and allows for speedy setup and pack down. |
Anti-Reverse System: Super Stopper II | Prevents the handle from moving backwards, ensuring better hook sets and control. |
Spool Type: AR-C Spool | Enhances casting performance by reducing friction and improving line flow. |
Bail Arm: One-Piece Bail | Reduces line twist and ensures smooth line lay on the spool. |
Special Features: Infinity Drive, Silent Drive, Rigid Cast, X-Protect | Ensures even line lay, reduces line wear, and improves overall casting performance. |
The Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTC is a testament to Japanese engineering excellence. Its all-black design, featuring a sleek gloss black body and rotor, is not only visually striking but also functional.
While some might find it a bit plain, I personally love the understated elegance it brings to my setup.
The reel’s build quality is exceptional, with an aluminium HAGANE body that provides rigidity without compromising on weight.
At just 525g, it falls into the below-average weight category for big pit reels and feels remarkably light in hand. This lightweight construction is a standout feature compared to its competitors thanks to the modern technology used in its build.
The reel’s internals are equally impressive, boasting a HAGANE cold-forged gearing system equipped with technologies like X-SHIP, SILENTDRIVE, INFINITYDRIVE, and X-PROTECT.
These features work in harmony to ensure long-lasting smoothness and durability. The inclusion of 8+1 ball bearings contributes to what I can only describe as one of the smoothest retrieves I’ve ever experienced in a reel.
The casting performance of the Power Aero 14000 XTC is where this reel truly shines. Its wide-diameter spool really helps with this, allowing even average casters like myself to hit spots at impressive distances.
I’ve consistently reached 140 yards with my 3.75lb test curve rods, which is a testament to the reel’s casting prowess.
The reel features a Super Slow 5 Oscillation system, which is crucial for achieving an immaculate line lay. This system ensures that the line flows effortlessly off the AR-C designed spools, maintaining the line’s condition and improving overall casting performance.
With a gear ratio of 4:3:1, you’ll be forgiven for thinking it’s on the slow side, however, you’d be wrong with this assumption. Due to the large spool, this ratio retrieves line at a rate of 103cm per handle turn which is actually above average compared to the competition.
The Power Aero 14000 XTC comes equipped with an advanced Hi-Speed Drag system, featuring Cross Carbon Drag washers for smooth and durable performance.
This front drag system is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering greater control and fine adjustment.
The ability to convert from free-spool to fighting mode with just a partial turn of the knob is impressive, allowing for quick reactions when a fish takes the bait.
What I particularly appreciate is the range of adjustments available. You can set the drag to just the right resistance for playing fish, or lock it up completely in milli-seconds. This versatility is really useful when facing different fishing scenarios and adds to the reel’s overall value.
The elephant in the room is the reels price-tag. However, considering the advanced features, build quality, and performance of the Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTC, it represents good value for money.
While it’s positioned as a high-end reel, the combination of durability, casting performance, and smooth operation justifies the investment for serious anglers. The inclusion of a spare spool and line reducers adds to its versatility and overall value proposition.
In summary, the Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTC is a top-tier reel that delivers on multiple fronts.
Its build quality, casting performance, and advanced drag system make it a worthy choice for anglers looking for a reliable, high-performance reel that can handle a variety of fishing situations with ease.
Total Carp Magazines Review – https://www.totalcarpmagazine.com/shimano-power-aero-14000-xtcxsc
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