Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel Review

OVERALL RATING
8.0
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Compare Prices

£59.99
in stock
Total-fishing-tackle.com
£79.99
£89.99
in stock
Fishingtackleandbait.co.uk

Top Line

A very popular multiplier reel for pike and predators thanks to its solid build and affordable price point.

A great option for beginners and casual anglers

Featured in our guide on the best pike reels as the best budget multiplier option

Features & Specifications With Explanation

Feature What This Means
6BB + 1RB Bearings Features 6 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing, all saltwater resistant for smooth operation and durability in both fresh and salt water conditions.
T-Shaped Ceramic Line Guide A specially designed ceramic line guide that reduces friction during casting and retrieval, helping to achieve greater distances and smoother line flow.
Carbon Fibre Star Drag A lightweight yet strong drag system made from carbon fibre, offering up to 22lb of stopping power with audible click feedback.
Ten Magnet Adjustable Control Magnetic braking system with 10 adjustment points to prevent overruns and backlashes, suitable for different lure weights and conditions.
Cold Forged Spool Aircraft-grade aluminum spool that’s double anodised, drilled, and chamfered for strength while maintaining lightweight properties.
Casting Weight Range Optimised for lures between 10-80 grams, making it ideal for most predator fishing applications.
EVA Handle Grips Dual EVA foam grips on an aluminum handle provide comfortable, non-slip control even in wet conditions.

Manufacturers Description

The Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel is designed for both left-hand wind (LHW) and right-hand wind (RHW) configurations. The reel features a lightweight, super-strong fibre-reinforced polymer construction, with a weight of approximately 187 grams.

It is equipped with saltwater-resistant stainless steel precision bearings (6BB + 1RB) and a “T” shaped ceramic line guide to reduce friction and enhance casting distance.

The carbon fibre star drag system offers a maximum drag of 22lb, and the ten-magnet adjustable overrun control ensures optimal casting performance. This reel is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

eTackle’s Review

Here’s how the reel performed in testing and/or from experience and feedback from other anglers. 

How It Scores

OVERALL RATING
8.0
8.0
BUILD QUALITY
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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.

7.5
CAST & RETRIEVE
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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.

7.5
DRAG / CLUTCH
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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 is being applied.

9.0
VALUE FOR MONEY
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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 recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Thoughts & Experiences

Anyone who’s spent time casting multipliers for predators knows that weight matters and this is where the Agitator S1 shines.

Wychwood hasn’t cut corners with the construction, you’re getting a cold-forged aluminium spool, carbon fibre drag system, and ceramic line guide that all work together to create a seriously smooth casting experience.

The twin EVA grips feel solid in hand, giving you that confidence you need when working lures or playing fish.

Take this reel out on the water and it really shows its worth. The ten-magnet braking system gives you plenty of control to avoid those dreaded bird’s nests, whether you’re flicking out lighter lures or launching deadbaits to tempting spots.

With 22lb of stopping power from the star drag, you’ve got enough grunt to handle most predators, and the saltwater-resistant bearings mean you won’t be wincing if you get caught in the rain or fancy some estuary fishing.

The price point offers great value for money but having said that you are still getting a reel that punches well above its weight in terms of performance and durability.

In summary, the Agitator S1 is one of the most popular predator reels on the market amongst casual anglers and beginners and it’s easy to see why.

What Anglers Like (Pros)

Exceptional value for the features you're getting
Featherweight design that is easy to handle
Versatile enough for most predator fishing situations
Built to handle both fresh and saltwater

What Anglers Dislike (Cons)

Drag might not satisfy those targeting truly monster fish
Some might want more fine-tuning in the brake system

How It Compares

Here is how the Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel compares against other products in its category. This table shows the overall rating based on the average of the key attributes that go into making a top fishing reel.

There are four key attributes that form the basis of our reviews on fishing reels. These include the following:

Build Quality: – 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.

Cast & Retrieve: – This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and smooth the retrieve is. Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.

Drag System: – 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.

Value for Money: – Again, this is self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. 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.

Here is how the Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel performed against is peers in each of these important attributes:

NameBuild QualityCasting & RetrieveDrag / ClutchValue For Money
Fox EOS 100008.08.07.59
Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel8.07.57.59
Shimano Baitrunner DL8.08.08.58.5
Shimano Baitrunner XTB CI4+ LC Reel9.08.59.08
Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel8.07.58.09
Savage Fazor Spinning Reel8.58.08.08.5
Fox Rage TR Reel8.57.58.58.5
Shimano Stradic FM Reel8.58.58.58
Daiwa 7HT Mag Multiplier Reel9.08.58.58
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel8.07.57.59
Greys Fly Tital Reel9.08.58.58
Greys Fly Cruise Reel8.07.57.59

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