Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 7.0
Cast & Retrieve - 7.5
Drag / Clutch - 7.0
Value For Money - 9.0
Wychwood are well known for their decent fishing gear at good prices. Their Big Pit offering is another example with it proving one of the firms staple products.
It’s a great option for beginners looking for their first decent big pit reel or more experienced anglers looking for a nice Carp reel that is friendly on the wallet.Â
| Features and Specs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio: 4.8:1 | This means the spool turns 4.8 times for every one turn of the handle, which is quite quick compared to similar reels. |
| Weight: 550g | For a Big Pit Reel this is on the lighter side but on par with other budget Carp reels |
| Line Capacity: 0.30mm/320m | Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. This reels line capacity is fairly typical of a Big Pit reel or if anything slightly less than the premium models. |
| Drag System: Front drag | Controls resistance on the line. This reel offers a smooth front drag system. |
| Number of Ball Bearings: 5+1 | Number of bearings in the reel, affecting smoothness and performance. 5+1 is a good number of ball bearings for its price point. |
| Construction Material: Graphite body, aluminium handle | Lightweight and durable materials offering strength and corrosion resistance. |
| Handle: Machined aluminium handle | Provides a balanced and comfortable grip. |
| Anti-Reverse System: Instant anti-reverse | Prevents handle from moving backward, providing better hook sets and control from the off. |
| Spool Type: Aluminium spool with spare graphite spool | Durable and lightweight spool with a decent line capacity of 320m. |
| Bail Arm: Oversized line roller | Reduces line twist and ensures smooth line lay on the spool. |
Here’s how the Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel compares to other budget Carp reels we have reviewed:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fox EOS 10000 | 8.1 | £62.99 |
| Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB | 7.9 | £84.99 |
| Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel | 8 | £57.77 |
| Wychwood Riot Big Pit | 7.6 | £46.95 |
| Daiwa Regal BR Reel | 7.9 | £39.99 |
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 Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel offers solid build quality for its price point, featuring a five-bearing system that provides smooth operation often seen in more premium reels.
Its micro-pitch multi-disc drag system allows for decent control when playing fish, while the oversized main shaft contributes to adequate cranking power for the majority of Carp fishing situations.
The inclusion of an ACS line clip and anti-twist line roller shows attention to practical features by Wychwood, making this reel a reliable choice for anglers seeking good performance without breaking the bank.
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 Wychwood Riot delivers respectable casting performance for a budget-friendly big pit reel, and can reach good distances on larger venues when partnered with the right rod.
Its retrieval is smooth enough thanks to the five-bearing system and oversized main shaft. This also helps provide adequate crank power and consistency for playing large fish without any nasty surprises or tangles!
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.
As stated previously, the micro-pitch multi-disc drag system on the Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel offers decent control and adjustment, allowing you to manage the fish’s runs effectively in most situations.
While it may not match the finesse of high-end models, the drag performs reliably for a budget reel, providing enough smoothness and consistency to handle the majority of big fish encounters without issues.
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.
The Riot Big Pit represents exceptional value for money, offering a range of features typically found on more expensive models at a budget-friendly price point.
For Carpers looking for a decent Big Pit without a significant investment, this reel provides a solid balance of performance and affordability, making it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Daiwa Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel:
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.
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.
Copyright 2024 © eTackle | Designed by ‘The Web Page‘
