Reviewed

Wychwood Riot Big Pit

In stock eTackle score 7.6/10 4.6/5 281 external reviews from 4 sources 281 reviews
Lowest in-stock price
£39.99 from Total Fishing Tackle
Compared across 7 shops , with 5 currently in stock
View Lowest Price

5 Things To Know

  1. The five-bearing system gives the Riot smoother operation than many very cheap big-pit reels.
  2. The 4.8:1 gear ratio and 0.30mm/320m line capacity suit normal big-pit carp-reel use.
  3. An oversized main shaft adds cranking power for normal carp fishing situations.
  4. The ACS line clip and anti-twist line roller are useful practical details for clipped-up casting.
  5. It is featured in our best budget carp reels guide as a low-cost big-pit option.

Wychwood Riot Big Pit Review

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.

Build quality 7.0/10
Cast and retrieve 7.5/10
Drag / clutch 7.0/10
Value for money 9.0/10

How well is the Wychwood Riot Big Pit built?

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.

Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel 2
A compact yet solid build

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.

How well does it cast and retrieve?

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.

Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel 7
Oversized line roller helps to reduce line twist

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!

How useful is the drag system?

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.

Wychwood Riot Big Pit Reel 4
A nice smooth front drag system

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.

Is it good value for money?

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 carp anglers 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.

Pros

  • Respectable casting performance for a budget big pit reel
  • Five-bearing system for smooth operation
  • Micro-pitch multi-disc drag for decent fish control
  • ACS line clip for improved casting accuracy and safety
  • Anti-twist line roller to reduce line damage
  • Attractive matte black finish with dark wooden handle
  • Oversized main shaft for adequate cranking power
  • Exceptional value for money

Cons

  • A slightly less refined overall feel compared to higher-end reels
  • The drag system lacks a little bit of the finesse found in premium models

Features and Specifications

Feature What this means
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.

How It Compares

Here is how the Wychwood Riot Big Pit compares against other carp reels. This table uses eTackle review ratings and current exported product prices.

Name Price Overall Rating
Wychwood Riot Big Pit £29.99 7.6
Daiwa 20 Crosscast Spod Reel £103.49 8.5
Shimano Aerlex XTC Spod Reel 14000 £104.99 8.4
Okuma 8K Carp Reel £74.99 8.3
Daiwa 20 GS BR LT Reel £88.99 8.1
Sonik SK-47 Carbon Reel £55.95 8
Sonik Turbospod Reel 14000 £71.99 7.9
Avid Carp Revolve FS Reel £54.99 7.6
Mitchell Mx1 Fs Reel Pre-Spooled £30.99 7.5

Useful Information

External angler reviews

4.6/5 281 verified buyer reviews from 4 sources
About this rating

eTackle looks for trusted, exact-match review sources and combines them where independent sources are available.

Price History

Recent price movement from tracked shop data.

Highest Price
£46.34Amazon UK 16 December 2025
Lowest Price
£29.99Angling Direct 13 March 2026
Current Price
£29.99Angling Direct 19 June 2026
Since 3 July 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of reel is the Wychwood Riot Big Pit?

It is a budget big-pit carp reel with a graphite body, aluminium handle and front drag system.

What is the gear ratio?

The listed gear ratio is 4.8:1, which is quick enough for normal carp fishing and clipped-up casting work.

What line capacity does it have?

The listed line capacity is 0.30mm/320m, giving it usable capacity for a budget big-pit reel.

How heavy is the Wychwood Riot Big Pit?

It is listed at around 550g, which is relatively manageable for a big-pit reel at this price point.

What drag system does it use?

It uses a front drag system with micro-pitch adjustment, designed for straightforward control rather than premium quick-drag refinement.

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