9 Best Carp Reels Under £100 in 2025: A Total Fishing Review
- By Andy Grenfell
- |
- 28 April 2022
You can spend a significant amount of money on a carp reel, but the most expensive reel is not necessarily the best suited to your needs — especially for anglers who only fish once or twice a year.
This review brings together the nine best carp reels in 2025, retailing at under £100.
Whatever your needs and favourite fishing locations, there is something here for everyone. We cover reels for carp anglers who want to save a few quid or those who are new to the sport.
This article is a perfect read whilst you wait for a bite!
1. DAIWA – 20 CROSSCAST 35 SCW REEL
BEST BUDGET REEL FOR CARP FISHING
The Crosscast 35 SCW Reel is perfect for anglers who want a greater casting distance but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Daiwa keeps the price competitive because the 20 Crosscast 35 SCW uses slightly less expensive materials and components compared to more expensive models.
This reel has features that will appeal to various anglers because it works with a range of different rods. For such a compact and lightweight reel, the Crosscast has an impressive casting distance.
PROS
- Easy cranking from range – A decent crank ratio of 103cms for each turn couldn’t be easier with the solid, aluminium machine-cut handle
- Light and compact – The Crosscast balances well with most rods, including shorter models, because it is lightweight and compact
- Superb line lay – The SCW oscillation means awesome line lay for effortless casting!
CONS
- No spare spool – Not a deal-breaker, but may put some off
- Material differences – Cosmetically, the Daiwa 20 Crosscast looks the part, but the drag disc is plastic. Other internal elements are lighter weight and less robust than you would usually see with Daiwa.
2. SHIMANO Speedmaster 14000 XTC Carp Reel
UNBELIEVABLE SHIMANO QUALITY FOR UNDER £100!
The Shimano Speedmaster 14000 XTC Reel delivers unrivaled quality for a reel under £100.
The 14000 size spool delivers effortless, smooth casts at any range, and the famous Shimano clutch ensures a silky smooth playing performance for those massive fish that you are going to land! The Aero II wrap system ensures line lay is perfect every single time, essential for those long casts!
The 14000 size reels that Shimano produce have an almost cult like stats and the Speedmaster 14000XTC with its sleek, understated looks will be no different. Pick up a Shimano reel and you’ll never go back to another brand ever again!
A lot of thought and tech has gone into the Speedmaster 14000 XT Reel and it clearly shows.
PROS
- Super smooth casting – The large diameter spool coupled with ultra-slow oscillation allows every line to fall parallel to the previous one, ideal for braided fishing lines
- Solid and built to last – Shimano is known for its reliability and longevity
- Aero Wrap II – Superior line lay for effortless long casts
CONS
- Big Reel – Those seeking a smaller alternative should look at the Shimano 5500 XTD.
3. SONIK – INSURGENT 5000 REEL
BEST FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL LIGHT OR THOSE WHO FISH AT CLOSER RANGE
Ideally matched with the Insurgent rods to form an unbeatable partnership, the Sonik Insurgent 5000 reel features a compact body — the perfect choice for small or medium-size carp waters.
The Insurgent 5000 Reel might be small but punches well above its weight. It can pull in a big fish thanks to a smooth clutch and internal gearings that offer both power and balance.
High-quality graphite and machined aluminium create a powerful yet lightweight reel.
PROS
- Smooth performance and operation – Reliable and slick operation provided by the worm shaft gear system
- Stylish design – The matt black finish and wooden handle are classy and on-trend.
- Slick front dag – The Quick Drag operates smoothly without compromising performance
CONS
- Not suitable for long distances – Those who want to cast 150 yards or more will need to look elsewhere
4. DAIWA – 19 EMCAST BR LT REEL
BEST FOR SMALL WATER ENVIRONMENTS AND THE HANDS-ON ANGLER
Daiwa has a reputation for hitting the spot with just the right kit, and the 19 Emcast BR LT Reel does just that. It oozes the usual Daiwa quality whilst its design means it can cope with the challenging conditions of winter fishing.
The ‘LT’ stands for ‘light and tough’, and this reel is perfect for anglers who like to stalk fish and prefer the conventional style baitrunner/freespool reel.
Eight ball bearings keep the spool revolving effortlessly, and the renowned ‘Bite ‘n’ Run’ feature offers easy free spooling. An anti-reverse function switch on the back of the spool enables complete control.
PROS
- Can handle the biggest fish – The front drag manages sudden lunges with a quick and responsive reaction. It is easily adjustable at the front of the spool
- Value for money – The Airbail, Twistbuster, and Castlock are features you would only expect to find on higher-priced designs
- Spare spool included – A great free addition
CONS
- Limited for long casting – This reel isn’t as suitable for medium and long casting environments
5. FOX – EOS 10000 PRO REEL
BEST FOR VERSATILE FISHING AND PERFECT FOR NEWCOMERS
The Fox EOS 10000 Pro Reel modernises the best-selling EOS 10000 and enhances it with added upgrades. Fox has created a stylish reel in matte black and gun smoke grey that looks on-trend and delivers serious performance.
This lovely, balanced reel easily handles short distance and medium casts, depending on which rod you use. It is not a large reel but performs with the assurance of a larger and more expensive reel.
The Fox EOS 10000 Pro Reel steps up to more expansive water without a problem, so you won’t find yourself limited to smaller venues. The combined clutch and free spool facility offer a flexible and sensitive response capable of responding to different situations, whether you are targeting carp in rivers or lakes.
PROS
- Super-slick line lay – Beautifully slow oscillation offers perfect line lay
- Smooth action – Nine stainless-steel ball bearings provide a super smooth performance without drag or friction
- Easy operation – The pre-set clutch means no fiddling around to change the clutch settings. Just flick a switch to activate the easily adjustable free spool facility
CONS
- No spare spool – There is no spare spool with this reel.
6. SHIMANO – BAITRUNNER DL 10000RB
BEST FOR REALABILITY
With a powerful 4.6:1 ratio, the Shimano Baitrunner DL 10000RB offers all top-tier tech for a competitively priced item. This big reel for a small price is well-suited to the challenges of carp fishing.
On-trend with understated graphics, the Baitrunner DL 1000 RB has a greybody and cold-forged aluminium main spool with a spare spool as standard.
This reel from Shimano features a classic rear Baitrunner system that is incredibly easy to use. The DL 10000 is a rear drag option with a balanced double handle, aluminium AR-C spool, and Varispeed line lay. It can comfortably compete with reels costing twice as much.
PROS
- Perfect line lay — This reel includes the Shimano AR-C spool partnered with the Varispeed oscillation for an optimal line lay every time
- Smooth, no wobble performance – Shimano Baitrunners feature Dyna-balance technology to eliminate any wobble or judder on winding
- Impressive line capacity – 430 yards of 12lbs
CONS
- Heavy – At 595g, this model is weightier than other comparable reels
7. MITCHELL – FULL RUNNER MX6
BEST FOR BEGINNER ANGLERS
The Full Runner MX6 by Mitchell doesn’t flaunt its quality. Instead, it has a quiet competence and a premium reputation. Available in three sizes, 5000, 7000 and 9000, this is a stylish reel suitable for a wide variety of rods.
The MX6 is a free spool reel that makes fishing easy for beginners. It is effortless to use with a nice lightweight feel that inspires confidence in a range of fishing environments.
This reel has a short but strong body, delivering impressive performance. A custom design handle featuring a slick one-touch folding function, stylishly finished in rosewood, completes the setup.
PROS
- Strong and robust – Corrosion resistant ball bearings make this reel the perfect choice for beginners
- Smooth operation – Responsive and smooth clutch with plenty of control impress even anglers who don’t like using a clutch
CONS
- Lack of features - Although great for beginners, those more experienced will prefer something with more bells and whistles to offer
8. WYCHWOOD – EXORCIST 6500 REEL
BIG, STRONG AND RELIABLE AT A GREAT PRICE.
Designed by Wychwood to cast a long way, the Exorcist 6500 Reel comes up with the goods. This reel offers top performance in a compact unit so that you can land big carp without spending a fortune on a larger reel.
If you are thinking about making the transition to a big pit reel, the Exorcist 6500 is the perfect place to start. It offers precision and versatility with anti-reverse technology fitted as standard.
Although not a big reel, the casting performance is super smooth and will still cast a long way in the right hands.
PROS
- Outstanding cranking performance – An oversized main shaft provides tremendous cranking power, allowing the angler precision and control over the catch, even over a long distance
- Superior line lay – The Exorcist 6500 offers a very impressive smooth line lay, particularly compared to other compact reels, creating distance with ease
- Lightweight for easy storage and transportation – The Exorcist 6500’s compact aluminium body is easy to transport and store. It lacks the bulk and awkwardness of larger reels that offer similar performance
CONS
9. DAIWA CROSSCAST CARP 5000C QD REEL
BEST FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE SHORT TO MEDIUM CASTING RANGE
Daiwa have produced quality carp reels for years and years and the Crosscast 500C QD is no different. Coming in at under £75 this reel is absolutely perfect for those who want high performance but a lower price.
The 35mm tapered spool is perfect for effortless casts while the size of the reel is perfect for short to medium range work. The QD spool (quick drag) means that the spool can go from fully locked to freespool in just a quarter turn.
A lot of thought has gone into producing a quality carp fishing reel for a great price and if you are in the market for some new reels, then give these a very good look!
PROS
- Complete control of free spool – The Crosscast 5000C QD features Daiwa’s renowned QD Drag, giving the angler total control of fish playing and free spool
- Extensive line length – The 35mm spool holds an impressive amount of line without compromising retrieval. It offers 120cm per turn of the handle even on a sub 5.0:1 ratio
- Increased accuracy of gear meshing – All provided by Digigear II, helping to optimise performance under loading without losing that smooth feel
CONS
- Not suitable for those who want to cast a long way – If you switch between short and long range fishing then these may not be the best reels for you.
Conclusion
A fishing reel should complement your rods, striking that essential balance between the weight and feel. It should be solid and made to a high standard. For under £100, you can purchase well-made, quality reels from the selection featured here.
For more affordable carp fishing equipment, including tackle, rods, rigs, and apparel, check out Total Fishing Tackle! Your one-stop-shop for angling, brought to you by anglers.
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