8000 size Fixed spool recommendations

[Pete B]

Looking to purchase a 8000 size fixed spool. Normally would immediately go for Daiwa or Shimano but I had a look at shimano's reels and there is quite a selection. I dont mind paying proper money for decent build quality but would appreciate some recommendations before I go shopping. Fixed spools are a simple bit of kit mechanism-wise but the prices vary greatly, (probably because of the build quality) trouble is the likes of Shimano dont make a habit of telling you what you are paying the extra for.

[cuckoo]

Well pete for me the shimano gt range , if there still about lol ,
i used these many years ago and thought they were a great f s reel , they must have been updated !!!!! expensive though if i remember about 90 quid , or for cheapness fladen do some great fixed spools aound the 50 quid mark !!!! i know which 1 id go for though !!!!!

lee.

[solehunter]

I know mitchell do a 8500 but i cant remember the model name, as do penn........but again, i cant remember the modle!!!!!!

[cuckoo]

Penn do the surfmaster 750 and 850 models new for 2007, a great price too around the 50 quid mark !!!! claims 200 yrds plus casting ability !!!!!

lee.

[cuckoo]

Shimano biomaster xsa 8000 , around the 80 quid mark !!!!
shimano navi xsa 8000 , around the 70 quid mark ,
trial and error on this one pete !!!!

lee

[Metal_Micky]

Iv got a pair of shimano biomaster 8000gtx reels, they seem pretty good, and i got 1 of mine for £75 inc p&p after shopping about a bit. Worth the extra £25 above a cheapo any day,

[mrfish]

Hi Pete,

For the long range coarse fishing I've been using a Diawa emblem Pro and I have been very impressed with it. It's very well built has an infinite anti reverse a massive 5 to 1 gear ratio and comes with a spare spool. The only downside is that it costs around a £100.

For at least 10 years I have been using Diawa tournament reels for long rage fishing but after using the Emblem pro for 10 months I am very tempted to change all my reels over.

Hope that helps.

Steve

[Pete B]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations.
Thanks mrfish, I must admit for fixed spools Daiwa tops my list, its good to know they've stood up to a ten year test, they must feel like an extension of your arm!. Do you know if emblem pro or the tournament range is salt-water friendly or do they do re-badge a fresh-water version with another name.
Cheers again
Pete

[reelbargains]

The latest catalogue doesn't actually say, Pete (nice one Daiwa). It's magnesium that you have to stick clear of in saltwater fishing reels and the latest Tournament (ISO QD) and the Tournament BASIA have magnesium alloy bodies, so I'd personally steer clear.
They still do the old Tournament ST (been around for years) and I 'think' that one's OK. It just doesn't say anything about the Emblem Pro.
Best I can do!

[Pete B]

Cheers ad, maybe a 2nd hander off ebay then! keep me informed mate, I dont mind spending a bit of dough for a good'un just dont want a re-badge fresh-water model.
Cheers again

[meoc4life]

mitchell avocet series are good i think they have one that size

[mrfish]

admin said:

Do you know if emblem pro or the tournament range is salt-water friendly

Daiwa UK website is not up and running at the moment but I did find this

www.daiwa.ca/tackle/reels/spin-sw/emp/index.html

I will get in contact with diawa uk to confirm this.

Steve

[mrfish]

I've been in contact with Daiwa and they have confirmed that both the Emblem pro and the Tournament ts5000t reals will be fine with salt water provided that they are washed off with fresh water after every use.

You can still pick up the Tournament ts5000t but they will cost £150 brand new and the spare spools are £50 each! They can be picked up for around £100 second hand.

The Emblem Pro will cost between £100 - £110 and comes with a spare spool.

Out of the two I would look at the Emblem pro.

Steve

[Pete B]

Cheers Steve, much appreciated mate!