Daiwa Sports Ltd

Although having the top of the range Basias really is all well and good for an experienced carp angler, not all carp anglers can afford these and in fact not all carp anglers need such a reel. Far better to have a balanced rod and reel combination, than putting all your hard earned cash on one rod or reel which could be to the detriment of something else.

With the winter we've just had, I've been putting my new Windcast reels through an “all weather” test and I have to say they've come through with full marks. Dragged in the mud, left in the sand, covered in snow and ice and they are still as silky smooth as the day I got them.

The ones I went for were the bog standard WD-SS5500 which at under a £100 are well within the price range of most carp anglers targeting decent sized carp. Not forgetting that at that price they come with a free spare spool which means I can have fluorocarbon and monofilament at my disposal at all times.

The spool loaded beautifully with the excellent line lay and playing fish was a joy and the line after numerous casts, and fish, is still as perfect as when I first put it on. The line clip is mega and even down to 10lb mainline it does not crease, is easy to use and doesn't need tampering with in any way, shape or form. The size of the reel means I can never outcast them and even with straight through 15lb mainline, 100 yards is not a problem. That’s down to the reel not to me I confess.

They look the business, anglers love the size and price and I am sure that this summer I will be just one of many appreciating their cost and build quality. Yes I will still use the Basias at times but I would think that for at least 80% of my fishing the Windcasts will be on the Amorphous rods. With Twistbuster, Castlock, Line Guard and so on...Daiwa really are making these the reels to be seen with, and no carp will be safe.... Get yourself some now because they won't be hanging around long in dealers I am sure.

Julian Cundiff