Shimano Baitrunner 6000: XTR-RA, XT-RA, XTEA or GTE-C?

[Gavin Merivale]

Given the choice of these reels which would you go for and why, please?

Is there really a noticeable difference?

Thank you

 

[Neil Blood]

Have you considered 6000 OC or 6000D. Bomb proof with smooth front clutch

 

[Barry Peck]

6000 XT RB

 

[Terry Harman]

I would go for the daiwa….

 

[Gavin Merivale]

Have you considered 6000 OC or 6000D. Bomb proof with smooth front clutch

Yes and Thunnus.

I would go for the daiwa….

but which Daiwa… Castizm BR, Emblem BR, Emcast, GS?

 

[Gavin Merivale]

6000 XT RB

Is that the current one?

 

[Jim Gregory]

What are you using it for Gavin , and what size/weight rod.?

 

[Gavin Merivale]

What are you using it for Gavin , and what size/weight rod.?

For a 12ft twin top (1.75 & 2lb). Bit of a Jack of all trades: lower River Thames (not tidal) & other rivers, small & medium lakes, barbel, tench, small carp, occasionally pike. I’ve tried various 4000 size reels and they just don’t balance the rod very well. Hence, a step up. Had my Daiwa reels go wrong but Shimano rear drags not. Never had a Shimano front drag reel.

 

[Barry Peck]

Is that the current one?

Yes mate

 

[Jim Gregory]

I think I would lean towards an OC ,D or Thunnus baitrunner, in the 6000 size... or depending on your distances regarding lake work, even the 5500 medium baitrunner.
But for me, up to 2lb test a 4000 would be perfect for the river. But not for distance work on lakes, so a bit of a conundrum really ... There isn't really a reel that fits all of your requirements, only you would know through trail and errors.
And that's part of the fun of fishing ....
.. for the disciplines you have described
Id suggest a bit of a test before committing, especially if it's a brand new Thunnus for e.g ....

 

[Cliff Turner]

For a 12ft twin top (1.75 & 2lb). Bit of a Jack of all trades: lower River Thames (not tidal) & other rivers, small & medium lakes, barbel, tench, small carp, occasionally pike. I’ve tried various 4000 size reels and they just don’t balance the rod very well. Hence, a step up. Had my Daiwa reels go wrong but Shimano rear drags not. Never had a Shimano front drag reel.

id say the Daiwa SS2600 would be perfect, not everyones cup of tea but will def do all the above with ease

 

[Dave Brooksbank]

Never had a Shimano front drag reel.

Far better than a rear drag imo....
You can't go wrong with the OC D or Thunnus.

 

[Terry Harman]

Yes and Thunnus.

but which Daiwa… Castizm BR, Emblem BR, Emcast, GS?

SS1000 decent ones do pop up on ebay

 

[Terry Harman]

Or if you want something a bit modern whisker 25qd

 

[Bill Walford]

Or if you want something a bit modern whisker 25qd

View attachment 35432

Couldn’t use that Terry..it’s got red on it

 

[Bob Watson]

One of These with a quick drag conversion. Supposedly an improvement on the SS.

Or the original shimmy Aero GTE's, GTE-B's, I have both in various sizes and they've been faultless for years. No experience with other Shimmy's!

 

[Carl Massey]

I've used GTE 6000's in the past so if they're spending most of the time on a rod rest then good. If you're after something a bit lighter the Daiwa Whisker 25qd are really nice (even in red) as I got a pair for small time carping so think I'll try those this year on the river. I've also got a Shimano 4000 FB which again is lighter than the GTE's and would be great for roving work.
It depends really if you're are Front drag or Baitrunner/Rear drag person. I'd probably take your rods to a good tackle shop and try them out on the reels you're thinking about. The mechanics on most reels now are pretty good so it's really a choice on drag and aesthetics.