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Best Barbel Reel

Took delivery of a Shimano DL2500FA.
Mainly for chub and tight swims.
First impressions are very good.
they are, got a pair for my light specialist rods and a pair of the 4000DL's for my avons but still have 5000/ 6000 gteB's on the barbel rods.

the suverans S4000M's are usually for my hexagraphs when the pin's are not used or for spinning for anything that will take a spinner, pike chub perch, even mackerel off the beach:rolleyes: but, apart from the build quality, the main reason their so good is the drag smooth and powerful. first saw them in the late 90's at Mr Wilson's shop in Norwich, but was after some white 10,000 biomaster big pits at the time while suffering from carpitis :D. wish i'd got them back then. if anyone wants to have something like them in a budget they do a cheaper far eastern version although also out of production, and the drag and gears is pretty much the same

last thing though, when you do need spares for a suveran don't hold your breath, no longer stocked. i managed to one with the bale-arm casting on the rotor broken one for spares but it's a 2000 size so limited to gears ad rear casing parts, managed to get £40 for the 2 spools on ebay though that nearly covered it's cost. thing being, their worth getting as broken so re-sell as bits;)

there is a stella 4000 on ebay now, started at £199, i'll stick with the ABU's:D
 
Ive landed several big barbel this season in tight swims using shimano dl 2500 fa..absulutely cracking reels, nice clutch for under the rod tip lunges..these reels are fantastic and i cant fault them in any department..:)
 
Just ordered a pair of new 4000 DL FA reels off Ebay. Got them for £120 including delivery, so I'm well chuffed. I hope they're as good as people say.
For that money I really couldn't resist.:D
 
I've got a couple of the DA4000's and can confirm they are a great reel especially for the price. Lovely smooth clutch, line lay is good and solidly made. It's my first season with them, so the jury is still out, but i'm very impressed thus far. Probably the best reel for the price bracket IMO.
 
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