The Diawa 2503, or latest equivalent, is the best reel i’ve ever used. They are front drag with tremendous winding power. I’ve had mine for 10 years & cannot fault them. I also have an larger model Airity, which again is 7 or 8 years old, & use it for the method or distance pellet/bagging wag on waters such as Stafford Moor, Boddington & Drayton. It’s taken all i’ve thrown at it & never a complaint.
Regards Peter.

My one is the best one.

Well tom-d i suggest you share your secret with us! How long have you been manufacturing reels, & where is the nearest stockist?

i think its all down to personal choice ….. ive been using a team daiwa 3012 for a while now and had carp up to 22lb on the waggler and it handels them no problem and also had so very big weights

TDX all the way.

The new TDR’s are well worth a look, everything the TDX has and more. Plus a QD spool making setting the drag so much easier.

New TDR……when are they out??

Your best recommendation can only come from an angler with no sponsor .A man whose parted with hard earned cash . A match angler who’s truly given said reel a right hammering . A good example of sound thinking in the pole minefield is the tournament pro that’s stood the test of time . Problem buying reels is finding where reels are used that often to prove themselves . Maybe some legwork round the right venues would help .Years ago I believed a reel truly made in Japan was best engineered now they mostly come from china and a lot of tackle companies don’t want to tell you . The old adage you only gets what you pay for is possibly but not certain to be right . Take your time and best of luck ! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

@Gary wrote:

Many thanks all for the helpful responses

Carpmagic, when is the new TDR out? The double-handled TDR was my preference before putting this thread up, so I would be interested to know if there is a new model coming out. Also, please excuse my ignorance, but what is a “QD spool”?

I would also be interested to hear any alternative opinions. It is clear that TDR and TDX seem to be the most popular on the bank, so interested to know if anyone can offer a clear argument for going for one over the other, or if there are any other makes / models that I should be considering.

Gary,a QD Spool is a spool fitted with a QD=quick drag facility which means that the spool can go from set up with the drag to free spool with half a turn of the front drag lever on the front of the spool.

Shimano 5000 XTEA for me….wag & feeder work….the dogs danglies but each to there own innit….

ive had my TDR now for 4 or 5 years, still a superb reel, smooth as silk
best reel ive ever owned….
just bought a Daiwa ballistic and that is brilliant as well!

the new TDR is out now..
https://www.tackleuk.co.uk/#advanced_search_result/go=1&key=tdr

As has been said the new TDR’s are out now, single or double handle versions in the smaller sizes as well.

If you have the money the daiwa airily 3012 is great, plenty of power and due to continuous casting extremely lightweight….. :p