New Toy

As posted before i do a fair bit of testing new and exciting gear from all over the world through the guys at Topwater and http://www.basslures.co.uk/ and i recently recieved this fab new Reel from the guys at Sakura. Nick sent me out for my up and coming Ireland trip the 2010 Sakura Alpax 4008FD, this reel is pretty much everything a lure angler could want.

Now using a Non Shimano reel is almost a hangable offence, BUT this reel really does do the job well! as you can see its got modern styling following the trends as of late with anodised spools with machined holes throughout. with a one piece forged BIO handle with a really cosy grip. the bearings in the grip are smooth as butter and spin endlessly, it swallowed up a good 100metres of 30lb PowerPro with Backing which is plenty for UK fishing. it comes with 7 cartridge bearings and one roller bearing so its smooth and runs clean and fairly light for a ALL metal reel. the one niggle i have with it is the 5.0:1 line pick up...... im used to fast 6.0 plus Shimano's and it took a bit of getting used to but instantly felt good to use. the drag is smooth and packs plenty of punch, it has micro adjustment so plenty of scope for cranking up and down on the drag, all in all this reel has really impressed and i wouldnt shy off buying another one out of my own pocket as in any new reel time will tell and ill keep you updated once iv abused it on the pollack of southwest ireland next week. retailing at around a £100 i believe you cant go far wrong.... please check it out on www.basslures.co.uk