Review: Abu Garcia Abumatic Premier 704 Closed Face Reel

With Abu Garcia releasing the new Abumatic 706 closed face reel the previous model the, can now be picked up at very reasonable prices.

The closed face reel was particularly popular back in the 1970’s with match anglers as it allowed them to fish into the wind when conditions would have proved impossible with a fixed spool reel.

The build quality is tough and workman like. Just don’t expect the finish and finesse of a Shimano. It is by modern standards a little clunky and the anti-reverse isn’t quite instant and the paintwork is a little rough in places.

The reel is small and light, weighing only 290 gms and comes with two spools –one shallow and the other deep.



But what is it like to use?

Once on the bank I found it an absolute delight. I loaded mine with approximately 70yards of 4lb line-do not over fill the spool as they do have a reputation for the line bedding in. The bail pins are sensitive, and there is little possibility of spoiling the cast, in fact very little movement the handle is needed to re-engage the pins.

The drag is smooth and relatively sensitive although, it must be said, not as good as that of a fixed spool.

One of the complaints about the early Abumatics, the 506 and 501 reels, was that it was somewhat difficult to remove the spool. This has been solved on the 704 and 706 with a gear lock button that allows the pin housing to be removed easily and quickly.

The reel is, in my opinion, at its best when fishing rivers. Proving more than capable in slow and moderate flows the Abumatic allows the angler excellent control over the float and line release can be smoothly controlled with the fingertips.

Being so small and light and easy to carry, combined with its ease of use and effectiveness on windy days, the Abumatic 704 is now a constant companion on my river fishing trips.

Abu Garcia Abumatic Premier 704 Closed Face Reel
Weight 290 grms
Gear ratio: 3.9:1.
Capacity: 140m/0.24mm
Supplied with a spare spool

Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA Review

You cant help but notice, when picking up the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA for the first time, the sheer quailty of the overall build and finish. The attention to detail is simply excellent. Built from grey graphite and accented in gunmetal with subtle logoing and supplied with two double anodised cold forged aluminium spools these are a tackle tarts dream carp reel.

The reel while stunning to look at also benefits from the latest generation of gearing, oscillation and drag systems which Shimano claim make it the best Bait Runner yet. A bold statement given it’s heritage and  highly regarded ancestry.

Graceful lines and a superb finish
make the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA
a stunning reel from any angle.

The Baitrunner release system has been improved over previous models to ensure almost instant conection to the fish upon the strike.

Having recently hauled a 22.5 lb common from the depths of my local clay pit, while other carpers were failing to land theirs due to the amount of snags and underwater hazards, I can personally vouch for the fact that Shimano have improved the high end tension system on the Bait Runner GTEA.

The Baitrunner control and rear drag system.

The drag control knob has combined coarse and fine tension adjustment. The inner ring of the control knob allows you to set the inital tension and the larger top part allowing fine control during the fight. The design of the rear drag control knob on the Shimano Baitrunner GTEA ensures easy and accurate adjustment even when struggling against the hardest of fighting fish. The drag system is quite possibly the best “fighting drag” system I have ever used.

A crank of the large balanced double handle retrieves a massive 87cm of line per revolution. With the 2 speed oscillation line lay, along with the Aero wrap, ensuring that the line is spooled perfectly for the next cast.

I have found that the improved line lay not only increased my ability to cast greater distances than with my previous set of reels, Bait Runner Aeros circa 1996, but also greatly improved my accuracy.

The addition of the servicing port on the XTEA makes keeping your investment oiled and in good working order a doddle. No more excuses from the idle anglers amongst us that reel upkeep is too complicated or time consuming.

8 Quality bearings ensure a smooth retrieve.

Ranging in size from the 5000 to the 10000 the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA’s are ideal for all small to medium sized waters and ensure that they will cover the majority of your UK freshwater specimen hunting

The Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA has a recommended rrp of £139.99 but incredibly you can now source this superb piece of kit, with a little help from our friends at Google for under £100.00. This, in my opinion, makes the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA the best value carp reel on the market.

Shimano Baitrunner Aero 10000 XTE A features
Weight 600g
Gear Ratio 4.6:1
Capacity 350m/14lb
Line retrieve 870mm