Here's a great new fixed-spool reel from the Avanti stable - the 3-ball bearing Azure RD 300.
The main body of the reel is coated in a distinctive silky smooth 'rubber' finish, blue in colour - it really looks the business. This hi-tec coating should stop groundbait and general grime sticking to the body and prolong the life of the reel.
The reel comes complete with an aluminium and graphite spools (both with line clips), quick folding ambidextrous handle, brass pinion gearing and a smooth rear drag. Neatly designed, the rear drag simply turns and doesn't unscrew from the body, so no dirt or grit can gain entry. There's nothing worse than a stiff, scratchy clutch for losing fish.
The anti-reverse is situated on the top of the body – easily found in 'panic attack' situations when you decide to back-wind whilst playing a fish.
Give the reel a good spin and there's no spool wobble, the gear ratio is not stated - but I reckon it's around 5.5. The bale arm closes with a subdued clunk, not a nasty 'clank' as found on some of the low-priced reels.
I looked at the diagram of all the reel's parts, there's 62 different items used in its construction, which asks the question – how do you manufacture and assemble a reel of this quality for less than £20?
Overall if you have £19.99 to spend on a reel, this one is a worthy contender, give it a spin, you won't be disappointed.
Available from Dragon Carp Direct, telephone 01246 540140 or visit their website www.dragoncarpdirect.com
Good fishing to you all - Kevin Miles