In this weeks tackle review, we take a look the Shimano Ultegra 14000 Xtd big pit carp reel.
I’ve been using these reels for a few weeks now, so will share my thoughts on these reels including all the features and will be keeping this review up to date regularly.
So what did I want from a new carp reel?
Well I needed a big pit carp reel that guaranteed me reliability, built from quality components, which is lightweight and stylish but not too expensive.
When looking for new carp reels I checked videos, reviews and asked other anglers their recommended big pit carp reel, I was recommended by a lot of anglers to check out the Shimano Ultegra 14000 Xtd reels.
Big pit carp reels from a design perspective haven’t really changed in the last 10 years, but Shimano is known for listening to anglers feedback and by making small improvements and tweaks, resulting in the production of the best carp reels on the market.
I’m so far very impressed with them and are definitely the best carp reels I’ve ever used.
Below is my full review including all the features that make up these carp reels.
The Review
One of the Shimano Ultegra 14000 Xtd’s main features is the instant drag, going from taking line to a tight drag when playing the fish with a single turn is very user friendly.
There’s no need for continued turning like a lot of other carp reels on the market, giving you ultimate control. This is great for weedy or snaggy waters where reel control can prevent you from losing a fish of a lifetime.
The next feature I noticed on first inspection may so a little silly, but these reels have a simple but well designed line clip.
I’ve used a few different carp reels throughout the years, which included fiddly, cheap and flimsy line clips so the line clip on the Shimano’s is one of the little things that makes me a very happy angler (sad I know).
The reel includes a unique slow oscillation and brilliant line lay, which means the line can pull off the spool fast, this can be great for distance casting, making the reels ideal for most European type waters.
One of the main things I notice when using the reels for the first time was how lightweight they are compared to others I’ve used in the past.
In my opinion they’re half the weight of my old Wychwood exorcist reels which makes casting very enjoyable and keeps my overall tackle weight down yet again, which is great for the mobile angler.
One of the biggest issues I’ve had with reels in the past is the line getting caught up in the back of the spool, resulting in you having the take off the spool, sort out the twisted line and put the spool back on again.
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 Xtd reels come with a unique line guard, which is placed behind the spool, this eradicates the line issue, which is a big thumbs up for me.
These reels have silky smooth handle turning due the bearings and gears hidden away in the reel.
The reel comes in matt black with chrome parts throughout, giving a super stylish look and in my opinion the best looking reels on the market.
These reels work well in conjunction with Gardner’s HD line and is super simple to re spool line onto it.
These are excellent carp reels for the money and most likely, the best carp reels you will find for under £150.
The key features include:
- Super Slow Oscillation
- Instant Drag (1 Turn)
- Lightweight (645g)
- Large line capacity
- Comes with a spare spool and accessories
How much?
Buy cheap and buy twice is something that comes to mind when I think of carp reels.
I’ve been through numerous carp reels ranging from £50- £80 and seem last me for around a few years each. If your into your carp fishing and looking for a well built, reliable reel that I’ve been told can last for over 10 years than a Shimano carp reel could be the one for you.
You can find the Shimano Ultegra 14000 Xtd big pit carp reels for around £159 each from most Shimano stockists. You can also find the them a little cheaper at around £127 from sites such as ebay and amazon.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this review of the Shimano Ultegra 14000 Xtd carp reels. If you have any questions about the reel I’ll be happy to answer them in the comments below.
Don’t forget to check out our other tackle reviews, news and carp fishing guides.
[…] to use. Super lightweight and spool off line on the cast with ease. Check out the review for the Shimano Ultegra 14000 Xtd reels […]
How does the line clip treat the line when casting clipped up on these?
Hi Marius, been using these reels for around half a year now and I have had no issues at all with line damage when clipping up and 80% of my fishing is clipping up to specific distances. The clip is curved and metal so it’s solid, strong and easy to use. Thanks for the comment. Mike
Great, thanks!
If you choose to buy them, let us know how you get on with them!
Hello,
I am considering buying myself 3 of these reels, but I just wanted to know what your thoughts on them are now that you’ve had them for a while?
Are they built to last? (Hard to tell what’s plastic and what’s not)
How well do they handle when playing a fish?
Is the instant drag useful or does it take away some level of control?
Hope you don’t mind answering these questions and anything else you’d like to add about your experience using them is welcome.
Thank you
Hi roosh, These reels are great, they take a few sessions to get used to how the drag works but after a while they become very easy to use. Great value for money and very well built. The only down side I’ve had is line getting trapped under the spool but this could be to do new line loaded onto the spool, if you decide to get them let us know how you get on with them 😉
At what point does the line trap usually happen? Does it happen often?
The last session it happened a few times casting out but I believe that wetting the line can help with this plus it was new line on the spool.
OK, thank you for your honesty, I appreciate it
No problem!
[…] can find our Shimano Ultegra 14000 XTD Reel review […]
Hi everyone, think I’m pretty much decided on these reels, what rods would you recommend or nicely with these?
Yeah these reels are awesome and haven’t had any major issues which you would expect from a Shimano reel, personally I’ve matched these reels with Wychwood C 201 rods
Hi so looking to get these reels but in the review above it said about the line guard stopping line from going behind the spool, but in the comments line was getting caught behind it before casting so how much of an issue is it and how often does it happen? Thanks
Hi Richard Thanks for the comment. I believe when I first used these reels I had it a few times still go behind the reel but I think this was due to new line and new reel experience but after a sessions I had no issues what so ever. Just make sure you wet the line on the spool before using them for the first few times. These are great reels and used by some top names in the angling scene. Good luck! Mike
Hi Mike.
Looking at getting a set of these, have you still got yours? If so how have they been after this time?
Lots of reviews about line going behind the spool.
And also many saying the clutch is sticky and needs carbon washers fitted.
Cheers
Gary
Hey Gary, I’ve been using these reels for a few years now and have had no problems. I know that you can get upgraded washers etc but haven’t bothered with them so far. In terms of line going behind the reel, all reels I’ve used in the past have had this issue but I’ve had it alot less the past few years. It’s a great reel for the money and haven’t needed to replace them yet. Hope this helps!