Shimano Baitrunner ST RB Reel review
The reel upgrade — the name UK anglers mean when they say 'baitrunner'.
By Tom Calder · Price last checked 20 Sep 2026, 12:29 BST · price-tracked
Shimano's Baitrunner is the reel that gave freespool fishing its everyday name, and it's the classic single-item upgrade once a bundled starter reel starts feeling rough. The lever lets a taking fish pull line freely without disturbing your drag setting — exactly what carp and barbel fishing needs. Buy the size that matches your rod's rating rather than the biggest number, and shop around: we've seen this exact reel from around £58 to £85 across UK tackle retailers.
as of 20 Sep 2026, 12:29 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.ⓘ As an Amazon Associate, PreparedBritain earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission when you buy, or a fee when you request a quote, through our links — it never affects what we recommend. Amazon prices come from Amazon's own product data and show the date and time they were retrieved. Prices at other retailers are checked by us, less often. Prices and stock can change at any time, so always check the retailer's price before you buy.
- The benchmark freespool mechanism, built to last seasons
- Instant resistance-free line release on a take
- Sized range (4000–10000) covers barbel to big-pit carp work
- Price varies widely by retailer — check two or three before buying
- A 10000 is overkill on a light beginner rod
Key specs
| Type | Freespool (baitrunner) reel |
| Key detail | The benchmark freespool lever — line release without touching the drag |
Our rating is a considered spec-and-evidence verdict: we verify every specification against at least two independent sources, re-check the UK price on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who a product isn't for. Commissions never change a rating. Read the full methodology →
Alternatives to consider
as of 20 Sep 2026, 12:29 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.as of 20 Sep 2026, 12:29 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Want this cheaper?
Prices for 364 tracked products are refreshed daily — last sweep 20 September 2026. Leave your email and we'll tell you when it drops — nothing else.