Shimano Baitrunner ST RB Reel review
By Tom Calder
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: prices for this exact reel vary widely across UK tackle retailers.
- Best for
- The reel upgrade — the name UK anglers mean when they say 'baitrunner'.
as of 4 Nov 2026, 19:07 GMT · 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.We earn a commission if you buy through the retailer links on this page. It doesn't change our verdict. How we make money →
Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's specifications, owner reports and our own sizing.
What we like
- 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
Worth knowing
- Price varies widely by retailer — check two or three before buying
- A 10000 is overkill on a light beginner rod
ⓘ 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. When two products are close, commission can decide which one we pick. A clearly better product always wins. 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.
Key specs
| Type | Freespool (baitrunner) reel |
| Key detail | The benchmark freespool lever — line release without touching the drag |
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check 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 it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.
If this isn’t the one
Best for The first thing to buy — knowledge before kit, and this is the classic.
in stock when checkedas of 4 Nov 2026, 19:07 GMT · 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.
Best for The step up from a starter combo — a matched two-rod carp outfit in one box.
as of 4 Nov 2026, 19:07 GMT · 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.
Best for The benchmark bite alarms — the difference between fishing at night and guessing.
as of 4 Nov 2026, 19:07 GMT · 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.Free alerts for your home
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