Shimano Baitrunner ST RB Reel review
The reel upgrade — the name UK anglers mean when they say 'baitrunner'.
By Tom Rowland · Updated 20 July 2026 · Price checked against our tracker
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.
Retailer prices vary widely (~£58–£85) — worth comparing
ⓘ We may earn a commission when you buy through our links — it never affects what we recommend, and we buy everything we test.
- 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, track the UK price daily, and say plainly who a product isn't for. Commissions never change a rating. Read the full methodology →
Alternatives to consider
Want this cheaper?
We track this price daily. Leave your email and we'll tell you when it drops — nothing else.