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Tackle Tuesday... Shimano Big Baitrunner XT-A LC
I remember when I was a young lad, I had some Birthday money to spend and was desperate to purchase a Shimano Baitrunner, I remember Dad taking me to the local tackle shop and I stood there for ages peering through the glass cabinet examining the models.
I think at the time it was probably the Shimano GT 5010 Baitrunner, that really caught my eye, unfortunately my birthday money didn’t quite stretch to the asking price, so It was one for another day.
I remember that summer, to earn my pocket money; I was given the job of watering all the plants and hanging baskets! Everyday I carried the watering can 3-4 times up and down the drive, knowing that the hard work would soon be worth it!
Eventually after a few weeks of slave labour (I was only twelve or something!) I had saved enough to purchase one. Soon I was the proud owner of my very first Shimano Baitrunner; it was then just the case of saving up to purchase another so I’d own a pair!
I owned the reels for probably ten years and they landed numerous specimen Carp, Tench and Bream and they really were a joy to use.
At the time these were the ‘must have’ reels, especially for anglers who were on the blossoming Carp and Specimen scene, but fast forward to the present day and these reels are now a distant memory.
Once at the top of the pecking order for Shimano Baitrunners, they have been replaced many times over and now smoother, sleeker, shinier models take president, with one in particular standing head and shoulders above the competition… What am I talking about?It is of course the jewel in Shimano’s Baitrunner Crown, the Royals Royce of Baitrunners…the new Shimano Big Baitrunner XT-A LC!
The Big Baitrunner XTA LC (Long Cast) reel is highly regarded by Shimano and by thousands of carp and specimen anglers up and down the country.
This is the predecessor to the original Shimano LC Baitrunner, which had an unsurpassed reputation as the definitive Big Pit reel; in fact it started the trend for big reels over 15 years ago! Its replacement, the sleek, modern, XT-A LC, is set to enhance the reputation further.
After being on the market for 11 years Shimano decided to upgrade the Long Cast with their latest technologies, when they started redeveloping it they set the target to come up with a totally new design, but keep the strong image of its predecessor and this is exactly what they have achieved.Powerful, understated and full of the best Shimano technical innovation, the new Big Baitrunner features an AR-C spool with slow oscillation Aerowrap II line lay, a combination which ensures maximum distance casting performance.
Internally all ball bearings are shielded A-RB for increased durability and the gears have been redesigned to minimize friction and increase power transfer from the long aluminium handle to the rotor.
The result is the ultimate long range carp and specimen reel!
The reel is packed with the following features:
Baitrunner System: A feature that has proved so beneficial that it has become a standard on big fish reels. Baitrunner is a lever located on the rear of the reel that allows the reel to be set so that line is released in controlled free-spool.
Dyna Balance: Reduces reel wobble and allows produces ultra-smooth performance.Super Stopper II: With the reel set in anti-reverse mode you'll find zero free-play on the handle thanks to Super Stopper II. Unerringly positive every time, its practical benefits include micro increment settings of quiver tips or specialist bite indicators and faster hook setting.
Power Roller: The special design of the Shimano Power Roller significantly reduces line twist during the retrieve and is a big advantage when using thin mono and braid.
Floating Shaft II: The key friction area on most fixed spool reels is where the spool drive shaft meets the pinion. Shimano designers have overcome this by reducing a large percentage of surface area contact, and incorporating bearings on either side of the shaft. The resultant design leaves the shaft in a "floating" position, considerably improving efficiency and longevity.
Varispeed: Good quality line lay is the most important feature for precise, long and accurate casting. Shimanos revolutionary Varispeed System consists of two specially designed gears. One is oval and the other a remarkable square shape!
AR-C Spool: A spool design with a V-shape spool lip ensuring that the line comes off the reel in smaller loops for further and more accurate casting. The AR-C spool will minimise the risk of backlash.Aero Wrap II: By improving the internal friction efficiency Shimano succeeded in bringing its line lay systems close to perfection. Close parallel coils in combination with 2 speed oscillation ensure smoother and further casting.
S-ARB: The original high corrosion resistant A-RB ball bearing with a shielding for improved protection and sealed lubrication.
Technical Spec: - Ball Bearings: 5x S-ARB - Power Roller - Spare Spool: 0 - Floating Shaft II - Baitrunner System - Varispeed - Dyna Balance - AR-C Spool - Super Stopper - Aero Wrap II - Roller Bearings: 1 - S-ARB
New Sizes
When Shimano introduced the smaller size Big Pit reels a couple of years ago they noticed an increasing demand in smaller-sized big spool reels for the carp and coarse fishing markets. Therefore two sizes of the BTR LC have been developed!
The new Big and Medium Baitrunner XT-LC will steal the hearts of many anglers and exceed its renowned reputation.
Shimano Baitrunner LC Medium - Code: MBTRXTALC – Weight: 615g - Ratio: 5.3:1
Shimano Baitrunner LC Big - Code: BBTRXTALC - Weight: 790g - Ratio: 4.6:1
Buy The Shimano Big Baitrunner LC
