Shakespeare MACH 3 XT Front Drag Reel
RRP £76.99
Vital Statistics
These NEW reels follow on from the tremendous success the original Mach Reel series had. Available in the same sizes in both Front and Rear, the Mach 3 XT versions offer significant improvements from the original models. The NEW Aluminium body and rotor produces a reel that is far more robust and responsive under pressure rather then the previous graphite models. The Front drag has been improved using a HT-100 drag system and this greatly improves the power, reliability and smoothness of the drag. The reels now boast a total of 11 high quality stainless steel bearings in the spec as well as an improved bail arm that has both an oversized roller and large diameter bail wire. The package includes 3 x aluminium shallow spools and 1 x deep aluminium deep spool.
• Smooth sealed carbon fibre drag system
• Supplied with machine cut single aluminium handle & Graphite Double Handle (030 size = single handle only)
• Body and rotor made from lightweight aluminium construction
• Large diameter titanium coated line roller
• Large diameter solid aluminium bail wire
• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft and components
• Supplied in a deluxe reel case
On the Bank Review
Shakespeare have been one of the leading tackle providers for many years, but I have to say that while I’ve had a number of their rods and been very impressed with them I’ve never used any of their reels, so I was interested to see how their present products compared when I was sent one of their new 035 Mach3 XT reels to put through its paces.
Opening up the box first impressions were more than favourable with a padded reel case containing the reel, single & double handles and no less than 3 spare spools all of which were aluminium. Evidently the original Mach3 reels had a graphite body, but these new XT models have an aluminium body and it gives it a lovely solid feel when you handle it. The colour is quite a distinctive burgundy red which with the aluminium spool looks quite attractive.
The first job was to spool up some line which I soon did, with some 3lb going onto one of the 3 match spools and 8lb onto the deeper spool. I have to say that the line lay was spot on, very much on a par with the Daiwa Whisker reels that I currently use.
The acid test of course is actually fishing with it, so down to a local fishery where I knew that I could be guaranteed some sport with some match sized carp. I set the reel up on a Shakespeare Mach3 XT 11ft pellet waggler rod and spooled up with the 3lb line and a 3AAA styro pellet waggler. I have to say that the reel was a delight to use, with the spool being a comfortable distance for my index finger to feather the line if needed. The spools have been fitted with a modified line clip after those on the previous model attracted some criticism The bale arm is positive while the sealed carbon fibre clutch is superbly smooth and offering almost an infinite degree of adjustment without giving a moments concern and in my opinion is right up there and comparable with reels carrying far higher price tags,. The whole feel of the reel inspires confidence, with the steel main shaft and gear components along with 11 ball bearings offering all the cranking power needed, while the 5·2:1 retrieve ratio offers a decent retrieve rate.
In conclusion this Shakespeare Mach3 XT front drag reel offers great value for money with its specification probably being unmatched by any others in its price range and quite a few above it. I feel that Shakespeare have got a winner on their hands with these reels. It will certainly be seeing quite a lot more use by me in the future.
Peter Morton for UKMA
For more information on the Mach 3 reels of any of the other products in the Shakespeare range, please click the image below.
