they`re basically the same reel except the "kennet" has a rather naff line guard (its fixed) if it was remveable it would be bettet ,it could do withh sitting a 1mm or two lower too aid batting the drum as it can get in the way .

although i own a "kennet" i had too improove the line guard to make it suitable for wallis casting ( I hacked out two of the supporting struts) allowing a free flowing space for the lines travel when casting

I may grind off a mm or two from off the top rail of the guard at a later date .




thats me that is ,testing out the now tangle free "kennet" wallis caster .the line now feeds directly from the spool through a elongated gap in the guard which allows for a unhindered cast whilst preventing the line from being blown behind the back of the reel in windy conditions like those on the testing day on the Idle .

you`ll notice the angle i had too have my hand whilst batting the drum because of the awkwardness of the lineguards hieght which masks the rim of the spool slightly ,and the position of the handles ( which i normally have removed ).

if you`ve not had much experiance with centrepins go for the sheffield it won`t let you down and its mush better too learn too cast without a guard ,they are usually more trouble than they`re worth .and you`ll be a better angler for it .

---------- Post added at 07:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:46 PM ----------

its a pre-set drag ,you set it before fishing ,It might have fine enough adjustment too be set for gently holding back of a stick float ,or be usefull for still water ledgering for margin carp or maybe for barbel fishing if your not holding the rod ,i might have too borrow one of someone too try out ,but iam not a fan of the blue colour for that reel .

well, if you haven't bought one yet,....don't! They are nice reels but outclassed by the lewtham leeds reels, the big 5 and a half inch ones. TThey spin just as well but, and here's the significant bit, their retrieve is just so, sooooo much faster! If you short trot fine but retrieving on a long trot is just so much easier with the bigger reel. I have the aventa pro, nice reel but i now use it for stalking carp etc!
Why do Okuma make 4 reels, diff models, all with the same diameter? If they made a 5.5" model I am sure it would be a winner! Just my opinion. Leeds Lewtham, best trotting reel bar none IMHO.