Affordable Carp Reel: Sonik 5000 Review
Name: Sonik Xtractor 5000
Best Place to buy: eBay
Reel Size: Medium (5000)
Price: £40 (Average Price)
Build Quality: 6.5/10
Usability: 8/10
Overall Rating: 7/10
Sonik Xtractor 5000 Overview
Hello fellow Angler, in this review, we are going to delve into another product that I own and have experience with. Throughout I will try my best to explain all of the aspects of the Sonik Xtractor 5000 Carp Reel without any marketing fluff. I aim to cover its features, performance, and overall user experience, to provide you with genuine insights.
From its design and build quality to how it handles the water, we’ll explore the reel’s strengths and areas where it might have room for improvement, I will make these clear in the pros and cons sections so nothing gets missed. The intention here is to equip you with the information you need to make an informed decision based on your angling needs.
So, if you’re looking for an unbiased take on the Sonik Xtractor 5000 Carp Reel, you’re in the right place. Let’s jump into the review and discuss what this reel truly brings to the table.
Key Features
Quick Torque Drag System
The Sonik Xtractor 5000 Carp Reel packs a punch with its Quick-Torque Drag System. It’s all about delivering that rapid and spot-on control over your drag settings. Now, I usually go for reels with bait-runner systems, but I have to say, this Sonik reel surprised me. You can twist that drag knob just a tad, and boom, you’ve got a big change in tension. It’s a real lifesaver when you’re adjusting your line after casting or in the heat of the moment, when hooked into a big Carp.
Weight 415g (Without Line)
The Sonik Xtractor 5000 boasts an impressive featherlight construction, tipping the scales at a mere 415 grams. This reduced weight factor hasn’t gone unnoticed and significantly enhances the overall fishing experience. Its size seems to hit the spot in terms of, striking a balance between capability and user-friendliness. In my opinion, it’s the preferred size and weight, making it an excellent choice for anglers who want that perfect blend of performance and ease of use.
Spool Capacity
The spool capacity is more than ample for most fishing scenarios, with the capability to hold 380 meters of 0.30mm line, 280 meters of 0.35mm line, or 200 meters of 0.40mm line, this is more than enough spool capacity for small to medium venues.
2x Line Clips
The Sonik Xtractor 5000 comes equipped with two line clips on its spool, this offers a more practical approach to range setting that I find quite valuable. Having these dual line clips allows me to set my casting distances at two desired ranges on the lake. This eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments when switching to a secondary fishing spot. Instead, I can swiftly unclip my line from one of the two dedicated line clips and immediately cast to my preselected secondary location on the water.
Gear Ratio 4.1:
So, a gear ratio of 4.1:1 tells you that this reel is designed for situations where power and torque are essential, this make it suitable for scenarios where you need to bring in larger fish or apply more pressure during the fight, although my biggest Carp to date using this reel is in the mid to late teens, I have no doubt it will be more than sufficient for the biggest carp out there.
Quick- Click Folding Handle
One of the best features about this reel, for me at least, is the quick folding handle, I think this is a brilliant touch and just completlety adds to the overall convenience, especially when paired up with the Sonik Xtractor rods. This makes setting up and packing away just that little bit faster which I think all anglers would prefer.
More Features
- 5 + 1 Ball Bearings
- Micro Line Lay Adjustment Washers
- Instant Anti-Reverse
Key Features, Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light weight
- Two line Clips
- Quick Folding handle for Conveneince
- Good Gear Ratio for Large Fish
Cons
- No Bait-runner Drag System
- Limited Line Capacity for Large Venues when Fishing Heavy
- Size and Weight Might not be Suitable for Anglers who Prefer Big Pit Style Reels.
Sonik Xtractor 5000, Build Quality
Build Quality Pros
The overall build quality of the Sonik Xtractor 5000, in my assessment, falls within the range of what I would consider decent, the reason for only being classed as decent will be explained in the cons section below.
With that said, it’s important to keep in mind that this reel stands out for being remarkably budget-friendly, at a price of around £40, which can also be found cheaper than that when on sale. Considering it bears the name of a well-known brand (Sonik) it’s not the worst of choices out there in my opinion.
While it may not boast the premium feel of more expensive counterparts, it still offers worth noting that the features place it as a strong competitor among reels in its price category.
The three main standout features on this reel are the Quick-Click Folding Handle, Quick Drag System and the Two Line Clips.
Each one of these features adds a level of convenience during use. These features are not commonly found in reels of similar cost, enhancing the reel’s ease of storage, transportation and overall use, making it a practical choice for anglers who are constantly on the move.
Build Quality Cons
When it comes to the overall build quality of this reel there are 3 main gripes that I have with this reel which I will now explain further…
Not so Smooth Line Retrieve
To start, I’ve noticed that the Sonik Xtractor 5000 doesn’t offer the smoothest line retrieval. Unlike some of my pricier reels, it’s a rather rough reeling experience in comparison to the others. This might be attributed to several factors, with one of them being its budget-friendly price point. It seems evident that this reel was designed with cost-efficiency in mind.
Wobbly Handle
Secondly, the wooden handle on the Sonik Xtractor, while visually appealing, has a consistent side-to-side movement. This movement persists despite attempts to tighten it, suggesting it may be an unwanted design characteristic. While this is not a critical concern, it does contribute to a somewhat less premium feel during use.
Movement in the spool
Thirdly, there’s another concern regarding excessive movement. When you adjust the Drag System on the spool, I observed an unexpected degree of play within the spool. While some play is expected when the drag is loosened, this particular side-to-side movement appears excessive to me. I’m not sure of the reasoning behind this but all I can say is none of my other reels do this either.
Performance, pros & Cons
Casting
Pros
When it comes to casting with the Sonik Xtractor 5000 Carp Reels, I do not have any issues, my particular setup is balanced and perfect for casting distance and accuracy because I have them paired up with Sonik Xtractor Recon rods in the 8ft version. Although you can’t get the full casting potential in terms of distance by using these reels with 8ft rods, you still can cast to any swim on small to medium-sized venues with ease and accuracy.
The line seems to peel of the spool just as it should and due to its prefferable size and weight It feels comfortable during extended casting sessions, again offering improved accuracy. This is a welcome contrast to bulkier alternatives like the Fox EOS 10000.
Cons
While the Sonik Xtractor 5000 Carp Reel offers reasonable casting performance, it may not be ideal if you are the type of Angler who aims to achieve extremely long-distance casts. The gear ratio of the Sonik 5000 is 4.1:1, which is designed more for power and torque, prioritizing control over speed so it does not have the fastest line retrieval compared to higher gear ratios.
Consequently, the weight and size may not generate the same level of line speed required for extreme distance casting, even when paired up with longer rods like the Sonik Xtractor recon 12ft. If you require maximum distance for the type of fishing you prefer, then larger reel options might be more suitable for you.
Fox EOS 10000 vs Fox EOS 10000 Pro Review
Playing a Fish
Pros
In the heat of battle with a fighting Carp, the Sonik Xtractor 5000 holds up pretty well. I have had no problem fighting fish, the Quick-Torque Drag System, known for its precise control, comes into play as one of the main factors in ensuring a smooth response to a fish’s movements, I like the fact that you can easily adjust the drag to control the fight with the slightest touch. The 4.1:1 gear ratio contributes to its effectiveness in managing powerful fish, it provides all the power and torque needed. While my largest catch with this reel falls in the mid to late teens, I’m confident it could handle even larger carp, no problem.
Cons
Tangles
I’ll get right to the point. When considering the Sonik Xtractor reels, there’s an issue you should be aware of Before purchasing them, I spoke with another angler who cautioned me against these reels, due to a common problem, tangles. Some Anglers have reported issues where the line ended up beneath the spool during casting, and when a fish took the bait.
Despite the warning, I went ahead and bought them so I could pair them with my Sonik Recon Rods. On my first outing, the dreaded tangle happened both during casting and when the fish struck. This is when I questioned my decision.
Avoid Tangles
With some perseverance, I figured out why these tangles occurred. To avoid them, you need to keep your line tight during casting and set the drag relatively tight. If the drag is too loose, the risk of line backlash and tangles increases significantly, especially when you have a rapid take from a fish.
This can lead to situations where you need to completely remove the spool and untangle the line which becomes less-than-ideal scenario when you have a fish on. As mentioned, this can easily be prevented by alsways keeping your line tight at all times as I have had no more issues moving forward.
Reasons for Choosing the Sonik Xtractor 5000
My main motivation for picking the Sonik Xtractor reels was no other than the fact that I like to have a matching pair when it comes to rods and reels.
Despite the reels downfalls, I still consider them to be an effiecient and well-rounded reel and met my expectations for the price of £40. I have used these reels many of times over the Summer and yet had anything to go majorly wrong with them yet. If your able to look past some of the not so desirable aspects of this reel, then I would say it’s not a bad choice for someone who is looking for a decent budget Carp Reel.
Reviews
Considering some of the comments I’ve come across on various forums, and the feedback I’ve received from fellow anglers regarding the reel’s overall quality and occasional line tangle problem, I believe that my overall assessment of the Sonik Xtractor 5000 is likely to resonate with most owners.
Alternatives
When it comes to exploring alternatives to the Sonik Xtractor 5000, it’s crucial to factor in your budget. Despite the minor drawbacks I’ve mentioned, I wouldn’t dismiss this reel entirely. However, if you believe another type of reel might better suit your needs, I’m happy to provide you with a couple of alternative options for you to consider.
Advanta Free Spin Reel £35
- Fully Adjustable Freespin Facility
- Line-Friendly Line Clip for Accuracy
- High-intensity graphite material body
- Right/Left Inter-Changeable Handle
- 5000 Line Capacity Diameter 0.37mm – 235m / 0.40mm – 200m / 0.43mm – 165m
This reel is priced similarly to the Sonik Xtractor 5000, which also features the Bait-runner system. While I haven’t had hands-on experience with this reel, I did visit an angling store where I considered purchasing a pair instead of the Sonik 5000’s. The primary draw for me was the bait-runner system and its overall sturdiness.
When I physically examined this reel, it struck me as well-constructed reel with smooth rotations, instantly addressing some of the concerns mentioned in the Sonik 5000 discussion. In my opinion, considering its £35 price tag, it doesn’t seem like a bad option. It could be worth considering if you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable reel. It’s available in both 5000 and 6000 spool versions.
Shimano Baitrunner ST FB Reel 4000
Secondly, I’ve opted for the Shimano 4000 Bait-runner reel. The reason behind this choice is my positive experience with the Shimano 2500 Bait-runner, which is a smaller but exceptionally reliable reel. In my view, Shimano consistently delivers top-notch quality. If you’re in the market for a high-quality reel with excellent build and performance, Shimano is a solid choice.
This particular reel model is available in various options, including the 2500, 4000, 6000, and 10000 versions. If you’re looking for a reel that’s similar in size to the Sonik Xtractor 5000, I would highly recommend the 4000 or 6000 as a close enough comparison. It offers more than sufficient torque for a wide range of situations, especially on smaller to medium-sized venues.
In terms of pricing, it’s true that Shimano reels tend to be a bit more expensive, typically around the £60 range but recently found the 4000 for £55 on eBay, which is not too bad at all, as the investment is well worth it. When properly maintained, these reels can serve you for many years without a doubt, and their build quality is consistently rated at 10/10.
Shimano Bait-runner 2500 review.
Fox EOS 5000
Lastly, I’d like to discuss the Fox EOS 5000, a choice I’ve made in the reel department. Coming in at approximately £60, it’s an option that’s worth looking at. I’ve had the pleasure of using the 10000 spool version of the Fox EOS, and I must say, I love it. These reels manage to strike a fantastic balance between affordability and the renowned quality that Fox delivers. I have very few criticisms when it comes to the Fox EOS 10000 review, which leads me to believe that the 5000 version will be equally impressive.
The Fox EOS 5000, is a combination of affordability and Fox’s signature quality. If you’re in search of a reliable reel that won’t empty your wallet, I would highly recommend considering the Fox EOS series, and the 5000 model, in particular, may be an ideal fit for your angling needs.
Review Conclusion
The conclusion to this review is that the Sonik Xtractor 5000 Carp Reel is a budget-friendly option that offers several practical features for anglers who do not want to spend a fortune on tackle. It does have it’s upsides like the Drag System and two line clips to enhance usability and performance, while the lightweight design and Quick-Click Folding Handle make it a comfortable and convenient choice.
However, it does have its drawbacks, including a somewhat rough line retrieval, a wobbly handle, and occasional line tangle issues, but I will let you decide how you feel about those.
Despite these drawbacks, the Sonik Xtractor 5000 delivers decent performance, especially when paired with the right rods. It handles fish well, thanks to the Quick-Torque Drag System and a suitable gear ratio.
If you feel as though something has been left out in regards to the details in this review, or if you have any questions on the topic, then please feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for reading.
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