Healthy Riot
Wychwood’s varied lineup of amazing rods and reels has universal appeal
In recent years Wychwood have won rave reviews for their distinctive shelters, beds and luggage, but if you think that’s all they currently excel at then you’re missing out on a comprehensive range of rods and reels. The Riot sub-brand offers plenty of choice and quality at extremely competitive prices.
1. Riot rods
With a range that starts at under £50 and tops out at £64.99, the Riot roster is full of great-value choice. You can pick lengths of 9ft, 10ft or 12ft, and specify either a cork or full-length EVA handle. In addition, there are matching Utility versions across the range (9ft, 10ft and 12ft models, each with full-length shrink-rubber handles) which are stiffer and stronger for marker and spod work.
The Riots boast a pleasing progressive casting action that remains just as enjoyable when playing fish. The shorter 9ft and 10ft Riots have been designed for anglers targeting small waters and canals, yet boast all the features of the 12-footers bar the 50mm butt rings. Those universal features include custom guide spacing with anti-frap tip rings and double-leg black SIC guides throughout. You also get a line-friendly integrated line clip, a black DPS reel seat and a black anodised laser-etched butt cap which is in keeping with the understated design and graphics seen elsewhere on the carbon blanks.
In terms of power, the 9ft and 10ft options have 2.75lb and 3lb test curves respectively. You get a choice of two test curves with the 12-footers: 3lb and 3.25lb.
Crucially, despite the wallet-friendly price tags attached to these rods, Wychwood have full confidence in the Riots and their construction, offering a lifetime warranty on each one.
2. Riot reels
If you’re quite taken by the idea of the Riot rods, then matching them with a Riot reel is a sensible idea. Just like the rods, there’s plenty of choice, too. In all there are four different sizes of Riot reel, with a pair of proper big-pit churners and two smaller options. The bigger models are the 65S and the 75S, billed by Wychwood as ‘uncompromising distance reels for anglers who need every last yard’. Dressed in an all-black livery, leavened only by a classy wooden handle knob, they certainly look the business and, at a very competitive £84.99, back it up with performance.
Firstly, they come with a spare spool that’s shallower and more tapered than the standard high-capacity offering for the longest casts. They also boast five internal ball bearings for smoothness, a micro-pitch multi-disc drag system and an oversized main shaft for mighty cranking power. Other features include an anti-twist line roller, a machined aluminium handle and line-friendly line clips on both spools.
If you don’t need such power and capacity, the Riot 45S and 55S models are built on the same principles in smaller packages. Perfectly suited to the 9ft and 10ft Riot rods, these well-balanced front-drag reels have six internal bearings, aluminium spools and anti-twist line rollers. They boast a smooth multi-disc drag system and have retail prices of just £49.99 and £54.99.
