The Kingpin Zephyr Aero 4¼” x ⅞” Centrepin reel.

What a superb reel this is. Stuart Ward of Kingpin has flattered us with a new version of the reel he made for us some years ago. We’d often thought of issuing another batch of reels, perhaps with some subtle points of difference. Stuart is clearly a mind reader. He has incorporated the ideas we’d had into this new reel and the credit goes entirely to him because we hadn’t discussed another reel before he showed us this one.

At four and a quarter inches in diameter, it has a very effective rate of retrieve and its seven eighths of an inch width is just right -not too narrow, not too wide. Stuart has ported the spool’s line holding surface to save weight and provide line ventilation. This is a really super touch.

The check lever is so easy to operate, with a flick back and forth, and it’s set in its own shallow recess so that loose line can’t get caught up in it.

From a utility perspective then, this is a really serious reel for the centrepin connoisseur. Stylistically, it has the pedigree of a Slater Zephyr and the Hardy Wallis, with a nod to the Hardy Eureka.

The spool and back plate are hard anodised a very attractive slate grey that has the merest hint  of bronze about it. This looks very well with the phosphor bronze bush, aluminium spool release button and brass fittings. It’s a multi-metal style that I always like, not that I’m the final arbiter of good taste.

It comes in a smart and protective Kingpin neoprene pouch. Also within its box is a bottle of Kingpin spindle oil, a screwdriver for adjusting the end float screw and an owner’s Warranty & Maintenance Guide.

Overall weight: 266 grammes (9.38 oz).

Spool weight: 134 grammes (4.72 oz). The spool’s face is perforated with two rows of holes, large and small. The spool’s line lay surface is ported for lightness and to ventilate the line.

Spool diameter: 4¼”

Width between the spool’s flanges: ⅞”

Phosphor bronze bush, steel spindle.

Aluminium spool release button with a hidden Delrin washer for smooth movement.,

Faux Ivory handles.

Brass foot, check lever, handle spindles, check work and spool latch.

Steel pawl and check wheel. The brass check lever is located directly below the brass reel foot. It takes a gentle flick of the finger back and forth to engage and disengage the check. The lever itself is let into a recess on the back plate so loose line can’t catch on it –a common fault with most check levers. Kingpin have really excelled themselves here!

The reel is ready to use. By following the advice in the manual, it will run in and improve.

Each reel has its number engraved on the inner face of its back plate.

Every part of this reel is manufactured by Kingpin in Poole.