Allcock’s Kastlite Patent drag side mount casting reel

One of the most unusual reels from the Allcock’s of Redditch stable is the Kastlite.

Patented in 1946, these are side mounted on the rod and wound from the back. The spool reciprocates floating in and out to give good line lay. The handle centre boss does the same so it moves in and out as you wind the reel through the back casing. This has to be a sure fire way to get cramp.

These are cast in alloy with a black crackle paint finish. The Bakelite cone spool is fitted with a drag adjuster to the front and they rarely go wrong despite their age. Line is manually located into the small metal crook which can be changed to the other side for left or right hand wind.

Great value collectors spinning reel that is over 50 years old, but with the Mitchell and the Hardy Altex reels looming it didn’t really make any impact in the market.

Original boxes are rarer than the reels themselves, but a ton of fun for under £100.