The Manufacturer says:
Specifications –
SIZE: 4 1/4” – 107.95mm
SPOOL WEIGHT: 3.13oz – 89g
TOTAL WEIGHT: 7.44oz – 211g
BEARINGS: ABEC5 (P5)
MATERIAL: 6082-T6
FITTINGS: 316 STAINLESS STEEL
RACHET POSITIONS: B
COLOURS: GREY & BLACK
MADE: ENGLAND
The 425w comes in lever position ‘B’ only. This position is most popular in the UK & Europe.
The Imperial: 425w is the perfect reel for lakes and rivers alike. The 425w has a wider spool when compared to the other Imperial models.
Designed and developed in conjunction with some of the most respected UK anglers. Ideally suited for stalking carp in lakes or margin fishing for Barbel.
A combination of top notch machining centres and skilled craftmanship has been the making of the Imperial.
The features include:
* Twin, P5 (ABEC5) German marine grade bearings
* DEF STAN TYPE 3 Hard anodising (scratch resistant)
* Easy spool removal (coin release screw)
* Marine grade fittings (316L ST/ST)
* Anti-glare satin finish
Price: £250 for the 4.25″ model and £259 for the 4.75″ model.
The Reviewer says:
The Imperial is the latest reel to come from the Kingpin workshop.
I got a phone call from Stuart, the owner of Kingpin, last year saying he was going to produce a new reel that would retail at a lower cost than his Gold series. However, later he told me that quality was still be paramount and in the process he had made this new one “marine grade”, or if you want it another way, saltwater proof. Looking at the quality of it, I would have no doubts about that.
The first thing most anglers will do when they first get a centrepin is spin it and I am no exception, but frankly, I am now beginning to wonder if that proves anything; it’s how it will trot a nice float down a river that matters, surely? However, for those curious enough about this, it spun for over two minutes, which is pretty good considering it is a much lighter reel by comparison to my original 10 years old one. Having said that, this reel was designed for lake carp and barbel fishing down the margins.
Yes, it is lighter, this model coming in at 211grams whereas my original weighs 316 grams or almost 4 ozs more, but then the old one is slightly larger and a fair bit wider than the new one. When you spin this one and listen to it, that’s the really important bit, you hear a very deep, hushed whirring. It’s a bit like listening to a Rolls Royce on tickover; then again, you’re not supposed to hear them at all, but that’s like the Imperial, you really have to strain your ears.
I’ve taken it out already spooled with some 10lbs line for barbel, but my only fish that night came on the other rod and reel combination. It’s going to be the summer now before I can try it out trotting the stream or barbel fishing in teh river, but I have no doubts whatsoever that it will perform brilliantly. I will be trying it for carp though.
Want to see how a Kingpin spool is made?
And although there’s not one of these centres on the Imperial, it is interesting to watch how they’re made for the Regency etc.
It’s easy take-apart now with a 20p piece (or similar) to remove the front screw allowing you to remove the spool to either wash out any dirt and grit, should you get any around the back, or lube the bearings. There’s little else to see back there except the ratchet system and that appears to be the same design as in my old model, so it must be good!
There’s very little to criticise with this reel, the only thing I can pick on is that with the holes in the face being so small, I don’t have anywhere to stick my finger when reeling in sometimes. It’s a preference some anglers have, some use the handles, some will even remove the handles and just use the large holes on the front, whilst others ‘bat’ the reel from beneath. I do any of all three if I can depending on how I feel at the time, but this reel will exclude me from using my finger (not a bad idea if a mad river carp takes the bait, though.) It really is nit picking, but like I say, there’s nothing else to criticise.
We’ll see how it performs later on in the year, but it’s all looking very nice indeed.
If you can’t wait or would like further information, visit the Kingpin website here.
