Daiwa 18 Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD

For a long time the Emblem NAME represented rugged reliability, and because of this, they found their way into the possession of some of the best carpers that the UK has ever seen, not least Terry Hearn himself, in his early Yateley days. Because of the take-up among the elite, the Emblem has always attracted a cult following among the rest of us, with 20-year-old reels still relied upon, week-in, week-out on some of the hardest waters in the world. In the 18 Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD the range has a new incarnation, and big things are expected of this heir to the Emblem throne…

18 Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD £175

The Big Five

1. 35mm spool
So the 35 in the name refers to the 35mm spool, which is a nice, wide spool, allowing the use of even quite thick monofilaments, without the horrendous line-management issues that good, old tow rope can cause. Because the line can leave in less tightly coiled loops, you’re much less likely to get problems on the cast. The 35mm diameter is among the favourite configurations for big pit fishing, and we can see why. The reel actually comes with two spools, which is mega, but more on that later!

2. Slow Cross Wrap
Now, Daiwa is pitching this reel at the big pit market, for anglers who need to chuck a long way, or boat anglers who need plenty of durability and capacity. However, this particular gem of Japanese tech applies particularly to those aiming to hit the horizon from the bank. By designing a special oscillation system, the Daiwa boffins have been able to ensure even better line lay than before (which is saying something!). Because of the slow oscillation, the coils are laid precisely, and wrapped in a way that guarantees they’ll then whisper over the spool lip smoother than silk. The upshot is less jarring and almost no chance of the line catching, causing an embarrassing frap-up.

3. Spool options
We love Daiwa for this. Rather than supplying the Emblem with a standard spare spool, the Japanese giant has crafted two different spools for this new Emblem, increasing its versatility tenfold, to say nothing of the value for money that a free spare spool represents. The reels come with the C Spool, which is shallow and has been purpose-designed to allow you to fill all your reels from a single 1000m bulk spool (holding 300m of 0.35mm), and a LD Spool, which is much deeper and will suit the guys looking to boat their baits into the wide blue yonder (which takes a mammoth 530m of 0.35mm). We have to say that this is our favourite feature on the new Emblem, because it shows that Daiwa is listening to us lot and developing products that genuinely make life easier!

4. QD goodness
Yes, we’re spoiled these days, but we still love the genius of the Daiwa QD (Quick Drag) system, which allows you to crank the spool from freespool, to locked-up in just a few clicks of the spool cap. It might seem a little old hat now, but if you’ve ever had to impart several twists of a conventional spool cap (which of course the original Emblems had) you’ll have realised just how much time that can cost you in a sh*t-or-bust situation! QD is a total triumph of design, and has had a genuine positive impact on the way that we all fish, so for that reason, we’re delighted that the new Emblem wears its QD cap loud and proud.

5. Stealthy looks
While the original Emblems came in a variety of colours, these new ones come in a particularly on-trend, stealthy black. In fact, we reckon that they’re a masterclass in minimalism, which really does seem to be the most popular look just now. Now, while reels might one day go back to bling, you can be pretty much assured that these won’t lose their appeal. All the little features that you’d expect of a more costly reel are on the Emblem, including Air Bail, Air Rotor, HIP High Impact Line Clip and a machine-cut aluminium handle. All told, in true Emblem fashion, they certainly punch above their weight!