The Big Pit timeline
From the start in 1978 to the present day...
1978
Japanese reel geeks launch a reel range called the Daiwa SS Series Reel. The original 3000 model wasn’t alone; also in the range were the SS2000, SS4000 and SS5000. So technologically advanced they even included three stainless steel ball bearings…
1985
Seven years later and Daiwa increase their range of reels aimed at the specialist sea angler – namely the ST8000D – the first long-distance fixed spool reel. This could hold 260mts of 15lb line, weighed 20.8ozs and retailed at £39.99!
1990
At the beginning of the 90’s, Daiwa introduced the little-talked-about-today GS9000 Millionmax reel, but what was more significant was just two years later Daiwa had their real eureka moment: a new reel was about to land and change reel design forever…
1992
The previous year, top carp angler, Kevin Nash spots the SS3000 – a reel aimed at the sea market. It was tweaked, adjusted and one year later, launched into the carp market. Users included Damian Clarke, Mike Willmott and Rob Maylin.
1994
With sales going through the roof, Daiwa launches the SS9000 – the bigger version. It featured six ball bearings, a 2° taper “gold” spool and held over 350mts of line. It also cost a £100 more than the 3000 version, but like that model, it certainly was pretty.
1995
The following year the SS collection was replaced with the Tournament ST range. Classed as “the ultimate” by Daiwa’s boffins, it boasted a full seven ball bearings and featured their now patented and now tried and tested Twistbuster system.
2001
For six years the Tournaments or ‘Tournies’ as they became known went untouched. Small advances were made thanks to new materials and the technology coming along in Japan. A Bite ‘n’ Run Converter was also launched in this year - which also broke sales records.
2005
But the next ‘quantum leap’ in design terms didn’t really happen until 2005. Magnesium Alloy combined with Quick Drag spawned the first Basia. At £375 each it shocked and awed, leaving everyone staggered by its lightness.
2009
The BASIAIR, the lightest ever big pit reel created incredible interest in both Europe and Japan. At 450g each, customers worried that the box had nothing in it! Apart from all the remarkable features, the other big talking point was its RRP: £775!
Now
The Cast-Izm 25 QDA: Daiwa’s biggest break through in spool shape. It’s a reel that can match the casting distances of its frighteningly more expensive bigger brother, the Basia, yet is half the size – and half the price. Good, eh?!