The ultimate cult classic
The almighty Emblem just got a damn sight even more mighty thanks to its new paint job. Grrrrr. Just grrrrr
The Daiwa Emblem is a classic. A true iconic reel. Sure, there’s more advanced reels out there; ones with smoother clutches, better line lay and weigh significantly less, but how many of those reels have stood the test of time? And we’re talking a 20-plus-year-test-of-time period here. The Emblem is a workhorse. A reel which just looks right and keeps on working. And now Daiwa have taken this heritage-rich winder and updated it cosmetically, big time. With the carp angling community’s love for anything black going from a quick fling to an all-out marriage, Daiwa have masterfully given it a matt black paint job and the result is this: the Emblem X 5000T (Black Series).
Yes please!
The big questions
Daiwa are on fire right now!
They sure are. Twenty-fifteen has been quite the year for our wee Scottish pals. The Tournament 5000T Black: tick. Basiair Z45QD: tick. Cast’Izm: tick. Cast’Izm with a Bite ‘n’ Run system slapped on its arse: tick. And now this, the Emblem Black Series: TICK!
What’s new on this one?
Aside from the paintwork, nothing. And why would anything be? The construction and features are tried, tested and abused – and have been for over 20 years. Its rugged reliability and looks are what’s made this a cult classic.
So you’re saying on top of that luxury exterior, I get a hardwearing interior with these then?
You sure do. On top of a super smooth drag and three stainless steel bearings, it also delivers plenty of winding power, cranking in around 109cm of line per handle turn, making it ideal for all sizes of venue. And talking of distances, thanks to the Long Cast composite spool with a brushed steel lip which comes supplied with the Emblem, it means you’ll have 280m of 18lb BS line sitting there, ready to cover every angling situation you’re ever likely to encounter.
Please tell me it comes with the ‘One Touch Handle’…
Of course, it’s Daiwa’s signature feature! Not only does this make life so much easier when it comes to breaking the rods down, but should you like to position your rods so they’re literally millimetres apart, with the ‘One Touches’ you can do just that. You also get all their other “good stuff”, such as Twistbuster which significantly improves line performance and longevity; worm gear oscillation and a spring-loaded line guard which is probably the best line guard we’ve ever used.
So does it offer good value for money?
Oh yes. You’d struggle to find more reliability and looks for your money. And the fact it’s still the reel of choice for many carp anglers amongst a huge field of more advanced reels is only more testimony to our love for this workhorse of a reel. And that fact that it now sports a stunning matt black paint job only enhances all our affections for it. Go get a set of three – you seriously won’t be disappointed.
“GIMME”: £149.99; daiwasports.co.uk