Daiwa Emcast Plus Big Pit Reel > Reviews > Ideal Shore reel.

Author's product rating:   

Durability	Good
Ease of Use	Simple
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Good casting distance, high speed retrieval, comfortable handle, good power
Disadvantages:	Outer finishing seems not lasting too long .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I own a 6000 series. Yes, it is quite big but actually it weigh the same as the 5500 series, and with added line capacity and more recovery per handle turn, it was an easy decision for me. Before this reel, my collection were mostly on 4000 series sort of size and capacity consist of few good name (shimano, daiwa, abu garcia). That was before I started shore fishing. A few thing that I learned that lead me on buying this particular reel were:
1. Shallow pit reel can't get the casting distance to beat the wave break. Bigger diameter released line smoother and better, hence greater distance.
2. Small handle and small handle turn make me feel like my reel is 'vulnerable' . With relatively smaller gearing relative to the size, it does reduce the lifespan.
3. I need big and comfortable handle grip for repeated casting and retrieving.
4. Need the retrieval speed and power altogether.
The specification of this reel certainly meet my demand. With daiwa tag on it and 11 corrosian resistance bearing, it was properly suited my taste.
I coupled this reel with 10' DAM uptide rod (4 - 10 oz casting weight) and with Power Pro braided line (red). I might had went too far on the line selection, I would recomment mono line as my finger a bit sore everytime after quite a few cast. With tide that twisted the leader, I spent quite some time on getting it entangled. But, with the braided line and paired with reel, I could get 100 yards distance, and I am only 5'6 & 140 lb. That is why I decided to go for 10' rod. I got about the same casting distance when I am using using 13' rod but with Digigeared powered Daiwa reel. With 3' handicapped, this reel really make a difference in casting. The retrieving feel very smooth. The power is there. Hauling big fish is not an issue for this fish.
This reel actually retrieve about 40" per handle turn. Can't afford a Shimano Stella, but I will bring along this reel for my high speed jigging at some point this year.