Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.5
Cast & Retrieve - 9.0
Drag / Clutch - 9.0
Value For Money - 8.5
If you are a Carp angler that has been in the game for a while, you would have no doubt heard of Daiwa’s Emblem brand. That’s because the range of products under this banner are just sheer quality and raved about.
The 35 SCW Big Pit is no exception and is as sleek and high performing as the rest of its family. With an overall rating of 8.8, its one of the best I’ve tested.
| Features and Specs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio: 4.9:1 | The spool turns 4.9 times for every one turn of the handle, facilitating quick line retrieval. The ratio is on the higher end when compared to its competition. |
| Weight: 600g | AT 600g this weight is pretty average compared to other top Big Pits. |
| Line Capacity: 0.35mm/300m (C Spool) and 0.35mm/530m (LD Spool) | Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. The C spool size has slightly less line capacity than others whereas the LD spool has significantly more capacity than the average Big Pit. |
| Retrieve Rate: 106cm per handle turn | Length of line retrieved per handle turn, influencing the speed of line retrieval. This retrieval is fast. |
| Drag System: Quick Drag (QD) | Allows rapid adjustment from freespool to locked drag, providing precision and control. |
| Number of Ball Bearings: 6 | Number of bearings in the reel, affecting smoothness and performance. 6 is a good number and demonstrates this reels quality build. |
| Construction Material: Composite body, aluminium handle | Durable materials offering strength and resistance to corrosion. |
| Handle: Machine cut aluminium handle with soft touch knob | Provides a balanced and comfortable grip. |
| Anti-Reverse System: Infinite anti-reverse | Prevents handle from moving backward, providing better hook sets and control. |
| Spool Type: Long cast aluminium spool (C and LD spools included) | Enhances casting performance by reducing friction and improving line flow. |
| Bail Arm: AirBail | Reduces line twist and ensures smooth line lay on the spool. |
| Special Features: Slow Cross Wrap (SCW), HIP High Impact Line Clip | Ensures even line lay and reduces line wear, improving casting performance. |
Here’s how the Daiwa Emblem 35 SCW 5000c QD reel compares to others we have reviewed:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD | 9.1 | £679.99 |
| Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD | 8.5 | £129.84 |
| Wychwood Riot Big Pit | 7.6 | £46.95 |
| Daiwa Emblem 35 SCW 5000c QD | 8.8 | £168.29 |
| Fox FX11 | 8.5 | £108.24 |
| Daiwa Emcast 25A | 8.1 | £109.99 |
| ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel | 8.3 | £134.95 |
| Daiwa Tournament 5000t | 9 | £358.95 |
| Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTC Reel | 9 | £406.49 |
| Sonik Tournos 8000 Reel | 7.9 | £99.99 |
What Does This Mean?
When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.
The Daiwa Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD reel truly stands out with its impeccable build quality. From the moment you hold it, you can appreciate the sleek matte black finish, which not only looks stylish but also exudes durability.
The reel features a perfect blend of high-quality plastics and metals, giving it a robust yet refined feel. The handle is made from machine-cut aluminium and topped with a soft-touch rubber grip, offering a secure and comfortable hold even in wet conditions.
Inside, the six ball bearings provide an incredibly smooth winding experience, making every cast and retrieve feel effortless.
The thoughtful design and premium materials come together to create a reel that’s not only visually appealing but also built to perform exceptionally well in a variety of fishing conditions.
What Does This Mean?
This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and how smooth the retrieve is.
Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.
On top of the actual, physical performance of the reel we also look at the number and type of ball bearings, the spool, line lay and the gear ratio in comparison to its required use.
The casting and performance of the Daiwa Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD reel is nothing short of exceptional.
The reel comes with two spools – the C spool for casting shorter distances and the LD spool for long-distance fishing, ensuring versatility for any fishing scenario.
The slow cross wrap system, with its perfectly balanced stroke and oscillation, delivers a really efficient line lay that enhances casting distance and accuracy.
The high impact line clips hold solid on even the strongest of casts without damaging the line, which makes it easy to keep each cast consistent.
Whether you’re casting close to overhanging trees or reaching out to distant spots, this reel ensures your line flows effortlessly giving you ever6y chance for pin-point accuracy.
What Does This Mean?
When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use.
There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that it is being applied.
The Emblem features the advanced Quick Drag (QD) system, which allows for rapid adjustments from free spool to fully locked with just a quarter turn.Â
I find this system is particularly beneficial in snaggy swims, where quick and reliable drag adjustments are crucial to prevent fish from finding danger.
What Does This Mean?
Self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. This is because it creates more of a level playing field.
Of course, the more expensive a reel is the more quality components it will have and as such will generally score higher.
Having value for money as a criterion allows us to judge how well a reel performs vs its price point and in turn allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.
The Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD offers excellent value for money. It blends a high-quality build and advanced features at a competitive price point.
The reel comes with both the C spool for short casts and the LD spool for long-distance fishing, providing versatility right out of the box.
The durable materials and thoughtful design ensure longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for any angler looking for a premium Carp reel at a reasonable price.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Emblem 35 SCW:
If you would like to see more fishing tackle reviews as well as compare prices with various tackle shops then you can do so here.
Here is a list of resources we have used as part of putting this review together:
Carpology’s Review – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nui5Tv0KyA0
Daiwa’s Official Specs Page: – https://www.daiwasports.co.uk/carpology-tv-daiwa-emblem-35-scw-5000c-qd-reels-review
Hi, I’m James
And I have to make a confession: I am addicted to fishing and have been for over 30 years!
As part of my therapy, I’ve started to write about all things angling.
Learn more about me and my company on the about page.
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