Menu
Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Cast & Retrieve - 8.0
Drag / Clutch - 8.0
Value For Money - 8.5
Daiwa and reel excellence are practically synonymous in the angling world, and the Emcast 25A Reel is no exception. This compact, high-performance reel is designed for the modern carp angler who values mobility without compromising on big pit performance.
| Features and Specs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio: 4.6:1 | The spool turns 4.6 times for every one turn of the handle, providing a balance of speed and power. This ratio is average for a reel of this type. |
| Weight: 527g | Lightweight design, making it easy to handle. This reel is lighter than the majority of its competitors. |
| Line Capacity: 0.35mm/320m | Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. This capacity is slightly more than the average smaller reel. |
| Retrieve Rate: 92cm per handle turn | Length of line retrieved per handle turn, enhancing the speed of line retrieval. This retrieve rate is average for this reel type. |
| Drag System: Quick Drag (QD) | Allows rapid adjustment from freespool to locked drag, providing precision and control. |
| Number of Ball Bearings: 5 | Five ball bearings ensure smooth operation and durability. This number of ball bearings is average in the more premium carp reels. |
| Construction Material: Graphite body | Durable material offering strength and resistance to corrosion. |
| Handle: Machine cut aluminium handle | Provides a balanced and comfortable grip. |
| Anti-Reverse System: Infinite anti-reverse | Prevents handle from moving backward, ensuring better hook sets and control. |
| Spool Type: Aluminium spool | 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: Twist Buster, Line friendly line clip, Spare spool | Ensures even line lay, reduces line wear, and improves overall casting performance. |
Here’s how the Daiwa Emcast 25A reel compares to others I 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.
Despite being a fairly small reel, especially in the ‘Big Pit’ world, the Daiwa Emcast 25A still offers a good degree of power and durability needed in the modern-day rigours of carp fishing.
Its graphite body ensures its overall weight is kept down and is complimented nicely by the cold-forged aluminium handle.
The inner workings of the Emcast are very good with 5 solid ball bearings ensuring the reel is super-smooth whilst adding longevity.
The infinity anti-reverse system is always a nice feature I always enjoy as I feel is helps with a solid hook set and I was pleased to see this present in the 25A reel.
The line clip is solid as anything and compliments the overall good looks of a reel as well as adding to its overall performance.
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.
Despite being small, the Emcast 25A still casts really well. By well, I mean I was able to a hit a spot at around 100 yards with a 4 oz lead and 3.5lb test curve rod with relative ease.
I believe its performance is firstly helped by the Twistbuster line roller system, which significantly reduces line twist during both casting and retrieval.
Secondly, the Air Bail system, (an ultra-light bail arm that prevents loose line from snagging) ensures that the line lays perfectly on the spool during retrieval, enhancing casting accuracy and distance.
The smooth, protrusion-free design of the Air Bail also helps prevent friction during casting, making the process more efficient.
Finally, as stated previously, the 5 ball bearings present in the gearing of the Emcast 25A really does make the retrieve super smooth allowing for an overall pleasant user experience.
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.
Most carp anglers know that the drag/clutch on a Daiwa reel is always superb and engineered to provide maximum control and reliability.
The Emcast 25As front drag is no different and was super-smooth in testing with no issues encountered.
If I were to be really picky, I would have liked to of seen a quick drag system whereby it can be adjusted from fully locked to free spool in half a turn but for a reel that offers a lower price-point, it can be forgiven for this.
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.
At around the £100 mark and with the features and build quality that come with the Emcast 25A, it offers excellent value for money.
It looks the part as well and could easily be mistaken for a reel that costs twice as much. As such, I know carp anglers who are new to the sport often rave about the Emcast as well as other more experienced anglers who look for quality and value at the same time.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Emcast 25A:
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:
Daiwa’s Official Specs Page: – https://www.daiwasports.co.uk/product/emcast-25a
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.
Copyright 2024 © eTackle | Designed by ‘The Web Page‘
