Daiwa Tournament 5000t

Compare Prices

Quote Marks

The Daiwa Tournament 5000t is a popular Big Pit Reel known for its quality engineering, high class performance and is aimed towards serious Carp anglers.

Daiwa Tournament 5000t Review

Overall Rating

9.0

9.0

Build Quality

Tooltip box

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.

9.5

Casting & Retrieve

Tooltip box

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.

9.0

Drag & Clutch

Tooltip box

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.

8.5

Value For Money

Tooltip box

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.

How This Reel Compares To The Competition

Features & Specifications With Explanation

Features and Specs Explanation
Gear Ratio: 4.2:1 The spool turns 4.2 times for every one turn of the handle. This ratio is slightly below average for a reel of this type although the large spool makes up for this.
Weight: 576g Lightweight design. This reel is pretty average compared to its competitors.
Line Capacity: 0.35mm/330m The amount of line the spool can hold, which is important for casting distance. This capacity is suitable for long-distance casting.
Retrieve Rate: 102cm per handle turn Length of line retrieved per handle turn, enhancing the speed of line retrieval. This retrieve rate is above average for this reel type.
Drag System: Micro-adjustable ten-washer front drag Allows for precise adjustments, providing smooth and consistent drag performance.
Number of Ball Bearings: 7 Seven ball bearings ensure smooth operation and durability. This number of ball bearings is more than the majority of premium carp reels.
Construction Material: Super Metal rotor with gunmetal finish Durable material offering strength and resistance to corrosion.
Handle: One Touch folding handle Provides a balanced and comfortable grip and allows for speedy setup and pack down.
Anti-Reverse System: Infinite anti-reverse Prevents the handle from moving backwards, ensuring better hook sets and control.
Spool Type: Long cast aluminium spool Enhances casting performance by reducing friction and improving line flow.
Bail Arm: Twist Buster Reduces line twist and ensures smooth line lay on the spool.
Special Features: Worm gear oscillation, spring-loaded line guard Ensures even line lay, reduces line wear, and improves overall casting performance.

Description & Opinion

If you’re an angler who’s serious about your sport, the Daiwa Tournament 5000T is a reel that should definitely be on your radar. I recently had the pleasure of putting this powerhouse to the test, and I must say, it left quite an impression.

Build Quality

The Daiwa Tournament 5000T Big Pit Reel stands out with its robust build quality, reflecting the high standards synonymous with Daiwa’s engineering. The reel frame is crafted from durable materials including a mix of Super Duraluminium and Super Metal.

These materials provide the necessary strength to withstand the rigours of heavy use while maintaining a relatively lightweight feel. Weighing in at 576 grams, it falls into the average weight category, making it manageable without sacrificing strength.

The reel is equipped with seven stainless steel ball bearings, which significantly contribute to its smooth operation and durability.

The inclusion of a roller bearing enhances this further, ensuring that retrieves are consistently fluid. One of the standout features is the solid line clip.

During a test session, I was fishing next to an island with a PVA bag, applying considerable pressure to the clip, and it held firm throughout.

Another feature I really like is the worm gear oscillation system. This I find really helps create an impeccable line lay, which in turn, helps to achieve both long and accurate casts.

Cast & Retrieve

When it comes to casting, the Daiwa Tournament 5000T is very good. The large spool is particularly beneficial, helping you to achieve extra distance on your cast thanks to reduced friction. This was evident in testing, as I consistently managed to cast around 130 yards with a 3.5lb test curve rod.

The gear ratio on the Tournament 5000t is 4.2:1, which is slightly on the slow side on paper but the large spool makes up for this and actually means that the retrieve rate is 102cm for each turn of the handle.

Additionally, the reel’s advanced features, such as the Twist Buster and worm gear oscillation, contribute to an optimal line lay and help prevent tangles and fraps.

 

Daiwa Tournament 5000t Out Of The Box
Daiwa Tournament 5000t Straight Out Of The Box

Drag / Clutch

The drag system on the Daiwa Tournament 5000T is another positive. It features a front drag mechanism, which offers precise control and smooth performance.

The micro-adjustable ten-washer drag system allows for fine-tuning, which is really useful when dealing with larger fish. I personally found the drag to be exceptionally smooth, which to be fair, I always do find with a Daiwa reel.

Despite its impressive performance, the reel lacks a quick drag system, which could be a minor drawback for some anglers. However, the overall smoothness and reliability of the drag system more than compensate for this.

Value for Money

Considering the features and performance of the Daiwa Tournament 5000T, it offers excellent value for money.

While it is positioned at a higher price point, the quality and durability justify the investment. This reel is built to last, providing consistent performance over years of use.

For serious anglers who demand reliability and top-notch performance from their equipment, the Daiwa Tournament 5000T is a worthy investment.

You may want to also check out our article on the Best Carp Reels

Advantages & Disadvantages:

Pros

Cons

Additional Resources Used In This Review

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.