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Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.5
Cast & Retrieve - 7.5
Drag / Clutch - 8.0
Value For Money - 8.0
The Daiwa SS2600 Whisker reel is somewhat of a classic in the carp fishing world with many an expert angler applauding it for its well-balanced and lightweight build that makes it perfect for surface fishing and stalking.
| Features and Specs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio: 4.6:1 | The spool turns 4.6 times for every one turn of the handle. This is average for a reel of this type. |
| Weight: 390g | Lightweight design, making it easy to handle during long fishing sessions. This reel is lighter than most. |
| Line Capacity: 0.30mm/290m | Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. For its size, this reel holds its own with the competition for line capacity. |
| Drag System: Super-smooth drag | Provides reliable and consistent drag performance. |
| Number of Ball Bearings: 3 | Three stainless steel ball bearings. This is slightly less than other premium reels. |
| Construction Material: Composite body with aluminium spool | Durable materials offering strength and resistance to corrosion. |
| Handle: One Touch folding handle | Allows for easy storage and transport while providing a comfortable grip. |
| Anti-Reverse System: Infinite anti-reverse | Prevents handle from moving backward, ensuring better hook sets and control. |
| Spool Type: Long cast machined aluminium spool | Enhances casting performance by reducing friction and improving line flow. |
| Bail Arm: Lifetime Bail Spring | Ensures durability and reliability over extended use. |
| Special Features: Precision worm gear, cut-proof SiC line roller | Provides smooth line lay and durability, reducing line wear and improving casting performance. |
Here’s how the Daiwa Tournament ss2600 Whisker reel compares to others we have reviewed:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fox EOS 10000 | 8.1 | £62.99 |
| Daiwa Tournament ss2600 Whisker | 8 | £136.99 |
| Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD | 8.5 | £129.84 |
| Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel | 8 | £57.77 |
| Shimano Baitrunner DL | 8.3 | £76.95 |
| Daiwa Emcast 25A | 8.1 | £109.99 |
| Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTC Reel | 9 | £406.49 |
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 reel’s build quality is where it scored highest thanks to its super smooth drag and bomb-proof durability. Its gear ratio is perfectly balanced for the size of the reel at 4.6 rotations on the spool for every turn of the handle.
The 3 ball bearings are adequate for this sized reel and even more so since they are made from quality stainless steel.
The weight of the reel is a mere 390g which allows it to be paired with rods of all lengths and would only really look out of place with the real beefy distance casters.
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 performance is good on the ss2600 thanks to a spool with a large line capacity and its lightweight build. The retrieve rate is also very good for a smaller reel thanks to the nicely balanced gear ratio.
I personally use the SS2600 for floater fishing or stalking and I can honestly say it casts and retrieves lighter baits / rigs beautifully.
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.
As you would expect with a Daiwa reel, the front drag system is super-smooth and adjusts easily and precisely where needed.
When surface fishing its this type of precision drag system that can sometimes be the difference between landing a fish and losing it. Trust me I know!
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 Daiwa Tournament ss2600 Whisker Reel is pitched at a mid way price-point that doesn’t put it in the premium and expensive range but at the same it’s certainly not a budget reel.
It performs really well though and is a popular reel amongst both Carp and coarse anglers thanks to its well balanced and supreme performance. As such, it is featured in our list of the best Carp reels we have reviewed.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Tournament ss2600:
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:
A review by Tackle Fanatics – https://youtu.be/gqEjN1w9JBk
Daiwa’s Official Specs Page: –Â https://www.daiwasports.co.uk/product/specialist/tournament%C2%AE-ss-whisker%C2%AE
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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