I'm in the market for some long range reels and have a couple of questions that I hope you can help me with:

What is the difference between the 'S',
'X' and 'Z' emblems apart from colour and number of ball bearings? is the line lay different for example?

Daiwa now promote a 'reverse taper' spool that cones the line in a way that goes against my understandings of the principles of distance casting.. is this a valid principle?

Can you still obtain the SS9000 as I haven't seen any adverts for them (are they available in the States?)

Happy Carping

hi pete, ive owned both the expensive "Z" model and the cheap "S" save yourself a packet get the "S" emblem 5500 i picked two up out off the loot for £60 the pair and was going to use them for marker and spod but prefare them to my big baitrunners, as far as the new reverse taper spools go my mates got some and in my humble opinion itmakes no differance, paul selman uses the new ones i believe so ask him .ps dont forget he,s a diawa consultant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The original Embelm pit reels are now heavily discounted since the arrival of the new models and for £55 (S model) you can`t go wrong.Another £16 for the Tackle Box shortened reel handle conversions (now available for older Embelms) and you have got yourself a reel that will cover all your UK needs.
Some of these pit reels are a serious overkill (too big,heavy) for most of us and the Embelms strike a more sensible balance.

I use the z which is the more expensive of the Emblems. I have not used any of the others, although Julian uses one of the cheaper models and likes it.
With rods and reels you essentially get what you pay for, so as you go up the price range you get better quality gearing, more ball bearings/washers for smoother function, and a more robust technology overall.
You pays your money and you makes your choice.
Personally, I am very impressed with the reel, and the only design fault with it and all the current Emblems is the crap line clip. That was not down to any of the consultants, as we were not 'consulted' on this one. You have to put some power gum in it to prevent line damage.
The ABS system does provide a wider profile, but the difference only becomes really significant when you fish at extreme range, although casts generally are smoother. It is easier for me to reach 140 yards plus with the ABS feature than without it. The casting button is also useful.
Shock horror Bolton, I'm a Daiwa consultant!!!! No one here knew that! If you seriously think for one second that affects my objective view of Daiwa equipment then you don't know me at all. I am above all honest as anyone who knows me will verify. Pete B is also a fellow BCSG member which means more to me than any tackle association.
In reality, I've probably refused to endorse or sanction at least thirty items of carp tackle that Daiwa wanted to release onto the market, including rods, bivvies, line, pods, luggage etc. If something is crap, I say so.

[This message has been edited by Paul Selman (edited 17-09-2000).]

Cheers everyone, it's as I thought.. better internal workings as you move up the range. I think it'll have to be the Z on the grounds that I tend to abuse my tackle!! ?
Paul, thanks for the reply, as I'm going to tackle a lake that requires mega distances (at times) I think I'll get the ABS system is it adds a few yards. Might help make up for some mis-timing on a cast... I can see a lot of practice coming up!
Happy Carping

I've just checked the profile for 'Bolton.'
Is that you, Ian - Daiwa Masterclass etc!!!!?

Sorry the comment upset you Paul,it was just a bit of mischief,i have no doubt your as honest as the day is long,and had no idea i was dealing with BCSG members next time i will show more respect

Kevin and Bolton,
I had a look at the 'big pit baitrunners' which appear to be the only alternative to the Diawas and discounted them on precisely the grounds that you have made.. far too heavy, unbalancing the set-up (and not too clever line-lay, although no-one has mentioned this)
Happy Carping

You haven't upset me Bolton.
I thought you might have been someone I know taking the **** and starting a wind-up!! Thanks for your words, anyway.
My mates (like Gordon Fowler tee, hee) who bought the Shimano Big Baitrunner (I told them not to!!!) couldn't agree with you more.....broken gears, not strong enough drag for boating out, exploding bail arms ...they rushed to bring it out without really addressing the key quality issues.

[This message has been edited by Paul Selman (edited 17-09-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Paul Selman (edited 17-09-2000).]

let us know what the knew "infinity" reels are like Paul thy look the dogs,any idea how much theyre going to cost? big bucks i bet,by the way i am not the ian from the diawa masterclass but i was a member of Crab mill when you were in the 80,s