OBJECT OF DESIRE
DAIWA EMBLEM SPOD REEL RRP: £175 WWW.DAIWASPORTS.CO.UK
YOUR spod reel should, in theory, be the best reel that you own.
Over a season it gets through the most work, receives the most abuse and, arguably, does the most important job. As such, it needs to be powerful, built to withstand all you can throw at it, and designed specifically to carry out its intended task.
This 2019 incarnation of Daiwa’s legendary Emblem Spod reel ticks all those boxes.
When it comes to sheer cranking power, it has no equal. One turn of the handle retrieves a mammoth 122cm of line, compared to the 100cm-105cm found on most spod reels. What’s more, a full oscillation of the spool takes just four turns of the handle – perfect for a spod reel because you can get the spool sitting in the optimum casting position with little fuss.
Then there’s the folding ‘Power Handle’ itself, which at 85mm is again longer than most and helps prevent arm and wrist fatigue during long baiting-up sessions. All impressive stuff, but let’s keep going…
The reel’s oversized ABS spool is shallower than most, meaning the line peels off with ease, but it’s not just long casts that are guaranteed. Thanks to two ingenious features, trouble-free casts come as standard too.
First up, the CastLock mechanism ensures that the opened bail stays locked in the correct position during the cast, removing the chances of dreaded crack-offs mid-cast.
Then there’s the new Auto Cast II button on the underside of the reel. Under the tension from a loaded spod you simply have to engage the button and the rotor will turn and stop at the perfect position for line pick-up and bail opening.
Other welcome features include the two line clips, one of which is a spring-loaded, high-impact version for extra cushioning; and the small recess in the spool designed to house the knot used to attach the braid, which will help ensure impeccable line lay.
There’s also a double line guard, plus a rubber skirt, which together completely eliminate the chance of line getting under the spool.
With an RRP of £175, it’s not a cheap reel, but the best things never are, and this brilliant ‘bespoke’ bit of kit from Daiwa
certainly fits that lofty billing.