Rods

Daiwa Tournament Ts5000t Reels

Total Carp Staff  |  Jan 23, 2012

The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…


Daiwa Tournament TS5000T Reels
RRP: £325
Website: www.daiwasports.co.uk
Test period: 13 months

Marc says: For some inexplicable reason I have gone all retro in recent years with my gear and nowhere is this better displayed than with these reels.

Okay, so technically I have other reels that knock these into a cocked hat. No Twistbuster, AR-B, Airbale or Baitrunners here, as can be seen on Daiwa or Shimano’s latest offerings. However, few reels can match the looks, class and ‘carpiness’ of the Tournaments. Call them my guilty pleasure, call them what you will, but I love them and find any excuse to use them.

Sure, the folding handles are the epitome of form over function – some may say a bit over the top – but I spend so much time looking at my gear while on the bank that it has to be just so. In fact, I have fallen so much for the retro thing that I’ve even been out and bought some Steve Neville alarms. I think I need to go and lie down in a dark room!

Ahem, on a more serious note, putting the cult-like status and looks to one side, these are built to last and will never let you down. Imagine, if you will, that the Basia is like the Range Rover Sport, well the Tournaments are definitely the Land Rover Defender, and I tell you what, there are still plenty of those about after many years of abuse.

 
Marc's Verdict
Performance: ★★★★★★★★★★
Value: ★★★★★★★★★★
Not the best reels that money can buy, but I absolutely love ’em!


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