Daiwa Emcast 5000 BRLT

[Steve Arnold]

I have been looking for a baitrunner reel of 5000 size to match with a Daiwa barbel rod which is quite light. My Shimano 4000 OC felt a little small but the 6000 OC was too heavy for comfortable holding.

A few days ago I spotted a Pacific Peche advert for the Daiwa Emcast 5000 BRLT and it was discounted to 69 euros. This morning it was delivered and my first thoughts are "what a lovely, smooth reel this is"

I have already loaded the reel with .21 braid, the spool is a slightly larger diameter than on my Shimano 4000 oc, about 250 yds of that braid on the Daiwa now.

Fitted to the Daiwa Powermesh B2 barbel rod it makes a very light and balanced combo. Although the rod is rated at 2.25 lb tc I regard it as closer to 1.75 lb tc Daiwa ratings on both rods and reels seems arbitrary compared to other manufacturers! Their tackle is still damned good, mostly!

Anyone here have one of these reels? Your opinions are welcome.

 

[@Clive]

Hi Steve, I have the 4000 version and I agree that it is a lovely, smooth reel. However, mine has a gap in the bail mechanism between the roller and the bail. First time I used it was with braid. Ten minutes into the sesssion a zoo creature picked up the bait, I struck, there was a noise like a pistol shot and the braid had broken. It had gone into the gap and become trapped. I have tried to find a replacement bail mechanism without success. If you think that you can mend it you can have it free of charge.

 

[mikench]

I have the 4000 size Steve and use it a lot. It’s light and tough and I have had no problems with it. I also have an earlier model Emcast 3500 which is bigger and heavier but equally reliable. I don’t understand the sizing at all. Here is a pic of both . The difference in size and weight is marked.

Curiously I bought mine from from Pacific Pêche for a similar price. At the current favourable exchange rate it’s a bargain.

 

[The bad one]

I wouldn't touch an Emcast for love nor money. I bought a large one for spodding, within weeks of use, using line not brad the line had cut into the bailarm right where it connects to the screw housing (post 3 bottom photo of reels) Wasn't a cheap reel at 90 notes 8 years ago. What a load of crap! Give me top end Okuma or a Shimano any day of the week.

 

[Steve Arnold]

Oh well, I will give feedback after a few outings. I did not notice problems with the bail on the .21 braid when loading and will have another look at it before fishing.

Tend to agree with the comment about Shimano, I think I have at least 9 now. I have a Daiwa Black Widow 4500 be which has been a reliable reel, I think the Emcast is to supercede that range.

Pity Shimano miss out the 5000 sizes in bait runner reels - how many times have I heard that said!

 

[@Clive]

The Shimano Aero baitrunners of 4000, 5000, 6000 & 8000 use the same body and gearing. It is only the rotors and spools that differ in size. Daiwas that I have had seem to be at least one size bigger than the equivalent Shimano & Okuma reels. I bought two Regal 5000 FD reels to go on my carp rods, but they wouldn't fit in the holdall.

I'll bring the Daiwa next time I come down that way.

 

[Steve Arnold]

The Shimano Aero baitrunners of 4000, 5000, 6000 & 8000 use the same body and gearing. It is only the rotors and spools that differ in size. Daiwas that I have had seem to be at least one size bigger than the equivalent Shimano & Okuma reels. I bought two Regal 5000 FD reels to go on my carp rods, but they wouldn't fit in the holdall.

I'll bring the Daiwa next time I come down that way.

Cheers Clive, your poorly built reel may be handy for spares if the body is the same size.

The Emcast 5000 is similar size to my Shimano 4000 oc, only the Emcast spool is very slightly larger diameter. The Emcast is noticeably lighter weight so has an advantage for an outfit I intend using whilst wading. A couple of ounces makes SO much difference!

 

[mattmapple]

Hey Steve,
Nice pick with the Emcast 5000 BRLT! I've got one myself, and it's been a solid performer.......smooth as butter. Haven't run into any issues with the bail, but I'll keep Clive's heads-up in mind. Daiwa's gear can be a bit quirky with their sizing, but they still make some damn good reels. Looking forward to hearing how it holds up for you out on the water!

 

[Aknib]

Hi Steve, I have the 4000 version and I agree that it is a lovely, smooth reel. However, mine has a gap in the bail mechanism between the roller and the bail. First time I used it was with braid. Ten minutes into the sesssion a zoo creature picked up the bait, I struck, there was a noise like a pistol shot and the braid had broken. It had gone into the gap and become trapped. I have tried to find a replacement bail mechanism without success. If you think that you can mend it you can have it free of charge.

That's really interesting Clive, especially backed up by Phil's post.

I have (or had, I sold my 5000's to Graham aka The Crow) a few Emcasts, still have the 3500's.

My point being that I had used the 5000's on numerous Pike fishing trips and experienced two inexplicable break offs on the strike.

I even re-whipped a new butt ring on to one of my deadbait rods but after reading this it would appear I was barking up the wrong tree.

Given the potential for disasterous consequences when Pike fishing I'm gonna bin the two 3500's and re-equip.

For the record on the two occasions I had inexplicable break offs I managed to hand line one fish in safely and return it none the worse but on the other I left the water not knowing but read of a later report of a large female, still feeding but with trace, line and hooks engulfed beyond throat being caught at a later date on the same water and that's really heartbreaking.

I'm surprised at Daiwa if there is a fault, I will have to question a brand which I'd always put beyond question if the bale arm thing is right, given the provenance and my own experience I'm certainly questioning it.

 

[@Clive]

That's really interesting Clive, especially backed up by Phil's post.

I have (or had, I sold my 5000's to Graham aka The Crow) a few Emcasts, still have the 3500's.

My point being that I had used the 5000's on numerous Pike fishing trips and experienced two inexplicable break offs on the strike.

I even re-whipped a new butt ring on to one of my deadbait rods but after reading this it would appear I was barking up the wrong tree.

Given the potential for disasterous consequences when Pike fishing I'm gonna bin the two 3500's and re-equip.

For the record on the two occasions I had inexplicable break offs I managed to hand line one fish in safely and return it none the worse but on the other I left the water not knowing but read of a later report of a large female, still feeding but with trace, line and hooks engulfed beyond throat being caught at a later date on the same water and that's really heartbreaking.

I'm surprised at Daiwa if there is a fault, I will have to question a brand which I'd always put beyond question if the bale arm thing is right, given the provenance and my own experience I'm certainly questioning it.

It is easy enough to check the gap between the bail and the pickup. Mine is so great that even 6lb mono can get caught in it.

I have been unable to source a replacement bail arm and so have left the reel unused. The incident happened about ten minutes into the first session that I used it. I'll drop it off with Artificer Arnold RN (Retired) and if he can sort it then he has a spare reel. If not, at least the spool might come in handy.

Before anyone questions why I didn't return it I live in France. Whilst French consumer law is virtually identical to that in the UK, the actual return of goods experience is quite different. Getting a refund or exchange from a retailer can be virtually impossible. They assume that you have broken it. If the retailer refuses to refund or exchange, and they often do, you have to engage a mediator to fight your claim. I couldn't be ar$ed.

 

[S-Kippy]

I’ve heard of this issue before but there’s no gap on the ba of my 4500 Emcasts. I use mine for my none too serious carping. Lovely reels in my experience.

 

[Aknib]

Cheers guys, I might be a bit confuddled about the sizes but the two in question were the largest size and I still have a pair of the smallest reels.

 

[Steve Arnold]

It is easy enough to check the gap between the bail and the pickup. Mine is so great that even 6lb mono can get caught in it.

I have been unable to source a replacement bail arm and so have left the reel unused. The incident happened about ten minutes into the first session that I used it. I'll drop it off with Artificer Arnold RN (Retired) and if he can sort it then he has a spare reel. If not, at least the spool might come in handy.

Before anyone questions why I didn't return it I live in France. Whilst French consumer law is virtually identical to that in the UK, the actual return of goods experience is quite different. Getting a refund or exchange from a retailer can be virtually impossible. They assume that you have broken it. If the retailer refuses to refund or exchange, and they often do, you have to engage a mediator to fight your claim. I couldn't be ar$ed.

Hi Clive, I have had another check of my 5000 model. In the photo I am pushing the line with my finger to put the roller as far to one side as possible.

Fortunately mine seems to be OK and the line (.21) will not find a gap whatever I do, so it should be safe to fish with.

Where the bail wire fits the housing looked a bit suspect, fortunately the edges of the hole do not trap the line and seem smooth.

Is it possible there are spacer washers behind the roller that have been assembled in the wrong order causing a bigger gap on yours? I guess you will have checked, otherwise you must have the unlucky one where the tolerances are badly off!

 

[@Clive]

Its not that part Steve. The gap is on the wire where it joins the roller housing. After casting the line is collected by the bail closing and slides down the wire, over the roller housing and onto the roller. On mine the braid slips into a gap and doesn't pass over the housing onto the roller. You can see where the two parts meet, bottom right, just above the red writing. I ordered the replacement bail from this site, but the order was cancelled due to no stock.

 

[Steve Arnold]

Its not that part Steve. The gap is on the wire where it joins the roller housing. After casting the line is collected by the bail closing and slides down the wire, over the roller housing and onto the roller. On mine the braid slips into a gap and doesn't pass over the housing onto the roller. You can see where the two parts meet, bottom right, just above the red writing. I ordered the replacement bail from this site, but the order was cancelled due to no stock.

View attachment 31222

Hi Clive, looks like yours is the bail from the older Emcast BR whereas mine is the Emcast BRLT, the newer, lighter weight version. Looks like Daiwa have gone "Back to the Future" with their updated choice of bail!

Mikes post 3 shows the different reels. All clear now, thanks!

 

[Steve Arnold]

A quick update after recently catching 20lb+ carp from the river Lot, reported on the "how did you get on" thread.

The Daiwa Emcast BRLT 5000 feels a bit "lighweight" but worked perfectly under stress. When the carp were doing fast runs under heavy drag the clutch gave line smoothly and predictably, no sign of the drag washers sticking at any point. I use braid line and that will exaggerate the effect of a sticky drag and pull hooks, I am confident this Daiwa reel will not do that!

When the fish took the bait the baitrunner mechanism gave line predictably. though a little quieter than with my usual Shimano OC reels. As I rely on this sound to get my attention (I dislike bite alarms!) that is a very slight negative. But, I did hear it and will just have to tune my ears to a slightly softer note!

The plus is that the Emcast BRLT 5000 is much lighter than a Shimano OC 6000 and therefore better suited to a 1.75lb tc rod.

I think there will be some mileage in this reel!

 

[Kevin aka Aethelbald]

The plus is that the Emcast BRLT 5000 is much lighter than a Shimano OC 6000 and therefore better suited to a 1.75lb tc rod.

Personally, I think both are too big for a 1.75lb rod. I use a Daiwa TDM 3012 QD on my 1.75lb barbel rod. Never felt the need for a baitrunner, unless you're a carp fisherman that likes to set the alarm, retire to the bivvy and have a kip. It's only 305g, has a large diameter spool (more like a 4000 Shimano) and the drag is superior to (and more powerful) any Shimano baitrunner Obviously, the quick drag can be set slack when having a pee and with one small turn it's back in business. I've come to love quick drag.

BUT, if I were to buy baitrunners - perhaps to run two rods - they would be OC's, without hesitation.
.
.

 

[@Clive]

The thing is that on many French rivers you have the quandry of setting up to give sport with what you expect to catch and risk being trashed by the frequent zoo creatures that inhabit the rivers, or fish heavier to give you a chance of landing one. And there are other factors like the flow volumes being typically higher and in Steve's case, the distances that he has to cast. I'm happy using a Shimano 4000 BR on the Charente where I rarely encounter large carp or catfish and I fish near bank mostly on a sedate river. On the Vienne however I need a bigger reel to handle the bigger feeders and have half a chance of landing the bigger unexpected species. As I understand it, the Shimano Aeros between 5000 & 8000 use the same body and gearing. Only the rotors and spools differ. The 4000 has a different body & gears and I can't see it being as robust as the 5000-8000 body. On my 1.75lb rod for the Vienne I use an Aero 5000 size reel and 6000 versions on the 2lb and 2.25lb feeder rods.

I don't understand the practical difference between a quick drag and a bait runner. I only use the BR function when using two rods, having a pee or pouring a cuppa so I'm not really knowledgable on these matters. But I wouldn't be without that sort of function just for the few times when it would be essential.

 

[Steve Arnold]

Personally, I think both are too big for a 1.75lb rod. I use a Daiwa TDM 3012 QD on my 1.75lb barbel rod. Never felt the need for a baitrunner, unless you're a carp fisherman that likes to set the alarm, retire to the bivvy and have a kip. It's only 305g, has a large diameter spool (more like a 4000 Shimano) and the drag is superior to (and more powerful) any Shimano baitrunner Obviously, the quick drag can be set slack when having a pee and with one small turn it's back in business. I've come to love quick drag.

BUT, if I were to buy baitrunners - perhaps to run two rods - they would be OC's, without hesitation.
.
.

My problem is the 6000 OC felt too heavy for a rod that will occasionally be held rather than permanently fished from a rest.

The 4000 OC I like when barbel fishing but I wanted a slightly larger diameter spool for distance fishing on a big river. The carp take barbel baits and I have nearly had a 6000 OC spool emptied by a couple of leviathans here.

Just over 1 k from where I caught those last two carp I reported, on the same day, my friend caught a 54 lb carp as well as a number of other big carp. He runs Carp Pirate Adventures and is very much a professional now.

I do prefer baitrunners although I have three bigger reels with QD. With the QD I can never remember if I have slackened them! Baitrunners I can see at a glance!

Just personal preference I guess, each of us has his own limitations