The Wednesday Review... Daiwa Windcast Z

This entry was posted on 14th August, 2013

The Wednesday Review

Daiwa Windcast Z

The ‘Big Pit Reel’ was introduced, or should we say given it’s name many years ago.

Primarily these reels were basically larger than normal fixed spool reels designed for sea fishing; they featured large, wide, deep spools, which allowed anglers to cast further with greater ease. The large spools decreased friction, which allowed line to peel from the spool more easily than conventional reels with narrower spools.

It didn’t take long before these type of reels soon found themselves more at home on the banks of freshwater lakes, as opposed to the beaches and piers they had become accustomed too, as anglers realised there casting capabilities.

As Carp fishing evolved so did the use of the ‘big pit’ reel, as more and more anglers started to use them. The tackle manufacturers soon sat up and took notice and it wasn’t look before big pit reels were being made specifically for the Carp fishing market.

One of the first innovators for these types of reels was Daiwa, with the Daiwa Emblem probably standing up as one of the best from this era. A few years later, once again from Daiwa, came the Daiwa Infinity, now this was a reel (excuse the pun) advance in technology, as this was one of the first big pit reels to feature a ‘free spool’ facility.

At the time the Daiwa Infinity was the Royals Royce of Carp fishing reels (it’s still popular now) but as you’d expect it came at a price!

If you fast forward to the modern day, technology has advanced so has the development of these reels, not only have they become better, but they have also become more readily available and for cheaper prices. It’s in this area where I’d like to start our Wednesday review and that is with the Daiwa Windcast Z, which is both a big pit and free spool reel!

“Does everything I ask of a reel and at a very sensible price”

In the end I opted for the Daiwa Windcast 5500Zs because they ticked all the boxes. They weren’t too big or heavy, the two spools that came with them hold more than enough line – 440 yards of 15lb – and the line lay is superb. I bought a set of three and have been impressed ever since.

The front drag is very smooth and only needs a quarter turn to release it from full on to free enough to give line on a take. They also look great and give the impression of a much more expensive reel.

My kit really gets used and abused. I don’t spend lots of time looking after it like I should, but these reels have been a good workhorse. They have performed admirably, even in some dire conditions – especially in France during winter.

However, this winter I felt that they were starting to feel a bit tight. This was mostly due to the weather conditions; it was freezing. Although the lakes didn’t freeze there was a wind-chill factor of minus 8ºC.



When I returned from France I sent the reels to Daiwa to have them serviced. They were promptly returned and were like brand new.

They also came with a useful tip from the service lads. When you stop fishing it is advisable to loosen your clutch. This eases the stress on it and will increase its performance.

If you own Daiwa reels I highly recommend that you take advantage of this brilliant service, which the company offers on most of its reels.

To sum up, the Windcast 5500Zs are sensibly priced and look and perform like reels that costs much more. Yes, if I fished regularly at extreme distances there are reels available that could do the job better but until I do I will continue to use these excellent bits of kit.

The Daiwa Windcast Z Features: Buy The Daiwa Windcast Z