Independent Review: Daiwa Tournament TS5000BE Black Edition
This review is based on the genuine experience of one of the CarpTalk team. It is not sponsored or paid for, and reflects our honest opinion after using the reels on the bank.
The Daiwa Tournament TS5000BE Black Edition has become something of a cult classic among carp anglers, and it’s easy to see why. Even today, these reels have a timeless look that stands out against many of the more modern offerings. They feel incredibly solid in the hand, with a reassuring weight that gives you confidence they’ll last for years.
The build quality is excellent. Everything about the reel feels over-engineered in a good way, and they’re more than capable of handling big fish and long sessions without feeling delicate. If you like tackle with a traditional, bombproof feel, the TS5000BE certainly delivers.
Where they begin to show their age is in the retrieve. Compared to today’s premium big pit reels, they’re not the smoothest. My pair have always been noticeably louder when winding in, and the retrieve feels slightly rough compared to newer designs from Shimano and Daiwa. It’s by no means a deal-breaker, but it’s something you’ll notice if you’ve used more modern reels.
I also fitted mine with Weston Developments custom spools and speed caps, which completely transformed the look. The upgrades give the reels a more personalised appearance and add to their already impressive old-school character.
That said, if I had to choose between these and my Shimano 14000 XTEs, I’d still reach for the Shimanos. They feel noticeably smoother, quieter and, in my experience, offer slightly better casting performance. The TS5000BEs are fantastic reels, but modern reel technology has moved on.
Overall, the Daiwa Tournament TS5000BE Black Edition remains a brilliant choice for anglers who appreciate classic styling, exceptional durability and proven reliability. They may not match the refinement of today’s latest reels, but they still have plenty of character and are built to withstand years of hard use.
Overall Rating: 3.8/5
Pros
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Classic, timeless styling that still looks great today.
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Exceptionally tough and built to last.
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Large spool suitable for long-range fishing.
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Highly customisable with aftermarket spools and speed caps.
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Solid, confidence-inspiring feel when playing fish.
Cons
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Louder and rougher retrieve than modern big pit reels.
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Heavier than many current alternatives.
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Doesn’t feel quite as smooth or cast as effortlessly as reels like the Shimano 14000 XTE.