Daiwa Black Widow Carp Reel Review: The Dependable Workhorse That Never Lets You Down
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Now then lads, let’s have a proper chat about a reel that’s been quietly getting on with the job for years without making a big song and dance about it – the Daiwa Black Widow. I first encountered these reels about four years ago when a mate of mine, Pete, turned up to our syndicate water with a set of three. I’ll be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first – they didn’t have the flashy looks of some of the more expensive reels, and Pete’s always been one for finding a bargain rather than splashing the cash.
But you know what they say about judging books by their covers, don’t you? Over the course of that season, I watched Pete land fish after fish with those Black Widows, including a stunning thirty-two pound mirror that had been doing quite a few anglers’ heads in. The reel performed flawlessly throughout that epic twenty-minute battle, and I started to take serious notice.
Since then, I’ve had the chance to use the Black Widow extensively – I keep a set as my backup reels, and they’ve stepped up to the plate more times than I can count. When your main reels are in for a service, or when you’re introducing a newcomer to the sport and want to lend them something reliable, the Black Widow is exactly the sort of reel you want in your arsenal.
What Makes the Black Widow Special?
The Black Widow sits in that sweet spot in Daiwa’s range – it’s not trying to be the flashiest or most feature-packed reel on the market, but what it does, it does very well indeed. It’s built around a philosophy of reliable performance at a sensible price point, and that’s exactly what it delivers.
The heart of any carp reel is its drag system, and the Black Widow uses Daiwa’s proven multi-disc drag setup. Now, this isn’t the latest ATD system you’ll find in the more expensive models, but don’t let that put you off. This is a tried and tested drag that’s been refined over years of development. It’s smooth, predictable, and crucially, it stays consistent even when it’s been getting some serious use.
I remember one particularly memorable session on a weedy Oxfordshire gravel pit where I had three takes in quick succession – the sort of situation where your gear really gets put through its paces. Each fish was a proper scrap, with plenty of weed to negotiate and some serious pressure needed to turn them. The Black Widow handled it all without missing a beat. The drag remained smooth and controllable throughout, allowing me to apply the pressure needed without any of those heart-stopping moments when the drag suddenly grabs or gives way.
The build quality is immediately apparent when you handle one. The body is constructed from what Daiwa calls their Super Metal Body – essentially a robust composite that provides excellent strength while keeping the weight reasonable. It’s not the lightest reel you’ll ever use, but it’s not unnecessarily heavy either. There’s a solidity to it that inspires confidence, the sort of feel that tells you this reel will keep working season after season.
Performance Where It Matters
Let’s talk about what really counts – how these reels perform when you’re actually out there trying to catch carp. I’ve used Black Widows in a variety of situations now, from intimate estate lakes to vast gravel pits, and they’ve consistently delivered exactly what I needed from them.
The casting performance is very impressive for a reel in this price bracket. The line lay is good – not quite as perfect as you’d get from the premium models, but more than adequate for most situations. I’ve regularly achieved distances of well over 100 yards without any issues, and the accuracy is spot on when you need to hit specific spots.
One aspect that really stands out is the retrieve. Even when you’re winding in heavy leads from distance, there’s a smoothness to the operation that makes the job much less of a chore. This might not seem crucial when you’re reading about it, but after a long session when you’re packing up tired, every bit of mechanical advantage helps. The six ball bearings do their job well, providing smooth operation even after months of use.
The anti-reverse is solid and reliable. When you’re playing a fish, you want absolute confidence that your reel won’t give ground unexpectedly, and the Black Widow delivers that security. I’ve never experienced any backward movement under pressure, even when dealing with some seriously powerful fish.
Technical Specifications and Real-World Application
The Black Widow comes in several sizes, but I’ve primarily used the 5000A model, which offers a good balance of line capacity and manageable size. You’re looking at around 280 yards of 15lb mono, which covers most UK carp fishing situations very comfortably.
The gear ratio is well chosen for carp fishing – not so fast that you lose power when playing fish, but quick enough that retrieving doesn’t become tedious. It strikes that perfect balance between efficiency and control that you want in a carp reel.
One feature that deserves particular mention is the line clip system. It’s simple but effective, allowing you to mark your casting distance accurately. I’ve found it particularly useful when fishing multiple rods to the same spot – you can achieve remarkable consistency in your range, which is often the difference between success and blanking.
The spool design incorporates Daiwa’s Cross Wrap technology, which helps ensure even line lay during retrieve. While it’s not as advanced as the systems in the premium reels, it definitely reduces the risk of wind knots and line dig-in issues that can plague lesser reels.
Durability and Long-Term Performance
Any reel can perform well for the first few outings – the real test comes after months of use in all conditions. I’m pleased to report that the Black Widow has shown excellent durability throughout my ownership.
The sealed design keeps moisture and debris out of the crucial internal components. I’ve used these reels in everything from summer downpours to grim winter conditions, and they’ve continued to perform reliably. The drag system, in particular, has remained consistent – there’s been no deterioration in smoothness or any development of those jerky characteristics that often signal a drag starting to fail.
The external finish has also held up well. While it’s not going to win any beauty contests after a season’s hard use, it maintains its functionality perfectly. The controls remain smooth and precise, and there’s been no significant wear on any of the key components.
Pros of the Daiwa Black Widow
Excellent Value for Money: Delivers performance that punches well above its price point, making quality carp fishing accessible without breaking the bank.
Reliable Drag System: The multi-disc drag is smooth, consistent, and maintains its performance even under heavy use.
Good Build Quality: Solid construction that inspires confidence and promises long-term reliability.
Versatile Performance: Handles everything from close-range work to decent distances with equal competence.
User-Friendly Design: Straightforward operation without unnecessary complexity – perfect for anglers who want reliability over gadgets.
Smooth Retrieve: Six ball bearings provide pleasant operation even when working under load.
Consistent Line Lay: Cross Wrap technology reduces line management issues significantly.
Range of Sizes: Available in different capacities to suit various fishing situations and preferences.
Cons of the Daiwa Black Widow
Not Cutting Edge: While perfectly adequate, it lacks some of the advanced features found in more expensive models.
Weight: Slightly heavier than some contemporary reels, which might matter if you do a lot of walking between swims.
Line Lay Not Perfect: Good, but not quite as precise as the premium models – might matter for extreme range work.
Limited Adjustability: Fewer fine-tuning options compared to high-end reels with multiple drag settings.
Appearance: Rather utilitarian looks won’t appeal to anglers who want their gear to make a visual statement.
Who Should Consider the Black Widow?
The Black Widow is ideally suited for anglers who prioritize performance and reliability over flashy features or cutting-edge technology. It’s perfect for the angler who wants a dependable reel that will get on with the job without any fuss or drama.
They’re particularly excellent for newcomers to carp fishing who want quality equipment without the premium price tag. Starting out with reliable gear like this builds confidence and allows you to focus on developing your angling skills rather than worrying about equipment failure.
Experienced anglers will also find plenty to appreciate in the Black Widow, especially as backup reels or for situations where you want proven reliability over the latest innovations. They’re the sort of reels you can lend to a fishing mate without worrying, knowing they’ll perform exactly as expected.
Comparison with Alternatives
In its price bracket, the Black Widow faces competition from several manufacturers, but it holds its own very well. The build quality is generally superior to many alternatives at similar price points, and the drag system is notably smooth and reliable.
Compared to budget options, the Black Widow offers significantly better long-term durability and performance consistency. While you might pay a bit more initially, the improved reliability and smoother operation make it excellent value over the long term.
Against more expensive reels, the Black Widow obviously can’t match every feature, but it covers all the essentials very well. For many anglers, it provides everything they actually need without paying for features they’ll rarely use.
Final Verdict
After extensive use in various conditions and situations, I can honestly say the Daiwa Black Widow has earned its place as one of the most dependable reels in its price range. It might not have all the bells and whistles of the flagship models, but what it does have works beautifully and keeps working season after season.
The drag system is genuinely excellent for the price point, providing the smooth, consistent performance that’s absolutely crucial when playing carp. The build quality inspires confidence, and the overall design strikes that perfect balance between functionality and simplicity that many anglers prefer.
For anglers seeking reliable performance without paying premium prices, the Black Widow represents outstanding value. It’s a reel that gets on with the job quietly and effectively, allowing you to focus on your angling rather than worrying about your equipment.
Whether you’re just starting your carp fishing journey or you’re an experienced angler looking for dependable backup reels, the Daiwa Black Widow deserves serious consideration. It’s not the flashiest option available, but it’s one of the most trustworthy, and in carp fishing, that reliability can make all the difference.
Rating: 8.5/10
An excellent all-round reel that delivers where it matters most. The only things preventing a higher score are the lack of cutting-edge features and the slightly utilitarian appearance, but for pure fishing performance and reliability, it’s hard to fault.