DAIWA 20 Crosscast 35 SCW 5000LD QD - Long-Throw Carp Reel

Our review of the DAIWA 20 Crosscast 35 SCW 5000LD QD finds it to be a purpose-built carp reel for anglers who prioritise long casts and reliable line control. The single biggest reason to buy is its long-throw 35 mm spool combined with SCW line laying, which delivers smoother, longer casts for boilie and carp fishing situations. The reel pairs durable build features like Digigear II transmission and an infinite anti-reverse backstop with a practical QD brake system, making it a solid choice for serious carp anglers who need precise casting and dependable drag performance.

Key Features

• Long-throw spool: The 35 mm spool stroke and long-throw design provide greater spool speed for longer casts, helping reach distant carp holding areas.
• SCW line laying: Slow Cross Wrap reduces line stack and promotes even lay, which improves casting consistency and reduces tangles on long casts.
• Strong drag: The QD brake system with up to 15 kg braking force delivers controlled, powerful stopping power for large carp runs.
• Smooth gearing: Digigear II transmission and 3 bearings provide reliable, consistent retrieval and a smooth 4.91 gear ratio for steady line pickup.
• Anti-reverse and roller: Infinite anti-reverse backstop with a Twist Buster II line roller prevents line twist and gives solid hook-hold security on the bite.
• Useful extras: Hip line clip, manual shackle cover and a robust bow spring add angler-friendly convenience and durability at the bank.

Who It's For

The Crosscast 35 SCW 5000LD QD is aimed at carp anglers who fish for larger, wary fish and need distance with control; it suits long-range boilie work and sessions where a smooth, powerful drag and even line lay matter. It's a good match for intermediate to advanced carp anglers who value engineering like Digigear II and an infinite anti-reverse for dependable hook-holds and retrieval.

Anglers who primarily fish light freshwater species or who prefer very compact reels for travel might look elsewhere; this model's 625 g weight and long-throw design are optimised for carp duties rather than ultralight angling or minimal-pack setups.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long-throw 35 mm spool and SCW deliver noticeably longer, more consistent casts.
• QD brake with 15 kg capacity provides confident drag for big carp runs.
• Digigear II, infinite anti-reverse and Twist Buster II roller offer smooth, reliable operation.
• Practical bank features such as hip line clip and manual shackle cover improve usability.

Cons

• At 625 g it is relatively heavy compared with compact reels, which may matter on long carries.
• Three bearings provide adequate smoothness but some anglers may prefer higher-bearing counts for extra refinement.

Specifications

Model	35-5000LD
Weight	625 g
Gear ratio	4.91
Bearings	3
Line capacity	530 m / 0.35 mm
Line retraction	103 cm
Max braking force	15 kg

Our Verdict

The DAIWA Crosscast 35 SCW 5000LD QD is a specialist carp reel that delivers long casts, reliable drag and solid bank features at the expense of a bit more weight. For carp anglers focused on boilie work and distance fishing it represents good value thanks to its long-throw spool, SCW line management and dependable Digigear II internals. Choose it if you need controlled long-range performance and strong stopping power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this reel suitable for long-distance carp casting?
The 35 mm long-throw spool and SCW line laying are designed to enhance spool speed and promote longer, more consistent casts.

What drag system does it use?
It uses a QD brake system with a maximum braking force of 15 kg for controlled stopping power on large runs.

How smooth is the retrieve?
Digigear II transmission with 3 bearings and a 4.91 gear ratio provides a smooth and reliable retrieval suitable for carp sessions.