Tournament-S 6000T
As the biggest of the Tournies, the Tournament-S 6000T is a true cult classic. With its full cobalt blue finish and light gold spool, the TS6000T has a distinctive retro look. It is the direct successor to the SS-9000, just as the smaller Tournies replaced the SS-3000 and SS-5000. Like the GS-9000 and SS-9000, this powerful reel offers enormous line capacity and excellent casting performance. It was once said to hold the record for the longest cast on a carp set-up, at 242 metres. As the final model of the 6000-9000 series, it is technically the most advanced, boasting eight ball bearings.
History
Japanese Daiwa catalogue (1996)
In 1988, Daiwa released the SS-9000, a high-end powerful front drag reel for long distance casting and boat fishing with heavy lines. The TS6000T is its successor.
In 1995, Daiwa introduced Twistbuster, a TiN-coated tapered line roller, designed to reduce line twist. Seeing it as a major innovation, Daiwa updated many models with the new rollers, including the SS-9000, returning as the Tournament-S 6000T. The handle knob now featured two ball bearings for smoother winding. The SS-3000 and SS-5000 received the same updates, returning as the TS5000T and TS5500T, with the same new look and now positioned alongside the TS6000T in the same line-up.
Around the same time, Daiwa revised its grade system, with ‘S’ as the entry-level grade and ‘Z’ as high-end. Unlike its predecessor (SS-9000) and its casting sibling (Z45T), it was now positioned as an entry-level model. In the catalogue, it appeared alongside the much higher-priced Tournament ZiT series. Although the designs were quite different, both new series were positioned for a similar purpose as large, strong long cast reels, likely explaining the move from ‘SS’ to ‘S’ rather than ‘Z’.
Just like the TS5000T and TS5500T, the TS6000T remained in Daiwa’s line-up for a very long time and was eventually discontinued after 2006 in Japan, together with its smaller siblings. In Europe, however, it continued to be sold until it was finally discontinued in 2024, 29 years after its initial release!
Unlike the TS5000T, the TS6000T was probably offered continuously rather than re-released at a later point. Its black drive gear also remained unchanged throughout its production run, unlike the TS5000T, which was later fitted with a lower-quality drive gear.
Releases
The TS6000T was released for both Japan and export. In Japan, it was introduced in 1995 and discontinued in 2006, an exceptionally long production run for a reel in the higher price range in Japan. The box included a line reducer, cloth bag and maintenance kit.
It was introduced in Europe in 1996. In some European markets, it remained available for even much longer than in Japan. In the UK, it was discontinued in 2024, while other European markets discontinued it earlier. In France, it was still listed in the 2009 catalogue, and probably longer. In Germany, it was no longer listed in the 2007 catalogue, although it may have been discontinued there earlier. Unlike the TS5000T, the TS6000T was probably offered continuously rather than re-released at a later point. Its black drive gear also remained unchanged throughout its production run, unlike the TS5000T, which was later fitted with a lower-quality drive gear. Any additional information regarding these markets would be greatly appreciated.
Model comparison
Compared to other 6000-9000 models, the SS-9000 stands out with its cobalt blue body and rotor, combined with a light gold spool. The black bail kicker features a roller, while the folding handle has a large premium wooden knob, both just like the SS-9000.
Technically, it sits at the top end of the 6000–9000 series. With a total of eight ball bearings, it runs very smoothly. As the successor to the SS-9000, it features two additional ball bearings in the handle and a Twistbuster TiN line roller. The drive gear has a durable black Almite finish. Newer models probably feature bearings made in Thailand and Cambodia instead of Koya ones, possibly along with other minor differences, although this remains unconfirmed.
Collectabillity
The TS6000T remains a popular reel, valued for its durability, slightly smoother feel and to a lesser degree its looks. Built for strength, its low gear ratio also means a slow retrieve speed. This is its main drawback, especially compared to modern big pit reels. For collectors, it is the least sought-after of the 6000-9000 series, but still a lot of anglers use them because of their very good casting capabilities and their robustness. Because of their very long production run, as well as the fact that they were originally sold in Europe, TS6000Ts are still seen on the banks a lot. They are probably the most affordable of the 6000-9000 series, although prices are still quite high.
Specifications
All models in this group are very similar in terms of technical design. Click the button ‘6000-9000 series’ for general technical information, or further info on certain subjects below.
General specifications
- Model: Tournament-S 6000T
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Production period: 1995 till 2024
- Catalogue weight: 670 g
Body & rotor
- Body material: Whisker Carbon
- Rotor material: Super metal
- Balanced rotor: No
Internal mechanics
- Drive type: Hex drive
- Gear material: Super duralumin
- Gear ratio: 3.4 : 1
- Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
- Main shaft: Steel, Ø6 mm
- Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
- Ball bearings: 8
- – Pinion gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
- – Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
- – Worm shaft: 2 BB (4x7x2 mm)
- – Handle knob: 2 BB (5x8x2,5 mm)
Spool & bail system
- Spool design: Skirtless spool
- Stroke: 45 mm
- Spool type: Long cast
- Spool material: Aluminium
- Spool lip: Aluminium
- Line capacity (mm/m):
- – 0.66-170, 0.74-125
- Retrieve speed: ±70 cm/turn
- Bail type: One-piece
- Line roller: Twistbuster TIN
Drag system
- Drag type: Front drag
- Drag washers: 5 felt + 5 metal
- Clicker sound: Yes
Handle assembly
- Handle type: Foldable
- Handle shaft: Silver-coloured hex
- Handle length: 85 mm
- Handle knob: Wooden
- Ambidextrous: Yes
Schematic
See below for the schematic of the TS6000T. The exploded view and parts list have been added separately, but all part numbers are copied exactly from the original schematic.
