Daiwa is a well-known manufacturer of spinning reels of different kinds. If you are a big fan of fishing activities, knowing what products from Daiwa to choose for your fishing requirements can be a challenge.
That's why I designed this review to take you deep into some of the unique products from this manufacturer and their amazing specifications.
This is a guide to the best Daiwa spinning reels on the market.
If you are an angler, you know how important it is to use the premium fishing gear. And that’s why Daiwa continues to get accolades even after many years in the game. That’s because of the consistency of a company that began very small and has successfully expanded its influence and operations. Daiwa is a leading innovator that specializes in creating top-performing gear.
From my research, I noticed that most people like to look up spinning reels from Daiwa because they happen to be the perfect equipment for lightweight fishing.
But after many hours of research, it still is difficult for many people to decide what spinning reel is best for them.
To help you save your time and energy, this buying guide takes you through the best Daiwa spinning reels you can buy right now.
To make it even better, I’ve added a buying guide to teach you the factors to consider before spending your money on a spinning reel. Keep reading to find out.
Top 5 Best Daiwa Spinning Reels
OUR TOP PICK
Daiwa Revros LT Spinning Reels
EDITORS CHOICE
Daiwa BG Spinning Reels
BEST VALUE
Daiwa Strikeforce-B
OUR TOP PICK
Daiwa Revros LT Spinning Reels
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Summary
Daiwa created this series for people who want quality without spending so much. Truth be told, the Revros LT spinning reel is friendly to your wallet.
This collection is a fusion of the Revros series and the light and touch concept of Daiwa. What you have here is a very rugged composite equipment that is also lightweight.
The first contact with a Revros may lead you into thinking that you are holding a premium JDM reel yet that isn't the case.
This equipment performs as well as some spinning reels in the $500 range and that’s because of its light composite housing.
The manufacturer created it with economical and innovative materials so that you don't have to pay so much to get access to quality. This spinning reel also comes with an aluminum handle that has been machined to send power to the main gear smoothly.
Due to the light composite housing, you also benefit from the strength-to-weight ratio while creating a good framework designed to allow its Digigear system to operate smoothly. Compared to other Revros models from Daiwa, the LT happens to be lighter because the manufacturer lowered the weight by 2 and 5 ounces in the 2000 and 4000 models, respectively.
You’ll also find that it has the air rotor design that doesn't weigh as much as regular rotor designs. Daiwa created this with a unique shape to make it lighter and more efficient at distributing stress.
Pros
- Comes with an air rotor system
- Has a machined aluminum handle
- Great with light composite housing
- Uses the LT concept design
Cons
- The handle may become loose and wiggle after full tightening
- LT Concept design of light but tough
- Light Composite Housing
- Machined Aluminum Handle
- Air Rotor System
EDITORS CHOICE
Daiwa BG Spinning Reels
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Summary
This is yet another impressive product from Daiwa and happens to be a reliable reel. When it comes to quality and innovation, Daiwa is one of the leading manufacturers in the fishing world.
It shows proof of its creativity with the Black Gold collection which is proof of its new design and engineering strategy.
You can apply the Black Gold reels in both freshwater and saltwater situations. It also comes in a plethora of sizes and if you are looking to engage in offshore saltwater setups or ultralight freshwater activities, this line of spinning reels has everything you need.
Keep in mind that it is also very versatile and designed to be braided line compatible. You’ll also find that it has 6 + 1 watertight ball bearings to make it very durable and smooth.
The pricing of this spinning reel is appropriate and it feels very powerful. It also features the DigiGear system that offers you a powerful retrieval for big fish.
According to reports from some buyers, the size of this spinning reel is a bit larger when compared to others. For people looking to engage in offshore or nearshore fishing, this is a great choice. You won't go wrong with the Black Gold reel line collection.
Pros
- Comes with a very tough build
- User-friendly and reels smooth
- The drag system is unique
- Boasts very nice reeling abilities
Cons
- This isn’t the newest on the block
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing ("Hard Bodyz" Body & Side Cover), Over-sized Digigear (Digigear System)
- Solid Screw-In Handle, Air Rotor, Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
- Braided Line Ready Spool, Waterproof Drag System, Carbon ATD, Line Per Handle Turn: 37.4"
- Manual Return Bail (4500 and Larger), 6BB+1RB, Gear Ratio: 5.6:1, Drag Max:15.4
- Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards): 8/240, 10/200, 12/170 J-BRAID: 15/280, 20/240, 30/190
BEST VALUE
Daiwa Strikeforce-B
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Summary
How would you like to have a solidly-built spinning reel that won’t cost you an arm or a leg? Then, look no further than the Strikeforce-B from Daiwa.
The fact that it isn't that expensive doesn't mean it lacks premium features. This spinning reel comes with the DigiGear system that helps to make the equipment more powerful and durable. It also contributes to its speed.
The Twist Buster line twist reduction is another outstanding feature of the spinning reel. It also comes with an ABS aluminum spool to allow you to cast easier and longer.
You’ll also find the ball bearing drive that makes this winner very smooth to operate. If you are just getting into the world of anglers, this is great for beginners.
That's because it has very premium features and doesn't have anything you wouldn't need.
The Strikeforce-B puts in an outstanding performance that gives you more reason to see why many anglers love products from Daiwa. What you have here is a solid performer that won’t hurt your budget. This is just the right choice for some time out at the lake.
With the help of the digital gearing system, you benefit from the optimal speed, as well as enhanced performance. To ensure that you get superb casting performance, the creator combined its Twist Buster system with the ABS Aluminum Spool that is known for its lightweight properties.
This means you no longer have to worry about wind knots and line twists that usually trouble spinning reels.
Pros
- Easier, longer casting because of the ABS aluminum spool
- Smooth, ball bearing drive
- Digigear system for optimal speed and high durability
- Twist Buster line twist reduction
Cons
- Some buyers say that it feels cheap
- ABS Aluminum Spool
- Digigear digital gear design
- Ultralight
- 4.9:1 gear ratio
- Max Drag: 4.4
RUNNER UP
Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
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Summary
Daiwa officially launched its new collection of Black Gold SW reels in 2016. It will interest you to know that the very first Black Gold collection hit the market in 1981. When it comes to the value you get for how much you spend to get this equipment, this is an excellent buy that has sufficient drag necessary to cope with bigger pelagics or smaller inshore species.
This spinning reel is available in different models and has up to 3 gear ratios that fall between 1,500 and 8,000. So, finding something that fits your fishing requirements shouldn't be a problem.
With this collection, Daiwa offers you equipment that can handle hard fighting fish. It comes with ball bearings that are resistant to rust and provide smooth retrieval in addition to the air rotor design.
It’s also equipped with a water-resistant carbon ATD drag system.
One thing I like about this new model is that it comes with some of the most premium features that you get from more expensive spinning reels. The black anodized finishing gives the Black Gold Saltwater a protective covering on top of its housing made from aluminum.
Have you been considering the Penn Battle II recently? Even if it has a similar price with the Black Gold SW from Daiwa, I think Daiwa provides more benefits when compared with the Penn Battle II.
This is not to say that the Penn battle IIs aren’t efficient spinning reels but I believe that the smoothness of the Black Gold SW reel beats it.
Pros
- Durable anodized body
- This spinning is not difficult to maintain
- The manufacturing quality is top-notch
- Offers you an impressive drag
Cons
- the manufacturer could use lighter material to create the BG SW
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing ("Hard Bodyz" Body & Side Cover), Over-sized Digigear (Digigear System)
- Solid Screw-In Handle, Air Rotor, Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
- Braided Line Ready Spool, Waterproof Drag System, Carbon ATD, Line Per Handle Turn: 28.3"
- Manual Return Bail (4500 and Larger), 6BB+1RB, Gear Ratio: 5.6:1, Drag Max:4.4
- Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards): 6/135, 8/110, 10/90 J-BRAID: 10/160, 15/130, 20/110,
RUNNER UP
Daiwa Underspin-XD Series
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Summary
My final pick on this list is yet another impressive product from Daiwa. One of the things you want to consider when buying a spinning reel is durability and this is what you get with the underspin XD series.
The quality of this spinning reel speaks for itself as it is made of premium aluminum alloy steel. That means you can count on this equipment to last a long time without questioning its durability.
This is a closed face reel that is hard to go unnoticed. Daiwa did a good job with the underspin XD series. To make the casting performance even better, it is designed with a wide aperture line so that adds to its power.
Another thing that I like about this closed face reel is that it comes with a titanium nitride pick-up line.
There is one of the reasons that you will experience a reduced rate of depreciation when compared to other closed face reels.
This equipment is also designed in a way that makes it easy for you to use any of your hands. That's because you will notice how soft the handle is when you touch it.
Pros
- The performance is excellent
- Promises you a flawless experience
- This spinning reel casts smoothly
- Very user-friendly and effective
Cons
- Tends to tangle easily
- Smooth ball bearing drive
- Hardbodyz rigid aluminum alloy construction
- Rugged metal gearing
- Trigger-control closed-face reel with medium action in freshwater.
- Specifications: Gear Ratio - 4.3:1; Line Per Crank - 25.9"; Weight - 10.8oz; Line Capacity - 12/100
Best Daiwa Spinning Reels Buying Guide
It's your duty to examine every spinning reel when looking to buy the perfect one. But I know how tedious that can be, so I’ve done all the research for you. Check out the essential properties to look for when buying a spinning reel –
Anti-Reverse Switch
The reason that your fishing line does not slip away is because of the anti-reverse system. Manufacturers design it to be comfortable for use by both left and right-handed individuals.
Sometimes, they look like a handle, and beginner anglers will find them to be very beneficial. You could also look out for spinning reels that allow you to deactivate the anti-reverse.
Body Construction
You need to ensure that you buy a product that is durable and strong with the capacity to withstand hard-pulling fish and sudden shocks. You will find that the material used to make the body of a spinning reel is usually either graphite or cast aluminum.
To make them more lightweight, manufacturers can decide to put holes in the bodies of some models. This isn't an indication of reduced quality but if your spinning reel appears unstable and extremely light, that means it won't handle strong pressure effectively.
Additionally, based on the purpose of designing them, some reels can have anti-corrosion or waterproof properties. Saltwater fishing activities are best for such reels.
Spool & Line Capacity
Your fishing line is held in place by the spool which performs very vital functions when you want to cast. You’ll be better off buying aluminum spools regardless of their weight.
But there are also spools made of graphite. Such spools will make a perfect choice if you want something that doesn’t weigh too much.
You also want to pay attention to this feature because there are many different models on the market. But this depends on how much you want your line capacity to hold. Keep in mind that spools come braided line-ready. So, if you plan to use the spinning reel more often, adapting your spool shouldn't be a problem.
Ball Bearings
If you want to know the level of smoothness to expect from your fishing reel, consider the number of bearings. Inside the body of your reel, you’ll find the ball bearings that help to prevent slips.
The main features of your spinning reel should reveal to you how many bearings it comes with.
In the case of saltwater reels, you'll be on the better side if you go for a product with up to 6 ball bearings and above. The reason is that saltwater activities tend to be more demanding and your fishing reel will need some assistance to put in a smooth performance.
Gear Ratio
This is the feature that allows you to determine how long it takes to retrieve your fishing line. The gear ratio comes in measurements that look like 6:1, 4:1, etc. In this case, the first number refers to the number of spool revolutions needed to complete a turn of the handle. A higher number indicates that you will retrieve your line faster.
Drag Power
You might encounter fish that pulls back with a lot of vigor and this can cause your line to break. But the drag is what ensures that this does not happen. The spinning reel comes with large washers that power the system and trigger the release of more line when there is too much pressure.
The only way to hold onto your big catch is by ensuring that your spinning reel has a good drag capacity. You also want something that allows you to make adjustments to the drug because this increases the level of control you have when pulling the fish in.
Drag power comes different in various equipment and plays a role in determining your ability to catch certain species.
Best Daiwa Spinning Reels - FAQ's
Is Daiwa a Japanese company?
Yes. In the past, it used to be known as Daiwa Seiko Corporation. It specializes in producing fishing equipment which happens to be the source of most of its revenue. But that isn’t all as they also create gear for bikers, as well as golfers and tennis players.
What is Daiwa Digigear?
This is a digital gearing system that is designed to improve the performance and endurance of your spinning reel. The manufacturer incorporates this machined Digigear system into the body of the reel. The system sends power to the rotor in a smooth and efficient manner.
What does Daiwa mean in Japanese?
That expression refers to the Great Harmony and is very popular in Japanese society. It also has to do with a vital characteristic of Japanese culture. When you look at the ancient name of the country, you will notice that the character for Daiwa is also used.
Where are Daiwa reels made?
Daiwa Corporation is based in CA, USA. It operates out of Cypress and delivers its products to the whole of the US, Canada, and other areas like South and Central America.
This manufacturer has maintained its commitment to creating premium and innovative products which is one of the reasons that it stands out in the international market.
Conclusion
When it comes to technology and innovation in the world of fishing reels, Daiwa creates some of the very best products. Yes, its fishing reels come with upsides and downsides which is normal.
Are you looking to get started with fishing activities? Do you do this for fun or are you an expert at working with fishing reels? No matter what your level of expertise is? you can count on Daiwa reels. You can use them for saltwater or freshwater fishing escapades depending on what your preference is.