Best Daiwa Reels of 2021 – Complete Review

| Last Updated February 18, 2022

Is your idea of a relaxing vacation going out fishing?

Are you looking for the ultimate reel to get the biggest catch?

Well, look no further because, in this article, you’ll find all the best Daiwa reels for fishing. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

Comparison of the Best Daiwa Reels

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Better corrosion and scratch-resistance
  • Material: Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing
  • Weight: 30 oz
View Latest Price →
  • Lightweight and very durable
  • Material: Machined Aluminum Alloy Digigear
  • Weight: 5.8 oz
View Latest Price →
  • Best for the Money
  • Material: Carbon Light Material Housing
  • Weight: 7.4 oz
View Latest Price →
  • Best Daiwa Saltwater Reel
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Weight: 9.5 oz
View Latest Price →
  • Best Daiwa Spinning Reel
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 8.11 oz
View Latest Price →
  • Best Daiwa Baitcast Reel
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 7.2 oz
View Latest Price →

Who is Daiwa?

Daiwa is a Japanese brand that aims to provide high-quality and innovative fishing equipment to make fishing an experience to remember. They use the best quality materials and technology to ensure that their customers enjoy fishing and to revolutionize the fishing industry. It was founded back in 1958, and its aim was to use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to make fishing easier and more efficient.

They have set new standards for fishing reels called “Magsealed,” which centers around the advanced space engineering technology. Their mission is to provide a happy, enjoyable, and surprising experience for all their customers.

How Does Daiwa Compare to the Competition?

Daiwa has been in the industry for fishing reels for a long time, and using technology and knowledge has revolutionized the fishing industry completely. Here’s how it compares to its competitors:

Design

Daiwa has world-class technologists who aim to bring state-of-the-art and cutting-edge designs to the reel to make them look increasingly supreme and increase efficiency as well. They use the highest quality materials to design the reel and give it a smooth, sleek look.

Standard

Daiwa is one of the first companies to bring innovative technologies in the fishing industry. It created the ‘Open-Shape Reel’ that allows the fisherman to wind more of the line in the spool faster and more efficiently. This has made it one of the best companies for fishing reels.

Brand Image

Users all over the world have come to know about Daiwa and its signature red, white, and blue logo. This is because, over the years, they have garnered their customers’ loyalty and trust by constantly innovating and improving their product and its design. They have had great success in securing the market leadership position for fishing reels because of their dedicated research and development over the years.

Key Terms to Know

To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.

  • Materials: The materials the reel is made of.

  • Weight: The actual weight of the reel.

  • Hand Orientation: Which dominant hand the reel is made for.

  • Bearing Type and Material: The number or type of bearings inside the reel and also the bearing material.
     
  • Gear Ratio: This tells you the number of times the reel spool turns with each crank of the handle.

  • Maximum Drag: The amount of force the reel can withstand without the line slipping.

  • Line Compatibility: Which line types the reel is meant to be used with.

Review of the Best Daiwa Reels

Now that you’ve read the basics, let’s dive into the detailed reviews of the best Daiwa reels on the market. All of these are top-notch products and can serve as a great model for you.

Best Overall:
Daiwa BG8000 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

Daiwa BG8000 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel, 8000, 5.3: 1 Gear Ratio, 6+1 Bearings, 53.30' Retrieve Rate, 33 lb Max Drag, Black/gold

PROS

  • Drag system is waterproof
  • Works smoothly and is designed for heavy usage
  • Daiwa’s Digigear system for more power and torque
  • Unique air rotor shape that eliminates any unwanted weight
  • Comes with a black anodized aluminum housing for durability

CONS

  • Needs to be greased first
  • Weight of the reel is a bit too heavy
  • Manual bell-arm needs some getting used to

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the users were incredibly impressed with the performance and speed of this reel. It is designed with high-quality and durable materials for strength, power, and torque. It is able to catch many different types of fish in saltwater and has a smooth casting.

Why it Stands Out to Us

For us, this reel stands out because of its advanced technological system and features. The body is made with non-corrosive and water-resistant materials to prevent rust and maintain shine. The Digigear is also oversized for smoother casting, and the screw-in handle allows better control while fishing.

Who Will Use This Most

This reel is best used for saltwater fishing and can handle an impressive amount of weight. This means it can be used to catch many different types of fish, and in some cases, even sharks! It works like a beast and has incredible power and torque to handle the weight of the fish.

Bottom Line

All in all, if you need a model that works like a dream and can be used for heavy fishing, then this is the one for you. It is powerful, well-designed, and is made from the highest quality materials to provide an enjoyable experience and to last you a long time. You will not regret buying this reel.

Product Specs

Material:

Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing

Weight:

30 oz

Hand Orientation:

Right Hand

Bearing Type and Material:

6BB + 1

Gear Ratio:

5.3:1

Maximum Drag:

33 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Mono Line and Braided

Runner-up:
Daiwa Tatula LT 6.2:1 Spinning Reels

Daiwa Tatula LT 6.2:1 Left/Right Hand Spinning Fishing Reels

PROS

  • DigiGear is precisely cut for greater accuracy
  • Durable construction to last you for a long time
  • 7-ball bearing system makes the function more seamless
  • The weight of the air rotor is 15% less than the other models
  • Body is made of high-density carbon which is strong yet lightweight

CONS

  • Fragile design
  • Bail clicker is not audible
  • Way too light for some users

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of buyers were thoroughly impressed with the performance and speed of this reel. It is designed with high-quality and durable materials but is somehow still lightweight and powerful. It is also super smooth, and the casting distance of the reel is impeccable. The retrieve rate is also quite speedy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This reel stands out because it is designed with a carbon strain material that is powerful, durable, yet very lightweight and easy to handle. The air rotor is also 15% lighter than the other designs without compromising on the quality and its performance. The Digigear is also smooth and flawless.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Without a doubt, this is one of the best reels for catching fish such as bass, catfish, and even trout. It is also great for freshwater fishing. It is also very smooth and lightweight and can be used for a wide variety of fish because of its fast retrieval and smooth casting. It is also great for traveling because it is lightweight.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a reel that is lightweight and provides a great balance between performance and weight, then this is the one for you. It is an impressive reel that is well-designed and is made from the highest quality materials. It feels as light as a feather and is a great addition to your fishing kit.

Product Specs

Material:

Machined Aluminum Alloy Digigear

Weight:

5.8 oz

Hand Orientation:

Left Hand

Bearing Type and Material:

1 CRBB+5BB+1BB

Gear Ratio:

6.2:1

Maximum Drag:

11 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Mono Line and Braided

Best for the Money:
Daiwa Exceler LT EXLT2500D-XH

Daiwa Exceler LT 6.2:1 Left/Right Hand Spinning Fishing Reel - EXLT2500D-XH,Multi

PROS

  • Tough build and durable construction
  • Strong design for better casting accuracy
  • Made up of carbon housing, which is lightweight
  • Aluminum screw-in handle which is non-corrosive
  • Air rotor and air bail minimize the weight and give better control

CONS

  • Knob of the reel is at a slightly uncomfortable angle

What Recent Buyers Report

As per customer reports, most people were impressed with the functionality and operation of this reel. It is designed with high-quality and long-lasting materials. It is also super smooth and silky, and the casting and retrieval are amazing. It is also very tough and can catch a large amount of fish.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We love this unit for several reasons. This is an exceptional reel because of its lightweight construction and high-quality design. It is powerful and effective and is tougher than you might think. It is also very smooth and can cast at better accuracy, providing excellent control and confidence to the fisherman to retrieve bigger catches.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a very versatile reel and can be used to catch most types of fish. It is smooth and made up of high-quality materials with advanced technology. This Exceler is perfect for catching fish like the Peacock bass or Largemouths. It is a great reel for saltwater fishing as well.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a reel that is impressive in its performance and does not weigh that much, thus, it could be a great option for you. It has not let down a single customer and is very versatile as well. If you’re looking for a bang for your buck, it doesn’t get better than this.

Product Specs

Material:

Carbon Light Material Housing

Weight:

7.4 oz

Hand Orientation:

Ambidextrous

Bearing Type and Material:

5BB + 1

Gear Ratio:

6.2:1

Maximum Drag:

22 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Mono Line and Braided

Best Daiwa Saltwater Reel:
Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel

Daiwa SSaltist Spinning Reel

PROS

  • Magsealed shaft and roller
  • Reliable construction and functionality
  • Designed for hardcore saltwater fishing
  • High-quality design for impeccable performance
  • Waterproof carbon design which is non-corrosive

CONS

  • Line capacity is small
  • A bit difficult to use for bigger fish
  • Some users felt like it wasn’t durable enough

What Recent Buyers Report

User reports suggest that this reel is designed with high-quality and durable materials for greater strength, power, and torque so that you can catch the biggest fish in the sea. It is versatile and comes in an impressive design to retrieve many different types of fish and provide better casting.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This reel stands out because of its highly advanced technological features. The body is made with non-corrosive and water-resistant materials to prevent rust and maintain shine. The ABS spool allows less friction for smoother casting, and the air rotor is lightweight yet powerful.

Who Will Use This Most

We think that this reel is best used for saltwater fishing and can handle an impressive amount of weight. This means it can be used to catch many saltwater species. It works like an absolute beast and has splendid power and torque to handle the weight of the fish.

Bottom Line

For sure, this is the model that you want if you’re looking for a reel that is impressive in performance and capability and can be used for heavy fishing. It is powerful, well-constructed, and is made from the highest quality materials to provide a smooth and fun experience without worrying about the reel breaking.

Product Specs

Material:

Synthetic

Weight:

9.5 oz

Hand Orientation:

Ambidextrous

Bearing Type and Material:

8 CRBB + 1

Gear Ratio:

5.6:1

Maximum Drag:

15.4 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Mono Line and Braided

Best Daiwa Spinning Reel:
Daiwa Ballistic LT Freshwater Spinning Reel

Daiwa Ballistic LT Freshwater Left/Right Hand Spinning Reel

PROS

  • Comes with a good line capacity
  • Smooth and sturdy aluminum Digigear
  • 7 bearing system to provide better control
  • Smaller frame for compactness but sturdy and tough build
  • Magseal standard system which deflects any dirt or debris from the shaft

CONS

  • Does not need two shims
  • Handle knob has some level of play
  • Doesn’t have better sealing than other models

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of buyers were thoroughly impressed with the performance and speed of this reel. It is designed with high-quality and durable materials but is still lightweight and powerful. It is also super smooth, and the casting distance of the reel is immaculate. It has a smaller frame as well, which means it’s easier to hold.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Primarily, this reel stands out because it comes with a Magseal system that prevents any debris or water from coming inside the shaft. It has a lightweight body and can hold up a lot of weight as well. The Digigear is also smooth and strong, which means it’s durable.

Who Will Use This Most

Keeping in mind its features, this is the best reel for catching different varieties of fish, such as the South Texas Redfish. It is designed specifically for freshwater fishing. It is also very smooth and lightweight and can be used for traveling purposes. It is also a good option if you want smooth casting.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a reel that is lightweight but great at casting, then this is the one for you. It is smooth, light, and has an impressive line capacity. The reviews are also very promising, and you will not regret buying this reel because of its high-end performance.

Product Specs

Material:

Aluminum

Weight:

8.11 oz

Hand Orientation:

Ambidextrous

Bearing Type and Material:

1-CRBB, 5-BB and 1BB

Gear Ratio:

5.2:1

Maximum Drag:

30.9 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Mono Line and Braided

Best Daiwa Baitcast Reel:
Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Reels

Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Fishing Reel

PROS

  • Smooth retrieve and drag system
  • I-shaped knobs with a strong grip
  • Comes with an airbrake system with 20 adjustable levels
  • Innovative TWS winder system with greater casting distance
  • The tournament drag system in the reel provides very smooth drag

CONS

  • Retrieve is noisy
  • Costlier than other models

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent customers state that this reel is super smooth for casting, and the retrieval is also great. It is also very tough and sturdy and can catch a large amount of fish. Most users were impressed with the functionality and operation of this reel. It is designed with high-quality and long-lasting materials.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Mainly, this reel stands out to us because it is quite luxurious and comes with a superior design. It is powerful and efficient and has many different features available in it. It is also very smooth and can cast at great accuracy, making it easier for all sorts of fishermen to enjoy their fishing experience.

Who Will Use This Most

This reel is very useful for those who enjoy skipping rigs and handling heavy/feisty fish. It is strong and durable and is able to catch a lot of fish in very little time. It is also quite powerful and can be used for a variety of other fishing types to get bigger catches.

Bottom Line

To sum up, this is a reel that is impressive in performance and comes with a high-quality design. It is quite strong, well-constructed, and is made from premium materials to provide a smooth and fun experience to the fishermen when tackling larger fish.

Product Specs

Material:

Aluminum

Weight:

7.2 oz

Hand Orientation:

Right Hand

Bearing Type and Material:

2 CRBB + 5BB + 1

Gear Ratio:

8.1:1

Maximum Drag:

13.2 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Mono Line and Braided

Best Daiwa Electric Reel:
Daiwa Tanacom Power Assist Reels

PROS

  • Compact, yet also powerful
  • Versatile for any type of fishing
  • Automatic jigging and stop features
  • Able to run on boat’s battery for more flexibility 
  • Quality and premium design with an affordable price tag

CONS

  • Lacks a little power
  • Motor tends to overheat
  • No detailed instructions on how to use the reel

What Recent Buyers Report

We found that most customers were impressed with the functionality and operation of this reel. It is designed with high-quality and long-lasting materials for added strength. It is also super smooth, and the casting and retrieval are outstanding. The reel is also very tough and can catch several deep-water fish.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is a brilliant reel because of its lightweight construction and superior design. It is powerful and efficient and comes at a very reasonable price. It is also very smooth and can cast at great accuracy, providing excellent control and confidence to the user to maneuver the reel.

Who Will Use This Most

Without a doubt, this is an excellent reel for kite fishing and other sorts of deep-sea fish, because the reel is strong enough to withstand three baits on one line. It also works superbly with smaller fish and can fight them easily, so that you can get a better catch.

Bottom Line

If you want a versatile, high-functioning reel that has many innovative features and an impressive, durable design, then look no further. This reel is great for catching sea fish and will be a very helpful addition to your fishing kit if you want an electric reel.

Product Specs

Material:

Aluminum

Weight:

52.5 oz

Hand Orientation:

Right Hand

Bearing Type and Material:

4BB

Gear Ratio:

2.3:1

Maximum Drag:

48 lbs

Line Compatibility:

Mono Line and Braided

How to Take Apart a Daiwa Spinning Reel

In this portion, you will learn how to take apart a Daiwa Spinning Reel. This will help you clean or clear out the debris and dirt from the reel to ensure its longevity. It will also help you get more use out of the reel and make it more effective for catching fish. You can follow the steps outlined below, or follow through the guide given in the link below for a detailed version:

  1. Grab a flathead or a common screwdriver and some real grease or oil.

  2. The handles can be mounted in two ways: they can either be screwed in from the side, or they can be screwed in the main gear.

  3. Reverse the handle if it’s on the main gear, and pull it off.

  4. Tighten the drag knob to remove the spool.

  5. Use the screwdriver to remove the main body.

  6. Pull the connecting pin to the spool shaft to get access to the gears.

  7. Remove all the connecting gears to take apart the spinning reel successfully.

You can look at a visual depiction of these steps in the following video:

How to Take Apart a Daiwa Baitcaster

In this portion, you will learn how to take apart a Baitcaster. This will help you remove the debris and dirt from it to ensure its durability. You can follow these steps to take apart a baitcaster effectively:

  1. Grab some shop towels, an old toothbrush, Q-tips, a 10-mm wrench, a flathead screwdriver, and a pair of tweezers

  2. Now, take the side plate and the spool off from the side of the reel

  3. To remove the handle nut cap, use a flathead screwdriver and a wrench

  4. Next, twist the star drag to disassemble it

  5. Make sure you put all of these items in order on the table to put it back together once it’s cleaned out

  6. Take out all the screws holding the handle site plate

  7. After that, take off the clutch sleeve and the washer

  8. Next, take the main gear off with its washer

  9. Now, take the first and second piece of the drag off

  10. Remove the screws in the clamp plate

  11. Once done, remove the cam spring very carefully with the screwdriver

  12. Finally, take off the front plate of the baitcaster

Conclusion

This article was written as a guide for choosing the best Daiwa reels. Make sure to check the specifications and match them for the kind of reel you want, so you get the best possible one that is suited for your fishing needs. Hopefully, this article was helpful to you. Good luck fishing!

People Also Ask

If you still have some ambiguities, concerns, or doubts, then you can cover these frequently asked questions given below to understand better and gain some clarity on your inquiries. Read over these answers to get a better insight into Daiwa reels:

Where Are Daiwa Reels Made?

Daiwa is a corporation based in Cypress that makes some models of fishing reels in China and others in overseas factories. Some high-end models are manufactured in Japan, but other upper-grade models are designed in factories abroad such as Canada or within the USA, such as in California.

Is Daiwa a Japanese Company?

Daiwa is a Japanese brand founded in 1958 that aims to provide high-quality and innovative fishing equipment to make fishing an experience to remember. They use the best quality materials and technology to ensure that their customers enjoy fishing and to revolutionize the fishing industry.

                                   Share to Pinterest



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.