Why are Daiwa reels better than their competitors? The main reasons are innovative materials, advanced engineering and impeccable manufacturing quality. For example, Zaion V® and Air Metal® composites are lighter and stronger than the plastic or even aluminum used by many competitors. The Monocoque® body, which is featured in Daiwa's top-of-the-line models, ensures better power distribution and durability. In addition, the Tough Digigear® gear system guarantees extremely smooth operation of the reel even after many years of use.
Today, the fishing community has a huge choice, but one of the leading companies in this field is Daiwa. Founded in 1960 in Japan, this company has revolutionized fishing equipment and introduced innovations that later became the standard around the world. For example, Daiwa was the first to introduce Graphite (carbon fiber) housing back in 1979, which significantly reduced the weight of the reel without sacrificing strength. This manufacturer also developed the legendary Magsealed® technology - a magnetic oil seal system that protects the reels from water, sand and dust.
In this article, we will review the five most popular Daiwa reel models – Airity, Luvias, Fire, Legal and NinjaEach one has unique features that will satisfy the needs of both beginners and professionals. Get ready to discover how the best Daiwa reels can transform your fishing experience! And more detailed information about the technologies used in Daiwa reels can be found in this article of mine.
Daiwa Airity
Daiwa Airity – one of Daiwa’s top-of-the-line spinning reels (flagships) in the new LT family. The body of this reel is made of a solid magnesium alloy (Monocoque® construction), ensuring durability and flawless performance in all conditions. Airity has 8+1 bearings system (some of which consist of corrosion-resistant CRBB bearings, the number of which depends on the size). Also integrated Magseal® technology – a magnetic sealing system that protects the main mechanism and cleans the guide from water, salts, sand or dust. The rotor is made of Zion Carbon fiber – extremely light, yet very strong (the strength of this material is comparable to magnesium alloys).
Irish The reels are manufactured and assembled in Japan, and the range of available sizes is very wide – from 1000 to 5000 – so they are adaptable and UL for spinning, and more difficult for jigging or even for salmon fishing. Maximum drag force ~5 kg for small sizes and up to ~10 kg for larger models (enough to pull large catches).
Main features: magnesium Monocoque housing, 8+1 bearings (CRBB), Magsealed® protection, Zion rotor, ATD™ brake system, Twist Buster II clean wizard, Longcast ABS Type of reel for further casting. Designed for high-class spinning in various conditions.
Daiwa Airity model table
| Model | Bearings | Drum capacity (m/mm) | Transmission ratio | Line collection (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000D | 8+1 | 150/0,20 | 5.1:1 | 64 | 160 |
| 2000D | 8+1 | 150/0,23 | 5.1:1 | 67 | 160 |
| 2500-XH | 8+1 | 150/0,20 | 6.2:1 | 87 | 185 |
| 2500D | 8+1 | 150/0,28 | 5.2:1 | 73 | 185 |
| 3000-CXH | 8+1 | 150/0,23 | 6.2:1 | 93 | 195 |
| 3000D-C | 8+1 | 150/0,33 | 5.2:1 | 77 | 195 |
| 4000D-C | 8+1 | 150/0,37 | 5.2:1 | 82 | 230 |
Daiwa Luvias
Daiwa Luvias LT – one of Daiwa’s flagship reels and the newest member of the LT concept family. This model is a high-end spinning reel that in 2020 has become even lighter and stronger than its predecessor. Compared to the older version, Luwian The body has become smaller and lighter - for example, the 2500-XH size weighs only ~155 g, and the 4000 size - about 215 g. Despite this, the reel has maintained its strength, as its body is made of a single alloy Air Metal® (magnesium) Monocoque construction, guaranteeing durability and reliable operation under heavy loads. Luwian have 9+1 bearings system, many of which are CRBB corrosion-resistant bearings (smaller models have 5, larger ones have 6 CRBB). Installed Magseal® The sealing system protects important components from water, salt, sand and dust. The rotor is made of Zion composite – very light, but strong (this material is ~20% stronger than regular ABS plastic and is not inferior in strength to magnesium alloys).
Luvias LT reels, like other higher-end Daiwa models, are made in Japan. The choice of sizes (from 1000D to 4000D-C) allows you to choose the right option for both ultra-light spinning (XUL), and regular spinning or even salmon/smelt fishing. The drag of this reel is also powerful - about 5 kg in small sizes and 10-12 kg in larger ones - so Luvias can be confidently fought with trophy fish.
Main features: magnesium Monocoque® body, 9+1 bearings (5–6 CRBB depending on size), Magsealed® protection, Zion lightweight rotor, ATD™ brake system, Tough Digigear® gear, Air Bail® hoop, Twist Buster II wizard, Longcast ABS reel. Designed for experienced spinning anglers – from ultralight lure fishing to sterlet or salmon fishing.
Daiwa Luvias model table
| Model | Bearings | Drum capacity (m/mm) | Transmission ratio | Line collection (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000D | 9+1 | 150/0,20 | 5.1:1 | 64 | 150 |
| 2000D | 9+1 | 150/0,23 | 5.1:1 | 67 | 150 |
| 2500 | 9+1 | 150/0,28 | 5.2:1 | 73 | 185 |
| 2500C-XH | 9+1 | 150/0,20 | 6.2:1 | 87 | 155 |
| 3000D | 9+1 | 150/0,33 | 5.2:1 | 77 | 205 |
| 3000D-C | 9+1 | 150/0,33 | 5.2:1 | 77 | 190 |
| 4000D-C | 9+1 | 150/0,37 | 5.2:1 | 82 | 215 |
Daiwa Fuego
Daiwa Fuego LT – a mid-range reel that features high technology at an affordable price. Fire housing and rotor are made of Zaion V® carbon fiber composite is a new generation of lightweight and strong material that has reduced the weight of the reel. The reel is equipped with Magsealed® protection that protects the mechanism from water, dust and other external factors. Fuego has 6+1 bearings system (6 ball + 1 roller), precisely CNC machined Tough Digigear® gear system and improved line laying mechanism Cross Wrap™. Lightweight aluminum is also used Air Spool drum and hollow rigid hoop Air Bail®, reducing weight but maintaining strength. This reel comes complete with Twist Buster II technology with a line guide that reduces line tangling.
Fire perfect for both spinning and feeder fishing - the most popular sizes also have higher gear ratio XH versions, which are especially attractive to spinning and bottom fishing enthusiasts. Depending on the size, the maximum Fire The drag strength reaches ~5 kg (for smaller models) and ~10–12 kg (for 3000–6000 sizes), so the reel can handle larger fish.
Main features: Zaion V® composite body, Magsealed® protection, 6+1 bearings, Zaion V® Air Rotor lightweight rotor, Tough Digigear® gear, Cross Wrap™ laying the line, Air Bail® hoop, Twist Buster II Universal reel, suitable for both spinning and for bottom (feeder) fishing.
Daiwa Fuego model table
| Model | Bearings | Drum capacity (m/mm) | Transmission ratio | Line collection (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 6+1 | 150/0,14 | 5.2:1 | 64 | 180 |
| 2000 | 6+1 | 150/0,16 | 5.2:1 | 68 | 185 |
| 2500 | 6+1 | 150/0,20 | 5.3:1 | 75 | 205 |
| 2500-XH | 6+1 | 150/0,20 | 6.2:1 | 87 | 205 |
| 3000-C | 6+1 | 150/0,23 | 5.3:1 | 80 | 215 |
| 3000-CXH | 6+1 | 150/0,23 | 6.2:1 | 93 | 215 |
| 4000-C | 6+1 | 150/0,28 | 5.2:1 | 82 | 235 |
| 4000-CXH | 6+1 | 150/0,28 | 6.2:1 | 99 | 235 |
| 4000-CP | 6+1 | 150/0,28 | 4.8:1 | 75 | 235 |
| 5000-C | 6+1 | 150/0,37 | 5.2:1 | 87 | 250 |
| 6000 | 6+1 | 150/0,40 | 5.1:1 | 92 | 335 |
Daiwa Legal
Daiwa Legalis LT – updated 2020 model, characterized by versatility and adaptability to various fishing methods. Legal developed according to the same LT concept, so its weight has been reduced and its strength has been increased compared to previous versions. The body is made of a new generation Zaion V® material that provides lightness and strength (compared to conventional plastic housings). The reel is equipped with 5+1 high quality bearings, Zaion V® Air Rotor rotor (about 15% lighter and stiffer), the new Tough Digigear® gear system that ensures high precision and durability. ATD™ The front brake system provides smooth braking, and Infinite Anti-Reverse® mechanism eliminates backlash when turning. Also integrated Cross Wrap™ line laying system, lightweight Aluminum Air Spool aluminum drum, precision CNC machined aluminum handle and hollow rigid hoop Air Bail®, increasing strength and reducing weight.
Legal is a universal reel – it is suitable for both bottom fishing fishing rod (feeder), both for spinning and float fishing or even for trout fishing in streams. Most sizes also have faster transmission options (XH) for spinning, there are models with a compact body (C) for ultra-light fishing and with a deeper (D) or shallower (S) profiled spool for different needs. Maximum Legal drag force: ~5 kg for sizes 1000–2000, ~10 kg for sizes 2500–3000 and about 12 kg for larger 4000–6000 models. This is a reliable reel at a moderate price, with many advanced features from more expensive Daiwa models.
Main features: Zaion V® body (light and strong), 5+1 bearings, Zaion V® Air Rotor lightweight rotor, Tough Digigear® gear, ATD™ brake system, Infinite Anti-Reverse® antireverse, Cross Wrap™ laying, Aluminum Air Spool light drum, CNC machined aluminum handle, Air Bail® rigid hoop, Twist Buster II guide. A very versatile model, suitable for various fishing methods.
Daiwa Legalis model table
| Model | Bearings | Drum capacity (m/mm) | Transmission ratio | Line collection (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 5+1 | 150/0,14 | 5.2:1 | 64 | 180 |
| 2000 | 5+1 | 150/0,16 | 5.2:1 | 68 | 185 |
| 2000-XH | 5+1 | 150/0,16 | 6.2:1 | 81 | 185 |
| 2500 | 5+1 | 150/0,20 | 5.3:1 | 75 | 205 |
| 2500-XH | 5+1 | 150/0,20 | 6.2:1 | 87 | 205 |
| 3000-C | 5+1 | 150/0,23 | 5.3:1 | 80 | 210 |
| 3000-CXH | 5+1 | 150/0,23 | 6.2:1 | 93 | 240 |
| 4000-C | 5+1 | 150/0,28 | 5.2:1 | 82 | 235 |
| 5000-C | 5+1 | 150/0,37 | 5.2:1 | 87 | 245 |
| 6000 | 5+1 | 150/0,40 | 5.1:1 | 92 | 320 |
Daiwa Ninja
Daiwa Ninja LT – is an economy class reel, renowned for its excellent price-quality ratio (often mentioned as one of Daiwa's most valuable products). Updated Ninja series became ~10% lighter than its predecessor, as engineers simplified the design and adapted Tough Digigear a gear system previously only used in higher-end models. This makes the reel work smoother and the gears more durable. The Ninja has 4 bearings system, easy Air Rotor® rotor (about 15% lighter than normal), integrated high-speed ATD™ brake system and Infinite Anti-Reverse® reverse rotation lock.
The reel is also equipped with a cross-line laying system Cross Wrap™, aluminum, suitable for long-distance casting ABS® drum, solid aluminum handle and Twist Buster II Line guide that reduces line twist. Ninja reels are considered universal - due to the wide selection of sizes (1000–6000) they are suitable for both spinning, feeder fishing and even float fishing. For example, smaller Ninja 2500 sizes weigh ~240 g, and the largest 6000 - ~370 g. Maximum drag strength is ~5 kg for the smallest models and up to ~12 kg for the largest, which is sufficient for most fishing situations. Due to its reliability and affordable price, Ninja is often recommended for beginner anglers.
Main features: 4 bearings, graphite body (~10% lighter than the previous model), Air Rotor® lightweight rotor, Tough Digigear® durable gears, ATD™ front brake system, Infinite Anti-Reverse® antireverse, Cross Wrap™ laying, ABS® aluminum drum, aluminum handle, Twist Buster II Universal reel for various types of fishing.
Daiwa Ninja model table
| Model | Bearings | Drum capacity (m/mm) | Transmission ratio | Line collection (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 4 | 150/0,14 | 5.2:1 | 64 | 210 |
| 2000 | 4 | 150/0,16 | 5.2:1 | 68 | 215 |
| 2500 | 4 | 150/0,20 | 5.3:1 | 75 | 240 |
| 2500D | 4 | 150/0,28 | 5.3:1 | 75 | 220 |
| 2500-XH | 4 | 150/0,20 | 6.2:1 | 87 | 240 |
| 3000-C | 4 | 150/0,23 | 5.3:1 | 80 | 250 |
| 3000D-C | 4 | 150/0,33 | 5.3:1 | 80 | 230 |
| 3000-CXH | 4 | 150/0,23 | 6.2:1 | 93 | 250 |
| 4000-C | 4 | 150/0,28 | 5.2:1 | 82 | 280 |
| 5000-C | 4 | 150/0,37 | 5.2:1 | 87 | 275 |
| 6000 | 4 | 150/0,40 | 5.1:1 | 92 | 370 |
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