All Reviews

I’ll start by saying that I use these Daiwa 19 TDM reels for all of my own fishing – and have done for some time now. They’re my number one choice reel for all of my feeder and waggler work simply because I believe they offer the perfect balance of price, performance, features and aesthetic appeal. I use the 2508QD and 3012QD sizes mostly, but I do also have a larger 4012QD version for longer range feeder work as well.

What does Daiwa say about these reels? “The 19 TDM range of reels feature a number of characteristics that are more commonplace in models above their price point. Their aluminium body ensures a solid and sure housing of the Digigear II, delivering a positive and smooth rotation. Weight is enhanced thanks to the composite DS5 Air Rotor and the resultant rigidity benefits from the strength of AirBail.

“In casting terms, the long cast ABS spool produces less resistance and ensures distance with ease. Where feeder work is the approach, the soft distance control clip is perfect for monofilament or braid and lets you hit the clip with confidence. Large EVA handle knobs optimise grip, whilst all handles also feature One-Touch folding for packing away rod ready set ups. In drag terms the QD system allows ‘free spool’ for running takes and rapid adjustment during the fight.”

I’m a fan of all of the features they offer and they just make for superb reels, whatever the occasion. My particular favourite piece about them is the design of the EVA handle knobs, purely because the shape feels much better in use over other ’T’ shaped versions. Combined with the right rod, which we’ll come on to in a minute, you get an awful lot of ‘feel’ through these reels when you’re playing fish, too. The Quick Drag system is another one of my absolute favourite pieces of reel engineering too. So simple to use and unbelievably useful when you’re fishing for savage bites that simply want to rip the rod off the rest. The QD system allows you to easily (and very quickly) adjust the drag tension with just a small amount of rotation on the drag control knob. This means that once you’ve cast out you can quickly slacken the drag off, but tighten it again almost instantly once you start playing a fish.

Let’s not also forget that the reels (again in my opinion) feature one of the nicest colour schemes from the range and perfectly complement the range of Spectron rods that we’re also looking at today. I can’t recommend these reels highly enough. I’ve used all manner of reels from all manner of brands, including most of the outright flagship reels available, and the fact that these are my own personal choice should hopefully explain the confidence I have in them. I only use the single handled versions, but there are also double handle versions available in the 2508 and 3012 sizes if you prefer. They’ve never let me down and as I said at the start, I just think they offer the perfect balance between price, features and performance.

On to the rods then – well, these are something very special indeed and they’ve been designed specifically for commercial venues, as the ‘Commercial Ultra’ name suggests. That is reflected in the length of rods available in the range with the feeder models available in 8ft, 9ft, 10ft and 11ft versions and the float rods available in just 10ft and 11ft lengths only.

When you slide one of the rods from the rod bag the first thing you’ll notice is just how slim the banks are. They’re very lightweight and are just oozing with high end Daiwa quality. They’re available in both float and feeder versions, but today I’m out with the 9ft feeder model! I’ve used this rod on a couple of sessions already now and I have nothing but good things to say. Lightweight in the hand, super-slim and with a fantastic blank, rings and handle. It’s just everything you could want from a range of rods.

What does Daiwa say? “We have applied the weight saving benefit of HVF Nanoplus to create slim, softer rods that still produce strength required. Because of the significant bend expected, the curvature benefits from the strength of V-Joint Alpha. The very distinctive handle design uses an exclusive Daiwa Air Sensor reel seat, with a down locking fore grip and enhanced contours for comfortable handling and feel.

“The entire handle features hard wearing EVA, including the original Armlock. Enhancing feel and responsiveness are the light framed high stand-off single leg SeaGuide TDG eyes.”

The handle is a superb piece of craftsmanship and engineering and what I like most of all about the handles is they’re optimised for the length of each rod. I’ve found some rods that I’ve used feature handles that are too long, which can often get in the way. Of course a longer handle aids with casting, but when they’re too long they just cause more problems than they solve. In the case of these Spectron models I think Daiwa has just got them absolutely on the sweet spot – the perfect balance of having enough grip and leverage for casting along with them not being unwieldy or getting in the way.

Lightweight rings help with the overall rod weight and blank recovery and the locking reel seat is just beautiful. I know I’m sounding a bit like I’m waxing lyrical about how good these rods are… but they are just superb!

Today we’ve come out on the bank for a session to put both the rods and reels through their paces, although I do already have plenty of hours under my belt with the reels in particular. The rods I have spent less time with, but a couple of very respectable winter sessions so far have given me a really good feel for them.

Prices of each reflect the quality and features you’re getting here with the reels priced at £195 RRP for all sizes and the rods ranging from £179.99 to £229.99 each. If you’re after flagship performance, without the flagship prices, then these are the perfect choice. I’m looking forward to putting more miles on the rods over the coming months as they’re just an absolute pleasure to use.

RRP: Spectron rods: £179.99 to £229.99 | 19 TDM reels: £195
WEBSITE: www.daiwasports.co.uk