Rods

Open up the box of a Crosscast X and a thing of beauty is revealed. In a world where first impressions mean so much, the Crosscast X ticks all the right boxes.

The requisite Daiwa quality is immediately obvious and the reel screams ‘look at me’. There is an element of deception here because you could be forgiven for thinking that what you have just unpacked is likely to have set you back a small fortune. It looks a bit Basiar – the upper echelon of top-end, expensive, reel technology. It feels solid and resembles a more modern, chic, Tournament ST, the reliable workhorse of the Daiwa big-pit range. Yet, despite all of this, the Crosscast carries a significantly lower RRP.

When we first saw these at a Daiwa trade show, we presumed that it had been placed on the wrong display shelf because the ticket displayed an RRP of just £99.99. However, it was the correct price and we were immediately impressed.
Having had a pair of the reels in the office for closer inspection, it is clear that the performance is right up there with the cosmetics too.

Okay, it’s not a Basia, but it doesn’t pretend to be. What it is, however, is a reliable reel that balances well, has a pleasing drag and boasts plenty of features that are normally associated with its higher-priced cousins in the Daiwa range, such as Airbail, Quick Drag, High-Impact line clip and more. It is also supplied with a spare spool. In all, it’s a heck of a lot of reel for a heck of a lot less money.

At a glance... DAIWA CROSSCAST X REEL RRP: £99.99 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: WWW.DAIWASPORTS.CO.UK TC comment: Solid performer, with great looks at a fabulous price