First Impression: Daiwa Basia QDX Reel - 29/05/2009

The 2009 Basia addition has entered the dark side and, as well as a few welcome refinements, the body is now black.
My first impression was that I didn’t like it. Such is my fondness of the original Basia, I was unsure about the black body. Uncertainty is not a feeling that you want when spending £450 on a reel. However, this reel has now been in and around my office for a few weeks and I have to admit to coming round to the new look. Three of these on banksticks, I think, are going to look the business.

So, what of the beast inside the dark clothing? Well, the ultra-long 45mm spool remains, as does the magnesium-alloy construction and most of the original Basia’s features. Airbail, INFINITE anti-reverse, starlight spool holes and seven bearings each still feature. Added are twin, improved line clips, and the wooden handle knob has been replaced with a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, soft-feel Urethane version.

That’s about it in terms of the refinements from the original, but the QDX has one last appeal to the carp angler. Although still in Basia-type price range, the QDX is supplied with a spare spool, which normally retails for £75. So, the QDX will perform just as well as its predecessor, but with the black image now fits into what many carp anglers asked for. It looks set to be as popular as the original and then some. Okay, so it’s not the cheapest, but it’s not the most expensive on the market either. In fact, it’s not even the most expensive in the Daiwa range. That’d be the Basiair… more of that next time!

FACT FILE
Daiwa Basia QDX Reel
First impressions: An absolutely stunning bit of kit, but at a price
RRP: £450 including spare spool worth £75
www.daiwasports.co.uk