Daiwa Basia Custom Reels: A Total Fishing Tackle Review

Just the mention of a Daiwa Basia reel envokes visions of quality and super high performance. It is clear then, why the Daiwa Basia is one of the best selling carp reels of all time.
The Daiwa Basia has been produced in a few different designs over the years, but there has never before been an affordable custom made version with different colour palettes and handle options.

Until now.

THE DAIWA BASIA CUSTOM REEL RANGE OVERVIEW

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, there is no doubt that you will have at least heard of the Daiwa Basia carp fishing reels. You may even own a set yourself. Arguably labelled as the best carp fishing reels ever made, the Daiwa Basia sets the standard that all other carp fishing reels look up to.

Daiwa have not rested on their laurels though; they are always looking for ways to improve their products and they have done just that with the Daiwa Basia Custom Reels.

So, what makes the Daiwa Basia such a good reel? It’s all manner of things starting with the design and the high-end components used in their construction, they have left nothing to chance and only used the very best materials. Then of course, there is the design features that make the Basia the reel of choice by anglers such as Darrell Peck, Tom Dove, and Danny Fairbrass. One of the main attributes of the Daiwa Basia is the ability to cast such a long way. The 45mm spool allows line to effortlessly peel off the reel and help the angler hit those long-range spots.

The super smooth 7 ball bearings make winding in an absolute dream and the clutch is just superb, silky smooth and perfect for playing big carp.

 

Shop Now

 

What makes the Daiwa Basia Custom reels so different? Well, the same high quality internal mechanics remain but Daiwa have given them a cosmetic facelift with some different handles and colour palettes to choose from, let’s look at them now.

• The DCR1 design features a black body with a black spool and a classic wooden handle, dark and subtle which we love!
• The DCR2 features the same black body but with a twilight/red spool design which brings a fleck of colour, and this is one of our best sellers. There is a black handle with a fleck of red.
• DCR3 has the black body but with the twilight spool, creating a black/grey profile that looks very cool indeed. A solid black handle completes the subtle look.
• DCR4 is perhaps the standout reel in terms of colour, a custom grey body with a silver and red spool means this reel really stands out, again one of our best sellers. The black handle sets off nicely against the silver and red.
• DCR5 is the reverse of the DCR3, with the grey body and the black spool. Although the colours are the same, the reels could not look any different! You’ll have to take our word for it. The only major difference is the addition of a wooden handle, classy!
• DCR6 is the final offering and is almost all black but with a red rear end, similar in looks to the old Daiwa Baboon reels from the 90’s. The black handle with red flash completes the look.
•  

 

The Daiwa Basia custom reels will appeal to any carp anglers who want to use the best of the best. Yes, there are cheaper options available that will still serve a purpose, but they likely will not cast as far, will not be as good for playing fish on and will not be as smooth and reliable. The other benefit to using the Daiwa Basia custom reels is that you have six options in terms of colour, design, and handle options. Name another reel that can offer that, we’ll wait.

I feel it only fair to talk about the price. Many top end carp fishing reels are topping out towards the £700 to £800 mark. When buying a set of three as most carp anglers do, it can be a very expensive affair. The Daiwa Basia range of reels have traditionally been one of the more expensive, ranging from £550 upwards to nearly £900 per reel.

So, when Daiwa announced the Custom Basia reels, we thought the price would reach even higher and would be available to only a select few who can afford such items.

Well, imagine our surprise when we found out they were under £450 and in the DCR4’s case, under £400!

Yes, they are still on the expensive side, but they are so bloody good! I am sure we could all be driving round in £500 cars if we wanted to but most of us choose something a little better, that will last us a little longer.

Conclusion

Thanks for stopping by, loads more reviews to come and as always, if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch via the TFT website.

You can watch a video about the Daiwa Basia Custom reels here.

Plus, you can check them out on our website right here.

https://www.total-fishing-tackle.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Daiwa+Basia+Custom+Reels

Wayne Box