Daiwa 25 RZ Fixed Spool Reel

The RZ covers a lot of ground for the money. Across the three sizes it handles light through to heavier lure work, float fishing of any kind, and up to medium-heavy feeder set-ups.

The 5.1:1 gearing is deliberately geared down, which keeps winding power high while still recovering up to 79cm of line per turn on the 4000. Four ball bearings and infinite anti-reverse give it a smoothness that is unusual at this price, and the drag goes to 9kg, so a bigger fish is not a problem.

Each size carries a slim metal handle arm, with an I-shaped grip on the 2500 and a T grip on the 3000-C and 4000.

Which size?

• 2500 – 245g, 74cm per turn, 8kg drag, I-shaped grip. Holds 180m of 0.23mm mono or 240m of 0.16mm J-Braid. The lightest of the three, for float work and lighter lures.
• 3000-C – 250g, 75cm per turn, 9kg drag, T grip. Holds 140m of 0.28mm mono or 200m of 0.18mm J-Braid. The middle size, and the one to take if you want a single reel for most of it.
• 4000 – 280g, 79cm per turn, 9kg drag, T grip. Holds 160m of 0.30mm mono or 200m of 0.20mm J-Braid. Heaviest line, fastest pick-up, for feeder work and bigger lures.

Specification

• Gear ratio 5.1:1 across all three sizes
• 4 ball bearings
• Twistbuster line-twist reduction
• Infinite anti-reverse
• Slim metal handle with I and T grips