All Reviews

Daiwa’s SLR range is synonymous with quality and these six new models raise the bar even further! The range consists of a 10ft, an 11ft, two 12-footers and two 13ft models, ranging in price between £579.99 and £659.99 each. Yes, you read that correctly – these are pricey tools, but if you want and expect the very, very best feeder rods available, they don’t come cheap.

As you would expect, rods from Daiwa at this price are stacked with all of the features and performance you could ever want or need. Starting with the blanks they’re better than ever – packed with Daiwa’s X45X and HVF Nanoplus, they boast torque-busting technology to deliver optimum casting performance and unrivalled accuracy at range. Daiwa’s V-Joint remains, which offers a seamless curve and fish-playing action on the joints. It’s these small percentage gains that are going to make the most difference over ‘less expensive’ alternatives and the SLRs are truly made for the angler who demands the very best.

Rings are now the ultra-modern anti-tangle American Tackle Ti Air Force guides, which are designed to prevent wrap overs and crack-offs on the cast. They offer the ultimate in smooth travel for your reel line with the rings being angled forwards for optimum performance. The handles have also seen some changes, with a thinner diameter foregrip and new three-sided hand grip to enhance feel and hold. However, the famous flat ‘armlock’ section remains, along with a super-stylish Fuji VSS locking reel seat and beautiful finish akin to what you’d expect from the Tournament stable. There’s a folding hook keeper ring along with a red, black and white themed Tournament SLR finish on the butt section. They’re stunning looking things, but then again would you expect anything less?

All of these small improvements are what set these rods apart, but I know from speaking with Daiwa’s angling consultants that they have been honed, refined and tested extensively behind the scenes to deliver what is presented to us here. They are ultimately the crème de la crème of feeder rods, and if you’re looking to add that extra few per cent on to your feeder game then these could just be the difference you are looking for.

Daiwa UK sent me the 11ft model to test (which comes in at £589.99) and I’ve actually been out on two sessions now to put it through its paces. On both occasions I’ve been to venues where I can really wind the rod up and go for a decent chuck, too. I’ve paired the rod up with a Tournament reel, which is loaded with the brand-new Tournament SLR mono to match. In fact, this mono deserves a special mention because it is fantastic. It is finished in two colours, which alter every metre, but aside from that it boasts the very best advancements in monofilament technology and is fast sinking, too.

I’ve fished to islands with the rod to ‘test’ the claimed accuracy and in open water at both short and longer range. You just can’t fault the rod – it truly is a masterpiece of design, so hats off to the Daiwa team for delivering what is possibly the finest ever 11ft rod that I have used. The only other rod I have used that would even come close is the 11ft Guru Aventus. The SLR is a dream to cast with and to play fish on, but I’m waxing lyrical about it when you couldn’t really expect anything else for the price. Could you?

I haven’t tried the other SLRs in the range yet, but I have absolutely no doubt they are all on the same incredible level and will ooze the same quality and performance. The shorter 10ft model would be a great all-round, versatile choice in my opinion and the longer 12ft and 13ft options are going to be best suited to longer range work. All of the rods come supplied with three quivertips ranging from 1.5oz to 5oz depending on the model you choose (the 11ft model I’m testing comes with 1.5oz, 2oz and 2.5oz tips). Reel line ratings are from 3lb to 12lb and casting weights vary from 75g to 180g, again depending on the model that you choose.

The two 12ft models can be differentiated by their allocated casting weights, with the lighter 12ft version being suited to a maximum of 90g casting weight and the other being a heavier version for casting weights of up to 120g. Similar can be said for the two 13ft models, with the lighter rod offering a casting weight of 150g and the 13ft Power model boasting a 180g casting weight. There truly is a rod in this range to suit every serious feeder angler, no matter what the circumstances.

Back to the session today and the rod is just a pleasure to use. The handle is noticeably lengthy to aid casting, but personally I do find the longer handles can get in the way sometimes when playing fish. This might just be something I notice and the benefit of a longer handle for casting performance far outweighs the minor niggle at other times. The three tips allow you to tailor the bite detection to the fishing scenario you’re presented with and there’s no doubt that you get a special feeling when you’re using these SLRs. As the rod rips around again another carp strips line from the reel and the SLR’s battle curve is in full swing. The rod puts you in control the whole time, right from casting though to netting the fish and everything in between. The blanks are faultless and the finish delivers everything you would expect of rods at this price. I’m really hoping that Daiwa sends through some of the longer versions to test as it’d be great to have a long-range session with one of the 12ft or 13ft models and really power those feeders to the horizon.

What is my conclusion then? Well, the vast majority of my own personal kit is from Daiwa. I like the brand and I rate the kit highly – that’s why I choose to use it. So, would I buy these SLRs? Well, no I wouldn’t. But that is purely because I’m more than happy enough with the Daiwa Spectron rods that I use already and I don’t need that extra few per cent that the SLRs might give me. However, if you demand the very best and you have the budget then these should 100 per cent be on your shopping list, absolutely no question about it.

Features:
• X45X Full Shield – Bias Carbon Technology
• HVF nanoplus – High Volume Fibre with nano technology
• V-Joint Alpha technology
• American Tackle TiForged AIR anti-tangle guides
• Fuji VSS reel seat
• Laser etched duplon
• Cork/duplon armlock handle
• Three sided handlock butt grip
• Hook keeper

RRP: £579.99 to £659.99
WEBSITE: daiwasports.co.uk