Daiwa reel model names often include letter codes as prefixes or suffixes, indicating special design features, spool capacities, gear ratios, handle types, and more. Below is a comprehensive list of these abbreviations (including newly introduced ones not in older lists) and their meanings. Understanding these codes will help you decipher any Daiwa reel model.
Daiwa Reel Models
These Models indicate the series or technology used in the reel.
| Model | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Aegis | Ultralight spinning reels for finesse fishing. |
| Aird | Affordable reels with a balance between performance and value. |
| Alphas | Compact baitcasting reels for light tackle applications. |
| Ballistic | Lightweight, high-performance spinning reels. |
| BG | Black Gold series, known for durability and toughness. |
| Caldia | Mid-range spinning reels with advanced features. |
| Certate | Premium reels known for high-quality engineering. |
| Crossfire | Budget-friendly spinning reels for beginners. |
| Emblem | Surf and carp fishing reels with long cast capabilities. |
| Emcast | Designed for surfcasting, offering long-distance casting performance. |
| Emeraldas | Specialized reels for squid fishing (Eging). |
| Exist | Daiwa’s flagship spinning reel series. |
| Freams | Versatile spinning reels suitable for various fishing styles. |
| Fuego | Mid-range spinning reels with a lightweight design. |
| Kage | High-quality reels with a focus on performance and aesthetics. |
| Laguna | Entry-level spinning reels offering reliable performance. |
| Legalis | Budget-friendly spinning reels with modern features. |
| Luvias | Lightweight, high-quality spinning reels. |
| Maverick | Special edition reels with unique design elements. |
| Procyon | Durable spinning reels for freshwater and light saltwater use. |
| Revros | Affordable spinning reels with good performance. |
| Saltiga | High-end saltwater reels for big game fishing. |
| Saltist | Robust reels designed for heavy saltwater applications. |
| Seaborg | High-end electric reels for deep-sea fishing. |
| Steez | High-end bass fishing reels with lightweight construction. |
| Tatula | Designed specifically for bass fishing. |
| TD (Team Daiwa) | High-end tournament-quality reels. |
Daiwa Reel Prefixes
- LT – Light & Tough. This prefix denotes Daiwa’s “Light and Tough” concept for spinning reels. LT models feature a smaller, lightweight body paired with a larger, tougher drive gear for optimal strength-to-weight performance.
- MQ – Monocoque. Indicates a one-piece “monocoque” body design. An MQ reel has a one-piece frame with a screw-in side-plate, which creates more interior space for a larger main gear and reduces entry points for water and debris. The result is increased power and rigidity in a more compact frame.
- FC – Finesse Custom. Designates a finesse-oriented version of a reel. FC models use a smaller, lighter frame (often one size down) to suit light line and lure applications. They prioritize lightweight design and smooth operation for finesse fishing techniques.
- PC – Power Custom. Signifies a power-focused variant built on a larger body. “PC” models use a one-size-larger frame than standard, providing increased durability and torque for handling heavier lines or fighting bigger fish.
- SW – Saltwater. Indicates a saltwater-specialized model. “SW” reels are built with heavy-duty materials and sealing to withstand harsh saltwater conditions. (For example, Certate SW is the saltwater version of the Certate.)
- HD – Heavy Duty. Used for beefed-up reel versions (often in baitcasters). HD reels feature reinforced frames and often deeper spools for increased line capacity. They are designed for throwing heavy lures and handling strong fish with ease.
- SV – Stress-Free Versatile. Denotes a special SV spool system in baitcasters. An SV reel contains a super lightweight SV spool made of durable Duralumin, paired with an Air Brake system to greatly reduce backlash and improve casting of light lures. “SV” technology provides more controlled, versatile casting performance.
- TW or TWS – T-Wing System. Indicates the reel is equipped with Daiwa’s T-Wing levelwind system. This is a T-shaped aperture that reduces line angle and friction on casts, increasing casting distance, and then guides line evenly during retrieve. Common in baitcasters (e.g. “Tatula TW”).
- CT – Compact & Tough. A concept for baitcasters analogous to LT for spinning reels. CT models have a more compact frame size while retaining strength and rigidity. For example, “Steez CT” baitcast reels use a smaller frame and spool (often 30mm) for easy palming and casting light baits without sacrificing toughness.
- BR – Bite & Run. Identifies spinning reels with a free-spool baitrunner function. “BR” reels (e.g. Emcast BR LT) have a secondary drag allowing line to pay out with the bail closed when a fish takes a bait. Engaging the handle or flipping the lever instantly returns to the fighting drag, ideal for live bait fishing.
- IC – Intelligent Counter. Marks reels equipped with a digital line counter or electronic readout. IC models (such as Saltiga IC series) include an internal chip/display to measure line out, useful for jigging or trolling to know your depth.
- SCW – Slow Cross Wrap. Indicates a slow oscillation system on big pit/carp reels. SCW line lay winds line in a slow cross-wrap pattern, reducing bedding-in and friction. This yields improved casting distance and very even line lay. (Seen on models like Emblem 45 SCW QD-OT.)
Daiwa Reel Suffixes
- D – Deep spool. A “D” after the size means a deep spool with higher line capacity. Deep spools are suited for heavier lines or when you need more line on the reel.
- S – Shallow spool. An “S” indicates a shallow spool with lower line capacity. Shallow spools are lighter and meant for finesse applications or thinner lines (to avoid excess unused capacity).
- SS – Super Shallow spool. Designates an extra-shallow spool (even less capacity than “S”). Often used in high-end finesse reels where minimal line is needed (e.g. for trout or bass finesse tactics).
- C – Compact body. A “C” in the model code (often after the size or spool letter) means the reel uses a smaller body size than the spool normally fits. For example, “2500D-C” indicates a 2500-size spool on a 2000-size compact body, reducing weight and profile.
- H – High gear. Denotes a high-speed gear ratio. “H” reels have a faster retrieve than standard (typically ~5.5:1 to 5.9:1 in spinning, or around 7:1 in baitcasters). They crank in more line per turn than a regular gear ratio.
- XH – Extra High gear. Marks an extra-high speed retrieve. “XH” models have very fast gear ratios (usually 6.0:1 or higher in spin reels, 8:1+ in baitcasters). These prioritize quick line pickup (for techniques like speed fishing or targeting fast-moving fish).
- SH – Super High gear. Another designation for high-speed reels, essentially similar to XH. “SH” (used in some older or JDM models) also signifies a fast retrieve gear ratio. For practical purposes, SH and XH both mean a very high gear speed.
- P – Power gear (low gear ratio). A “P” after the size denotes a lower-speed, high-torque gear ratio. These models crank slower but with extra power leverage (ideal for deep cranking, jigging, or winching stubborn fish). For instance, 4.9:1 in a spinning reel would be labeled “P”.
- QD – Quick Drag. Indicates a fast-adjust drag system. “QD” reels can switch from near-free-spool to tight drag with minimal knob rotation. Common on European/carp models, this allows rapid drag changes (useful for hook-setting after a run, etc.).
- G – Global Model. The letter “G” (usually at the very end of the model code) signifies an international version. These “G” models are tuned for global markets (line capacities or features might differ slightly). For example, “LT5000D-CXH G” would be the global variant of that reel.
- DH – Double Handle. A “DH” suffix means the reel comes with a double handle (twin paddle knobs). Many smaller spinning reels (especially certain JDM models) offer a DH version for finer balance in applications like finesse or estuary fishing.
- OT – One Touch. Indicates a model that includes a one-touch folding handle feature. For instance, carp reels labeled “QD-OT” have a handle that folds down instantly via a one-touch mechanism, convenient for transport and storage.
- L (or Left) – Left-hand retrieve variant. In baitcaster model codes, an “L” usually at the very end denotes a left-handed version. For example, “100HSL” would be a High-speed model in left-hand. (If no “L” is present, the reel is a standard right-hand retrieve by default.)
Note: If a reel model lacks any gear ratio suffix (neither H, XH/SH, nor P), it generally has a “standard” or mid-speed gear ratio (around 5:1 in spinning reels). In other words, no letter typically means a normal gear speed.
Using the above prefixes and suffixes, you can decode most Daiwa reel model names. For example, a Daiwa Certate LT2500S-XH breaks down as Light & Tough series, 2500 size, Shallow spool, Extra-High gear ratio. Likewise, a Tatula 100HL-TW is a Tatula baitcaster, size 100, High gear, Left hand retrieve, with T-Wing system. Understanding these codes will ensure you get the right reel features for your needs.
Examples of Reel Name Breakdown
Spinning Reels
- Daiwa 22 Exist LT 2500-XH (G) – Exist (Flagship model), LT (Light & Tough), 2500 (Reel size), XH (Extra high gear ratio), (G) Model
- Daiwa Maverick 18000-H – Saltiga (High-end saltwater), 8000 (Reel size), P (Power gear).A further example is shown below:
Baitcast & Overhead Reels
Baitcast & Overhead reels have a similar structure but with less information. Below is an example of a baitcast and overhead reels.
Baitcast & Overhead reels have a similar structure but with less information. Below is an example of a baitcast and overhead reels.
