Reviews & Where To Buy
A great reel for beginners and casual anglers
A lightweight and well-balanced all round reel
Featured in our guide on the best barbel reels as the best budget all-round option
| Feature | What This Means |
|---|---|
| DS4 Carbon Composite Body and Rotor | A high-strength, lightweight material that reduces overall reel weight while maintaining durability. This makes the reel comfortable to use during long fishing sessions and helps prevent fatigue. |
| Digigear 2 | Daiwa’s advanced digital gear design system that ensures precise gear teeth alignment. This results in smoother retrieves, better power transfer, and reduced gear wear compared to standard gearing systems. |
| Twistbuster | A specialised line roller system designed to minimise line twist during retrieval. This helps prevent tangles, extends line life, and improves casting distance by maintaining line integrity. |
| One Touch Folding Handle | A convenient handle design that allows for quick folding with the press of a button. This makes the reel more compact for transport and storage, reducing the risk of damage when in your tackle bag. |
| 3 Ball Bearings (3BB) | The reel contains three precision stainless steel ball bearings that support moving parts. These reduce friction during retrieval, providing smoother operation and extending the reel’s lifespan. |
| Infinite Anti-Reverse | A mechanism that prevents the handle from rotating backwards when a fish is on the line. This ensures immediate hook setting and prevents slack when fighting fish, giving you better control during the fight. |
| Aluminium Spool | A lightweight yet durable metal spool that provides better line lay and casting performance compared to plastic alternatives. The material also dissipates heat better during long runs, protecting your line. |
| 5.3:1 Gear Ratio | A mid-range gear ratio that balances power and speed. This means for every full turn of the handle, the rotor makes 5.3 complete revolutions, offering versatility for different fishing techniques. |
| Crank Per Turn (80-95cm) | The amount of line retrieved with each handle turn, varying by model size (80cm for 2500, 82cm for 3000, 95cm for 4000). Higher numbers mean more line is collected per turn, allowing for faster retrieval. |
| 4kg Maximum Drag | The maximum pressure the drag system can apply to fighting fish. A 4kg drag is suitable for match fishing and can handle medium-sized fish while protecting lighter lines from breaking under sudden pressure. |
| Multiple Size Options | Available in three sizes (2500, 3000, 4000) with varying weights and line capacities. This allows anglers to select the perfect balance between weight, line capacity, and performance for their specific fishing needs. |
The Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel is a versatile and lightweight reel, designed for both float and feeder fishing.
Built with a DS4 carbon composite body, Digigear 2 technology, and a UTD drag system, it offers smooth operation and reliable performance.
The Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel has a solid design for a budget-friendly option. It’s made with a DS4 carbon composite body and rotor, which gives a good mix of toughness and light weight. This pays off when you’re fishing, with the 3000 model weighing just 298g and the 4000 at 434g.
The reel’s aluminium spool is another nod to Daiwa’s aim for value with the Matchman 23 reel. It’s tough enough for regular use while keeping the weight down.
The folding handle that tucks away with one touch is a nice feature, making packing up easier and is also good if you apply a roaming approach to your fishing.
While the overall design is pretty simple, it’s this simplicity that makes it a great choice for beginners or casual anglers who don’t need all the fancy bits of pricey gear.
Looking at what the Matchman offers, it’s clear that Daiwa has focused on providing the essentials without unnecessary frills.
The 5.3:1 gear ratio is a good middle ground, giving decent speed for reeling in without losing the power needed for playing larger fish. This ratio means you can bring in 82-95cm of line with each turn of the handle, depending on which model you’re using.
The drag system, called Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD), is a standout feature, especially for a budget reel. It lets you make smooth, precise adjustments, which can be a lifesaver if you hook something more lively on lighter line.
With three ball bearings, the Matchman runs smoothly enough for its price. While it might not have as many bearings as the top-end models, in practice, it’s more than up to the job for most fishing that beginners or casual anglers are likely to do.
The Twistbuster system is another useful feature. Line twist can be a right pain, especially when you’re casting and reeling in over and over. This system does a good job of keeping twist to a minimum, which not only makes fishing more enjoyable but also helps your line last longer – a nice touch for those watching their fishing budget.
When it comes to how it performs, the Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel gives you good bang for your buck. Its gear ratio and retrieve rate make it versatile enough for both light feeder and float fishing, which is ideal for those just starting out or casual anglers who like to mix up their fishing styles.
Line capacity is enough for most medium-range fishing. The 3000 model can hold 200m of 0.28mm line, which should cover most bases for the kind of fishing this reel is made for.
The anti-reverse system works well and provides good control when playing feisty fish if you prefer this system over the clutch.
One area where the Matchman shows its budget roots is in its number of bearings. While three bearings give smooth enough operation for most situations, anglers used to pricier reels might notice a slight difference in quality. However, for beginners and casual anglers, this is unlikely to be a big issue.
The comfortable grip on the handle and the spare spool add value to the package. The grip is helpful during long fights with fish, while the extra spool lets you quickly change lines to suit different fishing conditions – a nice addition for a budget reel.
In conclusion, the Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel offers a good mix of basic features, reliable performance, and great value for money.
While it might not have all the fancy features of top-end reels, it more than holds its own in real-world fishing situations that beginners and casual anglers are likely to face.
Its light build, smooth drag system, and focus on essential features make it a solid choice for those after a dependable, versatile reel without spending a fortune.
It just shows that you don’t need to splash out on expensive gear to enjoy a satisfying day’s fishing with decent gear.
Here is how the Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel compares against other products in its category.
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel | 7.9 | £40.99 |
| Matrix HX Pro Match Reel | 8.8 | £169.97 |
| Shimano Aero XR Reel | 8.6 | £124.99 |
| Matrix Aquos Ultra Reel | 8.4 | £49.99 |
| Preston Inertia Match Reel | 8.4 | £44.99 |
| Preston Centris Reel | 8.6 | £142.52 |
| Drennan Vertex Reel | 8.1 | £34.99 |
| James Young Heritage Centrepin Reel | 8.8 | £364.99 |
Etackle’s objective is to provide anglers with key information on fishing tackle products to help them make an informed decision before purchase.
We do this by writing about our own experiences of the product being tested as well as researching information from other experts in the field as well as reviews from other users.
This means you have an unbiased review from a number of sources all in one place. For more information on how products are reviewed on Etackle, please visit our dedicated page on the review process.
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