A popular all-round reel used for coarse, predator and sea fishing
A great option for beginners or those looking for a solid all-rounder
Featured in our guide on the best pike fishing reelsÂ
| Feature | What This Means |
|---|---|
| LT Light & Tough | Daiwa’s design philosophy combining lightweight construction with durability, making the reel easier to fish with for longer periods while maintaining strength. |
| Airdrive Design with DS4 Rotor | A lightweight rotor system that improves the reel’s balance and enhances sensitivity when fishing. The DS4 design reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity. |
| Airdrive Bail (wire) | A redesigned, lighter bail arm that’s still highly durable. The new profile ensures smooth, trouble-free casting without compromising strength. |
| Tough Digigear (ZN) | Digitally designed zinc gearing system that provides high retrieving power and smooth rotation, making it easier to wind in larger fish. |
| LC-ABS Spool | Longcast Aluminium spool specifically designed for optimal braid line usage, helping achieve longer casting distances while preventing line slip. |
| ATD Type-L Drag | Advanced drag system that responds immediately when fighting fish, providing smooth and even line release especially under high strain from larger fish. |
| Machine Cut Handle | Precisely machined aluminum handle offering better durability and smoother operation. Comes with I-Shape knob (1000-2000 sizes) or T-Shape knob (2500-6000 sizes). |
| Twist Buster 3 | Latest line roller technology that improves line lay and significantly reduces line twist during retrieval, preventing tangles and extending line life. |
| DS4 Body | Advanced body construction that maintains structural integrity while reducing overall weight, contributing to the reel’s durability and comfort during use. |
With the 23′ Ninja DAIWA offers the latest Japanese design concept and inspirational technics – at an outstanding price-performance ratio!
Compared to the previous model the 23′ Ninja has been improved regarding essential features and now is more sensitive and stronger.
Thanks to the application of the new lightweight Airdrive Rotor the reel balance is shifted from the front unit to the lower reel part, leading to an improved total balance and a higher sensitivity at fishing. The lure feeling is improved and faster reactions are possible.
The precise and tough Digigear cares for high retrieving power and permanent silky-smooth and even running.
The new Airdrive bail is lighter than the previous version, highly durable and in combination with the new bail arm considerably decreases tanglings at casting. If the line should get tangled at the bail arm, it simply slides to the line roller via the arm when the handle is turned – to action necessary. The ATD Type-L drag cares for an even and optimised line release under strain without high starting resistance, providing the required safety when fighting large specimens.
The aluminium Longcast ABS spool features a special spool rim that contributes to longer casting distances. The Twistbuster III design at the line roller is perfect for the use of braided lines: the braid doesn’t get compressed during retrieving and less twist is the result.
| Model | Bearings | Gear Ratio | Weight (Grams) | Line Capacity | Drag Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 | 4 | 5.3:1 | 250 | 0.13/200M | 10KG |
| 4000 | 4 | 5.2:1 | 280 | 0.18/310M | 11KG |
| 5000 | 4 | 5.2:1 | 275 | 0.20/300M | 11KG |
| 6000 | 4 | 5.1:1 | 370 | 0.22/300M | 12KG |
Here’s how the reel performed in testing and/or from experience and feedback from other anglers.Â
The Daiwa 23 Ninja LT reel is a popular offering amongst the coarse, predator and sea fishing communities thanks to its versatility, affordability and solid build.
The DS4 body and Airdrive elements reduce overall weight effectively, while the machined aluminium handle and LC-ABS spool maintain strength, nice aesthetics and balance where needed. Each component feels solid, with smooth gear operation through the Tough Digigear system.
We’ve tested this reel across different fishing styles. The 2500 size handles float fishing and drop shot techniques smoothly, while the 4000 model performs well for spinning with medium to large lures. The ATD Type-L drag is consistently smooth and manages fights with larger fish with due aplomb.
The Twist Buster 3 technology helps to keep your line tangle-free and definitely makes a difference to its overall casting ability. The Ninja LT’s versatility, combined with its approachable price point, makes it a great option for both beginners and experienced anglers looking for a reliable all-rounder.
Here is how the Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel compares against other products in its category. This table shows the overall rating based on the average of the key attributes that go into making a top fishing reel.
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fox EOS 10000 | 8.1 | £62.99 |
| Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel | 8 | £57.77 |
| Shimano Baitrunner DL | 8.3 | £76.95 |
| Shimano Baitrunner XTB CI4+ LC Reel | 8.6 | £279.99 |
| Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel | 8.1 | £54.99 |
| Savage Fazor Spinning Reel | 8.3 | £143.99 |
| Fox Rage TR Reel | 8.3 | £124.99 |
| Shimano Stradic FM Reel | 8.4 | £179.99 |
| Daiwa 7HT Mag Multiplier Reel | 8.5 | £199.99 |
| Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel | 8 | £59.99 |
| Greys Fly Tital Reel | 8.5 | £206.99 |
| Greys Fly Cruise Reel | 8 | £44.99 |
There are four key attributes that form the basis of our reviews on fishing reels. These include the following:
Build Quality: – When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.
Cast & Retrieve: – This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and smooth the retrieve is. Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.
Drag System: – When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use. There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that it is being applied.
Value for Money: – Again, this is self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. Having value for money as a criterion allows us to judge how well a reel performs vs its price point and in turn allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.
Here is how the Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel performed against is peers in each of these important attributes:
| Name | Build Quality | Casting & Retrieve | Drag / Clutch | Value For Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox EOS 10000 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 9 |
| Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9 |
| Shimano Baitrunner DL | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Shimano Baitrunner XTB CI4+ LC Reel | 9.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 8 |
| Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 9 |
| Savage Fazor Spinning Reel | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Fox Rage TR Reel | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Shimano Stradic FM Reel | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
| Daiwa 7HT Mag Multiplier Reel | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
| Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9 |
| Greys Fly Tital Reel | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
| Greys Fly Cruise Reel | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9 |
If you would like to see more fishing tackle check out our full list of featured products below.Â
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