At 478g, it is one of the lighter budget carp reels in this reviewed group.
The 4.6:1 gear ratio retrieves 86cm per crank, which is a balanced rather than fast retrieve.
The 8.2kg maximum drag is stronger than several entry-level Baitrunner-style reels.
It uses a graphite body with an anodised aluminium spool and handle.
It is featured in our best budget carp reels guide as a strong-value Daiwa Baitrunner option.
Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel Review
The Daiwa Black Widow BR is a budget-friendly Baitrunner-style reel with a graphite body, anodised aluminium spool and handle, and a relatively light 478g weight. Its main specification points are the 4.6:1 gear ratio, 86cm retrieve per crank, 8.2kg maximum drag, AirBail, Twist Buster and Daiwa Bite and Run freespool control.
Build quality8.0/10
Cast and retrieve7.5/10
Drag / clutch7.5/10
Value for money9.0/10
How well is it built?
The Black Widow range of Daiwa's products resonate with many carp anglers thanks to its renowned reliable performance at an affordable price. The Baitrunner reel is no exception and is yet again testament to the quality that Daiwa brings to its fishing tackle.
This reel looks sleek and great on the bank
The first thing you notice about the Black Widow Baitrunner is how light it is. At 478g it is one of the lightest carp reels I have reviewed.
It is made primarily of high-quality graphite for the body, with an aluminium spool and handle.
It features three ball bearings and one roller bearing that helps with its smooth operation and reduced friction. It also includes a lifetime bail spring, which enhances its longevity and reliability.
The Black Widow has a sleek, all-black design, making it a good-looking addition to any fishing setup and sits proudly in our list of top budget carp reels.
How well does it cast and retrieve?
The AirBail and Twist Buster features help reduce line twist and support smoother line flow, which is useful on a budget Baitrunner-style reel.
Airbail and twistbuster technology help reduce line twist
The 4.6:1 gear ratio retrieves around 86cm of line per crank, giving a balanced retrieve rather than a very fast line pickup.
How useful is the drag system?
The Baitrunner function was beautifully smooth on all of my runs in testing. The drag was all good as well, providing a smooth and consistent resistance when playing fish with adjustments easy to make.
A lovely smooth Baitrunner function
8.2kg of maximum drag is the highest of all the budget reels among comparable products. That is a significant advantage over the Daiwa Regal at 5kg and the Shimano budget reels at 6kg.
The front drag with Bite and Run clutch delivers solid performance for the money. The transition to main drag is positive when you turn the handle.
For a budget reel, the drag performance is genuinely impressive. The 8.2kg figure gives weekend anglers confidence that the reel can handle whatever hooks up.
Is it good value for money?
The Black Widow BR is positioned as an affordable Daiwa freespool reel, with a graphite body, anodised aluminium spool and handle, and a useful 8.2kg maximum drag figure.
It is a sensible option if you want a lighter budget Baitrunner-style reel without moving into Shimano or Daiwa's more expensive ranges.
Pros
Lightest baitrunner among comparable products at just 478g
8.2kg max drag is the highest of all budget options
Beautifully smooth Baitrunner function in testing
Anodised aluminium spool and engine plate at a budget price
Lifetime bail spring enhances long-term reliability
Cons
Graphite body is less impact-resistant than aluminium
86cm retrieve per crank is on the slower side
Features and Specifications
Feature
What this means
Gear Ratio: 4.6:1
This means the spool turns 4.6 times for every one turn of the handle. This is a pretty standard gear ratio.
Weight: 478g
This is lighter than most reels of this type, making it easier to handle.
Line Capacity: 0.30mm/270m
Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. The capacity here is average to similar reel types.
Drag System: Front drag
Controls resistance on the line. This reel offers a lovely smooth drag.
Number of Ball Bearings: 3+1
Number of bearings in the reel, affecting smoothness and performance. This reel has an average amount of bearings in comparison to its competition.
Construction Material: Aluminium spool and handle
Lightweight and durable materials offering strength and corrosion resistance.
Handle: Single handle
Provides a balanced and comfortable grip.
Anti-Reverse System: Infinite anti-reverse
Prevents handle from moving backward, providing better hook sets and control.
Spool Type: Aluminium spool
Durable and lightweight spool.
Bail Arm: Air Bail
Reduces line twist and ensures smooth line lay on the spool.
Twist Buster Technology
Reduces line twist during retrieval, ensuring smooth operation.
How It Compares
See how the Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel compares with other carp reels on overall score and current price.
The idea is to make buying your fishing tackle easier by helping you compare a full shopping list, not just one product at a time.
When it is ready, you will be able to build a tackle list and see which shop, or mix of shops, gives you the best overall price once stock and delivery are taken into account.
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