Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Review
Last Updated on 8 August 2023 by James Bevan
Quick Summary:
Read on to find out more information on all you need to know
Features & Specifications Summary:
Available in a 12 foot length
Test Curve available in 4.5lbs
Aluminium butt cap
50mm butt ring
LS ceramic rings
Screw in reel seat
Lightweight carbon blank
Slim profile full shrink handle
Video Showing The Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod In Action:
How This Rod Compares Against Its Competition:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano TX A Spod Rod | 8.8 | from £79.99 |
| Nash Dot Spod Rod | 8.6 | from £169.99 |
| Harrison Torrix Spod Rod | 9.1 | from £369.00 |
| Daiwa Infinity X45 Spod Rod | 9.3 | from £299.99 |
| Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod | 8 | from £54.99 |
| Sonik Xtractor Spod Rod | 7.6 | from £53.00 |
| Trakker Propel Spod Rod | 8.9 | from £167.99 |
| Onyx Quickdraw Spod Rod | 7.3 | from £49.99 |
| Fox EOS Pro Spod Rod | 7.4 | from £69.99 |
| Fox Horizon X3 Spod & Marker Rod | 8.1 | from £89.99 |
| Daiwa Emcast Spod Rod | 8.3 | from £59.00 |
| Century Stealth Graphene Spod Rod | 9 | from £498.99 |
How This Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Review Compares To The Averages:
Here’s How Other Anglers Have Reviewed The Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod:
“Rod is so good. Quality best, light weight, looks good! Recommended!!!!” (1)
Review Source:
The Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Features Up Close:
The handle
The Black Widow is equipped with a full shrink handle, complemented by a sleek aluminium end cap.
I found the handle to be more than adequate for a lengthy spod session, providing a firm yet non-abrasive grip even when covered with spod juice!
The reel seat
A DPS-style reel seat is featured on the Black Widow which fits in nicely with the rods aesthetics.
The locking mechanism remained solid throughout a few 30-minute spomb sessions when I tested it with no reel movement experienced.
The eyes/guides
The Black Widow XT spod rod boasts LS ceramic guides with a 50mm butt ring which you would expect on all decent spod rods.
Again, they fit in really nicely with the overall look of the rod.
The blank
The blanks core is made from lightweight HMC+ carbon fibre. Okay, this isn’t the best out there but it absolutely does the job with its 4.5lb test curve firing out loaded spods and sbombs for me with good accuracy.
The Pros & Cons Of The Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod
Pros
- Reliable budget-friendly spod rod that represents great value for money
- Still made with quality materials despite its low price-point
- Nice and comfortable, grippy handle
- Decent DPS-style reel seat that keeps your reel super-tight
- Fantastic value for money
Cons
- The blank is chunkier than some of the more premium models
- Only available in a 12-foot version
ETackle’s Thoughts & Opinions:
After spending a good 48 hour session putting the Daiwa Black Widow Carp Rod through its paces, I’ve found it to be an impressive contender in the budget spod rod field. Earning an 8.0 in my assessment, this rod has managed to top the list in its category.
What sets it apart is its blend of affordability and reliability, providing an excellent option for carp anglers on a budget.
The standout quality of the Black Widow spod rod is how it punches above its weight in terms of materials and design. Despite its economical price tag, the rod doesn’t shortchange you on performance. It’s fitted with a robust DPS-style reel seat that ensures a secure fit for your reel even when continuosly firing out loaded spods for a prolonged period of time.
On top of that, it comes with a comfortable, textured handle. This rod stands as proof that Daiwa knows how to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality.
Still, it’s worth noting that the Black Widow isn’t without its drawbacks. One thing I noticed was that the blank is a bit thicker compared to the higher-end models I’ve used, which could alter the overall feel for some users. And it’s worth mentioning that it’s only offered in a 12-foot version, which might not suit every angler’s preference.
All things considered, though, the Daiwa Black Widow Carp Rod is an example of how affordable gear can still deliver. It’s an attractive choice for anyone in search of a budget-friendly spod rod that doesn’t sacrifice too much on performance and quality. Its flaws are relatively minor when you consider the benefits it offers, most notably the value for money it provides.
This is a rod that would serve any carp angler well, regardless of their level of experience.
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How This Rod Has Been Reviewed
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.
I hope this appraisal of the spod rod has provided useful insight as to whether it’s the right rod for you.
If you have time, please visit our full list of products that have been reviewed.