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Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 7.5
Cast & Retrieve - 7.5
Drag / Clutch - 8.0
Value For Money - 8.5
Daiwa’s Crosscast range of products are popular amongst Carp anglers looking for decent quality at an affordable price. The Crosscast BR continues this trend offering good value for money alongside Daiwa’s renowned engineering and ability to produce excellent reels.
| Features and Specs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio: 4.6:1 | This means the spool turns 4.6 times for every one turn of the handle. This is a standard gear ratio. |
| Weight: 610g | This is slightly heavier than most reels of this type. |
| Line Capacity: 0.30mm/270m | Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. This line capacity is on par with most similar reels of this type. |
| Retrieve Rate: 104cm per handle turn | Length of line retrieved per handle turn, influencing the speed of line retrieval. This retrieval is quite fast in comparison to others. |
| Drag System: Front drag | Controls resistance on the line. This reel offers a lovely smooth drag. |
| Number of Ball Bearings: 2+1 | Number of bearings in the reel, affecting smoothness and performance. This reel has fewer ball bearings than some competitors. |
| Construction Material: Graphite body, 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: | Reduces line twist during retrieval, ensuring smooth operation. |
Here’s how the Daiwa Crosscast BR Reel compared to similar Carp reels we have reviewed:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fox EOS 10000 | 8.1 | £62.99 |
| Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000 RB | 7.9 | £84.99 |
| Daiwa Black Widow BR Reel | 8 | £57.77 |
| Wychwood Riot Big Pit | 7.6 | £46.95 |
| Daiwa Regal BR Reel | 7.9 | £39.99 |
What Does This Mean?
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.
The overall feel of the Crosscast in hand is one of solid craftsmanship. It’s clear that Daiwa has put significant thought into the design, balancing weight and durability with performance features.
The frame is built with a Graphite construction and despite being slightly heavier than similar reels, offers a solid base that shouts longevity.
The gears feature two ball bearings and one roller bearing. Although this is fewer than some higher-end models, these components are strategically placed to ensure smooth operation and reduce friction during retrieval and casting.
One feature I really like is the Infinite Anti-Reverse system. This system really helps prevent backward movement of the handle, ensuring that you maintain a solid hook set. It’s a detail that might seem minor but makes a big difference when you’re playing fish that pull back hard.
The best bit?
All of this is available at a very competitive price.
What Does This Mean?
This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and how smooth the retrieve is.
Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.
On top of the actual, physical performance of the reel we also look at the number and type of ball bearings, the spool, line lay and the gear ratio in comparison to its required use.
The Crosscast performs admirably on the cast and the retrieve. The solid bearings help with this alongside the Twist Buster and Air Bail features, which reduce line twist and ensure smooth line lay.Â
With a gear ratio of 4.6:1 and a retrieve rate of 104cm per turn, this reel offers efficient and actually quite a fast line retrieval rate making it suitable for various fishing conditions and tactics.
What Does This Mean?
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.
The Crosscast is fairly unique in that it is equipped with a front drag system, as well as a Baitrunner. Both performed well in testing with no problems experienced and a nice smooth function throughout different sessions of varying length.
What Does This Mean?
Self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. This is because it creates more of a level playing field.
Of course, the more expensive a reel is the more quality components it will have and as such will generally score higher.
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.
The Crosscast BR is a medium priced offering from Daiwa that still offers good value for money.
It’s a quality reel at an affordable price-point that will resonate with both beginners and more experienced Carp anglers.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Daiwa Crosscast BR Reel
If you would like to see more fishing tackle reviews as well as compare prices with various tackle shops then you can do so here.
Here is a list of resources we have used as part of putting this review together:
Total Carp Magazine – https://www.totalcarpmagazine.com/daiwa-crosscast-br-reel
Hi, I’m James
And I have to make a confession: I am addicted to fishing and have been for over 30 years!
As part of my therapy, I’ve started to write about all things angling.
Learn more about me and my company on the about page.
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