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A full and comprehensive assessment of the Daiwa Crosscast XT Carp Rod
Last Updated on 1 December 2024 by James Bevan
The Daiwa Crosscast XT is an entry-level carp rod that is popular with anglers who seek a reputable brand such as Daiwa but at an affordable price.
It resonates with beginners to the sport or those looking to upgrade from a budget-type carp rod. Anglers looking for an affordable 10ft stalking rod that has a good amount of power to it will also find the Crosscast a viable option thanks to its powerful 3.5lb test curve blank.
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Horizon X3 Carp Rod | 8.5 | £119.45 |
| Fox EOS Pro Tele Fishing Rod | 7.3 | £61.99 |
| Fox Horizon X3 Floater Fishing Rod | 8.1 | £109.99 |
| Fox EOS 10000 | 8.1 | £62.99 |
| Fox FX11 | 8.5 | £108.24 |
| Fox Predator Elite XS Boat Rod | 8.3 | £134.99 |
| Nash X Series Carp Rod | 7.8 | £109.98 |
| Daiwa Crosscast XT Carp Rod | 7.5 | £76.00 |
Here is another video review from Angling Times which includes a look at the Daiwa Crosscast Reel as well.
“Great equipment at a great price” (1)
Review Source:
| Length | Test Curve | Ideal For | Max Cast Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 3.5lb | Small to medium sized waters where fishing for larger specimens or near snags / weed. | 100 yds |
| 12 ft | 3lb | Medium sized venues. Good all-round rod | 120 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.5lb | Medium to Larger venue where a little more distance is required and when larger fish are being targeted | 140yds |
| 13 ft | 3.5lb | Large waters where distance casting and fishing for specimens is the aim | 150yds |
The handle
One thing I instantly fell for with this rod is the ultra-slim Japanese shrink handle. It’s not just lightweight but also provides a super firm grip even in wet conditions.
With a flared butt adding to my control during casts, it’s clear these guys haven’t skimped on usability.
The reel seat
Now, let’s talk about this Seaguide reel seat. It snugly fits my reels (which are big pits), ensuring perfect alignment and zero wobble, enhancing overall stability during those tense fights.
Finished in matte black, it also adds a slick, professional look to the rod.
The eyes/guides
The stainless steel guides with LS rings on this rod are a nice addition. I was impressed by the low friction, which definitely gave my casts that extra bit of distance.
On the 12 and 13-foot models, you get a 50mm butt ring as standard, which is a bonus for controlling line flow.
The blank
As for the blank, it’s made from high-modulus carbon with a reinforced section of 1k weave above the reel seat.
I feel the rod offers a good solid backbone and a lot of casting power, considering how super-slim and lightweight it is.
My only gripe with it is that it lacks a little subtlety when playing fish.
Pros
Cons
In summary, when I first started testing the Daiwa Crosscast, I could easily tell why it’s such a popular option amongst carp anglers.
It looks good, has nice aesthetics, and the 1k weave blank, while a standard feature, gives a sense of quality. The guides also contribute to the rod’s casting ability thanks to their low friction design, and the fact that the 12- and 13-foot models come with a 50mm butt ring as standard.
When testing the 10-foot option, I felt it was slightly out of balance with the 3.5lb test curve being the only option. I would have liked to see a 3 or 3.25lb test curve to prevent the blank from being too stiff when fishing at close range.
Overall, it scored admirably with an overall rating of 7.5. It beats rods like the Daiwa Black Widow and Fox EOS Pro in appearance but falls behind slightly when playing fish compared to rods like the Sonik Insurgent and Emcast.
It might not be the highest-scoring rod in my reviews, but it’s a consistent performer that delivers where it counts, providing a balanced mix of strength, control, and aesthetics.
All in all, it’s a rod that should make any carp angler’s shortlist, especially when looking for a solid and affordable option.
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I hope this appraisal of the carp 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.
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