Daiwa Legalis LT Reel Review

OVERALL RATING
8.5
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Top Line

A great sea spinning reel from the reputable Daiwa that is lightweight and compact

A good spinning reel for LRF tactics

Features & Specifications With Explanation

Feature What This Means
AIRDRIVE DESIGN with Zaion V Body A carbon composite construction that offers superior strength while being significantly lighter than traditional materials. This innovative design reduces overall weight without compromising durability.
AIRDRIVE ROTOR (Zaion V) A lightweight carbon composite rotor that reduces starting resistance, providing better control when working lures and smoother line retrieval.
AIRDRIVE BAIL Engineered bail system that provides consistent, reliable operation with reduced weight for better balance.
Tough Digigear Digitally designed and precisely machined gearing system that ensures smooth operation and enhanced power transfer during retrieval.
ATD Type-L Drag System Advanced Tournament Drag system that eliminates initial drag resistance, particularly beneficial when using lighter lines. Provides consistent pressure throughout the fight.
5 Ball Bearings Five precision ball bearings plus an additional roller bearing ensure smooth operation and long-term reliability.
Cross Wrap System Advanced line laying system that ensures even line distribution across the spool for better casting performance and reduced line tangles.
Forged ABS Aluminium Longcast Spool Specially designed spool with reversed taper that reduces line friction during casting, resulting in longer casting distances. The oversized design also provides greater line capacity.
Twistbuster III Advanced line roller design that minimises line twist during retrieval, especially effective with braided lines by reducing compression.
Machined Aluminium Handle Precision-machined screw-in aluminium handle provides durability and positive grip while maintaining the reel’s lightweight characteristics.
LT (Light & Tough) Daiwa’s design concept that focuses on reducing weight while maintaining strength, resulting in a reel that’s both lighter and more durable than traditional designs.

Manufacturers Description

“The 23 Legalis is lighter and tougher than its predecessor and features the AIRDRIVE DESIGN concept.

Made of Zaion V the AIRDRIVE Rotor offers a low starting resistance, leading to better lure control and improved winding. Tough Digigear keeps it all smooth and delivers high retrieving power. Securely housed in the Zaion V body enhances mechanical durability.

The ATD Type-L drag provides even line release under strain without high any starting resistance, especially useful on lighter setups where bigger fish may turn up.

The aluminium Longcast ABS spool features a special spool rim that contributes to longer casting distances. Twistbuster III is perfect for the use of braided lines reducing compression during retrieval.

Five models are offered. Starting the line up is the 2500, suited to the lighter side of mobile lure work going up to the 6000 will serve heavier duty challenges where heavier casting weights and bigger mainlines are called for.”

How It Scores

OVERALL RATING
8.5
8.5
BUILD QUALITY
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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.

8.5
CAST & RETRIEVE
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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.

8.5
DRAG / CLUTCH
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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 is being applied.

8.5
VALUE FOR MONEY
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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 recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Reviews & Experiences

The Daiwa 23 Legalis LT represents a significant evolution in spinning reel design, showcasing Daiwa’s commitment to innovation in the mid-range market segment.

This latest iteration brings together advanced materials and engineering solutions that were once reserved for much more expensive reels. The Zaion V body construction demonstrates how far composite materials have come, delivering exceptional strength while maintaining an incredibly light overall weight.

During our testing, the reel’s smooth operation immediately stood out. The AIRDRIVE DESIGN concept isn’t just marketing speak, it delivers tangible benefits in real-world use. The low starting resistance of the AIRDRIVE rotor translates to better lure control and a more refined fishing experience.

The perfect line lay straight out of the box is particularly noteworthy, especially when compared to some competitors that require careful attention to spooling.

We found this feature particularly beneficial when using lighter braided lines, where consistent line lay is crucial for preventing wind knots and maximising casting distance.

The versatility of the Legalis LT is impressive, with the 4000 size proving to be an excellent all-rounder for UK fishing conditions.

The combination of the ATD Type-L drag system and Tough Digigear provides exceptional smoothness under load, while the oversized spool capacity offers practical benefits for anglers who might encounter line damage during a session.

While the 12kg maximum drag capacity might seem excessive for UK fishing, the smooth delivery of that power is what truly matters, and in this regard, the Legalis delivers impressively.

What Anglers Like (Pros)

Exceptionally lightweight yet solid construction
Perfect line lay straight from the box
Impressive line capacity for reel size
Really smooth on the retrieve

What Anglers Dislike (Cons)

Felt washers that over time may mean the reel needs servicing and washers replacing
No MagSeal

How It Compares

Here is how the Daiwa Legalis 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.

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 Legalis LT Reel performed against is peers in each of these important attributes:

NameBuild QualityCast & RetrieveDrag / ClutchValue For Money
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel8.07.57.59
Okuma Surf 8k8.08.58.59
Penn Spinfisher VII9.08.58.58.5
Daiwa Legalis LT Reel8.58.58.58.5
Shimano Bullseye 91209.59.09.08
Penn Fathom II8.58.08.58.5
Shimano Tyrnos9.09.09.08
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel8.58.08.08.5

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