What does this mean?When rating the build quality of a rod, consideration has been given to some of the basic components such as the materials used in the blank, handle, reel seat and line guides as well as any additional features that make life on the bank easier for anglers.
Casting Ability8.0
What does this mean?How a rod casts is one of the key fundamentals that determine a great rod from a mediocre one.
Easy, frictionless casting that provides accuracy and distance is all rated in this category.
Playing Fish8.0
What does this mean?The ability to play fish effectively is an important feature of any fishing rod.
Fishing is a sport, and as part of this sport, feeling the pulls, lunges and the fight of a fish is an exhilarating feeling that adds to the overall experience and enjoyment of angling.
As such, this is all taken into account when rating fishing rods.
Value For Money8.0
What does this mean?How much any fishing rod costs is always going to be a key factor in an angler’s final choice.
A rod can have all the bells and whistles under the sun but if you have to re-mortgage your house to purchase it then all of a sudden it isn’t the best choice for some.
When rating how much value for money a rod brings, consideration has been given to how the rod performs in all the other categories vs its price point.
Includes a hook keeper and quivertips (two carbon fibre tips and one glass fibre tip).
Useful additional features
Daiwa Ninja X Feeder Rod Review
The Daiwa Ninja X feeder rod is a versatile piece of kit designed to cater to both novice and experienced anglers alike, particularly those who frequent commercial fisheries or target medium-sized carp and coarse fish.
Available in lengths ranging from 9ft to 12ft, this rod offers a good mix of performance and affordability that makes it stand out. The HMC+ carbon fibre blanks strike a nice balance between strength and sensitivity, providing a progressive action with fast recovery that’s well-suited to feeder fishing.
The rod’s casting ability is impressive for its price point, with the 12ft model capable of slinging 60g feeders to respectable distances, albeit not quite matching the range of more premium offerings.
On the bank, the Ninja X proves its mettle, handling fish up to the mid-teens with confidence and a degree of arrogance bearing in mind it’s a budget offering.
The cork foregrip and Hard EVA Armlock handle offer a comfortable grip, while the down-locking DPS reel seat will keep your reel firmly in place throughout even the most intensive of sessions.
The well-thought-out armlock feature on the Ninja X handle
We were particularly impressed with the larger tip eyes on the heavier models, which handled shock leaders with ease – a thoughtful touch that really helps when casting heavy feeders and playing bigger fish.
The inclusion of two carbon fibre tips and one glass fibre tip within the whole package adds to the rod’s versatility, allowing you to adapt to varying conditions and bait presentations as needed.
However, it’s not without its quirks. The rings on the lighter models felt a tad small when using heavier feeders, which might irk some users.
Additionally, at 225g for the 12ft version, it’s not the lightest rod in its class, which could be a consideration for those who prefer a more featherweight feel when fishing commercial waters. That said, this extra heft translates to a sturdy blank with plenty of backbone when you need it most.
All things considered, the Daiwa Ninja X feeder rod offers cracking value for money. It may not boast all the refinements of top-end models, but for its intended purpose and price point, it’s a solid performer that punches well above its weight.
What Anglers Like (Pros)
Larger tip eyes handle shock leaders well.
Good for casting distance with heavy feeders.
Well-built, sturdy with plenty of backbone for bigger fish.
Affordable price compared to similar models.
What Anglers Dislike (Cons)
Rings on lighter models are too small for heavy feeders.
Heavier than some users prefer for commercial fisheries.