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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 - 7.5
Value For Money - 9.0
The Daiwa Regal BR is a lightweight Baitrunner that has the Daiwa build quality at a budget price.
Its reputation for versatility as well as good performance makes it one of the more popular reels on the market for beginners or anglers looking for reliability without a hefty price tag.
| Features and Specs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio: 5.2:1 | This means the spool turns 5.2 times for every one turn of the handle, facilitating quick line retrieval. |
| Weight: 520g | Lightweight design, making it easy to handle. This reel is lighter than the majority of its competition. |
| Line Capacity: 0.30mm/270m | Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. This is similar to other reels of this type. |
| Drag System: Rear drag | Controls resistance on the line. This reel offers a smooth rear drag system. |
| Number of Ball Bearings: 5+1 | Number of bearings in the reel, affecting smoothness and performance. The Regal has more bearings than most budget type reels. |
| Construction Material: Composite alloy body, aluminium handle | Lightweight and durable materials offering strength and corrosion resistance. |
| Handle: Machined aluminium 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 with spare graphite spool | Durable and lightweight spool. |
| Bail Arm: Standard bail arm | Ensures smooth line lay on the spool. |
Here’s how the Daiwa Regal compares to other budget 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 Daiwa Regal Baitrunner is impressive in the way that it uses some of Daiwa’s proprietary technologies yet still maintains a really competitive price.
Its built with a solid composite alloy body and rotor, providing a strong yet lightweight framework.
The spool and the handle are both made of aluminium adding to the reels durability as well as keeping its overall weight down.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised on how smooth the reel feels, especially for a budget type reel. In my opinion, this is down to the five ball bearings present in the gearing which definitely makes a difference.
I also really like the reel’s Infinite Anti-Reverse system that prevents backward movement of the handle. I find that this ensures solid hook sets and generally better control when playing fish.
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.
Cast and retrieve performance is respectable for a reel in this price range. The lightweight nature of this reel makes it really easy to use and that reflects in its casting performance. The graphite rotor and the 5 bearings also ensures a consistent and smooth retrieve.
While it may not match the casting distances of high-end big pit reels, the Regal BR holds its own in most fishing situations.
I was still able to hit casting distances of around 80 to 100 yards using a 4oz lead with this reel.
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 rear drag system provides more than adequate control when playing carp, offering smooth enough performance when needed. It might not have the finesse of more expensive models, but it’s reliable enough to handle a good range of carp sizes without issue.
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.
In terms of value for money, you just cant go wrong with Regal BR. At around the £40 mark it more than exceeds this value in my opinion with its lightweight, durable build and good overall performance and as such is very much in our list of the best budget Carp fishing reels.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Regal Baitrunner 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.youtube.com/watch?v=5LnN2SDgM7w
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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