Last Updated on 7 September 2024 by James Bevan
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 9.5
Cast & Retrieve - 9.5
Drag / Clutch - 9.5
Value For Money - 8.0
The Daiwa Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD is quite simply a thing of beauty, engineered to perform the best a Carp reel can possibly perform.
Every piece of the reels design comes together to produce a Big Pit that is up there with the very best.
| Features and Specs | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratio: 4.9:1 | The spool turns 4.9 times for every one turn of the handle, facilitating smooth line retrieval. This ratio is perfect for Big Pit reels. |
| Weight: 520g | This weight is lighter compared to other reels of this type which is testament to the quality of materials used. |
| Line Capacity: 0.35mm/300m | Amount of line the spool can hold, important for casting distance. This capacity is average for a Big Pit reel. |
| Retrieve Rate: 104cm per handle turn | Length of line retrieved per handle turn, influencing the speed of line retrieval. This retrieval rate is fast. |
| Drag System: Quick Drag (QD) | Allows rapid adjustment from freespool to locked drag, providing precision and control. |
| Number of Ball Bearings: 9+1 | Number of bearings in the reel, affecting smoothness and performance. The amount of ball bearings here is superior to the majority of its competition. |
| Construction Material: Zaion Carbon body and rotor | Ultra-lightweight and durable material offering strength and corrosion resistance. |
| Handle: Aluminium handle with wooden knob | 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: LC Long Cast spool | Reduces line friction and enhances casting distance. |
| Bail Arm: Air Rotor | Keeps weight to a minimum while optimising winding smoothness. |
| Line Clip: HIP Spring-Loaded Line Clip | Protects the main line during extreme casting. |
| Special Features: Magsealed technology | Protects internal components from water and grit, ensuring long-term smooth operation. |
Here’s how the Tournament Basia 45 compares to other Big Pit Carp reels we have reviewed:
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD | 9.1 | £679.99 |
| Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD | 8.5 | £129.84 |
| Wychwood Riot Big Pit | 7.6 | £46.95 |
| Daiwa Emblem 35 SCW 5000c QD | 8.8 | £168.29 |
| Fox FX11 | 8.5 | £108.24 |
| Daiwa Emcast 25A | 8.1 | £109.99 |
| ESP Onyx Big Pit Reel | 8.3 | £134.95 |
| Daiwa Tournament 5000t | 9 | £358.95 |
| Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTC Reel | 9 | £406.49 |
| Sonik Tournos 8000 Reel | 7.9 | £99.99 |
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.
Picking up the Daiwa Tournament Basia 45SCW QD for the first time is like holding a champion’s trophy. It’s sleek and surprisingly light, thanks to that fancy Zaion Carbon body. But don’t let the looks fool you as this reel is solid and built to last.
The Basia 45 is probably the smoothest I have ever tested with absolutely no wobble or hesitation at all experienced.
This is mostly thanks to the precise machining and the high-quality materials used in the unique ‘Digigear’ technology. It literally feels like you could haul in a carp the size of a small child with this reel.
All in all, you just need two minutes with this reel in your hand to realise why it currently features top of the pile in the best carp reels we have reviewed.
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.
Casting with this thing is phenomenal. The ‘Slow Cross Wrap’ keeps the line lay perfect, and the LC spool with its double lip design lets the line flow freely, and smoothly.
Plus, the spool holds a decent 300 metres of 0.35mm line, which is ample enough to reach any spot on even the largest of waters. If you are looking for the best Carp reel for distance fishing, this is it.
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 drag is another highlight. It goes from free spool to fight mode with zero fuss, giving you complete control over even the feistiest Carp. It is also one of the smoothest drags I have ever experienced.
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.
Now, the elephant in the room is the price tag. It’s the most expensive reel I’ve ever tested. But for serious Carp anglers, the Basia Tournament 45 SCW might be worth the splurge.
It’s a top-of-the-line machine that combines incredible performance with stunning design. It’s like a work of art you can actually fish with.
Here is a list of pros and cons anglers have found with the Basia X45 SCW:
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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