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.
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.
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.
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.
Now, The obvious trade-off 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.
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| 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 is how the Daiwa Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD compares against other carp reels. This table uses eTackle review ratings and current exported product prices.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD | £549.99 | |
| Daiwa 20 Crosscast Spod Reel | £103.49 | |
| Shimano Aerlex XTC Spod Reel 14000 | £104.99 | |
| Okuma 8K Carp Reel | £74.99 | |
| Daiwa 20 GS BR LT Reel | £88.99 | |
| Sonik SK-47 Carbon Reel | £55.95 | |
| Sonik Turbospod Reel 14000 | £71.99 | |
| Avid Carp Revolve FS Reel | £54.99 | |
| Mitchell Mx1 Fs Reel Pre-Spooled | £30.99 |
eTackle looks for trusted, exact-match review sources and combines them where independent sources are available.
Recent price movement from tracked shop data.
It is a big-pit carp reel built for controlled long-range casting, with reliable line lay and quick drag adjustment for distance work on larger waters.
The Quick Drag lets you go from a loose to a locked drag in well under a full turn, so you can adjust drag tension fast when a fish runs.
Yes. It has two HIP high-impact line clips, which let you clip up at different distances without damaging the line.
Daiwa 20 Crosscast 45 SCW QD Reel 
Daiwa Tournament Basia Custom Reel DCR6 
Daiwa 23 Emblem 45 SCW QD Fishing Reel 
Daiwa Tournament Basiair Z45 QD Mag Sealed 
