The Daiwa Tournament SLR (Super Long Range) Feeder Rod is a premium offering that pushes the boundaries of distance feeder fishing. I simply have never cast as far with a feeder rod as I have with this beaut.
What Does This Mean?
When rating the build quality of a rod, consideration has been given to the basic components.
These include the materials used in the blank, handle, reel seat and line guides.
We also take into account any additional features that make life on the bank easier for anglers.
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 is all rated in this category.
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.
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.
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daiwa Tournament SLR Feeder Rod | 9.1 | £399.99 |
| Daiwa Airity Feeder Rod | 9.1 | £429.99 |
| Guru Aventus Feeder Rod | 8.8 | £299.99 |
| Drennan Red Range Method Feeder Rod | 7.9 | £84.95 |
| Sonik SKS Commercial Feeder Rod | 7.4 | £29.99 |
| MAP Extremis Feeder Rod | 8.1 | £109.99 |
| Korum All Rounder | 7.4 | £49.99 |
| Drennan Specialist Twin Tip Duo | 7.9 | £109.95 |
| Daiwa Ninja X Feeder Rod | 8.1 | £59.99 |
| Daiwa N'Zon Feeder Rod | 8 | £49.99 |
| Shimano Aero X7 Feeder Rod | 8.4 | £309.99 |
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lengths | Available in 11ft, 12ft, 13ft, and 14ft options |
| Weight | The 11ft model weighs approximately 192 grams, the 12ft model 199 grams, the 13ft model 237 grams, and the 14ft model 281 grams |
| Construction | Made with X45X Full Shield Bias Carbon Technology and HVF Nanoplus. X45X technology involves orienting carbon fibres at a 45-degree angle to enhance the rod’s strength, reduce twisting, and improve casting accuracy. HVF Nanoplus utilises high-density carbon fibres and nano-sized resin particles to create a lightweight and incredibly strong rod, enhancing its casting energy and overall performance |
| Guides | Fitted with SeaGuide TDG guides, which reduce weight and improve rod recovery. This helps to add distance to casts by reducing rod oscillation |
| Handle | It features a cork/Duplon Armlock handle |
| Reel Seat | High-quality Fuji VSS reel seat. The VSS stands for Versatile Spinning Seat and is designed to be ergonomic, providing a comfortable and secure fit for a wide range of reels |
| Action | Designed with V-Joint Alpha technology. This technology enhances the rod’s joint flexibility and strength, providing a smooth, consistent curve and improved casting performance |
| Casting Weight | Suitable for casting weights ranging from 90g to 180g, depending on the rod length and model |
| Additional Features | Includes a hook keeper and improved SLR quiver tips, with guide positions adjusted for better performance. The tips are available in 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0oz versions |
The Tournament SLR (Super Long Range) Feeder Rod is a premium style rod made from the very reputable Daiwa. It is an absolute beast of a rod that uses the latest cutting-edge technology in rod building and balances supreme power with finesse in a way I’ve never seen before.
It’s featured in our guide to the best feeder rods on the market and you can check out some of the reasons why in my latest review below.
From the moment you pick up the Tournament SLR, it’s clear that this is a rod of exceptional quality. The blank is constructed using Daiwa’s cutting-edge X45X Full Shield Bias Carbon Technology and HVF Nanoplus, resulting in a rod that’s incredibly strong yet remarkably lightweight.
The cork and Duplon Armlock handle not only looks sleek with its laser-etched Tournament branding but also provides a comfortable and secure grip. The Fuji VSS reel seat compliments the handle nicely and offers a smooth and rock-solid connection with your reel.
One of the most impressive aspects of the build is the SeaGuide TDG guides, they are so thin and skeleton-like it is unreal. These lightweight guides contribute to the rod’s overall balance and play a crucial role in its casting performance.
The advanced technology continues with the V-Joint Alpha spigots that Daiwa use in most of its premium rods nowadays. This technology ensures seamless transitions between sections, creating a smooth and consistent curve throughout the rod that contributes to further distances on the cast as well as an excellent action and feel when playing fish.
The Tournament SLR is available in lengths ranging from 11ft to 14ft so there’s an option to suit every angler’s needs. I particularly enjoyed using the 13-foot version, which hits the sweet spot between distance capability and overall balance although having said that, the 11-foot version is magnificent for method feeder fishing.
When it comes to casting, the Tournament SLR is simply the best out there with the only real challenge being from the equally fantastic, Daiwa Airity Feeder Rod. The combination of the X45X technology, which helps reduce blank twist, and the HVF Nanoplus construction, which enhances energy transfer, results in remarkable casting accuracy and distance.
Despite considering myself an average caster, I was consistently reaching spots up to 100 yards away with relative ease. The rod loads beautifully, and the fast recovery of the blank, aided by those SeaGuide TDG guides, helps to maximise distance while maintaining accuracy.
It’s worth noting that the rod performs best with heavier feeders that can properly load the blank. I found that using a 60g feeder allowed me to comfortably hit 90-100-yard casts, even in challenging conditions. For those looking to push even further, the rod can handle casting weights up to 180g, on the 14-foot model which is unbelievable!
A word of caution though when casting at these distances, always use a shock leader to protect against breakoffs and ensure safety.
The Tournament SLR isn’t just about distance; it’s equally impressive when it comes to playing fish. The rod’s action strikes a perfect balance between power and finesse. During testing, I was able to effectively play and land mid-double figure carp, with the rod providing ample power to control these hard-fighting fish.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how the rod maintains a seamless battle curve when under load. This consistent action not only helps in landing larger specimens but also provides enough sensitivity for targeting silverfish. Whether you’re after specimen carp or aiming for a mixed bag, the SLR has you covered.
The supplied quiver tips (2oz, 3oz, and 4oz) offer great versatility, with additional options available separately. This allows you to fine-tune the rod’s sensitivity to match your target species and conditions.
There’s no denying that the Daiwa Tournament SLR Feeder Rod comes with a premium price tag. However, after experiencing its performance firsthand, I believe it offers excellent value for serious anglers looking to invest in top-tier equipment.
The versatility of the rod, its exceptional build quality, and its outstanding performance in both casting and fish-playing make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best from their gear. Whether you’re competing at a high level or simply want to take your feeder fishing to the next level, the Tournament SLR delivers on all fronts.
Daiwa’s official specifications: – https://www.daiwasports.co.uk/product/tournament-slr-feeder-0
Match Fishing Magazines review: – https://www.matchfishingmagazine.com/feeder-essentials-daiwa-tournament-slr-feeder-rods
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.
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