Daiwa Whisker Spinning Rod

How well is it built?

The Daiwa Whisker Spinning Rod gives the impression of a serious step up from the last generation. The first thing you notice when you pick this rod up is the build quality.

It feels like a serious amount of weight has been saved over the previous model - at over 20% lighter - but it doesn't feel fragile by any means. The HVF nanoplus carbon gives a blank that is impressively lightweight but also reassuringly strong.

It's immediately noticeable when you hold it how well the balance is in the blank and there is a complete lack of dead spots or wobble anywhere in the rod.

It really is the case that the X45 bias carbon tech makes a difference here - the blank doesn't twist at all when you're applying pressure on fish or casting into wind.

It's a feature you don't realise you miss until you've fished a rod without it. As for the Daiwa V-Joint construction, it's excellent. Traditional spigot joints can create weak points and affect the action of the blank, but the V-Joint allows this to feel like a one piece rod.

The connection is rock solid and you would never know there is a joint there purely from using it to fish.

The split grip cork handle is of a good quality and comfortable, though it is worth noting that the design isn't to everyone's taste.

Some anglers like a full cork grip, but this design does save weight and give good sensitivity through the exposed blank section between the two cork grips.

The attention to detail and finish throughout is what you would expect from Daiwa. From the whipping on the guides to the overall aesthetics, they've done a great job.

Casting Ability

The progressive action on the Whisker is where it really comes into its own when it comes to casting.

The rod loads smoothly from the tip into the mid-section, and it's easy to get decent distances out of this even with lighter lures down at the bottom end of the casting weight range.

I've been using the 9ft 15-50g version mainly, and it easily handles everything from 20g spoons right up to 45g jerkbaits with no problems.

The action is forgiving enough that you're not going to risk snapping lighter lures off on the cast, but there is still plenty of backbone to punch heavier lures into the wind.

The Fuji O-ring guides are a massive help here too. Line flows through them really nicely whether you're using braid or mono, and I genuinely do think there is an improvement in casting distance compared to rods with cheaper guide systems.

The 10ft 20-60g option gives even more casting distance if you're fishing larger waters or reservoirs.

That extra foot of length makes a noticeable difference if you're trying to cover ground, though the 9ft is more versatile for smaller venues and tighter swims where accuracy is more important than brute distance.

One thing to note here is that the rod casts extremely well with both braid and mono. I've used it with 15lb braid and 12lb mono and the performance is excellent with both.

The progressive action really smooths out the stretch of mono, whilst the tip is sensitive enough to load properly with the zero-stretch characteristics of braid. The lightweight construction also means you can cast all day without your arm getting tired.

This is crucial for pike fishing when you're often covering lots of water and making hundreds of casts per session.

How does it perform when playing fish?

This is where the Whisker really proves itself as a pike rod, despite being positioned for salmon and trout.

The progressive action gives you a nice cushion against the explosive runs and head shakes that pike are renowned for, but there is still plenty of power in the lower section to keep control.

I've landed pike into the high teens on this rod, and at no point did I ever feel under-gunned. The X45 tech also stops the blank twisting when fish try to roll or thrash, and this gives you much better control throughout the fight.

The Air Sensor reel seat also enhances things greatly. You feel every movement the fish makes transmitted right through to your hand, which helps you react quickly to changes in direction or sudden surges.

It's the kind of sensitivity that really makes you a better angler because you can respond to what the fish is doing. The progressive action also gives some degree of protection for lighter hooks from pulling out.

If you're using single hooks on soft plastics or smaller trebles on spinners, the rod absorbs sudden lunges without applying too much pressure on the hook hold. That's a proper advantage when you're piking on lures that don't have the same level of secure hook hold as a deadbait.

The one concern some anglers may have is whether a rod built for salmon and trout is up to handling the lunges from a feisty pike.

Well, talking from my own experiences this isn't the problem at all, particularly when using the powerful 10ft 20 - 60g version, where I was comfortably playing double figure fish without ever losing control.

The balance point is also excellent, which also helps to reduce arm fatigue during longer fights and consistent casting.

You're not fighting the rod as much as you are the fish, which makes the whole process more enjoyable and means you can focus on getting the pike safely in the net.

Is it good value for money?

The Daiwa Whisker Spinning Rod is squarely in the mid-to-upper price bracket. It's definitely moved out of the budget pike-specific rod category compared to some of the alternatives, but you are getting genuine quality for your money.

The premium Fuji components alone add value here. Cheaper rods often cut corners with guide systems, but the Fuji O-rings and Air Sensor reel seat are proper top-end kit. They will outlast the rod itself and genuinely enhance your fishing experience every time you use them.

The X45 and HVF nanoplus carbon tech also put this rod into competition with models costing double this.

When you compare it to other rods using similar blank tech, the Whisker represents decent value. You're getting Daiwa's premium carbon tech without having to pay flagship prices. The versatility is another bonus when it comes to value for money.

This isn't just a pike rod - it'll do the job for trout and salmon as intended, but it's just as at home on perch and zander.

If you fish for multiple predator species, then you're getting several rods' worth of functionality in one package.

If you're looking at different options and wondering how the Whisker compares to other spinning rods, our complete guide to the best pike rods goes through all of the top models at various price points.

The build quality means this is a rod that should last you years of regular use. Take into account the durability and performance and the price starts to make more sense. You're not buying a rod you're going to be replacing in a season or two.

It's not the cheapest option out there and if you are on a tight budget then there are plenty of alternatives that will do the job just as well.

If your budget allows it, you are buying a rod that won't disappoint and will grow with you as your pike fishing progresses.