Reviewed

Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW

In stock eTackle score 8.8/10
Lowest in-stock price
£136.66 from Fishing Tackle & Bait
Compared across 9 shops , with 6 currently in stock
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5 Things To Know

  1. The 45mm LC Long Cast spool is designed for longer casting distances by reducing line friction.
  2. The QDM Quick Drag has a 3/4-turn range, so you can switch quickly between free spool and your set drag.
  3. The DS4 body is a lightweight, durable material that keeps the reel strong and rigid.
  4. The Zaion V Air Rotor uses high-density carbon to improve balance and reduce rotational resistance.
  5. It is featured in our best spod reels guide.

Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW Review

The Daiwa 23 SuperSpod 45 Reel is quite simply one of the best out there. It's a great option for serious anglers who are looking for a quality, tailor-made spod reel, that is finely tuned to perform the laborious task of spodding efficiently and accurately

Build quality 8.5/10
Cast and retrieve 9.0/10
Drag / clutch 9.0/10
Value for money 8.5/10

How well is the Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW built?

The Daiwa 23 SuperSpod 45 is a thing of beauty with Daiwa's renowned quality etched throughout the build. First off, for a spod reel, it's actually quite light weighing in at 620 grams which is an improvement on its predecessors.

I put this partially down to the reels DS4 body and Zaion V Air Rotor which really make the difference in this model.

I found that the 5mm LC Long Cast Spool helped me to enhance casting distance, while the two HIP high-impact line clips enabled me to clip up with ease once I found my spot with no fear of crack-offs.

The whole reel just has that fantastic balance of power and robustness without weighing a tonne and is one of the reasons why it sits in our list of top carp reels on the market today.

How well does it cast and retrieve?

The high gear ratio on the SuperSpod 23 alongside the 45mm spool, retrieves line at a rate of 118cm per turn, which makes reeling in a spod seem effortless compared to a standard reel.  It spooled up really well as well with the line lay seeming perfect.

Daiwa SuperSpod Digigear Technology
Digigear gearing that makes retrieval more efficient

I believe this is down to the slow cross wrap technology on the reel (SCW) which can easily added an extra 10 odd metres to the average anglers usual casting distance.

How useful is the drag system?

The QDM drag system (which stands for quick drag medium) is another highlight of this fantastic reel.  Okay so you don't necessarily need it for spodding but I found it really useful when doubling it up with a marker rod. It's also a great feature if you want to fish with it as it's a really smooth drag that adjusts with just 3/4 a turn.

Superspod Spod Reel Quick Drag System
The quick drag system on the Daiwa SuperSpods reel

Is it good value for money?

Scoring an 8.5 for value, the Daiwa 23 SuperSpod 45 SCW offers excellent performance, durability and build quality at a very reasonable price.  For any serious angler looking for a finely tuned spodding setup, this reel is a solid investment that outperforms many competitors in its price range and is also rated as the best spod reel we have tested.

Pros

  • Lightweight Construction
  • Efficient Line Retrieval
  • Long Casting Distance
  • Quick Drag System
  • Durable and Smooth Operation
  • Two High Impact Line Clips
  • One Touch Folding Handle

Cons

  • A higher price-point compared to some of its competitors

Features and Specifications

Feature What this means
45mm LC Long Cast Spool Designed to allow for longer casting distances by reducing line friction.
Slow Cross Wrap Ensures the line is wound evenly and tightly onto the spool, reducing tangles and improving casting performance.
QDM Quick Drag (3/4 turn drag range) Allows for fast adjustments of the drag system with just a 3/4 turn, enabling quick switching between free spool and desired drag settings.
2x HIP High Impact Line Clip Designed to securely hold the line without causing damage, facilitating precise distance settings for repeated casting.
DS4 Body A lightweight and durable material used for the reel body, providing strength and rigidity.
Zaion V Air Rotor Made from a high-density carbon material, it improves reel balance and reduces rotational resistance.
One-Touch Folding Handle Allows for easy folding and unfolding of the handle for convenient storage and transport.
Digigear II A digitally designed gear system that ensures smooth operation and enhanced power transfer for durability.

How It Compares

See how the Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW compares with other carp reels on overall score and current price.

Name Price Overall Rating
Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW £136.66 8.8
Daiwa 20 Crosscast Spod Reel £129.99 8.5
Shimano Aerlex XTC Spod Reel 14000 £105.00 8.4
Okuma 8K Carp Reel £73.99 8.3
Daiwa 20 GS BR LT Reel £89.99 8.1
Sonik SK-47 Carbon Reel £53.46 8
Sonik Turbospod Reel 14000 £74.99 7.9
Avid Carp Revolve FS Reel £50.39 7.6
Mitchell Mx1 Fs Reel Pre-Spooled £29.99 7.5

Useful Information

Price History

Tracked shop prices over time.

Highest Price
£144.17 Fishing Tackle & Bait
2 April 2026
Lowest Price
£132.95 Angling Direct
26 March 2026
Current Price
£136.66 Fishing Tackle & Bait
12 August 2026
Since 13 March 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW best used for?

It is best suited to carp fishing where controlled distance casting, reliable line lay and quick drag adjustment matter, with enough line recovery for lighter marker or baiting duties when needed.

How much line does the Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW retrieve per turn?

The review notes a retrieve rate of around 118cm per handle turn, which helps make repeated spodding more efficient.

Does it have line clips for accurate spodding?

Yes. It has two HIP high-impact line clips, which are useful for clipping up at different distances without damaging the line.

Is the QDM drag useful on a spod reel?

You do not strictly need quick drag for spodding, but the QDM system is useful if you also use the reel for marker work or want fast drag adjustment.

Is the Daiwa 23 Superspod 45 SCW heavy?

At around 620g, it is relatively light for a specialist spod reel, helped by the DS4 body and Zaion V Air Rotor.

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