Available in a 12ft length only, so it is a dedicated full-size spod rod rather than a short utility option.
A 4.5lb test curve gives the blank enough power for loaded spods and spombs.
The lightweight carbon blank keeps it more manageable than older glass-heavy spod rods.
A 50mm butt ring, LS ceramic guides and screw-in reel seat cover the core component package.
Featured in our best spod rods guide as the budget spod rod pick.
Product Information
Main Use
Spod Rod
Lengths
12ft
Test Curve
4.5lb
Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Review
The Daiwa Black Widow XT spod rod scored an overall rating of 8.0 in testing which makes it the best overall budget spod rod out of all those assessed.
Build quality7.5/10
Casting and feel7.5/10
Weight and balance7.0/10
Value for money9.0/10
Features6.0/10
Playing fish7.5/10
Quick Summary:
The rod is best suited for carp anglers looking for a cheap spod rod that still has the quality traits needed for this type of specialist rod. It is also a great option for beginners as their first spod rod.
The rod's biggest strength is its good performance vs the price paid for it which makes it score very highly in the value-for-money category.
The rod's biggest weakness is its overall weight and balance which isn't quite as high performing as some of the premium options out there.
The Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Features
The Black Widow is equipped with a full shrink handle, complemented by a sleek aluminium end cap. I found the handle to be more than adequate for a lengthy spod session, providing a firm yet non-abrasive grip even when covered with spod juice!
Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Review - Handle
A DPS-style reel seat is featured on the Black Widow which fits in nicely with the rods aesthetics. The locking mechanism remained solid throughout a few 30-minute spomb sessions when I tested it with no reel movement experienced.
Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Reel Seat
The Black Widow XT spod rod boasts LS ceramic guides with a 50mm butt ring which you would expect on all decent spod rods. The blanks core is made from lightweight HMC+ carbon fibre.
Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Eyes
Okay, this isn't the best out there but it absolutely does the job with its 4.5lb test curve firing out loaded spods and sbombs for me with good accuracy.
Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod Blank
ETackle's Thoughts & Opinions:
After spending a good 48 hour session putting the Daiwa Black Widow Carp Rod through its paces, I've found it to be an impressive contender in the budget spod rod field. Earning an 8.0 in my assessment, this rod has managed to top the list in its category.
What sets it apart is its blend of affordability and reliability, providing an excellent option for carp anglers on a budget. The standout quality of the Black Widow spod rod is how it punches above its weight in terms of materials and design.
Despite its economical price tag, the rod doesn't shortchange you on performance. It's fitted with a robust DPS-style reel seat that ensures a secure fit for your reel even when continuosly firing out loaded spods for a prolonged period of time.
On top of that, it comes with a comfortable, textured handle. This rod stands as proof that Daiwa knows how to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality. Still, it's worth noting that the Black Widow isn't without its drawbacks.
One thing I noticed was that the blank is a bit thicker compared to the higher-end models I've used, which could alter the overall feel for some users. And it's worth mentioning that it's only offered in a 12-foot version, which might not suit every angler's preference.
All things considered, though, the Daiwa Black Widow Carp Rod is an example of how affordable gear can still deliver. It's an attractive choice for anyone in search of a budget-friendly spod rod that doesn't sacrifice too much on performance and quality.
Its flaws are relatively minor when you consider the benefits it offers, most notably the value for money it provides.
This is a rod that would serve any carp angler well, regardless of their level of experience.James Bevan Recommended Tackle Shop I hope this appraisal of the spod rod has provided useful insight as to whether it's the right rod for you.
If you have time, please visit our full list of products that have been reviewed.
Pros
Reliable budget-friendly spod rod that represents great value for money
Still made with quality materials despite its low price-point
Nice and comfortable, grippy handle
Decent DPS-style reel seat that keeps your reel super-tight
Fantastic value for money
Cons
The blank is chunkier than some of the more premium models
Only available in a 12-foot version
Features and Specifications
Feature
What this means
12ft Length
The standard length for a spod rod, giving the leverage needed for long-range work while staying manageable on most banks.
4.5lb Test Curve
A powerful blank rating that handles fully loaded spods and spombs, letting you compress the rod and hit distance.
50mm Butt Ring
The oversized first guide lets braid flow off a big pit spool with less friction on the cast, which helps casting distance.
LS Ceramic Guide Rings
Hard-wearing ceramic linings stand up to repeated braid casting without grooving, protecting your line.
Screw-In Reel Seat
Locks a large reel down solidly so it cannot work loose during a heavy spodding session.
Lightweight Carbon Blank
Keeps the overall weight down so repeated casting is less tiring over a long session.
Slim Full Shrink Handle
A slim shrink-wrap grip that stays secure in wet hands.
Aluminium Butt Cap
A tough metal end cap that shrugs off knocks when the rod is rested on hard ground.
How It Compares
Here is how the Daiwa Black Widow XT Spod Rod compares against other spod rods. This table uses eTackle review ratings and current exported product prices.
The idea is to make buying your fishing tackle easier by helping you compare a full shopping list, not just one product at a time.
When it is ready, you will be able to build a tackle list and see which shop, or mix of shops, gives you the best overall price once stock and delivery are taken into account.
Daiwa Hyper Spod Rod 
Daiwa Infinity X45 Spod Rod 
Prologic C-Series Rods 
Nash Air Force F40 Rod 
