Daiwa Longbow X45 Floater Rod

What is the handle like?

The Longbow X45 Floater features a full-length Japanese shrink grip handle, offering a clean, minimalist look and a grippy feel in all weather conditions.

This material is known for its durability and reliability, especially during prolonged surface sessions where handling can be constant.

It’s comfortable to hold during longer retrieves or when playing carp under the rod tip, and complements the rod’s stealthy styling with its understated black finish. The rear of the handle is finished with a metal butt cap, which

adds a touch of class and protects the end from wear when placed on the ground.

How secure is the reel seat?

The Longbow is equipped with a SeaGuide DPS reel seat. This component is designed to securely hold various reel sizes, ensuring a firm connection during casting and retrieval.

The DPS model is renowned for its reliability and ergonomic design, providing comfort during prolonged use. The reel seat's construction complements the rod's overall balance perfectly whilst doing what it says on the tin.

What are the guides like?

The Daiwa Longbow X45 Floater Rod is equipped with SeaGuide TDG guides. These guides are lighter than traditional ceramic options and feature a larger internal diameter, facilitating faster line travel during casting.

Additionally, they offer enhanced sensitivity and feel, contributing to the rod's overall performance. The guides are coated with ADAMAN™, which further improves their functionality.

How does the blank perform?

The rod's blank incorporates Daiwa's X45 Bias Carbon Technology, which reduces blank twist during casting, resulting in improved accuracy and distance. Additionally, the blank features HVF (High Volume Fibre) Nanoplus carbon fibre, reducing weight while increasing strength and stiffness.

This combination ensures a lightweight yet robust rod capable of handling the demands of surface fishing. The Magnum Taper profile of the blank provides a responsive tip action, facilitating better casting performance and sensitivity when playing fish.

How does it cast and feel?

The casting performance of the Longbow X45 Floater is as good as I’ve seen in a surface rod, but at the same time probably expected with a rod in this price bracket.

It’s crisp and punchy but with enough forgiveness in the tip section that you don’t feel like you're lashing a broom handle. With a 3oz controller and 10lb mono, I was comfortably hitting 70 - 80 yards with the 3lb version.

The 2.25lb model is perfect for closer-range, delicate work such as free-lining dog biscuits or crust close in. You can check out this video that shows the features of the rod as well as watching it cast.

How does it play fish?

This is where this rod really stood out for me. On test, I hooked into a mid-double mirror in shallow water and had to steer it away from marginal snags.

The through action absorbed everything it threw at me, but with enough backbone lower down the blank to guide it with confidence.

That blend of forgiveness and control is exactly what I want in a surface rod.

Is it good value for money?

At around the £300 mark depending on the model, this isn’t a budget floater rod, but you do get a lot for your money.

From the premium guides to the X45 carbon tech, it is one of the best surface rods out there and stands out in a category often filled with rods that feel either too soft or too stiff.

As such, it is featured in our guide on the best carp fishing rods. If you fish a water where you can surface fish regularly, it’s a worthwhile investment.