Daiwa Super Kenzaki Boat Rod

Build Quality & Design

To start with, I love the subtle unground carbon finish on the Kenzaki with its snazzy blue and silver graphics, it really is unmistakably Daiwa.

The oversized EVA foregrips are particularly impressive, they're slightly formed to give a rounded feel and sit really well in the hand either side of the reel seat.

When it comes to fittings, Daiwa never skimps, using only the best Fuji products.

I really like the innovative Fuji GRC butt caps that feature a gimbal fitting, particularly as it eliminates those pesky push-on butt caps we all end up losing after a couple of trips afloat while remaining comfortable when you need to jam the butt into your groin for leverage.

Performance On The Water

The V-joints on these rods add real strength without making them too stiff, something I've really come to appreciate when playing larger fish.

Having spent considerable time with the 12/20lb class model, I've found it particularly well suited to working larger lures over reefs and wrecks for pollack, cod and big bass. It's also proven itself perfectly capable when downtiding for rays, tope and smaller conger eels.

The push-in style V-joint makes assembling the two halves straightforward, with lining up eyes correctly, a breeze.

Versatility & Value

Sitting in the mid-price bracket, these rods offer exceptional value considering their build quality and versatility.

The range is comprehensive, from the lighter 6/12lb class that's perfect for working lures for bass and pollack or fishing at anchor for bream, through to the serious 20/30lb class that I'm planning to take to Norway soon for halibut.

At just 270g, this heavier model still maintains excellent balance, and when matched with suitable tackle, it has no trouble handling big blue shark or hefty conger eels.

In summary, scoring a credible 8.4 in our testing, the Super Kenzaki range continues to impress with its blend of performance and practicality. The combination of premium components and thoughtful design features creates a rod that's both versatile and dependable.

While they represent a significant investment for those looking for a budget option, the quality of construction and real-world performance make them excellent value for both beginners and regular boat anglers who demand reliability from their tackle.