TackleTour

How Low Can Daiwa Go? The Refreshed AIRD Baitcaster



Introduction: In October of 2013, we wrote about a surprising little cost conscious reel from Daiwa called the Exceler. This $99.99 reel was a very solid performer and a welcome introduction from a company perceived to only truly care about high end product. Well, Daiwa is attacking that perception and price point once again with a brand new introduction priced even lower than the Exceler. Here's our take on the re-imaged Daiwa AIRD 100.

Complete Article: http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwaairdcasting.html

Can you explain the composite frame again. What part is aluminum and what part is graphite plastic? Seems the Lexa and Exceler would be better low cost feels versus a graphite/aluminum hybrid frame.

Pretty sure the entire reel is composite/graphite/plastic.

***copied Post from a different thread since this thread didn't exist at the time***

I wonder if Daiwa will re-introduce the Lexa using an Aluminum Aird body style? If they do and actually put a MagZ spool in it I think it would sell quite well. The Aird is a very nice reel, just all composite and has a heavy basic breaking spool. A lighter MagZ spool would make this a fantastic value reel for the average fisherman. It is pretty good as it is.

DaveJ

BucketHunter wrote:Pretty sure the entire reel is composite/graphite/plastic.

I would have thought that also but in the review it says aluminum and high grade plastic.

JWR075 wrote:

BucketHunter wrote:Pretty sure the entire reel is composite/graphite/plastic.

I would have thought that also but in the review it says aluminum and high grade plastic.

I read that too, but I honestly think it was a mistake.

From Daiwa's website: "Brand new re-designed lightweight composite frame and side plate"

That being said, plastics are pretty high quality these days, and a value reel with limited dependence on superior tolerances like this reel would see very little real world benefit from being made from aluminum. I think every low profile baitcaster Daiwa makes has a plastic/composite palm plate. The reel foot and rear frame where the thumb bar sits are the only places where plastic flex is likely to cause a problem.

DaveJ

Yeah, re reading the entire review, it is kind of contradictory. Seeing the picture, the frame is definitely plastic. I am thinking that the reel foot and some kind of supporting structure may be metal. I did handle one a few weeks ago before the review and didn't really think much of it.
I'll look harder at the shop next week.