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.
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.
***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.
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.
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.
