ICAST 2011 Continued | Daiwa T-Wing System Reels Debut
Posted by Jason Sealock on Tue, Jul 19, 2011 @ 10:46 AM
New from Daiwa is a unique, levelwind mechanism called the T-Wing System, promising improved casting performance. Heart of the T-Wing system is a unique, T-shaped line guide aperture, designed to reduce casting friction, yet provide precise, level winding of line.
We picked the reels up and basically, as you push down on the thumb bar, the hood raises up to expose the T-Wing line feeding guide. The concept is that the line is forced down into the middle channel on the guide but casting is free to spool out without friction from tight angles against an awkward line guide angle.
It's a neat concept and the reels look pretty sleak. The T-Wing System will be available on new T3 (MSRP $429.95) and T3 Ballistic baitcasting reels (MSRP $249.95) beginning in August 2011.
The New Ballistic Bass Rods feature an X-Torque Bias construction. This type of graphite rod contstruction cross weaves layers so that during the stress of a fight the rod guides won't roll and the blank twist. Twisting in rod blanks causes stress that leads to breaks. With cross weave construction you can elminate it. The rods use a highly resilient and flexible Glatech blanks. They will retail for $99 to $129. The rods will be available in late August.
For the enthusiasts out there that want to pay ridiculous amounts for the best components, Daiwa debuts the incredibly light 5.3-ounce PX Type R baitcasting reel. It offers the finesse angler ultralight reel for ultralight lines. It has 10 ball bearings, carbon swept handle with soft touch grips and holds 110 yards of 8 pound line. It retails for $499.95. So that was the first and probably the last time we'll touch that reel.