The Wednesday Review… Daiwa TDR Reel

This entry was posted on 2nd October, 2013

Daiwa TDR Reel Review

For today’s Wednesday review we take a look at the NEW Daiwa TDR Match Reels!

Daiwa’s original TDR reels, introduced at the 2008 trade shows, were nothing short of an overnight success story!

And, I have word from Daiwa Sports’ HQ that they were its best-selling match reels of the modern era – no wonder that they were, and still are, such a popular sight on the bankside!

Big boots to fill for the new version then, but just how is it different? Is it simply a tarted-up version that’s received a lick of paint and a few cosmetic enhances? No, no, no – it’s so much more! The instantly recognisable blue livery stays the same, but the reel’s features are what gives this new model the WOW factor.

As some of you will know I am a fan, and user, of the incredible Daiwa Certates. But the TDR, for half the price, offers many of the same features including what I believe to be one of the most important for reel longevity – the Mag Seal.



In Daiwa’s tech speak this delivers “a water impermeable liquid seal around the rotor and main shaft, protecting the mechanism from ingress of water and debris. The longer-term gain is continued smoothness of winding and feel.” To you and I it means that in heavy use the internals remain in tiptop condition to offer the same performance as the day you removed it from the box!

Second to the Mag Seal is the addition of Daiwa’s HIP line clip, as used on the TDX models. This offers increased cushion to the line tucked behind the clip – essential for the modern angler as it’s an area of the line that is easily weakened if the line clip isn’t up to the job. With the style of fishing we’re adopting these days it’s a wonder all reels haven’t switched over to this style – HIP is far from a gimmick, it’s a necessity.

The lighter and tougher Air Rotor is now a staple part of the TDR range. A quicker-winding start-up and even compression leads to smoother rotation both when playing fish and winding heavy loads. This works hand-in-hand with the oversized Air Bail to encourage optimum performance.

Most excitingly of all for me, though, is the inclusion of the Quick Drag (QD), which is taken from Daiwa’s range of big-pit-style carp reels. This allows you to go from a free-spool drag arrangement to having the drag locked up in less than half a revolution of the front spool-mounted drag lever. This is something I’ve long been seeking in a reel for times when takes will be savage and out of the blue – bomb fishing for big carp springs to mind! Sure, you can get rear-drag reels that offer a free-spool lever-style facility, but what if you’re a front-drag fan like me? Well, the answer no longer evades us.



The features don’t end there either! There’s a whole load more for your money too, including Aluminium Hardbodyz, DIGIGEAR and many, many other funtions that happily work away while all you have to do is turn the handle!

As ever the 2508 and 3012 sizes are present in the range and are available with either a double or single-handle specification. However, with ever-increasing demand for larger, more powerful reels there’s also a 4012 version for long-range fishing and times when you need monstrous amounts of winding power – this size is available in single handle only. Each reel also comes with a spare spool.

Conclusion In short, I can’t wait to use these reels – the QD facility is incredible and will add a new dimension to your fishing if you’re not used to this little luxury.

TDR2508A      4.8:1    150m 8lb TDR3012A      4.9:1    150m 12lb TDR4012A      4:9:1    150m 12lb TDR2508DA    4.8:1    150m 8lb TDR3012DA    4.9:1    150m 12lb

Buy The Daiwa TDR Single Handle Buy The Daiwa TDR Double Handle