Advanced technology in a traditional baitcaster... Daiwa Millionaire CV-X
 

Total Score: 8.75

Introduction: There are some anglers who will always prefer the solid feel of a traditional baitcaster, and for these fisherman Daiwa packs some of their latest technology into the Millionaire CV-X103A.
 

Impressions: When I first examined the Daiwa CV-X I was immediately attracted to the solid design of the frame. It was very obvious that this reel had been machined from high quality aluminum, and you could see from the inner sides of the reel where the alloy had been machined away. The CV-X is a very attractive reel, and in contrast to the silver frame rests a lightweight gold spool. The entire reel felt very solid...no plastic parts here.
 

The Lab Test: In the lab we tested the CV-X freespool and drag capabilities. The freespool was quite impressive and the use of Daiwa's super speed shaft definitely helped. When we tested the CV-X drag we found some difficulty in adjusting the drag in minute increments, but found it to be very strong, and could hold off 20lb's of pressure with ease thanks to a 7-element drag system.

The CV-X only utilizes 3BB and 1RB but feels incredibly smooth when cranked. Its smoothness can be likened to other reels that employ twice as many bearings. The Roller Bearing did its job in the lab, and even with swift cranks we experienced zero back play in the handle. We were eager to get this reel into the casting tests and some real world applications.
 

Real World Test: We spooled the CV-X with 12lb Trilene Big Game and headed out to nearby Calero Reservoir for 2 days of intense testing.
 

Casting: The CV-X casting performance was very good. Line flows quickly from the spool through the slick aluminum oxide line guide for smooth and long casts. The main reason for the extended casting distance is that the CV-X uses Daiwa's "super speed shaft" which floats the spool on precision bearings.

In the case of the CV-X the spool and frame design also affected casting performance. If you look at popular low profile baitcasters, spooled up to specification, you will often see that because of the slim design the line actually needs to travel downwards to pass through the line guide and this angle puts pressure on the guide and builds friction between the line and the guide during casting. The CV-X with a traditional cylindrical design places the spool directly behind the guide at equal level, and when spooled up to spec, the line passes directly through the guide, reducing friction and extending casting distance.
 

The Cast Control System: The CV-X uses Daiwa's Magforce V system, but unlike their other Daiwa baitcasters, the system is shielded behind a sideplate, an the only way to adjust the magnetic cast control is to unscrew the sideplate form the frame. Removing this sideplate also gives anglers access to the spool for quick changes if necessary. To some it may seem cumbersome to have to remove the sideplate to adjust the cast control, but rest assured removing the CV-X takedown sideplate is as quick as 3 rotations of the plate. The Magforce V backlash system does a great job of preventing unwanted backlashes.
 

The Drag: The CV-X drag is strong and offers smooth stopping power, but like in the lab tests fine tuning wasn't completely refined. We went to a nearby fishing shop to test the higher model CV-Z to see if minute adjustments were better, and sure enough the CV-Z which retails for 50 dollars more has a much more precise drag. This is because the CV-Z utilizes a 11 element system versus the CV-X's 7. Overall drag performance is good on the CV-X, and once you get the drag dialed into a setting you are comfortable with it won't fail you.

The Spool: The CV-X features a very lightweight machined aircraft aluminum spool  which holds quite a bit of line for such a small reel. Key to the smooth performance of the reel is this floating spool that can be completely separated from gearing during casting operation.

The Retrieve: The CV-X103A really shines in this department. Remember the CV-X103A is a very small and compact reel yet it offers a very fast gear ratio of 5.8:1, faster then all the other Millionaire's...even the CV-Z models. The CV-Z is able to retrieve 24.0 inches of line per turn which is more line then the next two sizes up. On the water, and in the lab, the reel feels silky smooth and we just couldn't believe it only housed 3 ball bearings!
 

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: The CV-X is designed as a reasonably priced fully featured reel that can satisfy anglers that desire traditional baitcast design but can also benefit from advanced technology like Daiwa's Magforce V cast control system. In all tests the CV-X103A performed well, and anglers that like the look and feel of the CV-X can also spend a bit more and upgrade to the even smoother and perfect drag performing premium Millionaire CV-Z reels. From the frame to the inner guts of the reel, the CV-X is a solid reel utilizing top notch materials, and is made with great attention to details....another winner from Daiwa.