More Choices with the Aggressively Priced Daiwa Lexa Series
 

Introduction: Daiwa rounded out their reel offerings this ICAST with the introduction of the new Lexa Series reels which are designed to target everything from bass to knocking down trophy Muskie. These reels boast a low profile design coupled with high capacity, and for the first time Daiwa has a low profile reel that can go head to head against the Shimano Curado 300.

A new swimbait reel from Daiwa?

The Lexa 300 Series has an ergonomic low profile form factor yet it can hold 240 yards of 40lb. Samurai braid. This completely new reel was built from the ground up and makes use of an aluminum frame and gear side sideplate, Magforce cast control, and a A7075 aluminum spool. They feature a 7 bearing system (2CRBB, 4BB, 1RB) and at the show the reels felt surprisingly smooth for a reel of this size.

Daiwa's new low profile-high capacity baitcaster... The Lexa 300

The Lexa 300 comes with an oversized swept handle with massive weight reducing cutouts, and though the reels are so large they weigh in at only 10.5-11.3oz. depending on model. One of the most exciting things about these new reels is the inclusion of the “Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag” which is designed to deliver up to 22lbs. of drag pressure, which is more than enough for most big fish applications. These reels are available in both left and right hand retrieve in 6.3:1 and 7.1:1 Hyper Speed gear ratios, and the Hyper Speed 300 reels feature a counter balanced power handle for extra leverage.

The reel boasts quality ergonomics, high capacity, and a great price point

Daiwa is getting aggressive with these reels and they will retail for a great price of only $199.99 each, which is 50 dollars less than a competing Curado 300E. But it isn’t just about big capacity with the new series and Daiwa is also introducing Lexa 100 size reels which are designed specifically to address the majority of freshwater and light saltwater applications.

Anglers looking for a smaller freshwater all-round reel can consider the Lexa 100

The Lexa 100 features the same basic design as the 300, just smaller, and the aluminum construction and bearing count is also identical. These reels will be available in three models, High Speed (7.1:1), Standard Speed (6.3:1), and High Power (4.9:1) and all will come either right or left hand retrieve. These reels do not have the same drag surface area as the Lexa 300 and should deliver around 11lbs. of max pressure. At the show they felt comfortable in hand and weigh in at a respectable 7.9oz. each.

The reels all feature aluminum construction and a swept ported handle design

The Lexa 100 reels should slot in nicely versus the competition at a price of only $139.95 each, and they continue to deliver aluminum feel and performance versus the graphite that is now becoming increasingly prevalent at this price point. The new Lexa reels look like a good choice for big freshwater fish and will likely find many homes among anglers that enjoy tossing big baits, and not only want the capacity but the stopping power to put the brakes on big fish. This is definitely one reel that is coming down with us on our next trip to the Amazon.