A Look Inside Daiwa Japan's New Pixy

Introduction: If there is a singular reel that embodies the enthusiast spirit amongst the TackleTour readership, that honor would go to Daiwa Japan’s Pixy. In recent months especially, it has been difficult to acquire (an obstacle that only adds to its allure), and once in hand, it is easily modifiable in a transformation that has gained almost cult status amongst our readers – Pixzilla.

Earlier this year, news broke out of the Japan Tackle Shows that Daiwa Japan would be debuting a new version of this ultra finesse baitcaster dubbed the PX68. Based on specifications alone it was easy to see this new Pixy would sport a faster 6.8:1 retrieve ratio (versus 5.8:1 in previous versions), slightly higher line capacity, and an updated, Magforce Z cast control system.

Introducing Daiwa Japan's new Pixy PX68/68L

Naturally, this limited information was not enough – what about the drag? Is the rotor tuned? Did they put a bearing in the worm drive? Does it really weigh the same? Is it larger? Does it still cast light stuff ok? Does it cast better than the old one? Etc., etc., etc..

The new Pixy comes stock with a swept carbon handle...

As of this writing, the PX68 has been out for about a month and information is slowly trickling in. The left hand version of this reel has just been released and finally arrived on pre-order from JapanTackle.com to TackleTour headquarters. Official reviews take quite some time as we like to put all the products we test through the wringer of real, on the water tests, but realizing information on this new generation Pixy is in high demand, we took our brand new PX68L right into the lab to compare specification for specification, measurement for measurement against a previously modified 2004 superttuned Pixzilla.

... a deeper spool ...

... and a new 6.8:1 retrieve ratio all in the same frame as the previous model

Spools: The first point of comparison is the easiest to access and that is each reels’ respective spool. Both the original Pixy spool and the new 2010 PX68’s are interchangeable. Although the PX68 spool has slightly more line capacity, it is also one gram heavier at 15 grams versus the original Pixy spool that weighs 14 grams.

A closer look at the PX68L's spool (left) compared to the previous model Pixy's spool (right)

The rotors are slightly different ...

The Rotors: The rotors are indeed slightly different thanks to the updated braking system on the PX68, but the rotor on the new Pixy is not tapered like the Steez. Spring tension on the original Pixy moveable Magforce V rotor is less than that of the new PX68’s spool which sports Magforce Z. Only an on the water test will determine whether there’s a real casting performance difference between the two spools or not.

... with the PX68/68L coming with a Magforce Z rotor ...

... and the original Pixy equiped with a Magforce V rotor

Non-Handle Sideplate: So did Daiwa Japan change the size of the new Pixy at all? Judging from the non-handle sideplate, we’d venture a guess no. This sideplate is also interchangeable between the two frames.

But are they really the same size?

Here's more evidence with a spool and sideplate swap

The Handle: The PX68’s handle length mimics the original at 80mm, but the difference with the new Pixy is it features Daiwa’s popular swept handle design and corresponding swept dragstart. The PX68’s handle is also pre-tuned made of the more desireable-than-a-cheap-stamped-metal carbon fiber material. No special tools are required to remove the handle and gain access to the reel’s guts.

Another look at that handsome, swept carbon handle

The new Pixy has a new gear material ...