Daiwa '22 Silver Wolf SV TW PE Special Product Review #daiwasilverwolf

Enthusiast Review

An Instant Classic? Daiwa Japan's '22 Silver Wolf SV TW PE Special

Date:	8/11/23
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Daiwa Japan
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.25 - GREAT

Introduction: Once the leader in BFS enabled reel platforms, in recent years, Daiwa Japan has seen competing manufacturers match pace with their introductions. Still, few can match the manufacturer's fervor for offering variants to existing platforms built to suit specific techniques, applications, or game species. One such introduction last year has the makings of a classic. Let's take a look at Daiwa Japan's '22 Silver Wolf SV TW PE 1000XH.

Daiwa '22 Silver Wolf SV TW PE Special Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	PE#0.8/150m
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	4.6 cm³
Retrieve Ratio	8.5:1
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	17 - 31.5
Weight	6.5 oz
Spool Weight	13 g
Handle Length	90 mm
Bearings	8+1
Bearings per Knob	2 bearings
Rated Max Drag	~11lbs
Origin	Made in Japan
MSRP	49,000 JPY

Introducing Daiwa Japan's Silver Wolf casting reel

Impressions: Daiwa Japan's '22 Silver Wolf reel is a shallow spool, braid specialty variant of their '21 Zillion SV TW (Zillion G in the US). By all accounts the difference is simply a more shallow spool and a levelwind that is tuned for braided line - meaning it moves back and forth at a greater speed creating more of a cross lay for the braid on your spool. This decreases the chances for line dig - a common malady of braid on casting reels.

As a Zillion variant, ironically, the Silver Wolf is black and the standard Zillion silver

The Silver Wolf's shallow spool (left) compared to the standard Zillion's

The Silver Wolf, ironically, is not silver like the '21 Zillion. No, this reel is primarily a matte black color with kind of pewter highlights at the thumb bar, casting control cap, dragstar and handle. Actually, the handle is even a darker shade than the other components I just listed. This darker motif makes the Silver Wolf appear as if it is smaller than the Zillion. It is not, but the effect is very strange.

My line of choice for this reel was Spro's Finesse braid

Real World Tests: I like the kind of stealthy motif of the Silver Wolf, but just the same decided to brighten up its look by installing some #1 Spro Finesse 8x Braid in lime green (~70yds). I then tied a leader of eight pound Seaguar AbrazX and paired the reel with my Evergreen International TKDC-66MLBF-Pro Stingray 66. This rod carries with it a specification of five to ten pound (5-10lb) line and a lure rating of one sixteenth to three sixteenths ounce (1/16-3/16oz) to go with a fast taper. I've been looking for an excuse to get this rod back out on the water and the Silver Wolf provided the perfect opportunity.

The Silver Wolf matched with my triggerless Stingray 66 by Evergreen International

Casting: Designed as a reel for targeting Black Sea Bream, the Silver Wolf casts just about any manner of drop shot or ned rig combinations for bass quite easily, but really, the standard Zillion SV TW is also capable of this. The advantage this reel has is the ability to more easily use smaller diameter line while achieving this same goal. Daiwa's SV Boost braking system on a shallow spool filled with light line (especially an easy casting braid) is really ideal for finesse applications. Making this available in the Zillion platform almost feels unfair. The Silver Wolf is a casting machine.

Rigged and ready to go

However, with that thinner braid does come the need to monitor the spool with your thumb a little more closely to avoid over runs. The same effect can be had, of course, by turning the dial up on braking system, but this does hinder distance a bit. You have to really pay attention when making casts with the Silver Wolf to make sure your technique is sound. Mine is not and I ended up having to dial up the brakes to better manage the spool. I've developed a bad habit of lifting my thumb off the spool during a cast. If I used this reel exclusively, I could adjust, but switching combos throughout the day makes concentrating on being disciplined difficult.

Ultimately, I had to turn the brake dial to about 17 to tame my undisciplined casting mechanics

Next Section: Retrieve, Power and Drag like a Wolf