We love to categorise ourselves, are you a specimen hunter, carper, match or predator angler? If you struggle to answer this question and don’t think you really fit into an angling niche, this review for you!
The Ninja LT BR is a functional, yet powerful reel suited to all manner of short to mid-range fishing, yet remains compact and lightweight, making it ideal for shorter and lighter rods used on commercial waters, lakes and rivers.
The key feature is the BR (Bite N Run) system, allowing it to be used in freespool mode. The beauty of Bite N Run is, you can set the perfect drag setting on the front of the reel so it will give a little line to a lunging fish maintaining a firm hook hold on the fight and the freespool tension independently via a dial at the back.
Set it and forget it. These two tensions will remain the same until you want to change them. To use, all you do is cast out, place the rod on a rest or in a rod pod, tension the line and flick the switch at the rear of the reel. When a run comes, the fish can then take line without pulling your rod in.
As soon as you wind the handle after picking up the rod, the standard drag clicks into place and you can play the fish as normal, with the reel then only then giving line when the fish goes on a powerful run.
This is not only useful for when you might be away or sat back from your rod, but also when fishing multiple rods. It might be normal for a speci angler to have two rods in at the same time, but many pleasure anglers will too when rules allow. Why not enjoy catching a few fish on the float while you wait for a second rod with a Method feederto rip off?
PAIR THE DAIWA NINJA LT BR UP WITH ONE OF THE BEST SPECIMEN RODS!
Verdict
I found the Ninja performed exactly as required. The freespool was easy to set and smooth, with just a tweak of the handle required to engage the standard drag. It might be a little bulkier than a standard Ninja, due to the extra gearing required, but this was hardly noticeable, even on an 11ft Ninja rod. Smooth, powerful and easy on the eye, with Daiwa’s renowned reliability, it ticks all the boxes for a mid-priced reel.
Although line clips tend to be used less often on freespool reels, since they need to be taken on or off all the time to use the freespool properly, I still would have preferred it to have the same high-impact line clip seen on top-end Daiwa models. If used with care, though, I can’t see the clip on this reel giving you any issues.
This is a belting reel that almost any angler would no doubt find a use for, whether it be the 4000 for general use or the slightly bigger 5000 model for heavier lines and bigger rods. Great looks and powerful in function, it’s the Swiss Army knife of reels.
Tech Spec
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LT (Light & Tough)
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Tough Digigear
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DS4 body & rotor
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Air Rotor
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Twistbuster 2
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Automatic Tournament Drag
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Longcast ABS spool
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Crosswrap
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Infinite Anti-Reverse
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Available in 4000 & 5000 compact sizes
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT AND OTHERS FROM DAIWA HERE.
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Small in size, but big on performance. The Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT designed around Daiwa’s Light & Tough (LT) platform, is an evolution of the popular Daiwa Ninja reel, this compact freespool reel is a brilliant all-rounder for feeder anglers who want control, smoothness, and a bit of muscle when it matters.
Available in 4000 and 5000 sizes, the Ninja BR LT covers most feeder jobs with ease. It’s light, tough, and well built.
Pros
- Freespool function gives extra dimension
- Durable and light weight
Cons
- No spare spool supplied
Our pick of the alternatives
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
The N-Gauge Specimen reel provides strong, dependable performance, making it an ideal workhorse for method feeder fishing. Its adjustable freespool is an invaluable feature, ensuring your rod stays secure during the aggressive bites often encountered when using this technique.
With its lightweight design and smooth gearing, the N-Gauge Specimen is enjoyable to use, even over long durations, making it a suitable option for both novice and seasoned anglers.
Although it may not possess all the refinements found in some pricier models, it certainly delivers excellent value for the investment.
Pros
- Strong, durable
- Adjustable freespool
Cons
- Very basic, no frills look
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Shimano X-Aero FB 4000 is highly esteemed, building upon the success of its predecessor, the Aero 4000, which was celebrated for its exceptional reliability and performance.
The X-Aero maintains this reputation, featuring an impeccable baitrunner system that is perfect for aggressive takes, as it can be adjusted to release line via the rear drag setting the moment you receive a bite, whether under slight tension or nearly free-running, depending on the fishing conditions.
Notable features include a unique double handle grip that offers excellent balance, along with a robust and stylish XT-7 (Shimano's proprietary material) lightweight body and rotor, which encases a durable zinc die-cast gearing mechanism.
Pros
- Superb Baitrunner system.
- Comfortable double handle.
Cons
- A bit large for short rods
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Daiwa 20 GS BR LT represents a modern advancement of a legendary fishing reel. It is offered in two sizes, 3000 and 5000. By employing its latest lightweight and durable (LT) technology, Daiwa has crafted a more robust yet lighter version of one of the most renowned free spool reels available.
Featuring a one-touch folding handle, this reel allows for easy compact storage while still attached to the rod, making it ideal for keeping rigged setups or for those mobile fishing trips along the river.
With a seamless drag system combined with impressive performance, this reel is capable of tackling any scenario, whether it’s reeling in large fish or allowing the free spool mechanism to release line when a fish snaffles your bait and charges out the swim.
Pros
- One touch folding handle
- Smooth drag and freespool function
Cons
- No spare spool supplied
| Gear ratio: | 4.6:1 |
| Line capacity: | 0.30mm/300m, 0.33mm/250m |
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.