The Daiwa Tournament 12Q SLR Feeder launched a few years ago, is widely accepted as the best fishing rod of its type ever produced and can you believe this? Daiwa has actually improved on the original SLR (Super Long Range) Feeder blank.
The new five-model SLR series boasts a host of tweaks and technical improvements with a combination of the new X45X Full Shield and HVF Nanoplus carbons. But what do those names and numbers mean?
Well, X45X Full Shield is the next generation of Bias Carbon Technology that’s responsible for the fishing rod’s amazing action. The higher carbon density of HVF (High Volume Fibre) Nanoplus offers greater torque resistance and higher casting energy conversion. This translates as a more energy-efficient design with an exceptional amount of post-cast recovery, making the blanks perfect for super-long, accurate chucks time after time.
But that’s not the end of the magic, as the ‘feel’ of the rods has been enhanced with ultra-light SeaGuide TDG rings. These not only lighten the downforce during the cast, but also sharpen up the rod recovery speed, and reduce blank oscillation when it’s under severe stress.
On the cosmetic front, the cork and Duplon handle is set off by a sleek and secure Fuji VSS reel seat, while the original cork Armlock provides added handling stability. There’s also a laser-etched Tournament logo on the butt to set everything off nicely. Even the quivertips have been improved (thankfully) from the originals. The guide positions have been carefully adjusted and there is now an additional guide applied nearer to the tip. Two new versions are also available, at 2.5oz and 4oz.
As I assembled it on the banks of Ferry Meadows on a stunning summer’s morning it simply oozed class.
I dared to use it with a 10lb shockleader and 6lb mainline, and a reasonably long chuck of around 70 yards failed to ruffle its feathers. It fairly sizzled out a 30g Hybrid-style feeder. I put the rod down into the rest and just stared at the majesty of it.
The tip pulled round and it was game on. Ferry has a fair amount of marginal weed this year, so the rod would need to hold firm when the fish came close. It didn’t react in quite the same way as I’d expected – the blank’s top section seems to act as a sort of dampener as you play the fish out. It isn’t overly pokey or a tad soft, it’s just got its own action, quite remarkable really. Look the casting image and you’ll see that it compresses from quite a long way down the butt section when you load it up properly and boy, can it propel a feeder far and fast!
THE VERDICT
I won’t beat about the bush with the live test details, because if you’re in the market for a rod of this ilk, you’ll already know quite a lot about its pedigree and capabilities. With prices ranging from £490 to £565, that sort of quality doesn’t come cheap, and if you’re thinking that no-one pays that sort of money for a few metres of carbon, take a walk around any feeder match and you’ll see plenty of them.
To me, the rod that stood out from the five in the latest range is the 12ft three-piece model. Is it really that good, can it really be that much better? Well, what I can tell you straight off the bat is that it’s one heck of rod. Alpha technology eliminates potential flat spots with hardly any added weight. The end result is a blank crisper than an iceberg lettuce, with a fluent, almost fluid action you need to experience for yourself. Improved quiver tips, superb aesthetics and a blank with almost infinite power, creates a rod that is at the top of it's class.
The only complaint I have is that Daiwa’s Ryan Hayden, who I’m sure you’ll agree took some stunning photos for me on test day, took away the rods in his van. So it was nothing more than a day’s romance for me. It was, though, love at first cast.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT AND OTHERS FROM DAIWA HERE.
TECH SPEC
- X45X Full Shield - Bias Carbon Technology
- HVF nanoplus - High Volume Fibre with nano technology
- V-Joint α
- Improved SLR Quivers
- Fuji VSS Reel Seat
- SeaGuide TDG Guides
- Cork/Duplon Armlock Handle
- Hook Keeper
www.anglingdirect.co.uk
Pros
- One of the best feeder rods money can buy.
- Premium features throughout.
Cons
- Won't be in everyones budget.
Our pick of the alternatives
www.anglingdirect.co.uk
Description
The Guru Aventus Distance Feeder rod is an extremely capable rod, if you want a premium tool, that will last and continue to perform for years to come, this is well worth a look. Available in a 12ft or 13ft model and a casting weight of 150g, the rod is designed with distance in mind, if you regularly fish venues where you need to go to the fish, this could be the one for you. HVF carbon ensures the blank won't twist during the cast to give you pinpoint accuracy when fishing at range.
Pros
- HVF carbon prevents twisting during the cast.
- Ideal rod for distance casting.
Cons
- Designed for bigger waters, not really suitable for smaller venues.
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Description
If you want to be able to cast a long way but can't afford to stretch the wallet too much, the Shimano Aero X7 13ft Distance Feeder rod will give you the ability to put a feeder upto 100m whilst not being as expensive as others in its calibre. The rod itself is 13ft long and rated to cast upto 120g, more than enough for the majority of UK style angling scenarios. Thanks to the NANO carbon blank, the rod has loads of backbone and lightning fast recovery which will both aid distance casting, even if you're not the best caster, this rod will help add yards to your cast.
Pros
- Lightning fast recovery.
- Anti-tangling guides reduce frap-ups and breakages.
Cons
- Not as capable of casting feeders extreme distances (over 100m).
www.anglingdirect.co.uk
Description
The Preston Distance Master Feeder rod is the ultimate casting option from the Preston Innovations stable. They are available in three sizes, from 12ft to 13ft 10", there will be a version to suit you and your style of angling, should you need to cast good distances and preferably smaller rod or whack feeders out into the abyss with a longer rod. The rods aren't too powerful though. Preston have maintained a good playing action with a much softer tip than you usually see, as there is no point hoking a fish if you're just going to lose it.
Pros
- Nice playing action, with softer tip section to prevent hook pulls.
- Versatile range of rods.
Cons
- Handle design might not suit everyone.
Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.