Daiwa Basia X45X Review

Last Updated on 11 September 2024 by James Bevan

With its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and ability to cast impressive distances, the Daiwa Basia X45X has quickly become the go-to choice for serious anglers.

However, as you’ll soon discover, quality comes at a price, and this rod has stirred up quite a debate among fishing enthusiasts.

In this Daiwa Basia X45X review, I unravel the secrets behind Daiwa’s flagship carp rod. I’ll explore the pros, cons, and expert insights that will help you decide if this luxurious carp rod is worth the investment!

Introducing The Daiwa Basia X45X

You’ll be forgiven for thinking that when I mention Daiwa and Basia in the same sentence I am talking about carp fishing reels. Well, this isn’t the case as the gurus at Daiwa, have decided to use the Basia nametag, associated with ultimate performance, in a premium rod range named the Daiwa Basia X45X.

This Daiwa Basia X45X review will provide insight into the rod and detail results from extensive tests that scrutinise every part of the product.

The rod has been reviewed by 3 experts that have all scored it against the key attributes required in a decent carp rod.

So does the rod perform as well as the reels?

Let’s find out…

Who’s it ideal for

The Daiwa Basia X45X Carp Rod is perfect for carp anglers who are looking for a high-quality, high-performing carp rod that can cast a long way. It is a premium rod with a premium price tag so is more suited for serious, experienced carp anglers.

Where Did The Daiwa Basia X45X Come From

Daiwa launched the Basia X45X in 2022, a year on from the launch of its cousin the Infinity X45.

It has some similar traits to its predecessor in that it uses a lot of the same technology and the rod is made from the same manufacturing plant in Scotland.

For those with an astute eye, you will have no doubt noticed that there is an extra X in Daiwa’s latest offering. Like the Infinity, the ‘X45’ part of the name derives from the 45-degree angle of carbon layering that offers extra strength at key stress points on the rod.

The extra ‘X’ in the Basia X45X basically signifies that this process is repeated for the whole length of the rod rather than just the lower part of the blank.

The Different Versions Of The X45X

There were 6 versions of the Basia X45X at launch with 3.25lb and 3.75lb options in both 12ft and 13ft lengths, plus a dedicated 12ft spod rod (4.5lb) and a marker rod (4.25lb).

The 5 Attributes The Rod Was Tested Against

As mentioned previously in the article, there are 5 key elements that carp anglers look for in the best rods. These are as follows:

• Features
• Appearance
• Casting & Feel
• Playing Fish
• Value For Money

For more detail on the review process please visit the designated review explanation page that outlines how products are reviewed on eTackle.

The Daiwa Basia X45X Review

So having set the scene with where the rod came from and what criteria the rod was tested against let’s now get into how it performed.

First off, let’s see how the experts have rated this rod…

The Key Attributes Scrutinised

Features & Specifications

One of the key features of the Basia X45X is the technology used in the build of the rod. The technology is called full shield and is exclusive to Daiwa.

Basically, the 45-degree layered carbon has been applied to the whole length of the rod rather than halfway up like its predecessors. This is where the name ‘full shield’ comes from.

The benefits of having this technology all the way up the rod are that it reduces the blank torque further which in turn increases the energy generated and therefore greater distances are obtained on the cast. This is where the rod gains an ever-so-slight advantage over the very similar Infinity X45.

In addition to the rod’s ultra-strong build, the SeaGuide TDG rings are ‘skeleton-like’ which decreases overall weight and offers a very responsive and accurate casting action. In summary, the features on this rod marry up beautifully to achieve huge casting distances yet subtle fish playing.

The handle

The reel seat

The eyes/guides

The blank

Features & Specifications Summary

• Available in 12 & 13-foot lengths
• Test curves available include 3.25lb and 3.75lb
• ALPS reel seat
• Seaguide TDG Rings
• Japanese shrink tube handle
• Daiwa’s unique V-joint technology
• HVF (High volume fibre)

Here’s what the experts said about the rods features:

"Put simply, this rod has all the bells and whistles and feel as though they’ve been crafted as a treat for the discerning carper."
More Details "The V joint Alpha technology ensures that you've got a really really smooth transition through the action of the blank you don't get any sort of flat spot around the spigot area and this basically just creates A really lovely playing action and also smooth casting action too."
More Details

Appearance

The Basia X45X has a sleek matt black finish with black gloss fittings. The black theme continues with the reel seat and the guides on the rod. All is finished off nicely with a black metal butt cap.

Here’s what the experts said about the Basia X45Xs appearance:

"The first thing to grab you are the SeaGuide TDG guides, which are described as ‘near-skeletal’."
More Details "The blank is left with a really really minimal finish just the Basia writing and the small Daiwa decal just above the reel seat."
More Details

Casting & Feel

As mentioned throughout this review, the Basia X45X is exceptionally lightweight and is a delight to use and hold. The materials used in the build all come together and contribute to its minuscule weight and quality feel.

What sets it apart from the majority of the competition is that you can really feel the rapid tip recovery on the cast and get a real sense of power even when you are not going full pelt.

This is what the experts said about how the rod casts and feels in the hands:

"The new X45X full shield provides an even greater reduction in torque, thus channelling even more of your casting power to a straight and true flight."
More Details "The x45x wrap is applied throughout the entirety of the rod all the way up to the tip providing even more resistance to torque during the cast."
More Details

Playing Fish

The Daiwa Basia X45X is a dream to play fish with. There are 2 key reasons why. Firstly the rod is so light, thanks to the technology used to build it, and it’s very comfortable to handle.

Secondly, the v-joint alpha technology, ensure that there are no flat spots in the rod when under pressure, which in turn ensures you are always in touch with the fish with every part of the fight.

Here are some quotes from the experts on how the rod performs when playing fish:

"The blank boasts Daiwa’s tried-and-tested Magnum Taper (MT) profile, which is a tapered blank that creates speed through the tip and then a progressive delivery of power lower down."
More Details "The magnum taper profile gives the rod a really fast taper that delivers a nice playing action."
More Details

Value For Money

When something is that good you can’t help but think there is a ‘but’ somewhere. Well, there is with the Basia X45X and that is its price. It is one of the most expensive carp rods on the market but not to the degree where it significantly outperforms its peers.

Here’s how the experts scored the rod on value for money:

"No comment"
More Details "As with all top-end rods, the Basia x45x does come at a hefty price tag."
More Details

Final Thoughts & Conclusions

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