Daiwa Basia X45X Review

Last Updated on 7 May 2026 by James Bevan

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.

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 are 6 versions of the Basia X45X with 3.25lb and 3.75lb test curves in both 12ft and 13ft lengths, plus a dedicated 12ft 4.5lb spod rod and a 12ft 4.25lb marker rod for the spomb-and-marker work that goes hand in hand with serious distance carping.

If you’re trying to choose between the 3.25lb and the 3.75lb, the 12ft 3.25lb is the all-rounder. It’s the rod that handles 95% of UK carp scenarios from gravel-pit work, smaller waters, weed-edge stalking, fish over 30lb. It loads into a clean fish-playing curve and still casts to 150 yards-plus in capable hands.

The 12ft 3.75lb is a top choice when you need extra oomph and casting distance for example, on big pits, into headwinds, distant features at 200 yards-plus, or the kind of European waters where you genuinely need to push leads through wind.

Either way, you’re paying the same flagship money for the same flagship blank tech; the test curve is a use-case decision, not a quality decision.

The 4 Attributes The Rod Was Tested Against

There are four key attributes carp anglers look for when choosing a serious distance rod. The Basia X45X was scored against each of them, with each component score combining to give the overall rating that puts this rod at the top of our best carp rods guide. The four attributes are:

• Build Quality
• Casting & Feel
• Playing Fish
• Value For Money

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

Every rod is scored against the five attributes that matter most to carp anglers. Here's how it performed across each one, with the reasoning behind every score.

Build Quality9.7/10

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 rod features a Japanese shrink grip handle. This material is strong, durable and soft to the touch. As such, the Basia X45X is comfortable and easy to hold.

The reel seat

The Basia X45X boasts an ALPS ARD reel seat which, with its ripple pattern, ensures a good grip and a solid hold. The water drop holes on the top of the seat help with the anti-corrosion properties that this seat type brings.

The eyes/guides

The Basia boasts Seaguide TDG rings which are very lightweight and offers minimal friction with fishing line on the cast.

They also offer a fantastic playing action which really helps to be ‘in tune’ with the fight.

The blank

The Daiwa Basia X45X has a similar build to its Infinity X45 cousin. The blank contains HVF (high volume fibre) technology. This adds strength and durability to the blank but also increases the tip recovery.

This again aids in the achievement of casting long distances.

Features and Specifications

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

Appearance9.5/10

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:

Casting & Feel9.7/10

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:

Playing Fish9.6/10

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:

Value For Money9.2/10

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:

Final Thoughts & Conclusions