Daiwa Longbow X45 M Review
Last Updated on 28 September 2023 by James Bevan
What? another premium carp rod by Daiwa? Isn’t there a Longbow X45 out already?
These were the instant questions I asked myself when I heard about the latest rod release by Daiwa. But then I heard that this one comes in a 4lb test curve! I knew then that I had to give it a go.
In this Daiwa Longbow X45 M review, I put the rod through its paces and test to see how the rod (with its 4lb test curve) stacks up against the competition.
Overall Scores
Compare Prices
Comparison To Similar Rods
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano TX7 Carp Rod | 8.9 | from £178.97 |
| Daiwa Longbow X45 | 8.7 | from £239.99 |
| Nash Dwarf Carp Rod | 7.2 | from £49.99 |
| Daiwa Emblem Carp Rod | 8.5 | from £74.99 |
| Greys X-Flite Carp Rod | 8.4 | from £79.99 |
| Greys Prodigy GT4 Carp Rod | 7.8 | from £149.99 |
| Shimano TX2 Carp Rod | 8.6 | from £79.99 |
| Daiwa Emcast Carp Rod | 7.9 | from £99.99 |
| Fox Horizon X3 Carp Rod | 8.5 | from £99.99 |
| Daiwa Crosscast EXT | 7.6 | from £67.99 |
| ESP Onyx Quickdraw Carp Rod | 7.7 | from £84.95 |
| Sonik Insurgent | 7.8 | from £79.99 |
| Nash X Series Carp Rod | 7.8 | from £69.99 |
| Avid Traction Pro Carp Rod | 7.4 | from £79.99 |
| Daiwa Crosscast XT Carp Rod | 7.5 | from £69.99 |
How The Rod Compares To The Averages
Quick Summary
The latest version comes in lengths of 12 and 13 feet and test curves of 3, 3.5, 3.75, and (a very surprising) 4 lbs. With a range of fantastic features, great performance all around, and excellent build quality, this is a very good carp rod that is competing with the big boys in the carp rod world.
In the review, the Longbow X45 M scored an overall rating of 8.7 which sees it hot on the heels of the very popular Shimano TX 7.
Pros & Cons
I reviewed the Longbow X45 M on a big pit in Kent across two overnight sessions. Here is what I found to be the advantages and disadvantages of the rod:
Pros
- V Joint Alpha helps reduce flat spots in the rods spigot when casting which adds distance
- The Longbow X45 M boasts a sophisticated blank made with HVF Nanoplus carbon fibre and X45 directional layering, which keeps it both strong and lightweight
- Comes in a rarely seen 4lb test curve, which is great for massive casts and fishing in waters with lots of snags or weeds
- The rod’s fast taper profile makes for a great experience playing fish
- Shrink tube handle is comfortable when casting and wipes down easily
Cons
- Despite being great casters, the higher test curve versions lack subtlety when playing fish
- There is no 10-foot option
- I would have liked to have tested a 3.25lb test curve option
A Bit About The Daiwa Longbow X45 M Carp Rod
Founded in Japan in the 1950s as a reel producer, Daiwa Sports has since grown to become a major manufacturer of angling gear, with the UK being both one of its key markets, as well as a hub for its production and administrative facilities.
Launched in 2023, the Longbow X45 M is the latest addition to Daiwa’s Longbow range of carp rods and is manufactured here in the UK by Daiwa’s rod technicians. Coming in a range of predominantly heavier test curves, this is one of Daiwa’s higher-end rods and is geared primarily to carping on larger waters.
Who’s it ideal for
The Daiwa Longbow X45 M is a fantastic choice for any angler looking for a higher-end carp rod without the higher-end prices.
It’s rich in features that improve the overall angling experience and is especially well-adapted to casting on a variety of different venues and especially on large waters.
Of particular value is the Longbow X45 M’s blank, which is lightweight and distortion-proof to allow it to pull off the longest possible casts without issue.
I’d be most likely to recommend the Longbow X45 M to anglers looking for a carp rod that’s at its best fishing on larger waters. The rod’s 50mm Minima 4 guides and Profiles NS shrink tube handle allow for plenty of power transference, as well as keeping casting smooth and snag-free.
Combine this with the great build quality that the rod features and it’s a fantastic offering for carpers on the hunt for a more advanced, higher-end model that won’t completely break the bank.
With all that being said, the Longbow X45 M is likely to be excessively priced for most beginner anglers. Additionally, given that it predominantly comes in larger test curves, this is a rod that’s less likely to be suitable for anglers with a preference for stalking carp or fishing smaller waters.
The Different Versions Of The Longbow X45 M
Here is a table that details the different versions of the rod alongside its average top casting distance with a 4oz lead and the best situations to use the rod in.
| Length | Test Curve | Ideal For | Max Cast Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft | 3lb | Small to medium venues. Good all-round rod | 140 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.5lb | Medium to Larger venue where distance casting is sometimes required | 160 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.75lb | Larger venue where distance casting is required | 170 yds |
| 12 ft | 4lb | Large venues for casting long distances | 175 yds |
| 13 ft | 3.5lb | Medium to Larger venue where distance casting is sometimes required | 165 yds |
| 13 ft | 4lb | Large venues for casting long distances | 180 yds |
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 Longbow X45 M 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.
Features & Specifications
The handle
The Daiwa Longbow X45 M features an NS shrink tube handle, which is comfortable in the hand when playing fish and casting.
It’s also easy to clean and wipe down, which is handy in warm and wet weather alike. At the base of the handle is a classy metal butt cap, which visually ties the rod together nicely.
The reel seat
Fitted with a classic, Fuji DPS reel seat, the Longbow X45 M can hold any reel in place with ease.
Something I especially appreciate about the Fuji DPS is how natural and ergonomic it feels to hold, even when casting.
The eyes/guides
The Longbow X45 M comes with Minima 4 50mm guides, which are smooth and lightweight. These guides are fantastic at preventing line frap, as well as allowing for longer casts.
I also noticed that the Minima guides are effective at protecting the line from deteriorating, which, naturally, helps to prolong its lifespan.
The blank
One of the Longbow X45 M’s greatest strengths is its blank. Made using HVF Nanoplus carbon fibre and X45 directional layering, this matte black blank features Daiwa’s signature Magnum taper and is exceptionally strong as well as being distortion-proof.
Both of these are great features which allow the rod to cast even further with ease. The X45 M’s blank also features enhanced torsion resistance throughout its length to the same end.
Features & Specifications Summary
- Available in 12 and 13-foot lengths
- Available in test curves including 3lb, 3.5lb, 3.75lb and 4lb
- All feature 50mm butt guides for efficient casting
- Minima 4 guides
- Fast taper profile that helps with casting and playing fish
- Fuji DPS reel seat
- Profiles NS shrink tube handle
- Metal butt cap and trim rings
Appearance
To put it simply, Daiwa’s Longbow X45 M is a fantastic-looking rod. The blank’s matte black finish pairs nicely with the rest of the model’s glossy black and grey features.
The metal butt cap, trim rings, and Union Jack below the reel seat provide nice pops of colour and contrast to its otherwise monochrome design.
Check out this video that shows the Daiwa Longbow X45 In action:
Casting & Feel
The Daiwa Longbow X45 M excels at casting, for the most part. This is partly due to its V-joints, which do a fantastic job of reducing flat spots in the spigot when casting. Also, the rod’s blank is effective at resisting distortion, allowing it to effectively transfer more power along its length during a cast.
When testing the new Longbow, I was fascinated with the 4lb test curve version and I had a go at comparing distance with this and the 3.75lb test curve version.
The Result…
Not a lot of difference!
They both seemed to perform the same in terms of distance when using a 4oz lead. My personal opinion is that at 3.75lb test curve, this seems to be the sweet spot between the rods overall power throughout the blank and the ability to still have enough speed in the action to maximise casting potential.
The only counter-argument to this is that you may get away with a slightly heavier lead with the 4lb test curve which would then mean you could cast further.
With both 3.75 and 4lb test curves, I was hitting 150 yards on a cast with my Daiwa Emblems bearing in mind that I am far from a distance casting guru!
Playing Fish
I was impressed by how lively and balanced the Longbow X45 M feels when playing fish, thanks in large part to its fast taper profile.
The rod is nicely balanced, providing both plenty of power and feedback.
I tested all the test curves out in the 12-foot lengths when testing and experienced playing fish to low 20’s.
My favourite version for playing fish was actually the 3.5lb test curve as this just felt it had the best balance of playing fish at range and subtlety to enjoy the fight.
Having said that, I feel playing larger fish at range and close to snags and weed does call for the 3.75/4lb test curve artillery.
Value For Money
Overall, I’d argue that the Longbow X45 M represents great value for money, especially if you tend to fish larger waters.
It’s a very comfortable rod to fish with, is well-made, has a bucketload of fantastic features, and casts and plays fish well.
While it is on the more expensive side, most experienced anglers looking for a serious, high-end offering will likely find it to be well worth the investment.
With that being said, there are arguably more versatile rods out there, so for anglers looking for a genuine, jack-of-all-trades model, the Longbow X45 M may not represent the best value for money, especially as it doesn’t come cheap.
Final Thoughts & Conclusions
On the whole, I found the Longbow X45 M to be an impressive rod, even for its relatively high price. It feels great when playing fish (especially in the 3.5lb test curve version), can cast for days, and is exceptionally well made.
While the new Longbow is unlikely to be what you’ll want to grab if you’re off to stalk carp, it’s just about perfect for those of us with a preference for fishing on larger waters and venues.
Is it as good as its older siblings, the Infinity X45 and the Basia X45? The answer to that is no, but it is a lot cheaper and still has that Daiwa premium quality throughout.
Thanks for reading.
