For largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, cold water and weather demand slower, more meticulous techniques like dropshotting, wacky worming, slow hopping Ned rigs, and jigging with hair. Same goes for walleyes and perch, with anglers relying on a jig and minnow or soft plastics or slowly dragged bottom rig with a live minnow. All these techniques are better employed with a lower gear ratio.

DAIWA’s new PROREX MQ LT sports numbers of other advanced DAIWA technologies as well, ones shared across the board with other premium spinning reels. Martin said AIRDRIVE® DESIGN is one of those difference makers. “The concept focuses on making our spinning reels lighter, exceptionally smooth, and highly responsive by DAIWA reimagining the front end of the reel.” (More on AIRDRIVE DESIGN below.)

Martin went on to highlight PROREX MQ LT’s refined drag system. “Our ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag) Type-L was developed for lighter lines where the drag payout needs to be especially smooth and methodical. It keeps you from pulling out or bending out finesse wire hooks when a fish runs.”

Lastly, Martin spotlighted PROREX MQ LT’s pioneering drive system. “We digitally designed TOUGH DIGIGEAR™ and use sophisticated aircraft grade aluminum gears,” said Martin. “The shape, thickness, and tooth profile are like no other, delivering unmatched rotational movement, smoothness, and power, all while extending the life of the reel.”

MSRP $219.99 TO $229.99

ZAION® V MONOCOQUE BODY

DAIWA’s advanced, proprietary, single component, high-density carbon fiber ZAION V MONOCOQUE (MQ) Body is extremely lightweight, rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant. By removing the traditional screws used to attach sideplates, MQ maximizes internal space for larger diameter gears. These larger gears – DAIWA’s TOUGH DIGIGEAR – yield improved power, torque, and leverage, while promoting the life of the reel.

ZAION AIRDRIVE® Rotor

The smart design lessens weight, provides even rotary balance and stress distribution, and reduces vibrations, all while maintaining strength. Delivers a more precisely balanced reel performance than competing brands and models.

AIRDRIVE® Bail

Innovative bail design features a hollow, tubular stainless steel bail that delivers maximum rigidity and strength with minimum weight. The smooth protrusion-free construction lets the line easily flow to the line roller for trouble free line control.

AIRDRIVE® SHAFT

The AIRDRIVE SHAFT creates smooth, quiet rotation and provides anglers with enhanced torque and power. Additionally, both ends of the pinion gear are supported with bearings to transmit the crank power from the handle to the rotor with enhanced efficiency. By adding high quality collars to the main-shaft, rotational noise has been greatly reduced.

AIRDRIVE® SPOOL

Weight reduction is at the core of DAIWA’s progressive AIRDRIVE Spool. While lessening weight, the AIRDRIVE Spool also improves oscillation, minimizes resistance during winding, enhances reel balance, and makes the reel feel lighter and easier to use. This design also contributes to better casting performance with DAIWA’s Long Cast ABS.

LONG CAST ABS

The friction typically caused by line contacting the spool edge during casting has been significantly reduced. The LC-ABS two-stage spool features a unique upper wall angle that reduces line friction, allowing for tighter line exit and longer, smoother casts with fewer wind knots. This, while accommodating the maximum amount of line.

TOUGH DIGIGEAR

A7075 Aircraft Grade aluminum is forged into large, digitally-designed and machine cut gears with larger tooth patterns, which perfectly mesh between an ultra-tough drive gear and pinion gears for optimized speed, torque, efficient power transfer, smoothness, and durability. This precision gear alignment reduces vibration and resistance, providing a silky-smooth retrieve that helps anglers feel subtle lure movements and bites.

ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag) TYPE-L

The ATD TYPE-L drag system works in tandem with the pull of a fish. The initial response of the drag has been significantly improved, especially when using lighter lines to reduce the load and enable a quicker catch and minimize stress on the fish and handle sudden bursts of speed or steady pressure during extended battles.

MACHINED ALUMINUM SCREW-IN HANDLE

Provides a solid, rigid feel that enhances cranking power and durability. Screws directly into the reel body and the main gear, guaranteeing a smooth power transfer without play. Ensures that the handle is resistant to flex, which is crucial for maintaining power transfer and longevity.

DAIWA’s affordably priced TD Eye series was crafted for walleye enthusiasts. Including 11 spinning models, the series features High Volume Fiber (HVF) Technology, a hallmark of DAIWA's commitment to lightweight and sensitive yet strong construction. Fuji LY Guides reduce tangles and improve casting distance and accuracy, enhancing control over the line and lure. X45 Bias Construction decreases blank twisting, increases power and sensitivity, and maintains the rod’s roundness.

For DAIWA’s latest color catalog and/or information on DAIWA dealers in your area, call DAIWA’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@DAIWA.com. The URL for DAIWA’s web site is daiwa.us

About Daiwa Corporation

Daiwa's first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955. Since then, the company has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world today. To handle sales and distribution in the United States, Daiwa Corporation first opened its doors on September 26, 1966, operating from a small facility in Culver City, California. Today, based in Foothill Ranch, California, Daiwa Corporation sells tackle throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America. From the very beginning, Daiwa's emphasis has been upon innovation and quality. The result is a long list of product features, design and materials that have become standards for the fishing tackle industry. Daiwa’s long-standing record of innovation has left a visible mark on the majority of tackle manufactured today and continues to advance the sport of fishing. Learn more at daiwa.us