Custom-build, off-the-shelf price tag...
Designed by Danny Fairbrass; custom-built finish throughout by Daiwa; and all for just £200? Say hello to the Longbow DF…
Those chaps know a thing or two about carp rods. From the late ‘70s right up to today, the Scottish production line at Daiwa has been turning out beautifully crafted and occasionally just plain weird (the mid-90’s ‘Emblem Z Interlines’ – Google it) carp rods that push the boundaries of rod and carbon engineering.
Along with this heritage, Daiwa also comes overflowing with credentials. Back in the ‘90s it was Kevin Nash endorsing their perfection-built rods and revolutionary big pit reels, and today it’s Darrell Peck, Tom Dove and Danny Fairbrass; in fact it was Fairbrass who the Scots pulled in way back in 2009 to give their tried and tested Infinity blank a new lease of life when it came to the cosmetics. A silk matt, low-glare finish, 50mm butt ring and minimal branding saw the newly named ‘Infinity DF’ smash sale records, and since then, those ‘DF’ trademarks have found their way down to the rod you’re looking at now: the Longbow DF.
Hang on a minute, I’m confused. There appears to be bloody loads of ‘DF’ models nowadays, so where does this one fit in?
Yeah, you’re right, the original does seem to have reproduced a number of times now! Following in those amazingly successful footsteps of the original Infinity DF, Daiwa were obviously very keen to offer the ‘DF package’ across all their price point ranges. In total there’s now four models under the ‘DF’ umbrella. Ruling the roost is the Basia DF Carp – the Scots most expensive carp rod at a divorce-inducing £550.00 a piece. Next to the Infinity DF Carp, then the Longbow DF Carp and finally the most recently launched model, the Whisker DF Carp.
Okay, that clears that up, but hasn’t the Longbow been in Daiwa’s repertoire for years?
Good knowledge. It was part of their line-up for many years, and although it was one of the best blanks they cut, rolled, baked and varnished at the Wishaw factory, it just wasn’t moving off the shop shelves in the numbers both Daiwa needed to see and it deserved. Cue: the at-the-time-riding-a-wave-of-great-success Daiwa/Fairbrass duo. Fairbrass set to work on producing an equally stunning brother, but one which would ultimately come at a fraction of the price.
So I take it this one’s not made by Scottish hands anymore?
We’re pleased to say you’d be wrong. The result of this 2011 collab revealed a slim and sleek profile Longbow DF – and one that’s entirely handmade by only the most experienced rod-making Scottish hands. There are five models in the collection – all carrying the now characteristic toned-down look (a silk matt low-glare finish) and profiled handle.
Run me through the range then and tell me about their performance?
Starting with the country’s most popular test curve, 2.75lb, this version will hit 120yds and thanks to the high-grade, ultra slim blank it will load sweetly along its length with plenty of power down deep. Stepping up slightly, next there’s the 3lb and 3.5lb models which are designed for hitting longer distances and putting out heavier loads. The top-end version will reach 140yds – and accurately too. To accompany these, there’s a Longbow DF Spod & Marker which has a beefy 4.5lb test curve meaning it really does double up nicely as a marker rod. And to finish, the duo decided to produce a ‘floater special’ – a lighter, 2.25lb action that has incredible slimness and is a dream to handle for the mobile top-of-the-water angler.
But if it’s that good, why on earth would I want one of the more expensive models then?
That’s a very good question, especially when you consider the Infinity DF models start at £350 and these at £225. The only time you’ll really notice why the Infinity’s are worth the extra £125 is on the cast. The Longbow’s have a slightly (holding index finger and thumb really, really close together) slower recovery and are ever so slightly less responsive, but that said, if you haven’t ever cast an Infinity you’ll never know the difference. For anything aside from extreme-extreme-range casting, the Longbow will cope with everything you do with it, from whacking large solid PVA bags to giving you a lovely battle curve, even with the model we’ve been trialing, the 3.5lb TC option.
Do they come with a 50mm butt ring?
Of course. And you also get the same Fuji DPS reel seat, profiled, NS shrink tube handle and metal butt cap and trim rings that you’ll find on its £350 more expensive brother.
It almost sounds too good to be true…
It does seem that way! But Daiwa does have a habit of doing this. Just like they did with their top-end Basiair reel, they’ve taken the rulebook and put it through the shredder when it comes to this product. What you’re getting with the Longbow DF Carp is a genuine custom-built rod, which has a massive reserve of power, stunning build quality and is a rod even your nan could cast further and more accurately too – all for just over £200. Daiwa, Fairbrass, we salute you.
Spec sheet
Price:: From £225.00
Models: 2.75lb, 3lb, 3.50lb and 3.75lb
Additional rods: A floater rod (2.25lb TC) and a spod/marker version (4.5lb TC)
Features: Silk matt, low-glare finish, 50mm butt ring and Fuji DPS reel seat
On-sale: Now
