Daiwa Infinity DF SLR Rod & SLD Basia Reel

With a UK manufacturing base in Scotland, Daiwa can do something almost no other British rod company can. They can experiment and pioneer. They can create new blanks and new technologies, and keep them all to themselves. When it comes to creating the best casting tools in the world, Daiwa don’t need to rely on off-the-peg blanks from the Far East, they can set out their wishlist and go and build it. And it seems like they’ve done just that with the British-built Infinity DF SLR (Super Long Range), which might just be the ultimate casting weapon. With a stonking 4.25lb test curve and plenty of lead-flinging punch, Daiwa say this rod is “all about casting”. Match it with the equally impressive new SLD Basia reel, which is somehow even lighter than the super-skinny originals, and you might just have the ultimate casting duo.

For rigidity with control along its whole length, these £499 rods feature Daiwa’s X45 technology, which made such an impact when it was introduced just a couple of years ago. A high-volume carbon blank, Minima guides and a Japanese shrink rubber handle complete the look. At 13ft, and with a casting-weight rating of 5oz, this is a beast of rod for the serious caster looking to trouble the 200yds mark.

Its partner in crime, the new SLD Basia (£665), is equally as impressive. Now with a slimmer magnesium body, the SLD (Super Long Distance) still manages to retain all the features expect including a Quick Drag clutch and HIP line clip. There’s also room for an AirBail bail arm and the rotor is made from Daiwa’s exclusive Zaion carbon material, which is as strong as magnesium but a quarter lighter. With a wooden handle knob setting off the all-black design, this reel just begs to be screwed into the Fuji DPS reel seat of the DF SLR and made to fire leads to the next postcode.