Free-spooling
Hate using the front clutch as your free-spool mechanism? Luckily for you, Daiwa have launched their second generation Cast’Izm, and it comes with a Bite ‘n’ Run system slapped on its arse
What do you get when you cross the spool diameter of a top-end Basia with the lightness of a match reel and stick a free-spool mechanism on the back of it? The brand-spanking-new Cast’Izm BR, that’s what. And don’t you forget it!
The world of big pit reels is changing – and that’s mostly thanks to Daiwa and their seriously clever engineers. Where previously bigger was better, Daiwa’s mid-2014 launched Cast’izm proved that a mini big pit could take on its larger siblings when it came to cranking power and, most importantly, casting distance. Just ask Darrell Peck who was heavily involved in the development of the Cast’Izm. “When tested with 0.4mm mono, the difference in distance achieved between the Cast’Izm and the Basia was around 2-4yds!”
We loved the original model, but this new fella has us proper drooling. It’s teeny, it’s light, it looks like no other reel, and now it comes with a Daiwa’s Bite ‘n’ Run mechanism strapped on the back.
Compact, light, matt black and now with a free spool facility
The big questions
Hang on, I’ve seen this before, haven’t I?
Indeed. Sort of. The Cast’izm BR 25A arrives with all the tech of the original Cast’Izm but comes with an additional lever on its arse, which is a very good thing if you like a straight forward free-spool facility rather than adjusting the front clutch.
The tried and tested Bite ‘n’ Run mechanism has been used on this new model
That’s awesome, because I very much do!
Well then you have a lot to thank Daiwa for, as to maintain the compact shape of the Cast’Izm they’ve had to completely redesign their Bite ‘n’ Run mechanism, but the end result is nothing short of sensational: a solid trigger which snaps into place (like the sound of closing a Golf door).
Like the original Cast’Izm, the BR model features a lovely clutch
Has this one also been developed with the Korda team?
It sure has, and as ever it has been carried out in top secret. Field-testing has taken over 12-months and numerous refinements have been made to result in what you see before you: a highly compact, distance casting BR.
The second generation of greatness
Has much else changed?
A lot is the same: the 25mm stroke, 65mm spool diameter and taped angle lip which all helps deliver long casts with reduced line trouble is untouched. It also features ‘Mag Seal’, which in English means all the inner gubbins are protected, giving the reel a smoother rotation for a much longer period of time. What is new is a larger line retrieval than the original model. Where the Cast’Izm picks up 96cm per turn of the handle, this BR version will eat up 107cm. It’s more powerful, too, with a ratio of 5.3:1 compared to 4.7:1, and the bail arm is now supported by Castlock – a system which secures the bail arm in place during the cast, meaning zero chance of any future spectacular crack-off.
Twistbuster will ensure line longevity
Does it come with all Daiwa’s other tech?
Of course. There’s Daiwa’s signature HIP stainless steel line clip that is spring-loaded to suit different line diameters and results in zero line damage. Twistbuster keeps your line looking fresher for longer, while the six ball bearings mean it’s super smooth in the hand.
HIP line clip are standard
Are there any downsides?
No, not really. This latest model strikes the perfect harmony between the extraordinary casting values of the original Cast’Izm but now with a free spool function. It’s compact, it’s light, and the matt black paintwork just looks so damn awesome. It’s yet another must-have from our Scottish pals.
“GIMME”: £299.99 (including spare spool); daiwasports.co.uk
Soft touch reel handle