DAIWA Crosscast Carp 45SCW 5000LD QD Long Distance Fishing Reel – A Comprehensive Review
As a carp angler with over two decades of experience casting into waters across the UK, I’m constantly evaluating new tackle that claims to give us that extra edge. When Daiwa introduced the Crosscast 45SCW 5000LD QD, I was intrigued. Here’s a reel that promises to deliver the casting performance of Daiwa’s legendary Basia series at a fraction of the cost. After months of testing on everything from intimate gravel pits to the vast expanses of Horseshoe Lake, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts.
First Impressions: A Premium Look Without the Premium Price
Let me tell you, when I first unboxed this reel, I genuinely double-checked the price tag. For around £125, the Crosscast 45SCW exudes quality that you’d typically expect from reels costing twice as much. The distinctive 45mm profile immediately caught my eye – it’s unmistakably inspired by the iconic Basia design, with that tapered rear end and commanding spool presence that screams “long-distance capability.”
The build quality feels reassuringly solid in hand. The DS4 body construction provides excellent structural integrity without being overly heavy, and the aluminium forged spool has a machined finish that looks the business. I’ve had tackle snobs at the lake approach me asking about my “expensive” reels, only to be shocked when I told them the actual price.
The Technology Behind the Performance
Slow Cross Wrap (SCW) Technology
The heart of this reel’s casting performance lies in Daiwa’s Slow Cross Wrap technology. Having used the previous generation Crosscast reels, I can tell you the difference is immediately noticeable. The SCW system reduces oscillation during the retrieve, creating an enhanced line lay that translates to smoother, longer casts with reduced friction.
During my testing sessions at a local gravel pit, I consistently achieved 10-15 yard improvements over my old reels when casting 3oz leads. The line literally flies off the spool with less resistance, and I noticed significantly fewer wind knots – something that was a persistent annoyance with my previous setup.
The 45mm Long Distance Spool
The LD version I tested boasts an impressive line capacity of 530 metres of 0.35mm line. For those big-water sessions where you need to reach those distant showing fish, this capacity is absolutely crucial. I’ve loaded mine with 15lb Berkeley Big Game mono, and there’s still plenty of room for backing.
The double-lip profile of the LC spool is where the engineering really shines. Combined with the SCW line lay, Daiwa claims up to 5% improvement in casting distance, and from my experience, this isn’t marketing hyperbole. The reduced friction is tangible, particularly on those long sessions when your casting arm is feeling the strain.
Quick Drag (QD) System
The QD system is brilliant for carp fishing scenarios. With a simple quarter-turn of the rear drag knob, you can switch from loose running for feeding fish to full fighting mode when a carp picks up your bait. I’ve tested this extensively during feeding spells, and the transition is smooth and reliable. The maximum drag of 15kg is more than adequate for even the largest carp in UK waters.
Performance on the Bank
Casting Performance
This is where the Crosscast 45SCW truly excels. The 4.9:1 gear ratio might seem low compared to high-speed reels, but it’s perfectly suited for long-distance work. Each handle turn retrieves 104cm of line, providing good line recovery whilst maintaining the cranking power needed when playing large fish at distance.
I’ve achieved consistent casts of over 140 yards with a 3.5oz lead, and with perfect conditions and a good following wind, I’ve pushed closer to 160 yards. The reel’s balance is excellent, reducing fatigue during those marathon casting sessions that often define big-water carp fishing.
Smoothness and Reliability
The Digigear 2 internal gearing system provides buttery-smooth operation. Even after several months of heavy use, including numerous battles with double-figure carp, the retrieve remains consistent and reliable. The Infinite Anti-Reverse system gives confidence during the fight, with no back-play whatsoever.
The Air Rotor system contributes to the overall smoothness, reducing startup resistance and making long retrieves less tiring. This is particularly noticeable when winding in after a blank session – something we’re all familiar with!
Build Quality and Durability
After extensive testing in various conditions, including some pretty grim winter sessions, the reel has held up admirably. The DS4 construction has proven robust, and the anodised finish on the spool shows minimal wear despite regular use.
The machined aluminium handle with T-shaped knob provides excellent grip, even with wet hands. The Twistbuster 2 line roller has prevented line twist issues that plagued some of my previous reels, particularly when using mono lines.
The Pros: What Sets This Reel Apart
Exceptional Value for Money: At around £125, this reel delivers performance that rivals reels costing £250+. It’s genuinely difficult to find better value in the big-pit reel market.
Outstanding Casting Performance: The SCW technology and 45mm spool combine to deliver genuinely impressive casting distances. The improvement over standard oscillating reels is immediately noticeable.
Robust Construction: Despite the competitive price, Daiwa hasn’t cut corners on build quality. The DS4 body and machined components feel built to last.
Smooth Operation: The Digigear 2 system provides consistent, smooth operation that remains reliable even under heavy use.
Generous Line Capacity: 530 metres of 0.35mm line provides ample capacity for big-water fishing and long-distance work.
Quick Drag System: The QD system is intuitive and reliable, perfect for the varied demands of carp fishing.
Professional Appearance: The reel looks significantly more expensive than its price tag suggests, with a design that commands respect on the bank.
The Cons: Areas for Improvement
Limited Colour Options: While the black finish looks professional, some anglers prefer more colour variety in their tackle setup.
Gear Ratio: The 4.9:1 ratio, whilst perfect for power, might feel slow for anglers accustomed to higher-speed reels. It’s optimised for distance work rather than speed.
Weight: At 640g, it’s not the lightest reel in its class, though the extra weight does contribute to casting stability.
Bail Arm Spring Tension: I’ve noticed the bail arm can occasionally fail to engage properly if not closed deliberately. It’s not a major issue but requires attention during use.
Spool Lip: While effective for casting, the pronounced spool lip can occasionally catch line if you’re not careful during loading.
Drag Washers: Under extreme pressure from very large fish, the drag can become slightly grabby rather than maintaining perfectly smooth pressure. This is only noticeable with fish over 25lbs.
Comparison with Competitors
Having used reels from Fox, Shimano, and other Daiwa models, the Crosscast 45SCW holds its own admirably. It outperforms the Fox EOS 12000 in casting distance and smoothness, whilst being considerably cheaper than the Shimano Big Baitrunner XTC.
Against Daiwa’s own Emblem series, it offers 85% of the performance at 60% of the price – a compelling proposition for most carp anglers.
Real-World Performance: A Season’s Experience
Over a full season of fishing, including sessions at Linear Fisheries, Farlows Lake, and various day-ticket waters, this reel has proven itself consistently. I’ve landed fish up to 32lbs without any reliability issues, and the casting performance has remained consistent throughout.
One memorable session at Horseshoe Lake saw me consistently hitting a showing area at 135 yards, something that would have been challenging with my previous reel setup. The confidence to cast accurately at such distance opened up new fishing opportunities.
Who Should Consider This Reel?
Ideal For:
- Carp anglers seeking maximum casting distance on a budget
- Anglers upgrading from basic big-pit reels
- Those fishing large waters requiring long-distance capability
- Budget-conscious anglers wanting premium performance
Perhaps Not Ideal For:
- Anglers preferring ultra-light tackle setups
- Those requiring high-speed retrieve ratios
- Anglers fishing exclusively at short range
Final Verdict
The DAIWA Crosscast Carp 45SCW 5000LD QD represents exceptional value in today’s carp fishing market. While it may not have every feature of Daiwa’s flagship models, it delivers the core performance that matters most to carp anglers: reliable long-distance casting, smooth operation, and robust construction.
At around £125, it’s a reel that punches well above its weight class. The SCW technology genuinely improves casting performance, and the overall build quality inspires confidence during extended sessions targeting large carp.
If you’re looking to upgrade your reel setup without breaking the bank, or if you’re building your first serious carp fishing setup, the Crosscast 45SCW deserves serious consideration. It’s a reel that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to fish effectively at long range.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
The half-star deduction is purely because perfection doesn’t exist at this price point, but honestly, Daiwa has created something special here. It’s a reel I’m genuinely happy to recommend to fellow carp anglers, and one that’s earned its place on my rods for the long haul.
Available now on Amazon UK – use the link above to secure yours and experience what proper long-distance casting feels like without the premium price tag.