ABS Aluminium Spool with double anodized spool lip
Spare ABS Aluminium Spool
Machine cut aluminium handle with new detachable soft handle knob
Twist Buster
Stainless steel bale
Weight of the 3500xi is 14.3ozs.
3 models, 2500xi, 3500xi, and 4000xi and all models come with a spare spool.£ 44.99, additional spare spool £ 9.99
Overview
“These awesome performers now fitted with AirBail, come with an abundance of features including an amazing ten ball bearings.
Ultra smooth motion and relentless power betray their modest price tag. Add to that the bearing assisted, oversize line roller and the highly responsive front drag and you have totally capable reel choice.”
That’s what Daiwa say about these new reels. But quite frankly I think it’s a bit of an understatement. These reels aren’t just ‘capable’, they’re remarkable!
The winding is as smooth as silk thanks to all the ball bearings and the handle is comfortable and yet positive to hold. The drag is very good being easily adjustable from the front and very small adjustments can be made whilst fighting the fish. Line lay is angled towards the front, but this, Daiwa says, makes casting a lot better.
Jeff Woodhouse’s Verdict
I have never been sold on really expensive reels simply because I believe in the three fundamental requirements of them.
1. The need to store line 2. The need to release that line freely on the cast 3. To facilitate the previous two, the need to wind line back onto the spool without tangling and in a fashion that leaves the layers fairly level.
Most reels, even the cheapest, perform the above functions rather well these days, the difference between the models being the quality and smoothness with which they do it. In this respect, I have to say this Regal does it exceedingly well. The body colour is a deep blue, one that reminds you of bottles of Milk of Magnesia, if you know what I mean.
Thames barbel Jeff caught using the Daiwa Regal Xi
I have had two previous Regal reels, but the first was a rear drag model, which was good. I then acquired a Regal-Z 4000T that cost around £ 90 and I still use that for floater fishing, it’s in my carp holdall. This is my third Regal reel, but I also have a Daiwa Capricorn I reviewed for FM more than two years ago now.
That Capricorn was made to retail for £ 149, more than three times the price of this Regal. Yet, if I put them alongside each other I would defy anyone blindfolded to choose which was which, other than the difference in feel of the handle. The Regal casts like a dream and the drag is very finely adjusted and works smoothly so what more could you ask for?
Even the spare spool is identical to the main spool. Line lay is very good and the bale arm closes nicely and fairly quietly, but I often close it manually nowadays. It is without doubt a superb reel well worth the asking price, but unbelievably, some dealers are offering a small discount on it. Get one!
