Daiwa Underspin-XD Series, Trigger-Control Closed-Face Reel

This review is of the Daiwa Underspin 40-XD. This is the smallest size available of the XD reels and is considered "ultra-light" tackle. I've caught quite a few sunfish, perch, bluegill, and stocked stream trout on this reel with 4 lb line. I've used everything from float/hook/split-shot to jigging to small spinners and the reel performs well.I bought the 40-XD to replace a Zebco 33 Micro triggerspin ultra-lite on which the drag no longer worked and could not be repaired. I was surprised at the quality difference right out of the box. Here's a brief comparison:Daiwa 40-XD:--body made of aluminum--spool shroud made of aluminum--trigger made of solid aluminum--strong and rigid solid aluminum reel foot that is thin enough to fit rods comfortably--one large hardened pick-up pin that actually spins with the line to reduce friction and wear (if I'm not mistaken, you've got to go all the way up to the Zebco Bullet at $99 before Zebco offers you a rotating pick up pin).--solid aluminum anti-reverse switch that has a very good and solid "clicky" positive feel--large crank knob for this size reel that spins freely--nice, chunky aluminum crank arm--excellent multi-disk drag, a little touchy at first but definitely serviceableZebco 33 Micro triggerspin:--body made of plastic--spool shroud made of stainless steel--trigger made of plastic--thick plastic reel foot that never really fit my rods well--two tiny static ceramic pick-up pins--plastic anti-reverse switch that always felt sort of fragile--difficult to use drag that eventually failed altogetherI love Zebco and own a few of their reels, but at least in this ultra-lite catagory, the Daiwa looks, feels, and functions much better than the Zebco 33 Micro. All I know of Daiwa is from my experience fishing with a Fuego baitcaster combo, which has been very positive, so I decided to give their ultra-lite a try. For the level of quality, the price of the 40-XD is more than fair. All-in-all, I've been pleased with the 40-XD, so much so that I've decided to buy a 120-XD for bass fishing and throw it on my Eagle Claw Pack-It spinning rod. You just can't beat the prices of these reels for how much fishing you can get out of them. It's kind of funny because I was just about to buy a Zebco Omega reel because I always wanted one, but fishing with a Daiwa spincast reel makes me want to switch that plan to the Daiwa Goldcast 80 or 100.I plan on making this my go-to backpacking reel, coupled with an old two-piece 4'6" fiberglass pack rod. I find spincast reels to be good for backpacking because the spooled line is completely enclosed inside the spool shroud, making tangling and unintentional releasing of line rather unlikely. I'm also thinking about getting my hands on Daiwa's Minicast System. The fit and finish here seems solid. The 40-XD is a clear winner the battle of ultra-lite spincasters. Recommended.

At last count I have accumulated about 60 fishing reels. U.S.A. made Penn saltwater. Swedish Abu Garcia. Japanese made Shimano. Tulsa, OK made Zebco. Trolling, bait cast, spin cast.As for closed face spin cast reels, I do have some experience. Started with a Johnson Century, if that gives any perspective. As for this style of underspin reel. These are good. I bought one of each size. Only one pickup pin, if that really matters to you. The rear drag wheel on the 80XD and 120XD is good. I am a bit less impressed with the 40XD drag setting. But, it is an ultralight bluegill kinda rig. The larger ones will work for crappie, bass, channel cats and such.All in all, good reels at a good price.

Update 2020/10/10:Now that my son has expressed desire to move onto the standard spinning reel, I'm wrapping up this review.I would recommend to replace supplied line with 8lb line that is labeled "as easy manageable" and do not pack it to the top - leave about 1/8" free. This will help to avoid line tangles. Neither little kid nor big kid (you) will be able to cast too far with this reel so having full reel of line will only add work untangling it because little kids take time to learn to keep the line under pressure when reeling in. Possibly use size 50 if it fits your kid or you, but definitely do not go for smaller than size 40. Line rated at 8lb will do the best in this size 40 reel imho, but for certain applications (vertical line drop) you might manage 10Lb line as well.---------------Daiwa US40XD-CPReel size is perfect for my 5yo boy. Underspin reel style is perfect as first ever reel and to learn how to handle a spinning reel and for easy transition to spinning reels in the future.The reel comes pre-wound with clear monofilament line, but the packaging does not indicate line test rating (I would guess it's within 4-6lbs).In my opinion, this reel beats any reel that comes in a paired rod and reel style packaged in blister plastic for kids.I've paired this reel with a 5 feet telescopic spinning rod from South Bend. They together look and perform beautifully. For the record, the rod model I paired it with is SBN-505L/TSP.

Had a nice $120 spinning rod I needed a reel for. I don’t care for spinning reels though and won’t fish with them so I bought this upside down closed face spincast for the similarities to a spinning reel in order to match the rod. The line it comes with is garbage, I immediately switched the line out out for a good quality 6lb monofilament. Turned out to be about the furthest casting set up I have. Learning curve of the trigger cast was quick and easy. After a few casts I can put a lure anywhere as accurately as any rod I have. Don’t overfill it with line and this reel should work out well for anyone. Hard to beat for the money.

It's a great reel and works well, It has a rorating line pickep for power and 16" retrieve and buttery smooth operation. But would not recommend it because the anti-reverse, when engaged, is sloppy. Normally on a mini reel the stopping mechanism has more slots so the handle can quickly lock into place to fight a fish. This model has too few slots, so the handle will travel longer backwards almost 3/16 to1/4 of turn before it engages. This could be a problem for some people.

My favorite reel of all time. Sewing machine smooth, great drag adjustment and casts farther than any other reel Ive ever used. Probably by 5th one in 12 years, not terribly resilient and a little bit touchy on how much line is on the spool. Just like your woman, a little touchy, but when you treat her right everybody is very happy.