DAIWA: Award-Winning Reel Gets Even Better ICAST 2025
Jul 8th, 2025 by Chris Munchow
Modified Jul 8th, 2025 at 3:33 PM
NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE
|
Award-Winning Reel Gets Even Better |
|
DAIWA’s enhanced Ballistic MQ LT is laden with features and technology for freshwater and saltwater applications. |
|
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 8, 2025) – The dictionary says ballistics [buh-lis-tiks] is the science that studies the motion of projectiles, particularly those launched from firearms, rockets, and other weapons. In the DAIWA-sphere, “Ballistic” is the resulting reel from the science that launches lures unimaginagle distance. And, the improved Ballistic MQ LT is the latest rendering of this award-winning freshwater/saltwater crossover reel. “This is the reel that’ll have you demanding more DAIWA in your boat and back of your truck,” exclaimed DAIWA Marketing Manager, Marc Mills. “It’s that first step into fishing a true premium class reel, yet the Ballistic MQ LT is priced like a midrange model.” Performance-wise, Mills first recognized the Ballistic MQ LT’s smooth and effortless reeling. “It’s all about DAIWA’s exclusive AIRDRIVE system. “The combination of the AIRDRIVE Rotor, Shaft, Spool, and Bail deliver an exceptionally lightweight, efficient, frictionless, and airy performance you’ll feel from the moment you draw back the bail for a cast, to retrieving a lure, and ultimately, fighting a fish.” Another standout feature of the freshwater/saltwater crossover Ballistic MQ LT is its monocoque (MQ) frame. “The single piece, MQ chassis offers several benefits,” said Mills. “The Ballistic MQ LT sports our ZAION V monocoque body, which is constructed of carbon fiber, making the reel remarkably lightweight, rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant. MQ also delivers 360-degrees of stability and improved waterproofing over reels with conventional, screw-in sideplates.” |
The LT in Ballistic MQ LT stands for “Light Tough”. The abbreviation represents DAIWA’s minimalist technology that allows them to engineer a physically smaller reel but with increased strength. Despite the lesser overall size, when paired with MQ technology, the reel actually houses larger and more robust gearing, DAIWA’s TOUGH DIGIGEAR, to be accurate – more on that below.
“You have to hold the reel in your hand to really appreciate the comfortable compactness,” said Mills. “For example, a 3000-size Ballistic MQ LT feels better fitted and more manageable than a reel said to be the same size from other manufacturers. Then, open the bail and start spinning and you’ll be sold on the total technological package that goes into this special reel.”
Cosmetically, the refreshed Ballistic MQ LT flashes a regal metallic blue and red blend. This, while a compressed EVA handle proffers a confident grip and natural feel.
DAIWA’s Ballistic MQ LT is available in sizes 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 4000, spanning the gamut from stream trout to panfish, to walleyes and bass, and inshore casting for snook and spotted seatrout…and everything in between.
|
TOUGH DIGIGEAR
A7075 Aircraft Grade aluminum is forged into bigger gears with larger tooth patterns and perfectly meshed between an ultra-tough drive gear and pinion gears for optimized speed, torque, exactness, smoothness, and durability.
ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag) TYPE-L
The ATD TYPE-L drag system works in tandem with the pull of a fish. The initial response of the drag has been significantly improved, especially when using lighter lines to reduce the load and enable a quicker catch and minimize stress on the fish.
LONG CAST ABS
The friction caused by line contacting the spool edge during casting has been reduced. The two-stage spool edge shape is engineered for a smooth line release. The spool edge is designed for long casts with the maximum amount of line spooled. Casting distance is increased compared to models without the LONG CAST-ABS.
MAGSEALED® Shaft
Utilizes DAIWA’s patented treatment for keeping water, dust, and grit from encountering the reel’s inner components. MAGSEALED is a membrane of magnetic oil that creates a low-friction seal that delivers a smooth rotation and long lasting performance.
BALL BEARING SYSTEM
The Ballistic MQ LT features a 2 CRBB (corrosion resistant ball bearings) 6BB (ball bearings) + 1 roller bearing system for supreme performance and protection. Unlike ordinary “corrosion resistant” bearings with an unprotected open race, DAIWA’s CRBB ball bearings are shielded to seal out sand, fine grit, salt crystals and other abrasives for even longer life. DAIWA’s CRBB ball bearings feature 12 times the corrosion resistance of traditionsal ball bearings.
MSRP $239.99
|
For DAIWA’s latest color catalog and/or information on DAIWA dealers in your area, call DAIWA’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for DAIWA’s web site is daiwa.us |
|
   |
|
About DAIWA Corporation DAIWA’s first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955. Since then, the company has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world today. To handle sales and distribution in the United States, DAIWA Corporation first opened its doors on September 26, 1966, operating from a small facility in Culver City, California. Today, based in Foothill Ranch, California, DAIWA Corporation sells tackle throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America. From the very beginning, DAIWA’s emphasis has been upon innovation and quality. The result is a long list of product features, design and materials that have become standards for the fishing tackle industry. DAIWA’s long-standing record of innovation has left a visible mark on the majority of tackle manufactured today and continues to advance the sport of fishing. Learn more at daiwa.us |