[ICAST 2023]The New Free Swimmer EX from Daiwa

Daiwa has brought out their next level of live-lining spinning reels to ICAST this year with the new Free Swimmer EX. This goes beyond the more entry-level Free Swimmer fishing reel they introduced last year. Upgrades include the addition of an Air Bail to the Air Rotor on the reel for better balance, toughness, and sensitivity in the reel. The lower weight, arched profile, and lower center of gravity are matched to the lighter and tougher SUS303 steel air bail for a more rugged reel. The reel also comes with Daiwa’s waterproof and super smooth carbon Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD) system, capable of putting out 22 lbs of drag pressure in both reel sizes.

The reel is available in both 8000 and 10000 sizes, coming with a corrosion-resistant lightweight graphite frame that comes with Digigear gearing, large digitally cut, and polished gearing. They have better meshing for a longer and smoother life than similar reels. Add to that a machined aluminum direct drive handle that comes with a large aluminum handle, for excellent leverage and power when reeling in your target species. These new reels also come with Daiwa’s patented Magseal technology. A special magnetic oil, that is capable of changing density under a magnetic field, is applied to the main shaft and line roller of the spinning reel to produce a low-friction seal that keeps water, dust, and sand out of the reel. So no sluggish reel feel that you get with reels that use traditional rubber or silicone seals. Expect to see these new live-lining reels in October 2023 with an MSRP of $299.99 for either size.

Daiwa Free Swimmer EX Key Features

Automatic Bite N’ Run Clutch
AIR DRIVE ROTOR
AIR BAIL
DIGIGEAR
Waterproof Carbon Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD)
MAGSEALED
4CRBB+1BB+1 Ball Bearing System
Aluminum Handle Knob
Machined Aluminum Screw-In Handle
4.7:1 Gear Ratio
Available in 8000- and 10000-sizes
Max Drag – 22lbs
Inches of line per handle turn: 39.6-inches (10000-size) and 36.1-inches (8000-size)
MSRP $299.99

Special thanks to the Daiwa staff here at ICAST 2023, and stick around for more ICAST coverage. Also, let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we appreciate your feedback.

Eugene L.

Writer for AllOutdoor.com and OutdoorHub.com Lifelong angler that will fish for anything that swim, firearms enthusiast, and hunter. Instagram - mrfish49