Spinning Reel Review: Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C
Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C: Surprising power in a light package
This reel convinced me for bottom fishing. The Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C is not only feather-light but also robust and reliable. Although it belongs to the LT series, it has plenty of power and a buttery smooth drag.
Read my review now and find out why this reel is ideal for bottom fishing!
Design and Build Quality
The Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C features a dark gray body constructed from ultra-light Zaion V material. The robust aluminum handle is non-folding for added durability.
The aluminum spool boasts a clean white finish, displaying the reel model name, Daiwa logo, and line capacity. A black line clip is integrated into the spool for convenient line management.
This reel incorporates a Long Cast ABS aluminum spool with an optimized lip design to minimize friction and maximize casting distance. Upon closer inspection, the spool lip’s V-shape isn’t as uniformly machined as, for example, the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ.
The inner edge of the lip appears to be made of black plastic, transitioning to a thin, flat aluminum line that culminates in a V-shaped aluminum outer edge.
The front of the spool features a textured drag knob. A light, plastic-sounding tap is noticeable when knocking on the drag knob.
A small switch on the underside of the reel body allows for engaging or disengaging the anti-reverse function. When engaged, the handle rotates only forward, enabling line retrieval.
Another plastic component is the rear cap, which also produces a plastic sound when tapped. Additionally, the cap appears to be surface-mounted rather than seamlessly integrated into the reel body, as seen in the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ.
Overall, the reel leaves a well-made impression, although the plastic drag knob and end cap slightly detract from its premium feel. Additionally, the spool lip’s V-shape isn’t perfectly uniform.
Line Lay and Performance
While spooling braided line, I noticed the line lay is generally clean. Upon closer inspection, the line is spooled slightly higher towards the front spool edge.
The reel’s operation with 5 ball bearings is exceptionally smooth and stable. It’s also noticeably quieter than models with fewer bearings.
Hands-On Performance: Bottom Fishing with the Exceler LT
For light bottom fishing, I paired the Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C with my Daiwa Sweepfire telescopic rod (approximately 9’10”; 0.35-1 oz lure weight). Weighing in at a mere 8.1 ounces, the Daiwa Exceler felt comfortable in hand and perfectly complemented the lightweight telescopic rod.
Before casting, I loosened the drag to allow a striking fish to take line without pulling the rod into the water. During this adjustment, I noticed the drag is quite slow, requiring numerous turns of the drag knob to fully open.
Thanks to the Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C’s clean line lay, the bottom rig cast smoothly and achieved good distance. The reel maintained its smooth and quiet operation during retrieval.
Furthermore, the 5.2:1 gear ratio allowed for quick retrieval of the bottom rig. Even after several hours of bottom fishing, there were no line twists or other issues.
Overall, I’m satisfied with the reel’s performance in practical testing. However, due to the very slow drag and the slightly uneven spool lip, I’d recommend this reel more for bottom fishing and float fishing rather than spin fishing.
Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C: Technologies, Features, and Applications
The Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C incorporates the following key technologies:
- AIRDRIVE Design
- ZAION V Body
- ZAION V AIRDRIVE ROTOR
- TOUGH DIGIGEAR Gear System
- Cross Wrap Line Lay
- Forged ABS Aluminum Long Cast Spool
- AIRDRIVE Bail
These Daiwa-engineered technologies contribute to a lighter, more stable, higher-performing, and durable reel.
AIRDRIVE DESIGN: Daiwa’s AIRDRIVE Design enhances the reel’s mechanics, resulting in smoother and lighter rotation. This improvement is particularly noticeable during retrieves.
ZAION V BODY: ZAION V is an ultra-lightweight yet exceptionally strong carbon material, significantly reducing the reel’s overall weight while boosting stability.
ZAION V AIRDRIVE ROTOR: The rotor, also crafted from ZAION V and further lightened by the AIRDRIVE Design, delivers improved balance and optimized rotational feel.
TOUGH DIGIGEAR Gear System: The precision-machined TOUGH DIGIGEAR Gear System ensures extreme durability and performance, providing optimal power transfer and smooth operation.
CROSS WRAP Line Lay: The Cross Wrap Line Lay system guarantees perfect line winding on the spool, minimizing line twist and enhancing casting distance.
FORGED ABS ALUMINUM LONG CAST SPOOL: The forged aluminum spool is exceptionally robust and durable. The ABS spool design facilitates longer casts and reduces line snarls.
AIRDRIVE Bail: The lighter and stronger bail improves reel balance and ensures smoother bail operation.
Due to its 26.4 lbs maximum drag and gradual drag adjustment, the Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C excels in bottom fishing. The slower drag adjustment allows for more time to fine-tune drag settings during a strike compared to fast-paced lure fishing.
However, because of the slightly uneven spool lip, prolonged spin fishing could lead to unnecessary line abrasion, and casting distances might not be as optimal as with reels featuring a perfectly uniform spool lip.
This reel is also well-suited for float fishing targeting coarse fish, where frequent drag adjustments during fights are minimal.
Additionally, it can handle predator float fishing, provided the initial drag settings are properly configured.
With a 26.4 lbs drag capacity, this reel has the theoretical strength to handle sizable walleye, carp, pike, musky, and catfish.
| Manufacturer | |
| Availability | In Stock |
| Field test rating | 4 stars |
| Mono line capacity | 10/360 (lb/yds.) |
| Gear ratio | 5.2:1 |
| Number of ball bearings | 6 |
| Type of drag | Front drag |
| Max drag | 26.4 lbs |
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Material | LT |
| Saltwater resistant |  |
| Baitrunner | |
Pros and Cons of the Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C
What I Like:
- Very high drag capacity (26.4 lbs)
- High line capacity
- Ultra-lightweight
- Smooth operation
- Good build quality
- Excellent value for money
What I Don’t Like:
- Very slow drag adjustment
- Spool lip is not a uniform surface
- End cap and drag knob made of inexpensive-feeling plastic
- Non-folding handle
The Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C impressed me during testing. With a 26.4 lbs drag, it can easily handle hard-fighting fish, and the high line capacity makes it suitable for long casts.
I was particularly impressed by the reel’s lightweight design. It’s comfortable to hold and allows for fatigue-free fishing, even during long sessions. The smooth operation is another highlight – you can feel the quality of the TOUGH DIGIGEAR gear system.
However, there are a few drawbacks. While the drag is powerful, it’s a bit slow to adjust. This could be critical during a fight when a fish suddenly pulls line.
The spool lip could also be improved. It’s not a perfectly uniform surface, which slightly affects casting distance. Additionally, the handle is non-folding; it can only be detached by unscrewing it.
Despite these minor criticisms, the Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C is a solid reel with excellent value. If you’re looking for a lightweight and reliable reel for bottom fishing, it’s definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
The Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C is a lightweight and well-built reel with smooth operation and a powerful drag. It’s ideal for bottom and float fishing, although the slow drag adjustment might be a disadvantage for spin fishing.
The spool lip could be further optimized. Overall, the Exceler LT4000D-C offers great value for money and is a reliable choice for anglers seeking a dependable reel.