Advanced technology in a traditional baitcaster... Daiwa Millionaire CV-X

Date: |
2/13/02 |
Tackle type: |
Reel |
Manufacturer: |
Daiwa |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.75
Introduction: There are some anglers who will always prefer the solid
feel of a traditional baitcaster, and for these fisherman Daiwa packs some of
their latest technology into the Millionaire CV-X103A.
Daiwa
CV-X103A Specifications |
Line Capacity |
12/120;14/100 |
Gear Ratio |
5.8:1 |
Weight |
9.5 (oz) |
Bearings |
3BB, 1RB |
Additional Features |
Aluminum frame, Aluminum spool, Aluminum Oxide line
guide, Magforce V, bronze and brass machine cut gears |
MSRP |
$149.95 |
Impressions: When I first examined the Daiwa CV-X I was immediately
attracted to the solid design of the frame. It was very obvious that this reel
had been machined from high quality aluminum, and you could see from the inner
sides of the reel where the alloy had been machined away. The CV-X is a very
attractive reel, and in contrast to the silver frame rests a lightweight gold
spool. The entire reel felt very solid...no plastic parts here.
 |
Some anglers
still prefer the traditional solid feel of a traditional baitcaster, and for
these anglers Daiwa packs their latest technology into the CV-X |
The Lab Test: In the lab we tested the CV-X freespool and drag capabilities.
The freespool was quite impressive and the use of Daiwa's super speed shaft
definitely helped. When we tested the CV-X drag we found some difficulty in
adjusting the drag in minute increments, but found it to be very strong, and
could hold off 20lb's of pressure with ease thanks to a 7-element drag system.
The CV-X only utilizes 3BB and 1RB but feels
incredibly smooth when cranked. Its smoothness can be likened to other reels
that employ twice as many bearings. The Roller Bearing did its job in the lab,
and even with swift cranks we experienced zero back play in the handle. We were
eager to get this reel into the casting tests and some real world applications.
Complete Rig for CV-X Test
|
Rod |
Quarrow OTC665F |
Reel |
Daiwa CV-X |
Line |
12lb Trilene Big Game |
Real World Test: We spooled the CV-X with 12lb Trilene Big Game and headed
out to nearby Calero Reservoir for 2 days of intense testing.
 |
The
CV-X is very compact but still offers good finger placement for feathering
the spool |
Casting: The CV-X casting performance was very good. Line flows quickly
from the spool through the slick aluminum oxide line guide for smooth and long
casts. The main reason for the extended casting distance is that the CV-X uses
Daiwa's "super speed shaft" which floats the spool on precision bearings.
In the case of the CV-X the spool and frame design also affected casting
performance. If you look at popular low profile baitcasters, spooled up to
specification, you will often see that because of the slim design the line
actually needs to travel downwards to pass through the line guide and this angle
puts pressure on the guide and builds friction between the line and the guide
during casting. The CV-X with a traditional cylindrical design places the spool
directly behind the guide at equal level, and when spooled up to spec, the line
passes directly through the guide, reducing friction and extending casting
distance.
 |
Rotating the
sideplate exposes the quick change spool and Magforce V
cast control system |
The Cast Control System: The CV-X uses Daiwa's Magforce V system,
but unlike their other Daiwa baitcasters, the system is shielded behind a
sideplate, an the only way to adjust the magnetic cast control is to unscrew the
sideplate form the frame. Removing this sideplate also gives anglers access to
the spool for quick changes if necessary. To some it may seem cumbersome to have
to remove the sideplate to adjust the cast control, but rest assured removing
the CV-X takedown sideplate is as quick as 3 rotations of the plate. The
Magforce V backlash system does a great job of preventing unwanted backlashes.
The Drag: The CV-X drag is strong
and offers smooth stopping power, but like in the lab tests fine tuning wasn't
completely refined. We went to a nearby fishing shop to test the higher model
CV-Z to see if minute adjustments were better, and sure enough the CV-Z which
retails for 50 dollars more has a much more precise drag. This is because the
CV-Z utilizes a 11 element system versus the CV-X's 7. Overall drag performance
is good on the CV-X, and once you get the drag dialed into a setting you are
comfortable with it won't fail you.
The Spool: The CV-X features a very lightweight machined aircraft
aluminum spool which holds quite a bit of line for such a small reel. Key
to the smooth performance of the reel is this floating spool that can be
completely separated from gearing during casting operation.
 |
The CV-X's
frame and sideplates are precision machined from a solid bar of stock
aluminum, and the line guide is made from Aluminum Oxide |
The Retrieve: The CV-X103A really shines in this department. Remember the
CV-X103A is a very small and compact reel yet it offers a very fast gear ratio
of 5.8:1, faster then all the other Millionaire's...even the CV-Z models. The
CV-Z is able to retrieve 24.0 inches of line per turn which is more line then
the next two sizes up. On the water, and in the lab, the reel feels silky smooth
and we just couldn't believe it only housed 3 ball bearings!
Ratings:
Daiwa CV-X103A
Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Solid construction that brings top notch
materials to a traditional design |
9 |
Performance |
Good performance in almost all areas. Design
actually complements performance bringing a good balance of design and
performance |
8.5 |
Price |
A reasonable price for anglers desiring
traditional baitcaster design, and the benefits of advanced technology |
8.5 |
Features |
Many great features, some may like the cast
control adjustments on the outside of the reel, but we liked them protected,
and found removing the sideplate to be quick and easy |
8.5 |
Design (Ergonomics) |
Timeless design, and purists will find Daiwa's
Millionaire loyal to traditional baitcast appeal |
9 |
Application |
The Millionaire line has a reel for every
occasion and now even offers a "Power Handle" option for more leverage on
larger reels, but the CV-X103A is excellent for bass fishing in fresh and
brackish water |
9 |
Total Score |
8.75 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Solid construction |
L
Minute Drag adjustment |
J
Advanced technology |
|
J
Fast Gear Ratio |
|
J
No Plastic anywhere! |
|
J
Reasonable Price |
|
Conclusion: The CV-X is designed as a reasonably priced fully featured
reel that can satisfy anglers that desire traditional baitcast design but can
also benefit from advanced technology like Daiwa's Magforce V cast control
system. In all tests the CV-X103A performed well, and anglers that like the look
and feel of the CV-X can also spend a bit more and upgrade to the even smoother
and perfect drag performing premium Millionaire CV-Z reels. From the frame to
the inner guts of the reel, the CV-X is a solid reel utilizing top notch
materials, and is made with great attention to details....another winner from
Daiwa.
