This Daiwa BG Spinning Reel is one of the top products, established with finely tuned features and finished with quality engineering. It has a super-hard body, excellent dragging power, and improved casting distance.
This well-balanced reel with good design leads to high performance and durability. It does have some disadvantages that I will explore further below, such as the max drag of the smaller models and total weight.
The Daiwa BG made the list as one of our top bass spinning reels.
Everything in this review is based on my own personal experiences and angling knowledge.
- Saltwater Ready
- Braid Ready - No Mono Backing Required
- Machined Aluminum Housing
- Infinite Anti-Reverse System
- Lower Max Drag
- Heavier than Alternatives
Read more about how our scoring system works.
Table of Contents
Daiwa BG Reel Overview
The Daiwa BG is one of the most popular spinning reels on the market, so I wanted to make sure I tested it thoroughly so I can truly understand what makes it so renowned.
Dragging Support
Within each Daiwa BG Spinning Reel model, the dragging force differs due to their advanced gear functions. While the lowest grade among the four has a dragging max force of 4.4 lb, the largest is crafted to provide a dragging force of 33 lb. Therefore the reel can suit both smaller freshwater species and larger saltwater.
I feel that 4.4 lb is not enough for any species larger than a panfish. So, unless you are picking a reel for the specific purpose of small freshwater species, I would certainly suggest getting the 2500-sized model at a minimum because of its extra drag.
The dragging force does make the real-time difference, but the balance of the reel is also essential. This balance provides a smoother effect when pulling in large catches.
Excellent Waterproof Body
The reel’s body is the main thing that defines its usage in salt or freshwater. Full body metal acts as the protective shield, and the BG has an anodized machined aluminum housing. The larger-sized models are specifically designed for big game saltwater species.
The Carbon ATD makes the reel both waterproof and at the same time, relatively lightweight. With the rotor and the side blades slanted, the reel seems to be one of the slimmest compared to other spinning reels.
The Daiwa BG fishing reel is very durable, and much of that credit goes to the hardcore metal body. I often place the BG as one of the most durable spinning reels – Daiwa is renowned for its durable construction and designs.
Casting Distance
In the case of the Daiwa BG Ultra-light reels, the reel is excellent for casting with a smooth line-lay.
Regarding the casting distance, this reel can cast beyond the waves while you are standing at the shore. The ability to cast smoothly plus the distance covered makes this reel rare among all the spinning reels. This extra casting distance makes the BG well suited for inshore fishing, and you will often find it available in a combo with a long surf rod in any tackle store.
The reversed taper used in the system makes the Daiwa BG Spinning Reel one of the most awaited products in the entire store. A reverse taper gives longer and smoother casts because there is less lip surface for the line to get caught. This reverse taper effectively reduces the friction on the line.
Bearing Function
Casting, cranking, and dragging force are the three things that are usually checked while purchasing a fishing reel. Many anglers also check out body weight, balance, and durability. However, there stands another thing that the beginners often miss out, but the professionals would never miss – the smoothness in action.
The dragging force can be very high, but if the reel lacks smoothness, it will not be able to give you an effective dragging force. This Daiwa BG Ultra-light spinning reel has a smooth action with 6 stainless steel ball bearings, well protected under a shield. Due to the bearings, the action is naturally made smoother to give you a better experience.
Slippage Protection
The Daiwa BG Slippage Proof Spinning Reel also helps prevent slippage in the line. The reel has a gutter system on the bearings to avoid slippage and losing your fish. This will hold the line from slippage.
Pros
- The reel contains an Air Rotor, which is a weight-reducing design feature.
- Daiwa BG spinning reel has 6+1 bearings, out of which 6 ball bearings are made of stainless steel and give a smooth retrieve when under load. The remaining bearing is a Roller bearing that acts as an anti-reversal agent.
- The cranking ability and the line capacity of the reel are outstanding.
- It is available in a wide variety of sizes from 1500 to 8000.
Cons
- The reel weight is higher when compared to that of some other reels that are available, with the 3000-sized model over 10 ounces.
- The reel is good in terms of casting and dragging, but in both the cases other reels in the market are better performing when considering the price.
- The max drag is suitable but is slightly lower than I would prefer – the smaller models are especially low at only 4.4 lb.
- There are no high-speed models available that would be better suited for fast-moving lures like jerkbait.
Video Review
Alternate Comparison
I always like to compare reels to similar alternate options. In this case, I have picked another Daiwa reel in the Fuego LT. There are a lot of similarities between these two reels – they have the same number of ball bearings and a very similar price.
However, the Fuego is both lighter and more powerful – a very enticing combination. The BG has a higher gear ratio and is better suited for faster-retrieving lures, so it depends on your use.
This comparison is based on a 2500-sized reel model:
| Key Specifications | Daiwa BG | Daiwa Fuego LT |
| Weight | 9.3 oz | 7.2 oz |
| Ball Bearings | 6+1 | 6+1 |
| Gear Ratio | 5.6:1 | 5.3:1 |
| Max Drag | 13.2 lb | 22 lb |
| Price | $$ | $$ |
- Saltwater Ready
- Braid Ready - No Mono Backing Required
- Machined Aluminum Housing
- Infinite Anti-Reverse System
- Lower Max Drag
- Heavier than Alternatives
Specifications
| Model Number | Bearings | Gear Ratio | Retrieve Rate (In/Crank) | Weight (Oz) | Line Capacity (Lb / Yards) | Max Drag (Lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BG1500 | 6+1 | 5.6:1 | 28.3 | 8.5 | MONO: 4/155, 6/100 BRAID: 8/220, 10/130 | 4.4 |
| BG2000 | 6+1 | 5.6:1 | 29.5 | 8.5 | MONO: 6/135, 8/110 BRAID: 10/160, 15/130 | 4.4 |
| BG2500 | 6+1 | 5.6:1 | 33.2 | 9.3 | MONO: 6/210, 8/170 BRAID: 15/190, 20/170 | 13.2 |
| BG3000 | 6+1 | 5.6:1 | 37.4 | 10.8 | MONO: 8/240, 10/200 BRAID: 15/280, 20/240 | 15.4 |
| BG3500 | 6+1 | 5.7:1 | 38.5 | 14.1 | MONO: 10/240, 12/210 BRAID: 20/310, 30/230 | 17.6 |
| BG4000 | 6+1 | 5.7:1 | 39.9 | 14.3 | MONO: 10/300, 12/260 BRAID: 20/370, 30/280 | 17.6 |
| BG4500 | 6+1 | 5.7:1 | 43.1 | 22.0 | MONO: 14/350, 17/280 BRAID: 40/340, 50/270 | 22 |
| BG5000 | 6+1 | 5.7:1 | 47.4 | 22.6 | MONO: 14/470, 17/380 BRAID: 40/480, 50/360 | 22 |
| BG6500 | 6+1 | 5.3:1 | 48.7 | 29.5 | MONO: 20/370, 25/310 BRAID: 50/550, 65/440 | 33 |
| BG8000 | 6+1 | 5.3:1 | 53.3 | 30.0 | MONO: 20/550, 25/440 BRAID: 50/730, 65/590 | 33 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight of the Daiwa BG Reel?
The reel’s weight varies between the models, where the lightest one is 8.5 oz, and the heaviest one is 30.0 oz.
What is the gear ratio of the Daiwa BG Reel?
The gear ratio of the Daiwa BG is 5.6:1 in the 1500-3000 sizes, 5.7:1 in the 3500-5000 sizes, and 5.3:1 in the 6500-8000 sizes.
Is the Daiwa BG suitable for saltwater?
Yes, the Daiwa BG is specifically designed to be used in saltwater. The larger models are built for big gamefish saltwater species.
Conclusion
After going through the reel’s features, it can be identified that it has extraordinary performance and is lightweight. The Daiwa BG Lightweight Fishing Reel design is engineered so that all types of users can use it.
If you are looking for an alternative, check out Daiwa’s Ballistic Reel.
While the beginners will start learning how they can do better, on the other end, the experts will appreciate all its features. Outstandingly configured, this reel is well crafted and has excellent dragging force, ultimate casting support, and balance.
