[ICAST 2023]Daiwa’s Next Level Live-Lining Reel – Free Swimmer EX

The Free Swimmer spinning reel from last year was Daiwa’s entry-level live-lining reel, now they are releasing the next step up for ICAST 2023 with the Free Swimmer EX. The EX has been upgraded with the addition of the Daiwa Air Bail to the Air Rotor on the reel for better balance, toughness, and sensitivity in the reel. The Daiwa Air Bail is made from tough SUS303 steel, letting the bail be hollow. This makes the bail light but still very strong and rugged. The drag system on the reel is the waterproof Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD) system, a super smooth carbon fiber drag with specially engineered grease for low starting inertia. This drag is capable of putting out 22 lbs of drag pressure in both sizes of the reel.

The Free Swimmer EX will be available in a 8000 and a 10000 size. The frame of the reel is a corrosion-resistant lightweight graphite frame, and the powertrain of the reel is Daiwa’s Digigear. Big digitally cut and polished gears that have greater meshing for a smoother reeling experience that lasts. For additional leverage and power while reeling in your target species, the EX features a machined aluminum direct drive handle with a sizable aluminum handle. The reel also features Magseal technology, the primary shaft and line roller of the spinning reel are coated with a specialized magnetic oil that may change density in the presence of a magnetic field, creating a low-friction seal that prevents sand, dust, and water from entering the reel. So there will be no sluggish feel to the reeling with this reel, unlike reels that use traditional rubber 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.

Eugene L. is currently a writer for OutdoorHub who has chosen not to write a short bio at this time.