Under the name of "Strength and Simplicity," the 16th-year fruition
Known as "25BLX." In 2025, DAIWA's high-end bass rod series "BLACK LABEL" is entering its 4th generation. With its traditional black brand color as the base, the sleek, thin blanks have transformed from gloss to matte, accompanied by a cool, tightly designed EVA grip and sophisticated overall design. At first glance, this represents a significant evolution of the BLACK LABEL. Many might think, "The BLX has changed drastically." But it’s not just the appearance that has changed; the true essence hidden within will become apparent over time.
Looking back, the first generation debuted in 2009 under the iconic jet-black blanks, and still remains symbolic of BLX. The only truth needed in fishing was practical performance. "Strength and Simplicity," or in other words, a no-frills rod, was the origin of BLACK LABEL.
Five years later, in 2014, the second generation appeared as the BLACK LABEL "+," which was outfitted with DAIWA's cutting-edge rod technologies like X45 and 3DX. This model evolved into something close to a flagship model and became the foundation for DAIWA's recent bass rod development. In 2019, for the brand's 10th anniversary, the third generation, affectionately known as "BLX," was released. The rods were divided into two categories: high-elasticity carbon (SG) for sensitivity and operability, and low- and medium-elasticity carbon (LG) for strength and castability, forming models specialized for different fishing techniques. And now, in 2025, the 4th generation BLX is here. What kind of innovation lies within this product, shaped by 15 years of extensive rod production experience?
Focused on versatility and "usability," the bold decision DAIWA made for the 4th generation was the addition of "usability" with expandability. The goal is that any angler can enjoy ease of use at any time, in any situation. Once they have the rod in hand, they can envision the next move, sparking their imagination. No more confusion. The blank, designed to be slim and lightweight, contains the next level of expandability that resonates with the angler’s intentions.
The first model of the 4th generation features 22 items in total: 16 baitcasting and 6 spinning models. Focused on the mainstream bass fishing items, the series includes models that cater to trends such as big baits and frogs for baitcasting, and mid-range and hover-stirring techniques for spinning, covering a wide range of the current fishing trends.
One common feature among all models is that they are not focused on just one type of fishing technique but rather prepared for multiple styles. For example, even a rod designed primarily for retrieval also excels in worming, providing many versatile options for anglers. In general, the 25BLX models are perfect for both retrieval and worming. It is the product of DAIWA's carbon technology and taper design, refined through years of experience, that makes the impossible possible.
The "H" shape taper, adopted in the 25BLX, is at the core of its design. It is the key to the rod's responsiveness to all types of fishing. By reducing the slack between the rod tip and the water surface, this taper keeps the line in a natural "catchable" state, optimizing the lure’s natural movement.
In the new "Shore Competition" model, which is expected to attract a lot of attention, the "SC" rods, originally part of DAIWA's flagship STEEZ line, are now integrated into the 25BLX. With updated features, including a titanium to stainless steel guide frame and a different carbon technology, these models have transformed into versatile rods with improved usability.
The "user-friendliness" concept is central to the 25BLX, and the work put into this development is evident in every detail, both in terms of rod technology and its user interface. This model marks a new chapter in DAIWA's bass rod history and is built to last, setting the stage for future developments.
Daiwa Technologies
SVF Carbon SVF Carbon achieves greater lightness, power, and slimness by reducing resin content further than HVF, allowing more carbon fibers to be tightly packed. Applicable Models: C64L-BF, C67L/ML+ -BF, C65MH-FR, C66M-ST, C70H, C74H, SC C69M+ -ST, SC C69MH, SC C68H-ST・SB, all spinning models.
HVF Carbon Daiwa focuses on reducing resin, the adhesive material that binds carbon fibers, and increases the carbon fiber density to create high-density HVF Carbon. This results in a muscular, powerful rod with excellent strength and flexibility, ideal for rods emphasizing resilience and strength. Applicable Models: C63MH-FR, C66ML+, C610M, C610MH, C73ML+, C74MH.
X45 Full Shield (X45 Cobra Shield) X45 Full Shield structure tightens the twist from the blank’s tip using a 45° carbon bias cross at the outermost layer, improving twisting rigidity. This enhances casting accuracy and the rod's inherent performance.
3DX 3DX enhances restoration power by employing a honeycomb structure on the outer layer to recover the rod's shape. The greater the restoring force, the higher the stability in tip movement, improving cast stability and distance. Applicable Models: SC C69MH, SC C68H-ST・SB, C66ML+, S64UL, S68UL-ST.
MEGA TOP Mega Top is a carbon solid where fibers and resin are evenly distributed, enhancing strength and allowing for a more flexible, high-taper tip. It offers superior sensitivity both through tactile feedback and visual cues at the tip. Applicable Models: SC C69M+ -ST, SC C68H-ST・SB, SC S64L-ST, S68UL-ST, S69ML-ST.
MEGA TOP R Mega Top R uses Toray's T1100G carbon solid combined with Daiwa’s manufacturing technology, significantly enhancing sensitivity and response for high-performance action. Applicable Model: C66M-ST.
ZERO_SEAT Zero Seat is a new reel seat design that eliminates stress and focuses on providing an enjoyable fishing experience. Baitcasting: Perming Fit Trigger, Spinning: Seamless Fit.
25BLX ZERO SEAT: The Magic of Unity Revealed Through Four Real-World Performance
The ultimate goal is universal comfort: the pinnacle of usability. BLACK LABEL, also known as BLX, has always adhered to a core concept of "practical and rugged" since its debut. The brand has poured its soul into honing the essence of fishing performance, crafting blank rods free of unnecessary embellishments. With just the essential components, BLX has long been the preferred tool of anglers, embodying a counterpoint to excess. Now, after 15 years since its original launch in 2009, the 25BLX, the fourth generation, is set to make its highly anticipated debut in 2025.
Its appearance features the traditional black color, now with a sleek matte finish. The slimmed-down blank and new EVA grip reflect a sophisticated design that captures the trends of the times. But evolution for the 25BLX is not just aesthetic; it is rooted in usability. The goal was to make a rod that anyone can handle more comfortably and with greater ease, without compromising performance. As development lead, Kōtarō Kawamura expressed, “We want to refine it to the best possible state.”
Kawamura’s commitment to this vision has elevated the 25BLX’s performance dramatically. His unwavering determination for perfection is evident not only in his fishing style but also in his approach to rod development. As the brother model of the SC series, developed under Kawamura’s guidance at STEEZ, the 25BLX embarks on a new stage of evolution.
Striving for the Peak: Kawamura’s relentless pursuit of excellence continued with the introduction of the AIR BEAM SEAT, which aims to provide a more fitting and seamless experience when pairing with reels.
The AIR BEAM SEAT, introduced across all 21STEEZ models, offers a revolutionary design where the blank does not pass directly through the reel seat but is offset to enhance the grip of any baitcasting reel. The aim was a more compact and efficient performance.
However, the 25BLX had one design constraint: it could not allow the blank to be offset in the reel seat as in the AIR BEAM. This challenge was initially considered impossible, but through tireless testing and craftsmanship, Kawamura and DAIWA's engineers pushed forward, developing a new reel seat to enhance grip comfort and control.
The ZERO SEAT: The newly introduced ZERO SEAT offers a natural and comfortable grip, with both bait and spinning reel types designed to eliminate any awkwardness in hand positioning. The baitcasting model features a "Perming Fit Trigger," which was carefully crafted with ergonomic considerations for the most natural grip possible. By reducing differences in finger lengths and grip thickness, the new design facilitates smoother transitions from one-finger to three-finger grips, making it ideal for different fishing techniques.
The spinning model features the “Seamless Fit,” which creates a unified feel between the reel foot and reel seat. The engineers focused on eliminating gaps and creating a more solid connection, resulting in a smoother and more natural handling experience.
Surpassing the AIR BEAM: With the 25BLX, DAIWA’s engineers have gone beyond the boundaries of the AIR BEAM SEAT, achieving a new level of integration between the rod, reel, and the angler’s hand. The 25BLX rods embody a perfect balance between high-spec components and usability, offering anglers an unparalleled experience that only intensifies the longer the rod is used.
C73ML+ Versatile Cranker Light The C73ML+ is a long-length model designed for versatile cranking, perfect for situations where long-distance casting is essential across various fields. With a heritage from the 19BLX LG 731ML+FB, built from medium-modulus carbon and enhanced with ultra-high-modulus carbon, this rod offers exceptional distance casting performance, increased retrieve sensitivity, and versatile handling for hard baits.
The "へ" taper is crucial for long-distance casts, providing excellent sensitivity right from the first cast and making slackline retrieval effortless. The tip remains firm while the bend starts behind the tip, allowing for a retrieve where the line is slack, which significantly improves sensitivity during cranking.
This rod excels at detecting resistance on the line before it gets stuck on rocky or structural elements, while also transmitting subtle changes in resistance, even with soft weeds or grass, directly to the angler's hand. It also enhances the sensitivity for wire baits with narrow blades, enabling slackline retrieval with precision.
The C73ML+ is a high-performing, versatile rod for cranking and all-around hardbait use, evolving to provide superior feel and control.
Key Features:
Designed for long-distance casting in versatile cranking situations
Enhanced with ultra-high-modulus carbon for improved performance
"へ" taper for excellent retrieve sensitivity and slackline control
High sensitivity to resistance, even in soft weeds or grass
Superb versatility with hard baits and wire baits
Technologies:
Ultra-high-modulus carbon construction for optimized performance
"へ" taper for increased sensitivity and slackline retrieval
Versatile action for a range of hard baits, from cranks to wire baits
