Product Review: 23 Kix

By Darren Weda 

In the world of fishing, having the right gear can make all the difference between a frustrating day out and a memorable catch. Enter the Daiwa 23 Kix reel, a game-changer designed specifically for the Australian market. This mid-range heavy-duty reel should become a staple in tackle boxes across the country.

I’ve been a huge fan of the Kix reels ever since their inception into the Aussie market in 2019, and don’t get me wrong, I love my higher end reels, but I’ve always found the Kix to be in that sweet spot of a reel that is extremely functional, really nice to use, but not expensive enough that I feel the need to baby it when I’m fishing in tough conditions. And by that, I mean, it gets battered around on rocks and dirt when I’m hiking skinny water trout streams, it cops copious amounts of salt spray when kayak fishing, and I feel comfortable giving this to kids to use. 

The 23 Kix is also probably my favourite looking reel too, its stylish green and subtle golds are totally different to any other Daiwa reels we’ve seen in a while. 

Tailored for Aussie Conditions

The 23 Kix reel isn't just another import, it's a reel of careful research into the unique challenges faced by Australian anglers. Designed by Aussie angler, for Aussie anglers. Daiwa has considered the harsh saltwater environments, fish species, and the diverse fishing techniques that we use. The result is a reel that can handle everything from finesse trout fishing to wrestling stubborn snapper off the rocks. 

Durability Meets Affordability

What sets the 23 Kix apart is its sweet spot between durability and affordability. Daiwa has managed to pack high-end features into a mid-range price point, making it accessible to a wide range of anglers. 

The 23 Kix doesn’t skimp on features, it incorporates a good number of the higher end reel design elements. Things like Airdrive Design, LC-ABS Longcast spool, and a Magsealed body. The Magsealed tech keeps water and grit out of the reel's internal workings.  

The ATD drag system is smooth and powerful, capable of handling those sudden runs from any of the hard-fighting species we target. It also features the new machine cut gearing system that ensures ultimate gear precision, rotational smoothness, and strength. It’s these features which definitely help the Kix punch well above its weight and feel like a much higher price point reel.

I have a pair of Kix which I use for all my light tackle estuary fishing. Both spooled with 8lb J-Braid Expedition. I move them around from rod to rod depending on what species I’m chasing, but I am always confident and comfortable with whatever combo they end up on. 

I normally pair the Kix with my TD Hyper 701LFS for some stream trout, or one of my Infeet rods for bream and estuary perch trips. It definitely looks best paired with my Commander 610ULFS, those greens just go perfect together!

With the 23 Kix Daiwa has shown its commitment to the Australian market. By listening to local anglers and addressing their specific needs, they've created a product that's more than just a fishing reel – it's a reliable partner for Aussie fishing adventures. As anglers across the country put the Kix through its paces, it's clear that Daiwa has produced a winner, setting a new standard for mid-range heavy-duty reels in Australia.