Daiwa RG Walleye Rod Review

What You Didn’t Know About the Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod is Daiwa’s offering for anglers looking for a capable walleye rod without breaking the bank. It boasts Daiwa’s exclusive SVG graphite blank and a hybrid cork/EVA handle, promising a blend of sensitivity and durability. I needed a new conventional rod for trolling deep waters, targeting not just walleye but also potentially larger lake trout.

My current rod felt like a pool noodle when trying to control a heavy inline weight and a lure at 80 feet down. Upon unboxing, the Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod felt surprisingly light for an 8-foot heavy-power rod. The black and blue color scheme is understated, and the hybrid handle felt comfortable and offered a solid grip.

Compared to my old fiberglass rod and a friend’s more expensive G. Loomis rod, the Daiwa felt like a good compromise. The G. Loomis felt incredibly sensitive, but at four times the price, it wasn’t justifiable for my occasional use. The old fiberglass rod was durable but lacked any sensitivity and felt like casting a telephone pole. The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod seemed to strike a good balance between price, sensitivity, and power.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t the fanciest rod I’d ever held, but it felt like a substantial upgrade over my existing gear and a solid value for the price.

Real-World Testing: Putting Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod on Lake Michigan during a late summer walleye and lake trout trolling trip. The conditions were variable, with periods of calm water interspersed with moderate chop and a light rain. I used the rod with inline weights ranging from 4 to 8 ounces, pulling a variety of spoons and crankbaits.

The rod performed surprisingly well in the choppy conditions. The fast action tip provided enough sensitivity to detect subtle strikes, while the heavy power backbone allowed me to maintain control of the presentation and fight larger fish. It took a few casts to get used to the length and action, but after about an hour, I felt comfortable and confident with the rod. We landed a couple of decent sized walleye, and a bonus 8-pound lake trout that tested the rod’s backbone.

The only slight issue was the hook keeper, which felt a bit small and flimsy. It worked fine for smaller hooks, but larger treble hooks were difficult to secure.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the handle still feels comfortable and secure. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, from sunny days to windy and rainy weather, and it has consistently performed well.

Cleaning the rod is easy; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. I apply a light coat of rod wax to the blank occasionally to protect it from UV damage and saltwater spray. Compared to my old fiberglass rod, the Daiwa is significantly more sensitive and powerful, allowing me to detect more strikes and fight fish more effectively. It hasn’t reached the sensitivity level of the high-end G. Loomis rod, but it’s close enough for my needs, especially considering the price difference.

Breaking Down the Features of Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod

Specifications

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod features Daiwa’s exclusive SVG graphite blank. It is an 8-foot conventional rod with a fast action and heavy power. The rod is designed for freshwater use and line weights between 15 and 30 lbs.

It comes in a telescopic design for easier transport and storage, with a black and blue color scheme. These specifications translate to a rod that’s sensitive enough to detect subtle strikes, yet powerful enough to handle larger fish and heavy lures. The telescopic design makes it convenient for anglers who need to transport their rods in smaller vehicles or on public transport.

Performance & Functionality

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod performs its job admirably for its price point. The fast action tip allows for excellent strike detection, while the heavy power backbone provides ample leverage for fighting fish. It excels at trolling with inline weights and crankbaits, allowing anglers to effectively target walleye and other species in deeper water.

The rod’s strengths lie in its sensitivity, power, and affordability. The hook keeper is a minor weakness, and some anglers may prefer a different handle material. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a rod in this price range, providing a significant upgrade over older, less sensitive rods.

Design & Ergonomics

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod features a hybrid handle made from quality natural cork and EVA foam. It is designed for comfort and durability, along with a power lift triangular fore grip, and X-tube rear grip. The build quality feels solid, and the rod is surprisingly light for its length and power.

The hybrid handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet. There is a slight learning curve associated with any new rod, but the Daiwa is relatively easy to get used to, especially for anglers familiar with conventional rods.

Durability & Maintenance

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod appears to be durable and well-constructed. After several weeks of use, there are no signs of significant wear and tear. The finish seems resistant to scratches and fading, and the guides are securely attached.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient. The telescopic design makes it easy to store and transport the rod without fear of damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod comes with a basic hook keeper. There are no other included accessories or specific customization options offered by Daiwa. The rod is compatible with a wide range of conventional reels and line types.

While Daiwa doesn’t offer specific accessories, anglers can easily customize the rod with aftermarket reel seats or handle wraps. The guides are standard sizes, allowing for easy replacement if needed.

Pros and Cons of Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod

Who Should Buy Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod?

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod is perfect for anglers targeting walleye, lake trout, and other species in freshwater environments. It is also suitable for those who primarily use conventional gear and troll with inline weights, crankbaits, or spoons. It’s a solid choice for beginners looking to upgrade from basic gear and experienced anglers seeking a reliable and affordable rod for their arsenal.

Those who should skip this product include anglers who primarily use spinning gear, or those targeting very large species requiring extremely heavy gear. Those who need ultimate sensitivity may find a higher-end rod a better choice.

Must-have accessories include a quality conventional reel, appropriate line (15-30 lb test), and a selection of inline weights and lures.

Conclusion on Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod

The Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod is a solid performer at an affordable price. It provides a good balance of sensitivity, power, and durability, making it a great choice for walleye anglers and others targeting freshwater species. The price is definitely justified, especially considering the features and performance offered.

I would definitely recommend the Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod to anglers looking for a reliable and affordable conventional rod. Upgrade your walleye game without emptying your wallet – grab a Daiwa RG Walleye Conventional Rod and hit the water!