AIRDRIVE DESIGN

Control the reel the way you like.

AIRDRIVE | Rotation like you have never felt before.

The future of Daiwa Spinning Reels is AIRDRIVE DESIGN.

By reducing the weight of rotor, spool & bail assembly, a lighter rotation is achieved.

The effortless rotation allows the angler to feel the true joy of trouble free function.

This new chapter starts with 22 EXIST.

Reel for the future.

Created to lead the way, the centre of attention amongst DAIWA. To create and change the future of the fishing scene. AIRDRIVE DESIGN was created to be the pinnacle, the one which all will follow.

To begin the creation of AIRDRIVE DESIGN, first DAIWA separated the spinning reel to two key components. The first was the ‘rear unit’ which consists of the body & key internal components like the drive gear. By introducing MQ technology along with the tough digigear which is now becoming standard of DAIWA’s spinning reel, it has given the rear unit high strength and durability.

Following the development of the rear unit, DAIWA set out to redevelop the key components that make up what is called the ‘front unit’. By redeveloping the rotor, spool & bail assembly DAIWA has managed to reduce the weight of front unit in 2022. Years in the making, AIRDRIVE DESIGN is the result of this new thinking. DAIWA has developed an innovative masterpiece allowing anglers to be in total control. Reduced weight, smooth rotation and high response allows the reel to spin freely. All of those combined elements come together to create AIRDRIVE DESIGN.

AIRDRIVE DESIGN can be broken into 4 key technologies.

The new AIRDRIVE ROTOR and the newly developed AIRDRIVE BAIL both combine to reduce weight at the top end of the reel. Reduced weight creates effortless and smooth rotation, with fast start up and low inertia.

Unnecessary weight and thickness has been shaved off to innovate the new AIRDRIVE SPOOL, which perfectly matches the AIRDRIVE ROTOR & AIRDRIVE BAIL to complete the redesigned front unit.

Unlike the traditional internal reel structure, DAIWA has developed a low contact structure between the mainshaft and pinion gear called AIRDRIVE SHAFT. By adopting this method, friction is reduced and smoothness has improved.

By combining these new technologies together allows the reel to be extremely lightweight and allows the angler to experience the low-inertia flowing rotation with greater control of the line and rod action.

Improved Weight Ratio.

The improved lighter weight front unit of the reel will create the perfect weight ratio once it is attached to a rod. With the perfect weight ratio it creates a smoother cast action and allows the angler to control a rod with ease.

AIRDRIVE ROTOR

Low Inertia is the key.

“Effortless rotation, elevated response and control.” 22 EXIST is the first reel equipped with the lighter and low inertia AIRDRIVE ROTOR system.

A lighter rotor increases the functionality of small spinning reels. The lighter and more compact rotor will require less initial force to rotate, creating that feeling of low inertia and effortless start up. Just like a car, a lighter car requires less force to accelerate and less braking strength to slow down.

This theory can also be used and applied to fishing reels. The lighter rotor will start to spin with less force and create the lighter rotation. It can also be stopped with less strength and is very responsive to changes in speed and cadence. By creating a low inertia rotor it will allow anglers to fish with confidence and take more control of their reel.

On the other hand, a heavy rotor can lead an angler to feel a sensation of smooth rotation purely because of the continuous momentum created by heavier rotational mass.

Traditionally, there has always been compromise between “light and smooth rotation with less strength” or “heavy and tough but higher rotation resistance”.

By developing AIRDRIVE ROTOR, DAIWA has managed to combine the two together to create the next meaning of “Light and Tough” 22 EXIST.

The newly developed AIRDRIVE ROTOR is made from ZAION. Maintaining the strength of the rotor from 18 EXIST, DAIWA has been able to reduce the weight significantly. Designed with focus to create a perfectly round structure, trouble free and flawless rotation have been achieved.

The rotor unit itself has seen a 16% weight reduction compared to the previous model (Based on 2500 size reel) and will set the standard for what future rotor design of small spinning reels will be.

Newly engineered and balanced circular shaped rotor to create smoother rotations.

ROTOR Strength test: It proves the new AIRDRIVE ROTOR has an equal amount of strength in comparison to 18EXIST. Changes to the shape and thickness from the 18EXIST Rotor have also managed to reduce the weight but allowed strengthening to areas where a significant amount of force is applied.

By adjusting the angle of the Bail setting, it creates a perfect pathway for any line to automatically and efficiently find its way to the line roller.

18 EXIST bail diameter was 3mm, DAIWA has managed to reduce the thickness of bail by 33% and reduced diameter down to 2.4mm with the introduction of AIRDRIVE BAIL. DAIWA has produced a bail with the required strength and the perfect bail diameter to suit 22EXIST. (2500 used for the comparison)

AIRDRIVE BAIL

Trouble free future.

DAIWA’s well known technology AIR BAIL has seen further improvement with the new concept of AIRDRIVE. Creating the bail in a smaller diameter reduces weight to create stress free and user friendly fishing experience.

AIR BAIL has been a key feature of DAIWA spinning reel design for a long time.

To achieve the main concept of AIR BAIL (light and tough) a hollow pipe construction method has been used. The distinctive thick tubular appearance has left a great impression on many and become synonymous with DAIWA spinning reels.

AIRDRIVE BAIL is the next evolution of this technology, and further enhances the concept of AIRDRIVE DESIGN. DAIWA has constructed a bail smaller in diameter whilst providing required strength to achieve a further weight reduction to the front unit. In comparison to 18 EXIST, AIRDRIVE BAIL reduces the weight of the bail by 33% (compared to 2500 size).

DAIWA has adjusted the angle of bail setting to improve the line movement into the roller. Careful attention was given to the roller and slider and individual design alterations were done for each size of 22 EXIST, perfectly adjusting the line management for each size of the reel.

For AIRDRIVE ROTOR to per form at its best, an improvement of the bail arm was something that couldn’t be missed.

TWISTBUSTER III

Most line trouble could be prevented by having less line twist

TWISTBUSTER technology removes the burden of having to deal with unwanted line twist. With 22 EXIST DAIWA has managed to improve the existing TWISTBUSTER II and introduce the new technology TWISTBUSTER III. By adding another groove on the line roller itself, the flattening effect of the line when retrieved is reduced and this as a result decreases line twist. DAIWA has  also installed MAGSEALED Line Roller to negate the harsh effects of saltwater and maintain performance long term.

AIRDRIVE SPOOL

Design that reflects the future.

As soon as the handle spins, all attention will be taken by the newly designed spool the angler will be free to dream. The spool on a spinning reel is always a defining feature.

The newly developed AIRDRIVE SPOOL has an eye catching appearance as well as being designed to perfectly suit a large variety of angling scenarios.

The stand out features of the AIRDRIVE SPOOL would have to be the newly shaped spool skirt and the simple single silver coloured cosmetic. Just by looking at the spool it is clear the structure has been redeveloped, reducing the weight and maximising the feeling of presence.

Reducing the spool weight creates many benefits for a reel; the total weight of reel is reduced, oscillation is improved, less resistance during winding and rotation, better balance when attached to the rod and of course the reel feels light and easy to fish.

In addition, DAIWA has added a skirt to the bottom of the spool edge to prevent line getting caught behind the spool and tangling with the main shaft. The drag sound and clicker has also been redesigned to create a higher pitch drag sound.

AIRDRIVE SPOOL is the culmination of many years of DAIWA technology. A beautifully simple one piece spool matches the distinct presence of 22 EXIST.

Long Cast-ABS

Two different levels of edge have been created on the spool lip to reduce the resistance during the cast. This system has increased cast distance by 5%.

Perfect Line Stopper

The most versatile line stopper designed by DAIWA. Suitable for PE/braided Line, nylon/fluorocarbon mainline and leader.

AIRDRIVE SHAFT

Friction Free Rotation.

Vertical rotational force from the handle is converted by the pinion gear to horizontal rotation. The mainshaft goes through the pinion gear to support the oscillation of the spool. To create a smoother oscillation and rotation, improvement to the mainshaft and pinion gear was required.

Most DAIWA spinning reels use linear shaft which has a non contact structure between the mainshaft and the pinion gear itself. The linear shaft creates less friction resistance which leads to smoother rotation along with minimal power loss.

The newly developed AIRDRIVE SHAFT has taken the same benefits and improved further. AIRDRIVE SHAFT also has a non contact structure between the mainshaft and the pinion gear. In addition to this, both ends of pinion gear are now supported with bearings to relay the crank power from the handle to the rotor with a higher level of efficiency. By adding high quality collars to the mainshaft, rotational noise has been reduced significantly.

AIRDRIVE SHAFT creates the feel of smooth, quiet rotation and provides anglers with torque and power.

LINEAR SHAFT/ WITHOUT AIRDRIVE SHAFT

Without having AIRDRIVE SHAF T s y s tem the main shaft and pinion gear has two points of contact which create friction. This friction effects the performance of the reel. When winding under a heavy load a significant decrease in the reels performance can be easily be felt.

DRIVE GEAR SYSTEM FUNCTION WITHIN SPINNING REELS

Once the handle rotates the power from the rotation will allow the pinion and drive gear to start to spin. At the same time the oscillating gear will spin which allows the main shaft to move up and down.

WITH AIRDRIVE SYSTEM

As you can see in the drawing, parts 1 & 2 act as a collar to support the main shaft. The collar creates a small contact point between the mainshaft and the pinion gear. The basic structure of the AIRDRIVE SHAFT is the same as the original linear shaft however by improving the collars connecting the pinion and mainshaft, a smoother and quieter rotation is achieved. Also by adding bearings for support at point 3 & 4 more rotational power is maintained.

AIRDRIVE DESIGN

What AIRDRIVE DESIGN brings to 22EXIST.

1 Reel balance improvement

16% lighter front unit compared to the 18 EXIST (2500size reel used for the comparison) Weight adjustment and reel balance improvement allows angler to cast freely with control. 

2 Rotation improvement

The sensitivity and responsiveness of the reel has seen significant improvement during the retrieve. Low inertia allows anglers to experience a quick start up with low inertia and free flowing rotation. The newly designed AIRDRIVE ROTOR is more responsive, allowing anglers accurate control. 

3 Less line trouble

By combining the benefits of AIRDRIVE ROTOR & AIRDRIVE BAIL, along with TWISTBUSTER III technology, 22 EXIST is the most easy to manage spinning reel created by DAIWA.

MATURE TECHNOLOGY

Technology that garners the anglers confidence.

The rotation of the reel starts with a durable TOUGH DIGIGEAR.

To support the durable drive gear it requires MONOCOQUE BODY.

To protect the internal of the reel, it must be MAGSEALED.

The presence of DAIWA TECHNOLOGY.

To bring power and passion to every turn of the handle is to inspire anglers to chase their

target species with confidence and without failure.

MONOCOQUE BODY

A single piece sealed body.

The future of DAIWA spinning reel technology consists of light, tough and compact design concepts, which has lead to the birth of MONOCOQUE design. MQ body design is a one piece, light weight body crafted from a rigid material to support the internal mechanism.

When the subject of conversation between anglers turns to "What makes a perfectly built spinning reel?" they often tend to think a flawless and strong drive gear is the key.

Realistically that is not the only key factor. If anything, that is just a small portion of what anglers will describe as "the perfect spinning reel". Internals of a reel can be damaged or effected by the impact from external sources, whether the impact is small or large. Traditional spinning reel body construction consists of the main body and body cover attached with 3-4 screws. As you can imagine, this style of body construction is more prone to movement which can damage the internals. Whether the damage to the internal is significant or not, once any part within the reel is damaged it will effect the performace of the rotation. Any damaged to the reel body itself could also lead to the water intrusion to cause significant amounts of damage within the body.

However, DAIWA's latest technology MONOCOQUE BODY is made by an integral molding system to create a rigid one piece body. By removing the traditional screws used to attach the body cover, internal space is maximised within the gear housing. The MQ BODY uses a large diameter engine plate to screw on to the body to seal the internals. The extra space created in the MONOCOQUE BODY allows DAIWA to install a larger diameter drive gear into a smaller size reel. This system instantly creates the more durable reel inside and out.

22 EXIST has a Magnesium MQ BODY to still continue to provide a light weight body like 18 EXIST. By introducing MQ BODY it allows DAIWA to insert larger diameter drive gear to create the power and torque the previous generation of spinning reels could not provide.

MQ BODY

MQ body is made to accept an engine plate which screws onto the body. Even with strong force or impact it will be less likely to receive any damage or deflection. With the new construction design it creates a larger space within the reel body itself to allow a wider diameter and more durabledrive gear to be installed.

PREVIOUS STRUCTURE

Traditionally, DAIWA spinning reels use 3-4 screws to attach the body cover onto the main body. Damage can occur to the body screws when a strong force is applied. This can cause damage to the internal mechanism. Due to the screw hole placement i t decr eas e s the inter nal space of the body, decreasing usable space to install the gear mechanism.

TOUGH DIGIGEAR

Forged & machined drive gear.

Smooth oscillation with unbridled strength. Durable and long lasting, that is TOUGH DIGIGEAR.

The drive gear within any reel is made from 3 key elements which cannot be missed. (Design Creativity, Processing Technology and Premium Quality Material) 22 EXIST consists of all 3 key elements.

The latest digital analysis and machine cut technology is used to create a perfect surface on each tooth of the drive gear. By using the latest premium Duralumin material, precision designs deliver an incredibly smooth rotation quality.

By applying a special treatment to the surface of the drive gear it has enhanced the reliability and feel for anglers. In some models, DAIWA has used a heavy duty pinion gear material which prioritises strength over all else. This material is similar to what is used in Saltiga. Models LT4000-XH and LT5000-CXH feature this added benefit.*

MAGSEALED

Durability and water resistance.

MAGSEALED technology developed by DAIWA prevents water, dust and sand intrusion using magnetic fluid to form a seal between components. DAIWA has perfectly sealed 22 EXIST by equipping MAGSEALED and MQ BODY to defend against the harsh effects of the elements.

DAIWA’s original innovation MAGSEALED technology is designed to prevent water intrusion within the reel by applying a magnetic fluid barrier to sections frequently exposed to water.

Up until MAGSEALED was introduced to the market, reels were typically sealed with rubber packing, rings or seals. However, the DAIWA engineering team discovered after long term use and friction the material could allow water to slowly enter the reel. The fluid based MAGSEALED technology will not cause any friction and allow reels to function smoothly. The fluid forms an impenetrable seal which prevents water ingress to key components.

22EXIST has equipped MAGSEALED technology to the following sections:

1: Where the Mainshaft and Pinion gear meet.

2: Each side of the drive gear with MAGSEALED BALL BEARING

3: Line Roller

DAIWA has applied MAGSEALED treatment to every section of the reel frequently exposed to water.

During the design process of 22 EXIST key areas for water ingress were analyzed. The introduction of MQ body prevents water intrusion within the body, whilst areas of rotation or areas frequently exposed to water have been equipped with MAGSEALED/MAGSEALED BALL BEARING technology. Sections of the reel which are not key rotational areas are equipped with strong rubber seals. Anglers will come to understand this level of quality from 22 EXIST.

Each 22 EXIST is pressure tested to ensure a perfect seal has been created and maximum longevity is achieved.

MAGSEALED LINE ROLLER

One of the hardest working areas of a spinning reel is provided protection from the elements. Combining CRBB with a MAGSEALED collar shutting out the elements for optimum line roller protection, performance and longevity.

MAGSEALED

Protection is delivered to the engine room of the reel with a magnetised oil seal located on the main shaft of the reel’s rotor. Shutting the door to the elements and unwanted intruders.

MAGSEALED BALL BEARING

MAGSEALED BALL BEARING have been designed to last longer than ever. The balls are encapsulated in a completely waterproof bearing. The inner and outer rings are magnetised and joined by waterproof and stable MAGSEALED oil. The cage runs smoother and is protected from impurities.

ATD TYPE-L

New generation drag system.

Improving upon ATD drag system, DAIWA has mastered light line performance. A smoother drag performance to protect from surging runs of powerful predators.

New ATD TYPE-L drag technology improves the initial drag system response. Lowering the peak drag max upon hook setting. Light tackle fishing especially requires a responsive and sensitive adjustment of the drag pressure. ATD TYPE-L allows anglers to have more control of the drag without stress during the fight. By not overloading the line and also causing less stress to the fish, powerful fish can be tamed easily with 22 EXIST.

The features of ATD TYPE-L itself is quite similar to the original ATD Drag system. The original ATD has seen some drag strength spike at the initial hook set, and gradually decreases the power as time passes.

With the new ATD TYPE-L it has lowered the spike at the initial hook set and manages to stabilize the drag strength throughout the fight with the fish. By stabilizing the drag strength while in use it has decreased line break and also created the drag system to suit the latest fishing techniques and tackle within the market.