The Caldia LT — known for its high cost performance and lightweight Monocoque Body — has been refreshed and renewed for 2025!
The new Daiwa 2025 Caldia LT is already hitting the market, so what’s actually changed in this latest version? Let’s dive in and take a closer look.
Of Course, It Features AIRDRIVE Design
As with most of Daiwa’s recent spinning reels, the new Caldia also incorporates the AIRDRIVE Design system. On the 2025 Caldia, several key features from the AIRDRIVE concept have been added:
AIRDRIVE Rotor
This is one of the central technologies in Daiwa’s new generation of reels. Originally introduced with the 2022 Exist, the round-profiled AIRDRIVE Rotor dramatically reduces start-up inertia while maintaining strength. This leads to noticeably lighter winding compared to the previous Caldia.
AIRDRIVE Bail
An even slimmer, lighter version of the previous AIR Bail. The thin profile further reduces rotor weight while retaining durability — giving the reel a feel that’s getting closer to some Shimano reels.
AIRDRIVE Spool
The spool has been thinned to reduce weight, while maintaining strength. Daiwa highlights its smooth line release, but what really stands out is the smoother drag performance and the improved reel balance — with a lighter head section helping achieve a more rear-weighted, rod-friendly feel.
ZAION-V + Monocoque Body Structure
Carried over from the previous (2021) model, the ZAION-V carbon composite material is used for both the body and rotor. ZAION-V is a more affordable version of Daiwa’s proprietary ZAION material — with the “V” standing for Versatile.
The Monocoque Body, of course, remains a key feature. Unlike conventional body constructions, the one-piece Monocoque design allows for fewer components and a simpler interior — giving Daiwa room to fit a larger drive gear. This structural advantage is now standard in most of Daiwa’s mid-to-high-end reels, and it continues to be a major difference between the Caldia and lower-tier reels like the Legalis or Freams.
Core Features That Continue
The 2025 Caldia also keeps many of the core features that made the previous model popular:
MAGSEALED
Daiwa’s signature water- and dust-resistant seal system using magnetized oil — placed on the pinion to block intrusion and keep performance consistent.
Tough Digigear
Ensures solid gear durability under load. The material remains zinc, as with the previous Caldia, but the overall precision is up to Daiwa’s modern standards.
ATD Type-L / ATD Tough
The drag system has been updated to ATD Type-L, providing a smoother start-up and more responsive tension control. For those used to Shimano drag systems, you might find it a bit looser initially — even when it feels tight by hand, it may start slipping earlier than expected.
The larger LT5000-C size uses ATD Tough, which includes carbon drag washers for enhanced durability while maintaining smoothness under pressure.
So What’s Actually New?
In short, this is essentially the 2021 Caldia updated with AIRDRIVE Design. While the body itself is mostly unchanged, the rotor and spool upgrades make for a reel that feels lighter to start, better balanced overall, and more refined in use.
Notably, the AIRDRIVE Shaft was not included — so the internal drive shaft and body structure are likely similar to the previous generation.
Specifications
The size lineup matches what you’d expect from Daiwa’s LT-series reels — but with one exciting addition: the LT5000-C.
This larger size supports 300m of PE2 line, yet weighs just 240g, making it an ideal choice for anglers who want power without bulk.
Also worth noting: the FC (Finesse Custom) models are well represented for ultralight and light game fishing.
| Model | Weight (g) | MAX Line Retrieve (cm) | Gear Ratio | Capacity Mono (lb-m) Braid (Gou-m) | Handle Length (mm) | Bearings | Max Drag Power (kg) | Price (yen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC LT1000S | 165 | 64 | 5.1 | 2.5-100 0.3-200 | 40 | 6/1 | 5 | 28,800 |
| FC LT2000S | 165 | 67 | 5.1 | 3-150 0.4-200 | 45 | 6/1 | 5 | 28,800 |
| FC LT2000S-H | 165 | 76 | 5.8 | 3-150 0.4-200 | 45 | 6/1 | 5 | 28,800 |
| FC LT2500S | 170 | 72 | 5.1 | 4-150 0.6-200 | 45 | 6/1 | 5 | 29,300 |
| FC LT2500S-H | 170 | 82 | 5.8 | 4-150 0.6-200 | 50 | 6/1 | 5 | 29,300 |
| LT2500 | 185 | 73 | 5.2 | 6-150 0.8-200 | 50 | 6/1 | 10 | 29,300 |
| LT2500S | 180 | 73 | 5.2 | 4-150 0.6-200 | 50 | 6/1 | 5 | 29,300 |
| LT2500S-XH | 180 | 87 | 6.2 | 4-150 0.6-200 | 50 | 6/1 | 5 | 29,300 |
| LT3000S-CXH | 195 | 93 | 6.2 | 6-150 0.8-200 | 55 | 6/1 | 10 | 30,300 |
| LT3000 | 210 | 77 | 5.2 | 8-150 1-200 | 60 | 6/1 | 10 | 31,300 |
| LT3000-XH | 210 | 93 | 6.2 | 8-150 1-200 | 60 | 6/1 | 10 | 31,300 |
| LT4000-C | 220 | 82 | 5.2 | 12-150 1.5-200 | 60 | 6/1 | 12 | 32,300 |
| LT4000-CXH | 220 | 99 | 6.2 | 12-150 1.5-200 | 60 | 6/1 | 12 | 32,300 |
| LT5000-C | 240 | 87 | 5.2 | 20-150 2-300 | 60 | 6/1 | 12 | 33,800 |
| LT5000-CXH | 240 | 105 | 6.2 | 20-150 2-300 | 60 | 6/1 | 12 | 33,800 |
Yes, prices have increased compared to the previous model — due in part to inflation and the weak yen. But even at its new price point, the 2025 Caldia remains a fantastic value: it’s one of the most affordable reels to feature both AIRDRIVE Design and a Monocoque Body.
If you’ve been looking for a mid-range Daiwa reel with flagship-level tech, the new Caldia might just hit the sweet spot.
We’re currently filming a detailed review video covering on-the-water impressions and direct comparisons with the previous model — so if you’re interested, subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay tuned!
