The 26 BG SW is a buy if you want a big metal-body spinning reel for around JPY 30,000. Sizes 5000–14000 release in Japan in October 2026, from JPY 25,900 (excl. tax). Compared with the previous generation, the gear got larger and a waterproof gasket was added.
The Gear Nerd's Pick
What is new in the 26 BG SW is a gear you cannot see from outside. Daiwa made its Tough Digigear even larger and thicker, and says this keeps flex down under sustained high load. That gear is what finally takes the pull of a big fish, so I make it my reason to buy, ahead of lightness.
Key points
- The 8000-H is 50g heavier and JPY 11,700 cheaper than the Caldia SW
- On the 6000, the P needs about 15% less force on your hand than the H (my calculation)
- All sizes: 5 ball bearings + 1 roller. Only size 20000 comes in November
680g at size 8000. What do you get for the weight?
The 26 BG SW 8000-H weighs 680g. Daiwa's own Caldia SW 8000-H weighs 630g. The cheaper one is 50g heavier.
Yet gear ratio 5.7, max drag 15kg and line capacity of 300m of PE #4 are the same. So what does the price gap pay for?
When is the 26 BG SW released? How much?
| Item | Official listing |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 2026 (sizes 5000–14000). Size 20000 in November 2026 |
| List price | JPY 25,900–36,300 (excl. tax) |
| Sizes | 8 models (SW5000-H to SW20000) |
| Body and rotor | Full aluminum metal body, DS4 rotor |
| Changes from the previous generation | Larger, thicker gear; waterproof gasket between body and cover; new knob |
How I judged it
First I looked at the weight and list price of the 8000-H. Then I lined it up with the Caldia SW, which has the same gear ratio and max drag. The gap is 50g and JPY 11,700, so saving 1g costs JPY 234 (11,700 ÷ 50).
What made me hesitate was the difference in water protection. The Caldia SW uses Mag Sealed; the BG SW uses waterproof gaskets. Still a buy. As a first reel for shore jigging or blue-water fish from a boat, this is enough.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Daiwa 26 BG SW
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 20,378 (as of Oct 16). Some stores go up to JPY 27,951. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaHow does the 26 BG SW differ from the previous generation?
Daiwa's 26 BG SW page lists three changes. The first is the gear: the proven Tough Digigear was made even larger and thicker, becoming the "Oversized Power Digigear".
The second is a newly designed waterproof gasket between the body and the body cover. The third is a new Round Egg knob that is easier to grip and less slippery. It also has LC-ABS SW for smoother release of thick line.
Which size should you choose?
Swipe the table sideways →
| Model | Weight | Gear ratio (retrieve) | Max drag | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW5000-H | 420g | 5.7 (96cm) | 12kg | JPY 25,900 |
| SW6000-P | 455g | 4.9 (86cm) | 12kg | JPY 25,900 |
| SW6000-H | 455g | 5.7 (101cm) | 12kg | JPY 25,900 |
| SW8000-P | 680g | 4.9 (97cm) | 15kg | JPY 31,100 |
| SW8000-H | 680g | 5.7 (113cm) | 15kg | JPY 31,100 |
| SW10000-H | 690g | 5.7 (121cm) | 15kg | JPY 31,100 |
| SW14000-H | 700g | 5.7 (122cm) | 15kg | JPY 31,100 |
| SW20000 | 965g | 5.3 (137cm) | 20kg | JPY 36,300 |
The 5000-H suits PE #1.5–2, the 6000 PE #2–3, and the 8000 PE #3–4. For shore jigging with around PE #2, take the 6000-H; for jerking heavy jigs from a boat, take the P. Strength by line size and how to match the leader are in How to choose PE line size. A size chart by method is in How to choose a reel size.
P vs H: how different is the force on your hand?
The work done in one turn of the handle equals line tension × retrieve length. So with the same handle length, the force on your hand is proportional to the retrieve length.
On the 6000, both P and H have a 65mm handle. 86 ÷ 101 = 0.85, so for the same pull the P needs about 15% less force on your hand (ignoring friction). In exchange, retrieving 100m takes 116.3 cranks on the P and 99.0 on the H (10,000 ÷ 86, 10,000 ÷ 101).
BG SW vs Caldia SW?
At size 6000, the Caldia SW 6000D-H is 425g and JPY 37,800 (excl. tax); the BG SW 6000-H is 455g and JPY 25,900. Saving 30g costs JPY 11,900, about JPY 397 per gram. Pricier per gram than at size 8000.
The Caldia SW has 6 ball bearings and a monocoque body, and starts at size 4000. If you want lightness or a 4000, take the Caldia.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Daiwa Caldia SW 8000-H
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 29,084 (as of Oct 14). Some stores go up to JPY 54,927. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanThings to watch
The weight is a clear disadvantage. Even the 5000-H is 420g, and you will feel it in your arm when casting all day.
The Perfect Line Stopper that holds the line is only on the 5000 and 6000; sizes 8000 and up do not have it. A small but real pain.
Who is it for?
- Anglers who want a big metal-body spinning reel for around JPY 30,000
- Anglers who put winding power for heavy jigs ahead of lightness
Winding up heavy jigs with a metal body for around JPY 30,000 is what makes the new BG SW so dependable. If lightness comes first, you want a 4000, or you already own a Caldia SW or better, there are other ways to choose.
To pick a rod, see the Daiwa Dragger EX review, released the same October, and the shore jigging rod ranking. Pair the metal-body 6000-H with a rod that can handle heavy jigs, and even a JPY 30,000-class reel makes a setup that holds up to blue-water fish. A good combination.
If you are after a smaller size, I compare sizes 2500 and C3000 in the spinning reel size 2500 ranking.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Daiwa 26 BG SW
Lowest price on Rakuten: JPY 20,378 (as of Oct 16). Some stores go up to JPY 27,951. Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaRelease dates for other new reels and rods are in the fishing gear release calendar.
FAQ
When is the 26 BG SW released?
Sizes 5000–14000 release in Japan in October 2026, and size 20000 in November 2026.
How much is the 26 BG SW?
Suggested list prices: sizes 5000–6000 JPY 25,900, sizes 8000–14000 JPY 31,100, size 20000 JPY 36,300 (all JPY, excl. tax).
Can the 26 BG SW be used for shore jigging?
Yes. From shore, the 5000-H and 6000 sizes fit; the 8000-H works both from shore and from a boat.
