Daiwa CRFLT2500 Spinning Reel Review
Our verdict
At $34.99, the Daiwa CRFLT2500 pairs an 8.8-ounce metal body with a 4.6-star average across 121 reviews, and its 800+ bought last month is the highest demand figure of any reel in this comparison.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who want a lightweight metal size-2500 spinning reel at a moderate price and value proof of current, high-volume demand over the largest possible lifetime review count.
Skip if
Skip this if you need a reel with an extensive multi-year review history, since 121 reviews, while strong, is smaller than the 1,418 to 1,700 seen on some longer-standing alternatives.
- Material Metal
- Weight 8.8 Ounces
- Technique Spinning
- Size 2500
- Color Black
- Pieces 1
- Priced 24% below the category median ($45.98 across 92 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 121 owner ratings
-
Popularity0.9/5
121 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Daiwa CRFLT2500 lands at $34.99, positioning it between the budget-tier Blakemore 86 at $15 and the more established Shimano SC2500FG at $44.99. It shares the same size-2500 spool as that Shimano reel, making the two a close match in scale despite the price gap.
At 8.8 ounces, the reel is built with weight savings in mind, and the listing explicitly calls out a Lightweight feature alongside a metal body, a combination meant to keep the reel durable without adding unnecessary heft to the rod tip. That matters over a long day of casting, where every ounce on the end of the rod contributes to fatigue.
What separates this listing from most others in this set is the bought-last-month figure of 800+, well above the 100 to 200 range seen on comparable reels. Paired with a 4.6-star average across 121 reviews, that demand pattern suggests the reel is moving in real volume right now, even though its total review count is smaller than longer-established models like the IX or the Shimano SC2500FG.
Pros
- 800+ bought last month is the highest current demand figure among the reels compared here
- 4.6-star average across 121 reviews matches the top-rated reels in this category
- 8.8-ounce weight with a stated Lightweight feature reduces fatigue on long casting sessions
- Metal construction in a size-2500 spool balances durability with manageable weight
- Priced at $34.99, it sits below the Shimano SC2500FG while matching its rating and spool size
- Single 1-piece configuration keeps the reel straightforward with no added complexity
Cons
- 121 reviews is a smaller sample than the 1,418 to 1,700 seen on some competing size-2500 reels
- Only available in Black, with no color variety for anglers who want to match rod cosmetics
- No stated gear ratio in the specs, so retrieve speed needs checking on the individual listing
- Newer listing means less long-term durability data compared to reels with years of accumulated reviews
Specifications
| Material | Metal |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.8 Ounces |
| Technique | Spinning |
| Size | 2500 |
| Color | Black |
| Pieces | 1 |
| Feature | Lightweight |
Performance notes
An 8.8-ounce reel in a size-2500 body is on the lighter end for this spool size, and the explicit Lightweight feature callout suggests the internal design prioritizes shaving weight without dropping to a plastic-heavy build. Metal construction at this weight typically means selective use of metal in load-bearing parts like the gears and frame, rather than a fully solid metal body, which would weigh considerably more. Size 2500 is a versatile choice for freshwater bass, trout, and light saltwater inshore work, striking a middle ground between finesse-sized reels and the bigger 4000-plus models built for larger fish or heavier line. The combination of moderate size, lighter weight, and metal parts points to a reel meant for all-day comfort without giving up durability where it counts.
What buyers say
A 4.6-star average across 121 reviews is a solid, consistent rating, and it holds at the same level as reels with far larger review counts in this comparison. What stands out most is the 800+ bought last month figure, which outpaces every other reel in this set by a wide margin. That kind of current sales volume alongside a strong rating suggests the reel is resonating with a large number of recent buyers, even though its total review count has not yet caught up to longer-established competitors. It reads as a reel gaining momentum rather than one coasting on an older reputation.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the Daiwa CRFLT2500 compare to the Shimano SC2500FG?
Both are size-2500 spinning reels with 4.6-star averages, but the Daiwa is priced lower at $34.99 versus $44.99, and it currently shows a much higher bought-last-month figure, 800+ versus 200+.
Is 121 reviews enough to trust the 4.6-star rating?
It is a reasonably solid sample size, though smaller than some competitors with over a thousand reviews. Combined with the high recent purchase volume, it suggests a rating that is likely to hold as more reviews come in.
What does the Lightweight feature tag mean for this reel?
It signals that the reel's design prioritizes reducing weight, consistent with its 8.8-ounce spec. That makes it a reasonable pick for anglers who cast often and want less fatigue over a long session.