2026.10.29

Daiwa 25 Skyhigh: A Versatile Seabass Rod With a Carbon Monocoque Rear Grip

minagiman

Daiwa’s 25 Skyhigh is a versatile rod centred on seabass but able to cover flatfish such as flounder, and even black sea bream (chinu). Its standout feature is a carbon monocoque rear grip, which Daiwa says is a first for a seabass rod. It was released in Japan in April 2025, priced at ¥21,800–25,300 before tax.

Contents

Key features
Technology
Specs
Which one?
My take
Read next

Key features

1. A light, strong blank

To handle seabass, ribbonfish and even yellowtail, the blank uses HVF carbon, making it light but strong. In shore jigging you jerk and make big rod movements, so low weight matters over a long session.

2. K guides

Most models use K guides, which reduce line tangles so you can work lures as you want and focus on fishing instead of line trouble.

3. Carbon monocoque rear grip

A carbon monocoque rear grip increases stiffness, so you can use more of the blank’s recovery when casting. It also looks good, which adds to the pleasure of owning it.

Technology

X45: carbon fibres crossed at ±45° to reduce twisting under load, improving sensitivity and power
Air Sensor Seat: a carbon-fibre reinforced reel seat for lower weight, better sensitivity and handling
HVF carbon: less resin binding the carbon fibres means higher fibre density, for strength and staying power under load

Specs

All models are two-piece with a reverse-spigot joint. Prices are Japanese list prices before tax.

Model	Length	Weight	Lure	PE (Japan no.)	Price
86ML	2.59 m	125 g	7–35 g	0.6–1.5	¥21,800
86M	2.59 m	135 g	10–50 g	0.8–2.0	¥22,300
90L	2.74 m	125 g	5–28 g	0.5–1.2	¥21,800
90ML	2.74 m	131 g	7–35 g	0.6–1.5	¥22,300
96ML	2.90 m	136 g	7–35 g	0.6–1.5	¥22,800
96M	2.90 m	148 g	10–50 g	0.8–2.0	¥23,300
96MH	2.90 m	155 g	12–60 g	1.0–2.5	¥23,800
100ML	3.05 m	146 g	7–35 g	0.6–1.5	¥23,800
100M	3.05 m	153 g	10–50 g	0.8–2.0	¥24,300
100MH	3.05 m	165 g	12–60 g	1.0–2.5	¥24,800
106M	3.20 m	166 g	10–50 g	0.8–2.0	¥24,800
106MH	3.20 m	174 g	12–60 g	1.0–2.5	¥25,300

Which one?

90ML / 96ML: all-round seabass in harbours, rivers and estuaries
100M / 106M: surf flounder and longer casts with 10–50 g lures
96MH / 100MH / 106MH: light shore jigging and bigger lures up to 60 g
86ML / 90L: lighter, shorter rods for chinu and small lures

My take

Beyond its versatility, the 25 Skyhigh brings a carbon monocoque rear grip to a seabass rod in the low ¥20,000s. With 12 models, it is easy to find one that fits the fishing you do most.