Daiwa Sweepfire Tele Telescopic Fishing Rod

The Daiwa Sweepfire Tele is a telescopic all-round fishing rod designed for versatility and portability. As a telescopic rod, it can collapse down for easy storage and transport. I recently had the chance to test out this rod and wanted to provide my thoughts.

Overview

• Brand: Daiwa
• Model: Sweepfire Tele
• Length: 2.70m/8.86ft
• Transport Length: 63cm/24.8in
• Casting Weight: 10-30g/0.35-1.05oz
• Pieces: 7
• Guides: 6
• Weight: 170g/0.37lbs

Key Features

• Collapsible telescopic design
• Lightweight at only 0.37lbs
• Fast action and sensitivity
• Durable titanium oxide guides
• Versatile 10-30g casting weight for all-round fishing

Features and Design

The Sweepfire Tele is lightweight at only 170g but still feels sturdy in hand. The titanium oxide guides are corrosion resistant for reliability. The EVA grip provides comfort during long fishing sessions. The telescopic design collapses down to 63cm for easy transport and storage.

I found the matte black finish gave it a very modern minimalist look. The 8.86ft length provides good casting distance. The fast action provides sensitivity to feel light bites.

Performance and Handling

During my tests, I found the Sweepfire Tele performed well for ponds, streams, and shore fishing. Casting light lures and bait was smooth and accurate up to 30g, the rod’s max rating. The fast action transmitted vibrations well to detect bites. Fighting and landing fish up to 5lbs was no problem.

The telescopic sections stayed put when extended, with no looseness. Collapsed down, the rod stores away in a backpack or car easily. The EVA grip gives a nice secure hold.

Durability

The titanium oxide guides stood up well to use with no issues. The rod itself is rated for 5-15lb line, ideal for catching most freshwater species. It seems durable enough for typical all-round freshwater use. Time will tell how the thin tip holds up.

Ideal Use Cases

The Daiwa Sweepfire Tele works well for:
- Pond fishing - easy to carry and cast around ponds for bass, panfish, carp, etc.
- Stream fishing - lightweight for hiking and fishing small streams and creeks.
- Shore fishing - compact to carry and cast lures from piers and shoreline structure.
- Backpacking/travel fishing - packs down small to fit in backpack or luggage.

User Feedback Analysis

Overall the Sweepfire Tele scores 3.7 out of 5 stars averaging 49 customer reviews. Positive reviews mention the light weight and smooth casting. Negative reviews cite durability issues with the tip and guides coming loose. Many 1 star reviews are from international purchases arriving damaged.

For the price point, most customers find it meets expectations for a budget telescopic rod if treated carefully. The lightweight design trades off some durability compared to heavier models. Proper care and avoiding high strain situations should improve longevity.

Pros

• Compact and portable
• Sensitive and easy casting
• Affordable price
• Lightweight for all day fishing

Cons

• Tip and guides prone to damage if stressed
• Not for heavy cover fishing
• Questionable longevity with rough treatment

Value and Price

With an MSRP around $50-60, the Sweepfire Tele offers good value for a versatile portable rod. The price is lower than most major fishing brands while offering decent performance for all-round freshwater fishing.

Conclusion

For an affordable telescopic rod, the Daiwa Sweepfire Tele provides very good versatility for pond, stream, and shore fishing. The smooth casting and light weight make it a great rod for backpacking and travel. While not a heavyweight rod, it can handle typical medium-duty all-round fishing. The portability alone makes it a great option for an angler on the go.

Specifications

• Length: 8.86ft
• Transport Length: 24.8in
• Casting Weight: 0.35-1.05oz
• Rod Pieces: 7
• Rod Guides: 6
• Rod Weight: 0.37lb
• Line Rating: 5-15lb
• Action: Fast

In the Box

The Sweepfire Tele comes packaged with the following:
- Fishing rod
- Soft cloth rod case
- Spare rod tip

Usage Tips

• Avoid high strain situations like fishing heavy cover to prevent tip/guide damage
• Rinse rod with freshwater after saltwater use
• Collapse and extend gently without forcing
• Store rod case open-air to dry when not in use