Let’s give Daiwa engineers a pat on the back for these new BG (Big Game, not Black and Gold) MQ spinning reels. These reels are beautiful, but they’re also stronger and more compact, thanks to the monocoque body technology design.
In this review, we’ll dive into all of the details on why we feel this reel is perfect for hard fishing in the surf and on the charters.
Table of Contents
Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reel
- Lightweight and incredibly strong, aluminium allows strength…
- Daiwa’s Automatic Tournament Drag uses an improved drag…
- Daiwa’s first generation of digitally engineered gear design…
If you’ve fished using regular Daiwa BG spinning reels, you already know how great this lineup has been for years. Now, take that tried and true design and inject it with steroids for added strength, cranking power, and durability.
You now have the BG MQ in all its glory.
Looking closely at the spool, you’ll notice a slight chamfer that allows the line to seemingly fall off without getting hung up. This leads to longer casts for those trying to get their baits out past the breakers. This is also helpful when chucking lures into a crazy boil where a few extra yards could be the difference between getting it in the strike zone or not.
Cranking power has also been enhanced thanks to the BG MQ design. You get substantial drive gear in this spinning reel. All models seem to benefit from this new design in strength and increased torque delivered from each crank.
BG MQ Specs & Features
1. Monocoque (MQ) Design
Say goodbye to the two-piece design of yesterday. The new monocoque body offers more power and torque, and eliminates the need for side plates, screws, and weak points. This also allows for a more compact design and reduces unnecessary weight.
2. Metal Alloy Body
The metal reel body is strong like a Formula One racing car and resists corrosion. This is becoming a favorite in the long casting community who continue to beat up their gear in rough surface while bringing in sharks, redfish, and other monsters here in the States.
3. ABS Longcast
The modified shape of the spool allows for a better line release when casting. It’s believed to give up to 5% better casting distance, which, when coupled with the right surf fishing rig, you can get some serious distance with a braided line.
4. ATD Drag
The key to not breaking off is having a powerful and smoother drag system. Daiwa has brought their ATD Drag system into these MQ spinning reels. The ATD, which stands for Automatic Tournament Drag system, uses a newer type of improved drag grease that allows for increased viscosity as it is rotated by the fish to give an even smoother response. It results in a smoother drag from the initial hook up.
5. Digigear
The reel has an improved meshing of gears thanks to their Digigear process. The MQ has a beefy cast zinc main gear, which isn’t the top material choice in high-end reels, but it should get the job done.
6. Rear Weight Design
For the smaller size BG MQ spinning reels, they’ll benefit from how the size and weight distribution are allocated. To help deliver the proper action while swimming your baits, the side-to-side loading has been optimized for your fishing needs.
7. Popular Models
- BG MQ 4000d-XH – Great for the surf
- BG MQ 5000 – Great for the surf
- BG MQ 8000 – Great for the boat
- BG MQ 10000 – Use it for big game
- BG 14000 – Use it for the biggest game
BG MQ Models
| Model | Bearing | Gear Ratio | Line Per Handle Turn | Weight (oz) | Mono Capacity | Braid Capacity | Drag Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BGMQ2500D-H | 6BB + 1 | 5.7 : 1 | 21.5″ | 8.3 | 8/240, 10/210 | 10/250, 15/185 | 22 | |
| BGMQ3000D-XH | 6BB + 1 | 6.2 : 1 | 36.8″ | 9.3 | 10/280, 12/220 | 15/250, 20/220 | 24 | |
| BGMQ4000D-XH | 6BB + 1 | 6.2 : 1 | 39.1″ | 10.1 | 10/360, 14/250 | 20/280, 30/200 | 26.4 | |
| BGMQ5000D-H | 6BB + 1 | 5.7 : 1 | 37.8″ | 15.3 | 14/280, 20/180 | 30/230, 40/160 | 26.4 | |
| BGMQ6000D-H | 6BB + 1 | 5.7 : 1 | 39.9″ | 15.2 | 14/340, 20/270 | 30/320, 40/240 | 26.4 | |
| BGMQ8000-H | 6BB + 1 | 5.7 : 1 | 43.4″ | 22.4 | 16/330, 20/280 | 40/330, 50/280 | 33.1 | |
| BGMQ10000-H | 6BB + 1 | 5.7 : 1 | 46.2″ | 22.8 | 20/330, 25/280 | 50/330, 65/280 | 33.1 | |
| BGMQ14000-H | 6BB + 1 | 5.7 : 1 | 48.3″ | 22.6 | 25/330, 35/280 | 65/330,80/280 | 33.1 | |
| BGMQ18000 | 6BB + 1 | 5.3 : 1 | 49.4″ | 30.5 | 35/330, 40/280 | 65/440, 80/330 | 44.1 | |
| BGMQ20000 | 6BB + 1 | 5.3 : 1 | 52.9″ | 30.3 | 40/330, 50/280 | 80/440, 100/330 | 44.1 |
Would We Buy the Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reel?
The BG MQ has improvements over the BG; the price might not warrant them. It’s a beautiful reel and will serve you well in the surf or on the boat if you take care of it and don’t submerge it. I’d likely stick with the Daiwa BG if you forced me to pick between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sealing on the BG MQ is better than on the Daiwa BG. However, there are weak spots, so it’s best not to get splashed with saltwater. These reels aren’t meant to be submerged. If your reel comes in contact with salt water, rinse it with fresh water immediately to prevent corrosion.
The Daiwa Saltiga is the best reel for inshore fishing and heavy offshore fishing. However, the best does come with a hefty price tag.
The Daiwa Saltiga is the flagship reel. Supposedly the Daiwa flagship is “the most powerful, smoothest and longest-lived saltwater reel ever.”
Founder & Angler 
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