Daiwa D-VEC Fishing Seat box Review
A small compact seat box from Daiwa. The D-VEC is perfect for mobile anglers with compatible System-36 legs for additional Daiwa seat box accessories.
I first stumbled across the Daiwa D-VEC fishing box whilst writing an article about the best fishing boxes under £150 (here) and wanted to do a bit more research before putting together a D-VEC Seat Box Review for Fishing Seat Boxes.
Is the D-VEC a fishing chair?
The first thing you notice about the seat box is that it's quite small, mobile and "chair like". I can hear already here the chuckles from long term anglers for "not being a real pole fisherman" and choosing a seat box with a padded back rest.
One thing I always stress when spending long periods next to the water is to take regular walks. Not only does it get the blood pumping (source), but it gives me an excuse to have a cheeky vape without sending plumes of vapour down to the next swim upsetting other anglers.
There is a reason why office chairs have back rests....
Having spent my early years fishing on an old wicker seat box, I remember the back pain I experienced just from a few hours fishing after school - maybe Daiwa are on to something by adding a small but subtle back rest?
The answer is yes they are, unlike normal fishing chairs, the back rest still allows pole anglers to manoeuvre their pole over their shoulders whilst providing much needed lower back support.
Small and Compact for Tight Swims
Moving on from the back rest, I want to next focus on how compact the D-VEC really is. Measuring 60cm x 50cm x 40cm the aluminium seat box will quite happily fit into any small shed, the boot of a hatchback or even snuck away in your living without your partner noticing.
Unlike the more "beefier" seat boxes from Daiwa, the DVEC comes in at a very low 6kg (13.2lb) making it light enough to transport to and from your fishing peg without the need for a fishing trolley. This is obviously the weight before you load it full of tackle.
A padded detachable padded shoulder strap is included which clips (and unclips) from the fishing seat box.
Setting up the D-VEC Box Seat
Setting up the Daiwa D-VEC is a breeze, not only is it lightweight for easy positioning, but comes complete with 4 x 50cm Daiwa round SYSTEM-36 36mm legs. Each leg can be tightened using the easy to grab thumb screws, and is perfect for muddy ground due to the circular tilting "mud feet" (great for sloped banks).
Mud feet at small plastic / metal discs usually round or octagonal in shape that make contact with the ground. Their increased surface area ensure that the legs of the seat box will not sink into the mud, hence the name "mud feet".
To ensure your seat box is level use the built in spirit level located on the back rear of the box.
Unlike other Daiwa Fishing boxes, the thumbscrews are a fixed position - NOT the 180° as seen on other models (D90 / Tournament 800)
What's the storage like on the Daiwa D-VEC Box?
Lifting up the DVEC box reveals a fairly shallow 40cm x 28cm x 10cm storage compartment which can interestingly be opened from either the front or back for easy access to other tackle, rigs or spare reel.
The storage options pretty much end there, however as the D-VEC seat box is aimed primarily at mobile anglers, I don't think there is really more that you should require.
One of the positive aspects of small storage area means you have quite a large clearance underneath the seat granting the angler to sit in shallow water.
Daiwa D-VEC Manufacturer Specifications
- Release Date: 2021
- Mobile, easy carry seat box – 6kg
- Shallow base – 40cm x 28cm x 10cm
- Ultra-secure and adjustable 36mm/50cm legs
- Tilting mud feet
- Padded seat and fold down back rest
- Front and rear opening
- Padded shoulder strap (removable)
- Spirit level for even set up
What's the best price for the Daiwa D-VEC Box Seat?
Upon launch, the RRP for this seat box is £149.99, however as we all know by now, many online tackle retailers will often come in lower. The following prices (Correct as of the 10th Feb 2022) are the best I've found.
- eBay - £124.99 (link) (Updated 15/02/23) ⭐
- Angling Direct - £134.99 - link (Updated 15/02/23) ⭐
- Banks & Burr - 129.99 - link
- Fishing Tackle and Bait - £134.99 - link
- Fishing Tackle 2 Go - £144.50 - link
If you've found a better deal, or the prices above are no longer correct, please get in contact with me.
The Negatives
There's not really many negatives that I can list, but I did notice 1 negative review whilst collating the best prices:
- Thumb Screws not tightening
A review left on a tackle site mentioned that the thumbscrews needed "really tightening whilst wearing gloves" to stop the box from sliding down the legs. Having only seen 1 review like this, I would prefer to assume either the thumbscrew is faulty, or some dirt/oil made its way onto the leg making it super slippery.
- Storage area Water Seal - or lack of
The box is pitched at mobile anglers who will inevitably be carrying their box whilst it's raining. Although a great excuse to spend more of your wages on new tackle, proactively protecting your small tackle from the elements I feel wouldn't go a miss.
My Verdict
I'm not much of a mobile angler myself, and I'm rather lucky that my local commercials have car parking either very close or directly behind the pegs making transportation not really an issue. However, I really do like that manufacturers are opting to add back rests to their fishing boxes - your future self will thank you.
The System 36 fishing legs ensure that any Daiwa seat box accessories that are suitable for SYSTEM-36 are completely compatible.
If you're into walking round wild ponds, or even want a low profile pole fishing box for canals, this is definitely worth a look - especially from a trusted brand like Daiwa.
