I have saved some pennies (ALOT) and am looking for input from those in the know. Is the Surf a "comparable" reel or is the extra $400.00 for the SA-Z5000 really worth it. I use 50lb braid, alot of canal fishing hopefully getting into some surf. Is the difference noticeable? I can buy two Surfs for one SA_Z, or is the 4500 the way to go. Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Blow your load and get the SA-Z5000...worth every extra penny(four thousand to be exact).

I have two SA Z-4500's. My wife and kids only had to go without food for two weeks to finance the reels and they survived ok. My dog ate just fine though.

Two??? I've been stashing funds for months, just for one! I have a hard time shelling it out for one reel.... but if it's worth it I can somehow justify it.

Two??? I've been stashing funds for months, just for one! I have a hard time shelling it out for one reel.... but if it's worth it I can somehow justify it.

They were under $500 each when I bought mine back in 2004, just to clarify. They're in the $800 range now, but if I wanted a peak performing reel right now and didn't already own one I'd go for it. Check with guys here that have one and maybe you can test drive one. You're welcome to try mine if you're up the canal way between 1-4 am the next few nights...:eek:

I got my Z4500 on here used last winter and it has been great to me this year. Such a solid piece of equipment.

You might consider this option also, probably better than a Saltiga surf but I have no first hand knowledge about that.
Daiwa Catalina 4000 4500 4000H 4500H (http://www.japantackle.com/Daiwa_reels/Daiwa_Catalina.htm)

had a saltiga surf. wasn't impressed. bought a 4500z and 6000gt and couldn't be happier. worth the extra money if you ask me..

The Saltiga Surf is an inferior reel trading on the Saltiga name. Spend the extra on the real thing. The Surf has a magnesium body, and may corrode fast if the finish gets damaged on the rocks, and an aluminum main gear. In addition, it is not sealed. The 4500-Z Saltiga is the best all-around size for general surf use. The 5000 is as heavy as the 6000 and the Dogfight at 29-30 oz, while the 4500 is closer to 20 oz.

As far as the Catalina goes, WoodyCT got a lemon. The bail assembly fell apart on him the first or second time out. The Catalina is not sold in the US market, so you are at the mercy of online dealers who may or not be scrupulous. Woody had a hell of a time getting satisfaction from that retailer. It may be an isolated incident--from the pictures he posted, it looked to me like someone previously bought the reel, and returned it after playing with the bail assembly and losing a part. The box that the reel came in had been damged. But even if that was the case, you may have problems getting parts and service for it from Daiwa warranty centers, or even from Daiwa USA.

Thanks, don't tell my wife...

Also--I didn't see that the use was for canal fishing. IMO the retrieve rate on the Surf (3.6:1 with under 30" of line retrieved per crank on the two bigger models), is way to slow for fishing anything but eels and swimming plugs in the Canal. Even with swimmers, you'll often be cranking them in along the rock weed and snagging there. With jigs? Forget it--you'll be burying them in the face of the drop off and close in ledges all night.

I tried one last season for pencils, and you just can't crank one fast enough to keep from having the plug catch in the rock weed downcurrent of you, unless you're throwing real short.

forget the surf POS.

Go on ebay and watch. I just picked up my z4500 for 505.00 and its like new.

Two??? I've been stashing funds for months, just for one! I have a hard time shelling it out for one reel.... but if it's worth it I can somehow justify it.

you'll never have to buy any other reel

going on 7 years almost for my 6000GT
and 4 for my 4500Z

like Mike said, forget the surf
get the real thing
flawless reels imo

Getting 2 Saltiga Surf reels instead of the real thing would be like getting 2 Stradics instead of a Stella. They're definitely just trying to use the name without the quality.

you'll never have to buy any other reel

going on 7 years almost for my 6000GT
and 4 for my 4500Z

like Mike said, forget the surf
get the real thing
flawless reels imo

You forgot to mention that Toby beat the crap out of your 4500 before you owned it ;)

:D Toby beats the crap out of everything :smash::smash: we should call him the gear abuser and tackle companies should do their testing of products by him.:fishin::uhuh:

I used it in the wash for 6-1/2 hours Friday night getting pounded by waves, when the fish finally showed, it performed as advertised and the drag was smooth as silk. :btu:

I value the opinions here greatly,thank you.Need to stash a few thousand more pennies and Im sold.
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