Any input on this reel thinking of putting one on my new 11 fter?

Jack, i own one of the original 4500H not the surf, but i have a few friends who have, and i have not heard anything good about them, but that is just what i have heard and not from experience.
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Jack, i own one of the original 4500H not the surf, but i have a few friends who have, and i have not heard anything good about them, but that is just what i have heard and not from experience.
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Exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for. I want the long cast spool. But I am weary if spending 500 on a reel that I am not positive about. I am not willing to spend 1300 on the dog fight? I would rather buy another Zee
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My 6500H blew up! Needed to replace 3 of the gears. Happened to be fighting big blue dawgs....not shore fishing.

My 6500H blew up! Needed to replace 3 of the gears. Happened to be fighting big blue dawgs....not shore fishing.

Phil wasnt that a saltist 6500 not a saltiga surf?
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Exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for. I want the long cast spool. But I am weary if spending 500 on a reel that I am not positive about. I am not willing to spend 1300 on the dog fight? I would rather buy another Zee
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Maybe wait to see what shimano comes out with this year? Rumor is they will have a long cast spool designed for the surf, but that is a rumor ;)
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Phil wasnt that a saltist 6500 not a saltiga surf?
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yup your right!

The only problem is I want to build the rod to the reel. There maybe Locations where I want fish a different reel on it. But for primary usage I want to set the rod up for the reel.
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I went threw that jack, i cant tell you the amount of money i spent on rods and reels till i landed on what i have today. You are wise to wait for a primary reel.
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Is it worth it to wait for the shimano?
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Is it worth it to wait for the shimano?
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I am a big shimano fan, and i am hoping they deliver on this promiss, they make the reels over seas now but you cant get the repaired here but when i was looking to aquire one of the overseas models i was strongly urged to wait. That have already began adapting the technology on other reels as far as the spool design, but the price maybe step when i comes out , i know i am excited to see it.
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the saltiga surf is the biggest waste of $400 i ever spent. ive had it since it came out, sent it in 5 times, not to get serviced but to get fixed. and i only used it maybe 10-15 times a year This past time, they had to replace the main gear, pinion gear and body. cost a little over $100. used it once at a jetty it seized up, and i rinsed it out after that one time. when it works its awesome, but getting it to work is a rarity.

penn has said they are gonna release a long cast model of the new SSV. that would be pretty awesome.
Mark, if you want one now, i still prefer the older emblem pro, to most out there now, and i do like the shimano albrid, which you can get on ebay

Overpriced junk. Run of the mill reel capitalizing on the Saltiga name. It has absolutely nothing in common with the "real" Saltigas. You're better off buying an Emblem Pro A for a third of the price.

It's also too slow to use for anything but swimmers and eels.

I believe the new shimanos are due to debut at ICAST 2013 which means they may not available for sale for quite awhile. I have also been told that there will a couple of different price points in the long cast design.
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and i do like the shimano albrid, which you can get on ebay

Fin, isnt the albrid a shaft style handle not a single side screw on(i forget the exact terminology)
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the long spool shimano won't be available till around september, supposedly a re-designed stella with a long cast spool, the albrid are great reels, super light and super smooth, the new stella is going to be around 900, buy a old stella off of ebay for around 700 shipped, 8k size,

If I were to spend that kind of money right now it would be on a ZX 25 or 27
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Fin, isnt the albrid a shaft style handle not a single side screw on(i forget the exact terminology)
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skippy i really dont know sorry. I casted it a few time, and liked it, smooth, light and casted well. as far as the technical stuff, i really dont know, sorry.

from what I've been told the new stella is going to have a long cast spool with the ci4 body and hardened gears, we'll see though,

I've beat the crap out of mine an she's held up fine. been usin it for 3 seasons both in the ditch an on the Vineyard. Used it real hard in Rhody the last 2 yrs too and it's taken being pounded by big waves an such on the rocks. It cast great on my Century 10 1/2 slingshot with 40 lb powerpro as line. The only caution i was given was that jiggin in the ditch was not a good idea as it would twist the lighter metals due to the torque it put on them so i never used jigs on mine. I use the emblem pro for that.

Wouldn't be an issue for me with the jigging I have a set up specifically for jigging
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you said you have a Z, so I'm guessing this is just a canal distance reel that your looking for? If so, Em pro 5500 with an ungraded handle would be my choice. too many negatives about the saltiga.

Another vote for the Eblem,,,, I think it's more than just a bang for your buck.
Works great right out of the box///

I know that wasn't your question, but just because you want to build your rod around your reel, doesn't necessarily mean that the cost of the reel has to outweigh the rod that much. Good luck, whatever you do.

If money is no option i would go with the new saltiga. I own the 6500 and its been dunked and fished from boat and shore hard. No problems at all. Casts as good as any other reel out there. If you shop around can get it for about a grand. Best reel out there in my opinion and ived owned them all.

I have a friend who fishes the Canal 100+ nights a year and beaches another 25. Fishes as hard if not harder than anyone on this site. Yes, he's a member but I'm not mentioning his name. He fishes a Stella and has no problem other than he wore out the drag washers from too many 30s and 40s in the ditch. I think this is his 3rd year with it. Testament enough for me.

I also owned a stella 18000 and it lasted 2 months august and september. Sent it in and they said it looked like a bomb blew up inside of it. They fixed it for the $20 but i sold it right away. Never will buy another one unless its a newer version to blow that one up to.

Bobby would be a good barometer as I can't imagine anyone fishing more than him. If he or his brother can't wear it out it can't be worn out. I do like my Stella 10000 though, but I luv my 4500 Saltiga even more. The perfect reel IMO for me but not made anymore.

I have a new empro 6500 with the spare 5k spool I may just stick with that for now. And hold off for the New shimano's? I am wrapping the rod with k's so it should be fairly flexible on the reel end of things. Maybe change the stripping guide if needed.
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Don't worry about changing that guide for the new reel. The spool size will not have the adverse affect that you think. It's not like doing a complete concept build as long as you keep that in mind when you build the rod.

Don't worry about changing that guide for the new reel. The spool size will not have the adverse affect that you think. It's not like doing a complete concept build as long as you keep that in mind when you build the rod.

I was going to build a concept rod completely. I just didn't want to pigeonhole myself. Essentially I need to lighten my gear. Every year my right shoulder gets worse and worse. Not necessarily from fishing but Pre-existing conditions that repetitive casting aggravates. I just don't want to have to deal with the surgery that It will take to repair my arm. If I can lighten my gear and alter my casting slightly I think I'll be okay.
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All the rods I currently used are built along the lines of the concept system. I switch reels all the time. I can't imagine you are going to be adversely affected on an 11' if you build with an emblem pro and later switch to the new shimano, a stella, a saltiga, or whatever. If you built a 9' rod to a saltiga 4500 w/ 30lb pp and then threw a 706 w/ 20lb mono on the rod, it probably wouldn't be ideal. But in my experience, the difference between an emblem pro and a saltiga 4500 size reel, when combined with supple braid, is barely discernible, if at all. I will add... if you can find an old style saltiga 4500Z, would be worth every penny of $500. Much nicer than plugging with an emblem pro. I also have a daiwa powersurf, which can be had on ebay for less than $250. It is a really nice casting, lightweight reel. I use mine on my 1327 and have never had an issue. When they first came out, the rumor was that it was the same reel as the saltiga surf. I am not sure if that is true, but the powersurf has been a great reel for that price range. I also wonder if the general resistance to the saltiga surf would be diminished if it was called something else and was a couple hundred cheaper. It isn't built like a tank like the saltiga, but it mine has held up well and casts the best of all my reels.

I've heard mostly good things about the SS, but I wouldn't pick that reel if I was going to fish the surf. Canal, sure it would be a great reel, but if you're getting in the water, go with what's been proven to take that kind of abuse. For my money, VS250 and you're done.

I've heard mostly good things about the SS, but I wouldn't pick that reel if I was going to fish the surf. Canal, sure it would be a great reel, but if you're getting in the water, go with what's been proven to take that kind of abuse. For my money, VS250 and you're done.

If I am going to be out swimming or in heavy surf. I have a VS250 and a ZX22 Depending on location. Either set up is equally Proficient for handling those types of situations. This combo is being set up specifically to reach out and touch someone. I love my VS 250. But it is limited in castability
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I know first hand the Stella 10K and Saltiga Z4500 on a 1327 dont make much difference casting distance wise. Even a Saragosa 10K launches plugs on that rod and handles fish just fine. If you want to try out either one on a 1327 let me know.

If I am going to be out swimming or in heavy surf. I have a VS250 and a ZX22 Depending on location. Either set up is equally Proficient for handling those types of situations. This combo is being set up specifically to reach out and touch someone. I love my VS 250. But it is limited in castability
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Yeah, I hear you. I use my 250 even at the Canal and I can reach the middle with my best casts. My philosophy is this: Not unlike pretty plugs super long casts are more for the fishermen than the fish. I can't tell you how many nice fish I've hooked at the end of a long cast and said outloud to myself--"well, I have no chance of landing this one!" and I'm usually right. Once you get your plug out past 100 yards--even 80 yards--your ability to drive the hooks home becomes tenuous at best. When you get out to 120 yards (I'm guessing because I don't think I can throw it that far! :laughs: ) it becomes even tougher. When you add wind, current, water reistance and all of that the odds are stacked in the wrong direction. Sounds like you're going to be using this more in the surf though. With a few exceptions where there is some kind of structure that you want to reach, casting distance in the surf is overrated. Just my opinion of course. And I'm not trying to say that I'm right and you're wrong--at all. :)

I think the bottom line is: will that reel hold up to being submerged all the time? And, as is the case with most of these reels that are designed for smoothness--it probably has too many bearings and other moving parts to live a long healthy life in the surf.

Did you get a chance tyo feel that 10ft 6 century with thw Saltiga surf on it in Rhody?The weight on that outfit an how well it handles a big fish in the canal is crazy let alone how it works in the surf.if you want i can give you the recipe an you can tape it together to try the emblem on it or use it for a base on an 11 ftr to see how the guide set works with your reel seat spacing. Ron

Did you get a chance tyo feel that 10ft 6 century with thw Saltiga surf on it in Rhody?The weight on that outfit an how well it handles a big fish in the canal is crazy let alone how it works in the surf.if you want i can give you the recipe an you can tape it together to try the emblem on it or use it for a base on an 11 ftr to see how the guide set works with your reel seat spacing. Ron

Bobs Rod? I did cast it and that is the reason why I am going to migrate over to the Century line up. I thought my SS one piece with a zx22 was pretty light to work with. Not even close to his set up.
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I have 2 recipies for that. His came out of a guy in new zealand then I did some modifications on it combining the concept an cone of flight. The one I use is a mix of the fuji k frame set up an cone of flight. Both work about the same. I've used Sustains,Emblems,Penn 7500,VS an Z's on them an all cast with no prob with both set ups.30 through 50 lb test.I did find that a strong wind will mess with 30 an 20 lb braid but not 40 n 50.the only ones that have gotten more distance ar those usin light line like 20 n 30 compared to the 50 i'm usin.or usin metal.

mark just to see what it would be like, i put my saltiga surf 6000 on my 1327, tell you what its pretty damn light, and its casts a long way. put the em pro on it, too, casting distance was pretty much the same, it was a little heavier but in the scheme of things, not too bad.

I remember the shimano albrid CI4 i tried was very light, so i looked into it a little,
turns out its about 17 ounces. Its a cool reel, since the spool sizes and interchangable, its light and cats very well. for about $100 less than a saltiga surf, with much of the same type features, its might be worth looking into. If I had any money, or a reaosn to get another distance reel I would pick one up :uhuh:

If I am going to be out swimming or in heavy surf. I have a VS250 and a ZX22 Depending on location. Either set up is equally Proficient for handling those types of situations. This combo is being set up specifically to reach out and touch someone. I love my VS 250. But it is limited in castability
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A few years ago I would agree with that statement but not now! I have found the optimum line and guide layout (and blanks) that allow me to throw 100 yds +. The 250 has been my favorite since it was first produced. I have tried just about everything out there and I will stick with my 250. Concentrate on a good blank, guides and layout along with a good braid.




I think the bottom line is: will that reel hold up to being submerged all the time? And, as is the case with most of these reels that are designed for smoothness--it probably has too many bearings and other moving parts to live a long healthy life in the surf.

Bingo, couldn't agree more!

A few years ago I would agree with that statement but not now! I have found the optimum line and guide layout (and blanks) that allow me to throw 100 yds +. The 250 has been my favorite since it was first produced. I have tried just about everything out there and I will stick with my 250. Concentrate on a good blank, guides and layout along with a good braid.




Bingo, couldn't agree more!

I agree if this reel were going to get wet I would go with a 250 or a zx2-27 it will not be. I am going to stick with the empro for now and consider an upgrade mid season if the weight is an issue.

I truly appreciate all the feed back guys. That is why I like this place. People here fish! They use gear and use it up if it will be used up. I know that if I am in need of opinions on gear people here have used it.

Thanks Again
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mark just to see what it would be like, i put my saltiga surf 6000 on my 1327, tell you what its pretty damn light, and its casts a long way. put the em pro on it, too, casting distance was pretty much the same, it was a little heavier but in the scheme of things, not too bad.

I remember the shimano albrid CI4 i tried was very light, so i looked into it a little,
turns out its about 17 ounces. Its a cool reel, since the spool sizes and interchangable, its light and cats very well. for about $100 less than a saltiga surf, with much of the same type features, its might be worth looking into. If I had any money, or a reaosn to get another distance reel I would pick one up :uhuh:

If you are not going to wait on the new shimano that is coming out I would highly recommend the shimano ultegra over the albrid. Very similar reels but the ultegra has stronger gears and a faster retrieve rate
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If you are not going to wait on the new shimano that is coming out I would highly recommend the shimano ultegra over the albrid. Very similar reels but the ultegra has stronger gears and a faster retrieve rate
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very cool, thanks i didnt know that :grins:

I have to say that the best reel---not just spinning reel, but the best reel, period---that I've ever owned is my Saltiga 6000Z. It has been absolutely flawless for 7 seasons, has been serviced just once, and the only thing I have had to replace was the line roller bearings. I've owned Van Staals and a Stella SW. None could hold a candle to the Saltiga for just plain durability.

I don't think that any use you put a reel to, from shore, puts more strain on a reel's gears than jigging the Canal. That's what I've mainly used that reel for. Those gears are damn near indestructible.

I've owned a variety of P-series Newells, every American made Penn surf reel (both spinning and conventional), almost every Abu offered in the US market, and a variety of Daiwa Sealine and Saltist conventionals. The Saltiga is better than any and all.

If you can find a used 4500Z in good shape, that's what you should invest in.

I have to say that the best reel---not just spinning reel, but the best reel, period---that I've ever owned is my Saltiga 6000Z. It has been absolutely flawless for 7 seasons, has been serviced just once, and the only thing I have had to replace was the line roller bearings. I've owned Van Staals and a Stella SW. None could hold a candle to the Saltiga for just plain durability.

I don't think that any use you put a reel to, from shore, puts more strain on a reel's gears than jigging the Canal. That's what I've mainly used that reel for. Those gears are damn near indestructible.

I've owned a variety of P-series Newells, every American made Penn surf reel (both spinning and conventional), almost every Abu offered in the US market, and a variety of Daiwa Sealine and Saltist conventionals. The Saltiga is better than any and all.

If you can find a used 4500Z in good shape, that's what you should invest in.

Some of the best canal fishermen I know fish them and they all say the same. Why did Daiwa stop making them? Was there not a market for them?

I have an '09 Z4500 , love that reel.

Some of the best canal fishermen I know fish them and they all say the same. Why did Daiwa stop making them? Was there not a market for them?

They had to keep pace with Shimano by offering the new and "improved" Saltiga with that funky magnetic seal. It's all about the latest and the greatest with the two Japanese giants.

The new 5000 is a hell of a plugging reel, if it holds up as well as the older ones. Much smoother than first generation Saltigas, and a lot more sand-friendly. The only weak point of the originals was the very close tolerance in the rotor. Sand could get in there and cause a bit of binding. You can clear it by dunking the reel, though. The body is sealed well enough to withstand dunking.