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.

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.

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

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:

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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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.

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.

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.