First trip with the Saltiga...
 

I went out for the first time with the new Saltiga this weekend. Basically it was just a refresher in how to cast as the fish didn't cooperate for me. I was extremely impressed with the reel. I was amazed at just how smooth this thing is! My first cast went noticeably further than I was able to cast with my VS's. I was standing a good 30' further from the spot i usualy try to reach, and I had little trouble getting there. The line seems to rocket off the reel on a cast. I upgraded the handle to one of the round Japanese style handles. It is noticeably heavier than the stock handle, which seems to make the reel that much more effortless to crank. I let a couple of the guys fishing with me try her out as well, and they were equally impressed. Only time will tell how well it stands up to surf conditions, but I'll be sure to keep the reports coming in.

I told you so!

Toby-

I don't think you'll be disappointed the more you use it, especially fighting a nice fish on it. The reel is great.

How do you like the round handle knob compared to the stock knob?

Very interested in listening to the reports on the saltiga throughout the year as I like the high end Daiwa products. I wanted to look at one of the reels at the RI show but the rep did not have any on display. I think I will buy a less expensive reel this year and then buy a saltiga next year if the reports are good.

Joe, the round knob is extremely comfortable. It fits perfectly into the palm of your hand. The problem is getting one. I found mine on eBay a few weeks ago. Still looking for a spair spool. Haven't seen one come up on ebay since before I bought the reel, and the only other source I have found is the on the many Japanese sights.

By the way, has anyone found someone to translate the manual yet?

I just wanted to thank all of you guys for previously providing feedback on this reel. More reports such as this keep coming in and they seem to be very positive. I'm looking forward to use my 4500 soon! Please keep reports coming and I will do the same.

TLap - what size to you get? Is it the stock spool or the GT? I'm skipping the VS and going to the Saltiga. I have the conventional SA 40 that I use for codfishing and it's awesome :kewl:

Does anyone know if there will be the GT spool for the smaller models (4000, 4500)? Not neccasary but nice!

Ditto to what everyone has said. I hope you send it in for service too. I would like to hear how that goes. I suspect you will no problems with the reel and it will stand up.
14 or 15 quality bearings is why is is smooth. I would expect the spools to be a little pricey. I know the spare spools on the stellas are like 140 or so.

You fishing PP on that ? 50#?

Perhaps if this works out we can get a local guy to sell them...there has got to be some profit in selling $600-$700 spinning reels.
BTW, where it you purchase yours?

The only thing that scares me about the Saltiga is all those bearings. Saltwater + bearings = trouble. It better be sealed. It's been the weak spot of Stellas I've used in the surf.

Sandman, we'll have them as soon as they ship them to me. Of course we may not be local for you. :boots: I'm a little scared about the price though, I have a bad feeling this is going to be one those all too frequent cases where I pay at least as much as they are selling for on Ebay...

As long as shimano replaces them under their platinum service agreement, I am not whining too much. Also, I am older now and not as intense :musc: as those that actually swim along with the fishes while they fish. My stuff gets real wet but to be honest sees more air then sea water these days.

I agree though, sticker shock can be painful on those specility items. :exp:

Do these reels come in left handed? I looked online but did not see an option. I am guessing that because of the sealed system you cannot switch the handle from side to side.

The Daiwa website does not mention that the reel has sealed gears and that it only has a sealed drag system, is this true?

Yes, You can change the handle from one side to the other

The spool I saw on eBay a while back was like $150 or $160. The knob alone was $55.

I am throwing 50# Stren super braid. PP and I don't get along.

One thing I noticed when I replaced the knob eas that there are two bearrings in the knob itself. This could be a point of concern if the reel is dunked. I will be sure to keep an eye on that point of the reel as the season rolls on. To the guys that already have Saltigas, have you taken the handle apart after a season of use? Was there any salt build up inside the knob? I did note a rubber gasket on the outside nut, but I didn't see anything on the side closer to the reel body.

T Lap, do you plan on putting that reel under for long periods of time Or is that meant for real reels:Hee:..no pun no pun

Goose, she'll be under water just like I did to my VS's. I really trimmed down my spinner collection this winter. I know only own 2, a VS250 and a 4500 Saltiga.

I purchased 4 or 6 new conventionals, however, and I plan to fish my Avet much more. I really have high hopes for that little reel. I did some testing this winter of the Avet. I set the reel in a bucket of water and cranked it, peeled line off against the drag, cranked it again, and so on for quite some time. The drag stayed silky smooth and the reel never faultered. I know it was only fresh water from the tap, but it was still a pretty good test in my eyes. That reel has sealed bearrings and a drag which is supposed to be unaffected by submersion in water. The company even tells you to soak the reel completely in fresh water after use in the salt to remove any build up. They allege that it will not be damaged in any way. The only negatives I know of so far is the reel NEEDS to be magged in order to control it, and some people have had issues with it when the temperature gets a bit below freezing. I'll be sure to give a good end of year review on the Avet along with the Saltiga this year.