Saltiga 4500 update so far.

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

This is my biggest concern. I really want to get one for those nasty condition nights but I am waiting to see how Toby's reel is delt with (service wise, I can't live with a 6 week turn around.) I now how 5 stellas and had my first issue with one of them right before the derby. While IMO they are not as heavy duty as the saltiga's they approach that price point and are in the same league. Shimano's service is fast with the platimum service plan that comes with stellas, I got mine repaired within 24 hours and overnighed back to me...charge: $0.00 (I did pay for the shipping out to them though)


Speaking of excellent reels, have you seen that new shimano Torsa? Jezzzz, I don't think I have ever held a piece of precision machinery like that before, simply unreal.

Sandman-

I have both the Saltigas (4000 & 4500) & Stellas (5000 & 8000). While I tend to "baby" the Stella more in the surf because of the feeling that it is not as "waterproof" as the Saltiga, I really think both reels are about the same when it comes to strength, drag-ability, cranking ability, ability to handle nasty conditions. Also, if you look at a Stella diagram there are plenty of seals in the reel to somewhat "waterproof" it. I love fishing the Saltiga's but I like fishing the Stella's just as much. I am starting to think it may be just that Daiwa advertises the Saltiga as "waterproof" while Shimano does not, leading to the feeling that the Stella is not as durable.

When you throw in the Daiwa service thing, which I will experience this offseason when I send my reels in, it may be just that the Stella is as good an option as the Saltiga.

[tlapinski]

Ok, finally have time to post up again.I got the reel back on November 2, I think.

It took about 27 - 30 days to get the reel back. I had to call Daiwa again and bitch at them about sending a $700+ reel in and losing it for the peak of the fall run. After expressing my discontent with the entire situation and telling them I should have bought a Shimano as they send a new reel when you kill one, I got my reel right back. I was psyched to put the reel back in the water after she came home, and left for Block the next day. I fish 4 straight nights out ther with it, submerged for a good amount of the time. While I didn't tangle with any big girls, the reel worked flawlessly again. They replaced the entire foot section and side of the reel connected to it, as well as the bearings and did a greasing on the reel. I was very happy with how the reel came back to me, even if it did take a lot longer than I had anticipated.

Since receiving the reel back, I have spoken to several Daiwa personel and I have built a bit of a relationship with them. Everything seems to be in order, and I am happier than ever about the reel.

So, after a season of beating the cr@p out of the Saltiga 4500, I would recommend it to anyone looking to get a high end surf spinning reel. I am seriously contemplating selling my last VS and buying a second Saltiga this off season.

[basswipe]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

Ok, finally have time to post up again.I got the reel back on November 2, I think.

It took about 27 - 30 days to get the reel back. I had to call Daiwa again and bitch at them about sending a $700+ reel in and losing it for the peak of the fall run. After expressing my discontent with the entire situation and telling them I should have bought a Shimano as they send a new reel when you kill one, I got my reel right back. I was psyched to put the reel back in the water after she came home, and left for Block the next day. I fish 4 straight nights out ther with it, submerged for a good amount of the time. While I didn't tangle with any big girls, the reel worked flawlessly again. They replaced the entire foot section and side of the reel connected to it, as well as the bearings and did a greasing on the reel. I was very happy with how the reel came back to me, even if it did take a lot longer than I had anticipated.

Since receiving the reel back, I have spoken to several Daiwa personel and I have built a bit of a relationship with them. Everything seems to be in order, and I am happier than ever about the reel.

So, after a season of beating the cr@p out of the Saltiga 4500, I would recommend it to anyone looking to get a high end surf spinning reel. I am seriously contemplating selling my last VS and buying a second Saltiga this off season.

27-30 days without the reel.And they replaced the entire foot section and side of the reel connected to it as well as the bearings.But you're happy with with it.Whoa.I understand that you fish harder than most but you bought a $700+ reel it broke and you waited a month to get it back and you're gonna give a thumbs up?

Don't take this personally or do but you sound like someone trying to justify spending 700+ bucks on a reel that didn't make a full season and you got crappy service to boot and yet you'll buy another and recommened it to others.Did I miss anything?

[Christian]

how much did the repair cost, or was it warranty?

[tlapinski]

Christian, it was all warrantee covered.

[cow tamer]

Daiwa now offers not only the Saltiga SA-Z4500, but the new Saltiga Blast SA-B4500. They appear to be very similar. The former has 14 BB and is listed as MH action, the latter has 9BB and is listed as H action. Has anyone compared the detail specs between the two. Anyone know the price difference? Any preference between the two?

[JoeP]

Biggest difference = NOT waterproof.

[mikecc]

I'll have each reel in the shop this spring.Price of the blast is about 30% less.
The differance being 5 bearings and the blast is not sealed. also the handle on the Saltiga is machined and the Blast is HD cast.