Daiwa introduced their new Saltiga Lever Drag reels this summer, and all models are finally in stock. Finally, Daiwa is offering leverdrags that match the quality of their exceptional Star Drag Saltiga series and Spinning reels.
I HIGHLY recommend checking out the Penn Torque leverdrag lineup. I have used a handful of reels from accurate dauntless, valiants, avet raptors, Okuma Makairas and Shimano talicas. I have found that the Penn Torque pieces are some really really Unique reels! They have the best castability, freespool, and power. These reels really earn there name "torque" because my little Penn torque 15ld2 which is similar sized to a Avet SX raptor, is able to crank under higher pressure than even my Okuma makaira 15t! I can turn the handle in Low speed under 15lbs of drag even, and they still manage to have the extremely light weight of 16 oz. Just what i have found to be the best of the medium frame reel market. Highly recommend checking them out!
The Torques are indeed nice reels. All reels mentioned have their merits. Having said that, I'll not be trading in my Avet JX's nor my Makaira's for one given what these reels have done for me. But, I'd still like a 25N and 40NLD...both very good sizes for what I'd be doing. The new Daiwa lever drags are also darn interesting reels...and I'd like the opportunity to play with a 200 pounder on one of 'em.
@@CharkBaitUSA definitely! The only reels i have not liked myself so far were the Shimano talicas because well there just not all that good, the first time i put that thing to the test it the handle came loose and it was done for the trip. My other 2 talicas began to start some corrosion on the frame and it actually was eating at the metal, I sold every one of them. I too will definetly NOT be selling my makairas, they truely also stand out for what they are in the smaller sizes like the 10 an 15t. I think the makaira 10 and 15t stand out from others because there the same size as somthing like a Torque 25n and 40nld but are much beefier being heavy frame reels. These new saltigas do seem very intresting! Diawa actually did some tesing before releasing them this time and have had some amazing results! They used the 50 sizes for kites at san clemente and suprisingly actually caught a few cows on them, being a much smaller and lighter reel that is truely impressive. those avets are nice reels, there the first higher end reel I started off with and never willingly got rid of any of them.
@@CharkBaitUSA i looked into these Saltiga star drags a little and found they dont have a thrust bearing like the penns, and okuma makairas.. Not somthing i like to see since it means the pinion bearing will fail at one point..
@@fadelover123 Star drag reels would have no use for a thrust bearing, the drag load is put on the gear and gear shaft not the spool and spool bearings. The pinion is free to move in and out so an axial load from helical cut gears would only improve the fit between the pinion and spool pin. As far as the lever drags go, the lack of a thrust bearing is more of a design methodology difference. Over in Japan they usually care more about precision, whereas here we are more likely to be conservative and underrate something like line test, drag rating and so on. They perform perfectly within the drag rating you are given, but if you want to push the reel beyond its rated drag a thrust bearing can be helpful. This is why the Fathoms and Makaira's include it, they know they have helical cut gears which will create an axial load and they know people will probably not bother to set their drags accordingly.
Can you please do the video on turning the 15h into a auto engage lever, I want to do the conversion... Knowing what parts to buy and how to do it would be amazing
Better get hold of Sergey directly. He's not gotten going on videos, going in many directoins but will certainly spend time with you if you get hold of him at the shop.
Please do the video about modifying the 10 or 15 to auto engage. I just bought a 15 and that would be sweet! And I looked at my schematic but can’t tell what the right parts are since all the descriptions are in Japanese
Shimano torsa are great reels, bullet proof. Shimano got rid of them because they were too good. Now you get the cheap build talica at a ridiculous price. I like the saltiga 20 lever drag, but it’s a rough feeling gear
Roger that Tommy. Sergey has come a long way from that trip many years ago. He's got me beat on yellowtail, he took a good one at Guadalupe last year. He's turned into a rod builder, jigger/popper type fisherman, and has worked me out of a job...almost. Next up, time to work with younger son Mike share some experiences motivating similar lifetime interests.
USA market, the bike maker and Daiwa offer 1 yr warranty, with Saltiga class Daiwas offering 5 year warranty and factory service! In my mind the expanded warranty coverage was partly due to Okuma's policy on the Makaira series reels which offered a 5 year warranty when ALL other's in USA market were 1 year.
Thank you so much for the review guys! I’m getting into SPJ. I’m debating on getting either the 35 star drag or the 35 HJ lever drag. I know both are really good reels but if it came down to it, witch one would you guys choose?
Probably, but really too soon for us to say with certainty. I'm not dissecting these new reels to find out. The handles are not available yet thru Daiwa parts USA. In Japan the handles are available BUT they run $180 plus shipping! Sergey looked 'em over, seems there may be a specific tool needed for the new knob, but may very well fit...but it ain't cheap.
@@CharkBaitUSA the metal handle is available for the 35-60 now at Daiwa through customer service. I just ordered one for my 40......$56. Back ordered til the end of January.
For the stars, lefty reels are made in the 10 and 15 size. Not sure of any plans to broaden to other models. For the Asia market, there are no lefties, all converted in early school years apparently. So typically lefty reels primarily for USA market. Look to Avet and Accurate for this option across their model line.
I can very easily be incorrect, old guy, feeble brain, lifestyle choices.... But, I don't believe the 50HK was ever sold in USA market and as a consequence I have no bloody idea what improvements were made. I'm not a gear-head, I'm a fisherman. Might try Daiwa directly and they can make the pitch. Again, could be wrong but I believe these were offered in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia...probably other countries. But, not something we represented here in the States. No doubt wonderful reels as were the originals I did represent back in 2004-10 or so.
@@CharkBaitUSA Yes HK was from South Africa, But what i was getting at is what are the improvements over the 1st generation Saltiga 50 and this new one (from USA model perspective) as it was mentioned in the video that they were improved. i am looking at buying the Saltiga 2020 Spinning reel as well, i will hit up Your website for that. All the best
Guadalupe Island fishing offers a unique experience. In the old days, 2000-2010 approx. it was a 40# line class destination, 40# w/fluorocarbon required for a bite. When folks were prevented from fishing the area and then a few years later we had opportunity to fish her again the tuna bit anything and 100# lines were getting used most often and that's what got bit. With more boats visiting the islands once it opened back up each year the needed line test for a bite became lighter, down to 50# and 40# often. It's closed this year, new island manager from Mexico made the decision. So, chances are 60-80# may be whats going to be used when the boats head there again next year. So, I'll not suggest one particular reel, but rather suggest line class. I'd want a good 500 yards of line on the reel. So, look over the models, see what fits the parameters mentioned. You can get the specs off our website: www.charkbait.com
Depends on the type of fishing. If fighting bigger fish I go with the makaira because you can get bigger reels for the same price such as the 50w that’s 699$ same as the Saltiga 55 & 60 but with higher drag and bigger spool for long battles against fish bigger than 150lb. Small to medium definitely the Saltiga up to 30 which can battle 80lb tuna amazingly
Thanks for the review. I purchased the LD20 2spd recently and noticed that when you crank the handle, it does not stop on track. There is a very very slight free play. Is that normal?
In a word, yes. Very, very slight - that's what one should expect, to a greater or lesser extent depending upon manufacturer and model. Very nice reels, have not fished one myself yet... Looking forward to borrowing Sergey's, he stands better chance of buying one than I do. Wife has me figured out..knows where my gear is kept and definitely would catch a new reel now... Sergey being single has more options than I do.
Sorry for late reply, I've been on vacation for a week with wife and youngest son. It's not an easy comparison, both series are excellent, flat out excellent reels. I have to give Daiwa the nod on quality of machining and finish, that's a strength of the Saltiga series whether star or lever drag. Functionally, I'll give the nod to Okuma for their low gear ratio which will provide great cranking power on a larger grade fish. Either way you go, you're on very solid ground, I'd be proud to own a couple from either series.
@@CharkBaitUSA Thanks for the reply appreciate it. I had issues with the original Daiwa saltiga's which prompted to switch to Okuma. Seems the new line of Saltigas address the previous side loading and cam stripping issue. Time to spend some money!
@@pbubu313 If the earlier generation Saltiga leverdrags, I'm with you - never liked 'em. They seem as though they were made by same factory that built the Saltist leverdrag 2 speeds - similar design and limitations. Kind of hollow sounding when you knock on the sideplate... New ones come from same factory as the star drag Saltiga series - excellent manufacturing there, worthy of Saltiga nameplate.
Specific warranty for SALTIGA series reels is included with the reels. May or may not be on Daiwa's website. Contact me at our business and I can send back a jpg of what it says. 5 year warranty, 5 year service, 1 business day clearn and service, expedited service AND free expedited return shipping 2nd day air priority mail. It's a very strong warranty which actually goes beyond what has been the best coverage in the business offered by Okuma for their Makaira series reels. Exceptional service agreement by both firms.
The match will depend upon the line tests you have loaded on the reel. Please make use of our website, direct email rather than YT. Glad to help out on the match, but really best to go thru the business email or message board. www.charkbait.com
