Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel Review for 2023

This review article will discuss the Daiwa Saltist spinning reel. We have studied its features and have compiled this study so you can have an in-depth understanding of its performance. Read on to learn whether or not this is the right reel for you in this Daiwa Saltist review for 2023.

The Daiwa Saltist Review – Is It Quality?

As an angler, you’re probably familiar with the irritation that comes with dealing with inflexible fishing tackle. Also, fishing with a jerky drag can ruin your fishing experience. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a quality reel when fishing. Luckily, technological advancement brought about a spinning reel to guarantee an exciting fishing experience.

A spinning reel offers solution in situations that require conventional tackle and handling bigger game in saltwater or freshwater. It is one of the key items in every angler’s fishing kit.

Summary: Daiwa Saltist Review – Great Value

The Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel has seven models of reels designed specifically for fishing in salt waters. Each, with its peculiar features and uses. They are generally made with strong and long-lasting materials, making them ideal for fishing in harsh conditions. It is highly recommended for anglers that are set to troll rough salt waters.

Daiwa saltist spinning reel has an incredible drag capacity. It includes every feature you need for a smooth operation in catching bigger pelagics. This spinning reel can stand the test of time.

Daiwa SALTIST2500 Saltist Spinning Reel, 5.6: 1 Gear Ratio, 9 Bearings,...

Pros

  • It features a near-waterproof sealant design
  • The drag system is waterproof
  • It also has a strong line capacity

Cons

  • The large models, especially the 4000 and above, are heavy and may be difficult to handle

View Current Pricing

Daiwa SALTIST2500 Saltist Spinning Reel, 5.6: 1 Gear Ratio, 9 Bearings,...
  • Magsealed line roller and main shaft
  • "HardBodyz" body and side cover
  • Light weight Air Rotor design
  • Air Bail–tubular stainless for lightweight strength

Our Daiwa Saltist Review

Daiwa Certate LT spinning reels topple some of its predecessors with new features. One of the outstanding features is the monocoque body possessed by the reel. This body removes the need for a side plate and companion screws that come with the plate. It does this by giving the spinning reel a one-piece frame. As a result of the monocoque body, you use less components and hardware, making the reel more compact, durable, and, most importantly, lightweight.

Another benefit of the monocoque body on the Daiwa Certate LT is the bigger gear system allowance. You get as much as a 2% increase in gear diameter and 20% in gear thickness because of this monocoque body design. The Daiwa Certate LT thus allows you to enjoy a more efficient reel system with a smaller body.

The monocoque body design is the major highlight of the Daiwa Certate LT, distinguishing it from other spinning reels in the market. As a result of the body design, the spinning reel combines a lightweight and simple design with a strong internal gear system that allows for more torque and strength when fighting fishes.

However, the monocoque body design is not the only impressive feature on this spinning reel. It also features a tough Digigear, 11 ball bearings, Zaion air rotor, and a MagSealed line roller and main shaft.

Daiwa Saltist Review – Features and Benefits

Sealed Line Roller and Shaft

This feature is one of the peculiar features and advantages that the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel has over its competitors. The spinning reel uses a special magnetic oil to prevent water, dirt, and dust from penetrating the spinning reel’s rotor and body. NASA developed this special magnetic oil. Now, Daiwa also produces it. You may not find this sealant on other spinning reels in the market. The magnetic oil aims to provide a near-waterproof seal for important parts of the Spinning Reel.
This seal is referred to as MAG Seal. It prevents corrosion and also allows you to retrieve the reel with ease.

“Hardbodyz” Body and Cover

To ensure that this spinning reel serves you for a long period, the reel features a body made in a proprietary metal alloy. The metal alloy make-up, termed HardBodyz, provides adequate strength and durability for the spinning reel. Also, it makes the spinning reel lightweight without affecting its sturdiness over time.

9 Corrosion-resistant Ball Bearings

Daiwa saltist spinning reel features 8+1 ball bearings that can resist corrosion irrespective of continued exposure to salt waters. These corrosion-resistant ball bearings add to the durability of the spinning reel. It also makes for the smooth movement of the reel, allowing for efficient use.

Stainless Air Bail Tubular

The Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel’s bail system witnesses another in-house material application. This in-house bail system uses tubes to provide strength to the reel without adding unnecessary weight. Using a conical finish near the line roller, the loose line is designed to fall exactly into the line roller. This arrangement reduces the chance of an unwanted loop surfacing.

Digital Gear Design

To guarantee the optimum performance of a reel, the Daiwa saltist spinning reel provides you with a digital gear system. This digigear utilizes milled gears to provide unparalleled action and durability. The action of this digigear results in the effective transmission of the cranking power of every handle rotation to the gear and spool of the spinning reel.

Dynamic Cut Aluminium ABS Spool

The Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel uses an aluminum spool that can hold good rolls of line. This line-holding capacity comes to play whenever you are fishing for large species. Also, you need not do any mono backing as the spool comes with an already made braid.

Daiwa SALTIST2500 Saltist Spinning Reel, 5.6: 1 Gear Ratio, 9 Bearings,...
  • Magsealed line roller and main shaft
  • "HardBodyz" body and side cover
  • Light weight Air Rotor design
  • Air Bail–tubular stainless for lightweight strength

Things to Consider When Buying a Spinning Reel

A great spinning reel makes for a stress-free and great fishing experience. Whether this is your first fishing reel or you’re replacing an old one, you must consider some important factors when buying a spinning reel. We understand that there are numerous spinning reel brands in the market, making it difficult to decide which is the best for you. However, you must look out for one that is strong and efficient. 

Anti-reverse Handles

You need a spinning reel that doesn’t allow a backward movement on the handle. A little back motion can unset a hook, and this will limit your fishing success. You can test for a backward movement by enacting a forward motion on the reel and then move it backward. If the handle moves backward, the spinning reel is not right for you.

Smooth Drag

The drag system’s purpose is to pressure the fish and allow you to roll out some line when the need arises. Thus, the drag system for a suitable spinning reel must allow for a smooth roll-out of line without jerks and hiccups.

Number of Ball Bearings

As a rule of thumb, the higher the ball bearings, the better the spinning reel. Ball bearings play a pivotal role in the efficiency of a spinning reel’s retrieve. The ideal number of ball bearings is five. A spinning reel with five or more ball bearings will provide you with a smooth and efficient retrieve.

Gear Ratio

There are many technicalities around the gear’s function in the spinning reel, but we will not go into details right now. However, the best gear ratio for a spinning wheel depends on the type of fishing you intend to do. Generally, you should go for a spinning reel with not less than a 5:1 gear ratio. A spinning reel with a 4:1 gear ratio is manageable, but one with a 6:1 gear ratio is a great option!

General User Impression

Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reels, though expensive are an epitome of exceptional performance and durability. This is the feedback we got from many of the anglers that handled the reels. The reels are equipped with ground-breaking technologies such as air bail, tough digigear, ABS spool, and nine ball bearings, which are incredibly helpful when fishing at high seas and deep waters.

Our Opinion

The Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel is versatile but majorly designed for experienced anglers to troll high seas and deep waters. It features a powerful drag system that bears superior strength and can pull large species without breaking. Also, the aluminum ABS Spool ensures that the reel possesses strength and remains rigid under pressure.

Daiwa understands that no mechanical tool can work efficiently where there are impediments. That is why the components of this spinning reel are expertly made to be free of any defects. If you’re a serious angler setting out to fish deep-sea creatures in a saltwater field, this is your best shot!

The Daiwa Saltist spinning reel is not without a few shortcomings, though. However, its high-end features surpass the drawbacks. And we can say you get  good bang for your buck.

The Verdict is… the Daiwa Saltist is Great for Big Fish!

After examining all the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel features, we can confidently say that the spinning reel is one of the best you can find at this price point. It includes high-end features that prevent the build up of pollutants and defects. These features also allow for good performance and durability. It is a spinning reel every angler should give serious consideration to.

Hopefully you found this Daiwa Saltist review helpful. Now get to fishing!

P.S. you can check out our Daiwa BG review here.

Daiwa SALTIST2500 Saltist Spinning Reel, 5.6: 1 Gear Ratio, 9 Bearings,...
  • Magsealed line roller and main shaft
  • "HardBodyz" body and side cover
  • Light weight Air Rotor design
  • Air Bail–tubular stainless for lightweight strength

Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel Review FAQs

Is the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel Waterproof?

No, the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel is not waterproof. The Magseal used for its components is a sealant that provides an almost waterproof covering. This sealant only prevents the entry of water and dust in certain parts of the spinning reel.

How Do I Reduce the Damage to my Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel?

After each trip, you should thoroughly rinse your spinning reel with freshwater. Also, because your reel is most likely to pick up dust and sand after each day out, you need to ensure that none of this finds its way into your spinning reel. However, with the Magseal, your Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel is well protected.

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