DAIWA SALTIST SALTWATER SPINNING REEL REVIEW
- phil32990
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
High quality, saltwater spinning reels are expensive these days( what isn't?) Is it possible to find high end features in a mid priced reel? The Daiwa Saltist salt water spinning reel might be just the ticket.
Saltist® Spinning reels are made with high quality components to withstand the harsh marine environment on Cape Cod. With the rugged and durable reputation of the Saltist name, these reels feature a Magsealed main shaft, Magsealed line roller and (CRBB) corrosion resistant ball bearings for long lasting smoothness and performance.
The Goose Pro Staff reviews this reel and weighs out the pros and cons so that you can see if this reel is the right fit for your style of fishing.
🛠️ Build Quality & Sealing
Magsealed tech: Daiwa uses magnetic oil to seal the line roller and main shaft, helping to reduce saltwater intrusion—a feature typically found in premium reels
HardBodyZ aluminum frame, Air Rotor, and ABS spool combine durability with lightweight balance
Corrosion‑resistant ball bearings (typically 8–9 CRBB + 1 roller) and waterproof carbon drag further enhance seaworthiness
🎣 Performance Highlights
Smooth, powerful retrieves: Digigear digital gearing and steel main gears yield a strong, consistent 5–6:1 retrieve, handling both finesse and heavy offshore scenarios
Excellent casting and line management: Lightweight rotor and spool design help cast over 100 yards and minimize friction, while ABS spools reduce tangles
Size versatility: Ranges from 2500 to 8000. Lighter models (~2500–3500) are great for inshore, while 4000+ models can battle big game: cobia, tuna, sharks
👍 Pros
Value for money: Offers features found in higher-end reels (magseal, metal body, waterproof drag) at ~$170–
Durable & smooth: Many anglers report long-lasting performance with proper maintenance
Widely praised: Positive community feedback for casting ability and reliability—e.g., “I fell in love with my Saltist 5500… it casts so far and is so smooth”
👎 Cons & Caveats
Not fully waterproof: Magsealed components delay water intrusion, but plunging into surf or heavy exposure can still allow salt in over time unless rinsed and maintained
Maintenance requirements: Needs regular freshwater rinse, lubrication, and occasional bearing replacements—some customers experienced noisy or sticky reels after limited use .
Magseal servicing: Daiwa doesn’t sell magseal oil to consumers, so servicing those parts requires factory service or sending reel back to Daiwa
📌 Who It’s Best For
Salt or brackish water anglers who want near-premium features at a mid-range price.
Those who prioritize casting distance and smooth retrievals.
Anglers willing to perform basic reel care—rinsing, lubricating, and occasional bearing swaps.
⚠️ Who Should Look Elsewhere
Beach and surf anglers needing full water immersion protection—consider fully sealed models like Daiwa SaltX, Shimano Van Staal/Saragossa, or Penn Spinfisher VI/Slammer
DIY tinkerers hesitant to send reels back for magseal service—non-magsealed models offer easier home maintenance
✅ Final Verdict
The Daiwa Saltist blends rugged metal construction, magsealed protection, and high-end gearing into a reel that punches well above its ~$170–230 price. It's notably smooth, casts far, and remains compact across sizes. But it falls short of true waterproofing and demands a moderate care routine to thrive in saltwater conditions.
Recommendation:
Buy it if you're seeking a powerful, smooth saltwater reel with quality features and are diligent about maintenance.
Opt for alternatives if you need full waterproofing or want to avoid magseal service constraints.
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