Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Reels

Feel, well they feel tight and smooooth, spin like tops, and they addressed drainage like Okuma did on the Makaira series reels.  The old Saltists did a great job with four ports for drainage, getting the job done vertically or horizontally. The new models took that design and made the ports about double the size. That’s great in my estimation! Gearing on all reels in the series is 6.4:1, quick. Daiwa’s conservative with their products, very conservative company, and conservatively rates their reels for use with 12-40# mono, and double that for braid (typical for Japanese manufacturers – but I see no reason to claim a higher test with braid than mono – pressure is pressure…  It’s all about line capacity and drag capability.  Given the drag these reel put out, you can indeed fish them quite successfully.  Also, most of us fish a mix of braid and mono.  So, I’m going to suggest that Daiwa made an error calling the reels 12-40# models. Clearly with their drag and capacity numbers, these reels cover lines/leaders greater than 40#.  Frankly, the 50# sill see duty at 50-60# by many anglers, and there will be those fishing straight 50# braid with a short topshot of 30# on the small 20 size.  But, Daiwa provides some guidance.