FROM A FIRST CROSSFIRE TO A 25 SALTIGA
Daiwa Reels
Daiwa has been in Australia since 1973 and is one of the two dominant premium reel makers in the country. Magsealed keeps salt out with no friction penalty, the Monocoque body fits a bigger gear in a smaller frame, Airdrive lightens the rotor for finesse work, and Powerdrive beefs it up for the deep. The 25 Saltiga's gear is 10% larger than the last generation and its DRD metal drag is claimed five times more durable.
Compleat Angler Nedlands stocks 87 Daiwa reels: Saltiga, Certate SW and LT, Exist, Airity, Saltist, BG MQ, Tatula, Steez, Emeraldas, Seaborg, Tanacom and the entry Legalis, Aird and Crossfire. They're grouped below by price so you can shop the tier that suits. Bring your rod in and we'll balance and spool it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Magsealed actually do?
Magsealed is a film of magnetic oil on the reel's main shaft, and on the line roller and bearings on higher models, that forms a liquid barrier against water, salt and dust with no added friction. Magsealed reels should be serviced by an authorised centre rather than opened at home.
What's the difference between Daiwa Certate SW and Certate LT?
Certate SW is the offshore reel in sizes 8000 to 18000, built on the Saltiga body with a Zaion rotor. Certate LT is the finesse reel in sizes 1000 to 5000 with Airdrive Design for bream, whiting and light lure work. They share a name and nothing else.
Which Daiwa reel for bream and whiting in the Swan?
A 2000 or 2500 Certate LT, Airity or Exist if you want the lightest and smoothest, or a Legalis LT or Freams LT as the value option. The 23 Airity is Daiwa's lightest-ever traditional spinning reel at under 150g.
Which Daiwa reel for jigging and popping offshore?
The 25 Saltiga in 8000 to 20000 is the flagship, with the 26 Certate SW as the almost-flagship at a lower price. For overheads, the Saltiga 300H levelwind jigger, Saltiga SD star drag or Saltiga LD lever drag. For deep drop, the Seaborg and Tanacom electrics.
Do Daiwa reel sizes match across generations?
No. Daiwa re-standardised sizing with the LT concept in 2018, so an old 2500 is roughly a new LT 3000, and a 15 Saltiga 5000 is roughly a 20 or 25 Saltiga 10000. Spare spools and SLP Works parts are generation-specific, so bring the reel in when buying a spare.