Daiwa Saltiga: A Comprehensive Review of the Best Fishing Reel with Cutting-Edge Technology

Daiwa's Field Marketing Specialist, Chris Martin, has been described by some as the "Rain Man" of fishing reels. There is little he doesn't know about his own equipment or that of competitors. "One of my favorite and key features of the conventional Saltiga model is the machined aluminum frame, which gives us the ability to achieve peak rigidity and precise tolerance between internal components," said Martin. "They feel incredibly solid, with almost no vibration, noise, or instability typically associated with lever drag reels."

The Daiwa Saltiga fishing reel, renowned for its superior technology and exceptional durability, is a top choice for saltwater anglers

Martin elaborates on their Corrosion-Resistant Ball Bearings (CRBB), which last up to 12 times longer than traditional steel bearings, maintaining smooth rotation and, more importantly, an outstanding free spool. "Although not traditionally used for casting, this reel is popular in jigging fisheries across the country, where a smooth, fast free spool is crucial as anglers try to quickly drop their jigs to the fish schools or the bottom before the current moves them out of place," Martin explained.

Daiwa's Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) system features a series of carbon fiber drag washers and supporting metal plates in the drag stack, with a unique low-viscosity lubricant applied to the carbon fiber washers. "The lubricant is formulated in such a way that it allows the drag to engage smoothly and then become more viscous as the drag is pulled," said Martin, adding, "This enables hooks to set smoothly without applying excessive pressure and pulling the hook while still providing the pulling power needed to successfully bring big fish to the boat."

All Daiwa Saltiga reels are protected by an executive service plan and a 5-year warranty that allows customers to send their reels to Daiwa for service as many times as they want within 5 years of purchase, at no cost for routine maintenance, with a one-business-day turnaround time, and free return shipping to customers. "Saltiga encompasses all the most advanced technology Daiwa offers for saltwater fishing enthusiasts," said Martin, noting how the monocoque MQ body features larger and thicker gears compared to competitors, along with enhanced corrosion resistance. "No other manufacturer has a MagSealed main shaft," he said.

The ATD system has been enhanced in the Saltiga model by adding additional carbon fiber drag washers and supporting metal plates, providing drag pressure up to 66 pounds and smoother drag output. "With this increased drag pressure, the friction and heat generated affect line performance," said Martin, adding, "This issue is resolved by enlarging the drag knob size and changing it from plastic to a heat-absorbing aluminum construction. The drag knob draws heat away from the drag stack to prevent the line from burning or melting near the spool. With this effective heat dissipation, we have achieved drag durability up to 10 times longer," he added.

Daiwa Saltiga stands as a testament to Daiwa's commitment to innovation and quality, offering saltwater anglers a reel that combines strength, precision, and durability to elevate their fishing experience.