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Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reels Review

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Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reels
Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reels

The Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reels are built from machined aluminum and anodized for maximum corrosion resistance making them sturdy and durable yet high performing. The 6 reels in the series will hold line classes from 12 to 40 lb. test mono and are strong enough for braid sizes up to 8...0 lb. The drag system can apply as much as 25 lbs. of pressure to the spool. The true freespool of this star drag system allows for longer casts under a variety of conditions and uninhibited spool payout is ideally suited for fishing live bait. The 6.4 to 1 gear ratio is fast enough for jigging yet strong enough to put big fish on the deck. These reels are competitively priced for a high-performance reel. Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reels Features: Maximum drag pressure from 17 to 25 pounds well suited for braided line 6 reels designed to hold from 12 to 40 pound monofilament Built from machined aluminum with an anodized finish for greater corrosion resistance Extremely smooth freespool 4 stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing 6.4:1 gear ratio Centrifugal Braking System for control and longer casts

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Fishing Critic Score

Hockey Review Rating 97%
15 Reviews
Popularity: 1909
MSRP:
$249.99
Used Price:
$174.99
Sale Price:
$224.99

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Specifications
Brand Daiwa
Category Reels
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Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reels Reviews

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Great reel

Kimberly
2 years ago

This reel is excellent, very smooth and easy to crank from the depths.

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Top notch reel for the price

Anonymous
3 years ago

Love Daiwa reels and this one doesnt dissapoint, lightweight, high drag, and tons of line cap., and the foam power handle is a plus

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I love this reel

AL D.
3 years ago

Great looking and rock solid design. Feels strong in your hand and durable.
Great for all types of fishing. We focus on grouper and snapper on wrecks and reefs and this beast has plenty of drag to separate the fish from the structure.
Wish I could sell all my reels and start over with a fleet of these

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Diawa Saltist 15

NJ G.
3 years ago

Love this reel paired with my JW Black Widow rod. Slay Tog with this setup!

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Excellent Reel!

Outcast
3 years ago

OK, this is not a dual drag but a great multi-functional reel. Tackle Direct had a special on it that I just could not let pass. It is to be a Christmas gift for my son. The only reason not to rate it a 5 is that it a single star drag.

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Great reel at a great price!

Gilbert
3 years ago

Fished this once on one of my buddies rigs. I've loaded mine with 60lb threadlock. I can launch it! Smooth return and drops into low gear with ease. Great for throwing irons and jigging.

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Super smooth

Anonymous
3 years ago

I spooled this reel with 50 lb. monofilament and put it on a grouper rod. The reel is super smooth and has plenty of drag. It seems to be well made with no cheap plastic parts. The reel winched up a huge red snapper from 94 feet. I was pleased with the performance of the reel.

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Sturdy quality built

Fastarget
3 years ago

Solid reel with a smooth retrieve. Solid aluminum construction and powerful drag, the larger handle makes cranking easy and provides much torque. Excellent buy.

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Tremendous reel for the sale price!

Anonymous
3 years ago

Use the reel for fluke and togging up in the Northeast. Have several of the older Saltist that have stood the test of time and Salt. These reels aren’t quite the same quality materials as the old, but I do believe Diawa makes a very good reel and at this price point it was a no brainer. Should have bought 2 more.

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Saltist 15P is a great Tog reel

Water D.
3 years ago

Bought this for tog fishing and it has served me very well. Big fan of the power gear 5.1:1 gear ratio as well as the narrow spool for this type of bottom fishing. My 15P actually took a full 300yd spool of 40# Super Slick.

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Daiwa HOMERUN.....

Fishing A.
3 years ago

Great reel, lots of power. Using it I bvb th he west coast for bottom fishing, big lingcod. halibut, salmon groupers, reds, ... and doubles as a surface iron reel.yellowtail,calico,bonito, Cast a mile. no backlash..... 95% experience, 5% problem with shipping ... took forever...

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Love this reel!

Mike R.
3 years ago

Got it on sale. For a 50 it's not very big or heavy, but does hold more line than you would probably need. Handle knob is comfortable. Reels in very smoothly. Great for casting big chunks of bait out there. Love the looks of this thing.

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Awesome Reel at a awesome price!

Dominique
3 years ago

been fishing for a few years now and im in love with my Saltist! excellent power and build quality! got it on sale and couldnt be happier!

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GREAT

Breyonna
3 years ago

Light, easy to use, smooth

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Sweet reel

Kenny
3 years ago

love the round eva knob. the saltist really is a good reel for the price range.

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Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reels Questions and Answers

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Asked by Mike Roy 2 years ago

Hi.  I was debating between the Daiwa star drag reels in 15-20 size<span> and see that the Saltist 15P is discounted.</span><p></p><p>Is it being discontinued or possibly re-designed?</p><p>Will the same happen to the 20P?</p><p>Can you recommend a 6-6.5

Post an Answer
Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

<span>Hi Mike, The Daiwa Saltist 15P and Daiwa Saltist 20P are both currently sold out and discontinued. Due to this and based on your fishing application I would recommend a Nomad Design NJOH604-6 Heavy Jigging Conventional Rod. </span><a>https://www.tac

Asked by Lorca Rossman 5 years ago

Does this have a clicker (like the Saltist LW series) or a lock switch (like the Saltiga 15h)? thanks!

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Chris 5 years ago

It has a clicker and not a lock switch.

Asked by KevinGG 4 years ago

Where is this reel manufactured ?

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Sydney 4 years ago

This Daiwa reel is manufactured in Korea. 

Asked by gary Garofano 4 years ago

Are these reels machined aluminum or cast and does the 35 model have a clicker ?

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Brian 4 years ago

According to Daiwa they are machined aluminum and it does have a clicker. 

Asked by Craig 3 years ago

Do the SALTIST15P and the SALTIST20P share the same body construction, only difference being the 20 has a deeper/wider spool?  Noticed the weights are almost the same, with the 20 being .5ish heavier.<p><br></p><p>Thank you</p>

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Alex T 3 years ago

That would be correct, the only major difference being the size of the spool, otherwise the components and construction is identical

Asked by Frank 3 years ago

Can you tell me what year these reels are that are on sale right now. Thanks<br>

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Bass O 3 years ago

Hello, these reels year is 2018.<h1 class="cyc-item-h1" style="margin-bottom:0px;font-size:23px;font-family:'Roboto Slab', Arial;line-height:1.2;color:rgb(7,31,55);border:0px;vertical-align:baseline;min-width:320px;"><br /></h1>

Asked by Zach 3 years ago

Are These reels use for bottom fishing or trolling?

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Bass o 3 years ago

Hello, these reels are for bottom fishing. If you are looking to do some casting, this reel can handle that as well.

Asked by Todd 3 years ago

Thinking of pairing the 15 h with a shimano grappler j 6.6 medium rod for jigging and bottom fishing fish up to the 20lb range.  Is that a good paring? Do you have any other suggestions?

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Alex T 3 years ago

That combo would certainly do the trick for the bottom fishing application you desire. Very solid reel paired to a high quality rod. should make for a nice light set up

Asked by Greg H. 3 years ago

Looking at the 15P and/or 20P. Do these models have a rod clamp? Looking to pair with a rod that doesn’t have a reel seat. 

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Alex T 3 years ago

Yes these model Saltists should have rod clamps included in the box

Asked by Dantez 3 years ago

Hi there, <p><br></p><p>Is the Daiwa Saltist 50H suitable for surf casting? </p>

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Austin Kearney 3 years ago

The Saltist is a great surfcasting reel, but the 50H would be a bit overkill. I would go with the 30H or 35H.

Asked by Zach 2 years ago

How come the only time the Daiwa saltist40p is on sale there are none available to buy?

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Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

<span>Hi Zach, The Daiwa SALTIST40P Saltist Star Drag models have been discontinued and we are not currently getting anymore of these in anytime soon. I would recommend the Daiwa SALTIST40H Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reel as this model is currently in

Asked by Omar 4 years ago

Which reel is better betweem Daiwa saltist 40H or 40P???

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Ethan 4 years ago

That would depend on if you need more torque or a faster retrieve. Both are excellent reels.

Asked by Keith 2 years ago

Looking to do some jigging for black bass and maybe stripers in Buzzards Bay MA. Would the 15p suffice?

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Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

<span>Hi Keith, Unfortunately the Daiwa SALTIST15P Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reel has been discontinued. I would recommend a Penn FTHII8XNSD Fathom II Star Drag Reel. </span><a>https://www.tackledirect.com/penn-fthii8xnsd-fathom-ii-star-drag-reel.htm

Asked by David 1 year ago

Can you use these reels trolling for King fish?

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Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service 1 year ago

<span>Hi David, You can use the Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Reels for your application. We recommend the size 20 or 30. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with!</span>

Asked by Hin 5 years ago

What is different between the high gear ratio and the low gear ratio. If I wanna use it in the charter boat for seabass and porgies, which one should I pick, thank you.

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Bernie 5 years ago

Lower gear ratio will help with larger fish basically it will give you more torque to bring them up from the bottom. In your case you'll want the higher speed.

Asked by John 5 years ago

Hi how do these cast...I'll be using for jigging...what type of rod is recommended thanks

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Bernie 5 years ago

They cast great as they incorporate a Centrifugal Breaking System anything in a 6 1/2 to 71/2 foot length rod would work

Asked by Barry 5 years ago

your SALTIST35P is listed at 17.6 lb max drag instead of 22 lb as listed @ Daiwa.com. My question is do I give up the extra 3 lbs of drag and take the 35P or go with the 35H when going NY/NJ off shore cod/ black sea bass. Also is the 35P/H fine or go wit

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Bernie 5 years ago

The 20p is 17.6 pounds of drag the 35p is 22 pounds of drag. The high speed 35h version(6.4:1) is the one I would recommend.

Asked by HiHookem 5 years ago

Purchasing gift.. which reel would be best suited for Trolling Mojos & spoons Saltist50P? & which is best for Jigging fluke,sea bass in Montauk NY waters in the Saltist series? Typically use Abu 5500-6500, M-MH Fast action Rod.

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Bernie 5 years ago

The 20 or 30 would be good for both applications jigging and trolling.

Asked by HiHookem 5 years ago

Is the saltist series available in Right hand?? Also you gave answer 20-30 would be good for jigging fluke, sea bass along with Trolling for Striped Bass?? For someone asking a question on new reels you give vague answers. Especially since there’s se

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Bernie 5 years ago

All the Saltist reels come in right hand models, we can only answer questions specific to said reels to give you the best and most accurate answer possible.

Asked by Zackari 5 years ago

Will this come in left hand models?

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Bernie De Graaf 5 years ago

As of right now they are only available in right hand 

Asked by Bryan Hoang Dinh 4 years ago

15h or 15p for bottom fishing in anywhere from 100-300 feet using bait but possibly used for jigging as well

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Bernie De Graaf 4 years ago

 Hello Bryan, the only difference is the gear ration between the two but I would lean towards the 5:1:1