2020’s Daiwa Saltiga Review: Is It Worth the Hype? Honest Review

If you’re looking for the Rolls Royce version of fishing reels, the Daiwa Saltiga Reel is your best bet. In this Daiwa Saltiga review, we’ll explore the 2020 model spinning reel to find out why it is the fan favourite. Loved by most die-hard anglers for its durability and performance, this reel also stands out in terms of its sleek design and eye-catching gold accents.

Daiwa is known for producing high-quality spinning reels, but does the Daiwa Saltiga live up to the hype?

In this review, I’ll be exploring all of these features as well as any potential drawbacks so that you can decide if this reel is worth the money. Does it live up to the fanfare? And is it the right reel for you?



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Daiwa Saltiga Review – Key Features

Key Features Of The Daiwa Saltiga Reel


Monocoque (MQ) Body

MQ Body revolutionises reel design with its innovation. Instead of a traditional side plate, the MQ system uses an engine plate that screws directly onto the body – thus eliminating any need for extra screws to secure a cover. Not only is this incredibly strong, but it also increases water resistance and allows larger drive gears to be fitted inside!


Magsealed Construction

The Daiwa Saltiga stands out from the competition, thanks to its innovative magsealed design. An effective magnetic oil is interposed between the inner and outer race of ball bearings, thereby creating a barrier against saltwater intrusion that ensures optimum performance for your reel.

Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Magsealed Ball Bearing

3 Magsealed Ball Bearings

Daiwa has revolutionized the fishing industry with its magnetic oil-based ball bearings, which respond to magnetic fields and transform in both density and shape. Not only does this provide superior corrosion prevention for your reel but also an unparalleled smoothness. With magsealed ball bearings included on all of Daiwa’s main shafts, line rollers, and drive gears you can be sure that every time you go out on the water it will feel like a brand new experience!

Twist Buster II Line Management

The new Twistbuster II takes line taming to a superior level, with its enhanced tapered roller that eliminates line twist like never before. This advanced system is more prepared than ever in reducing twist from fluorocarbon and mono lines–which means those pesky line twists won’t haunt you anymore.


Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Aluminum Air Rotor

Air Rotor of Zaion Carbon Composite

Introducing ‘Air Rotor’, the strongest, lightest and most balanced rotor system ever created. This revolutionary design boasts a Zaion carbon composite material construction with a redesigned arch which evenly distributes pressure throughout the lower section to prevent overstressing and flexing. Additionally, its hollowed-out structure reduces weight without sacrificing sensitivity or balance for unparalleled line roller support!


Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Long Cast ABS

ABS-Longcast

In contrast to traditional spools, the LC-ABS has been proven to improve flight distance by about 5% due its lighter weight and modified shape.


Automatic Rotor Brake

This design ensures that the rotor stays in one place when the bail is open.


Lightweight ABS Aluminum Spool

This reel is specially constructed with a Titanium Nitrided stainless lip that provides unparalleled strength and protection against abrasions caused by braided lines. To maximize reliability and durability, every component of this reel has been meticulously crafted to the highest standards.

Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Spool Heat

Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD)

The Daiwa Saltiga boasts powerful reels that hold up to an impressive 22-66 lbs of drag force, thanks to its proprietary ATD system. This design consists of oversized carbon washers for unparalleled resistance—perfect when battling with bigger pelagic species such as GT and Tuina, which are known for their swiftness and determination!


14 Bearing System (3MBB + 2CRBB + 8BB + 1RB)

The 14-bearing system offers unparalleled performance and produces one of the most smooth reels available. Specifically, it encompasses 3 mag sealed bearings-1 on the main drive shaft, 1 for the line roller, and 1 situated in close proximity to the drive gear-as well as 2 corrosion-resistant shielded ball bearings that prevent water from getting inside. Rounding out this impressive list are 8 standard ball bearings plus an additional roller bearing.


Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Rotor strength

Corrosion-Resistant Ball Bearings CRBB

For unparalleled durability, Daiwa’s CRBBs boast a 12 x lifespan compared to traditional stainless steel bearings. This is due to their specialized bearing race that seals out sand, fine grit and salt crystals, as well as other abrasive particles. With such protection against corrosion, these bearings provide resilience like no other!


Sealed, Magsealed Ball Bearing Line Roller

The line roller of your reel is typically ignored, yet it plays a key role in its longevity. To ensure that yours performs well over time, Daiwa magsealed this component to protect against corrosion caused by saltwater exposure.


AirBail® 

This stainless steel tubular air bail offers the reel a combination of both lightweight functionality and robust durability. In the same way that its air rotor helps to reduce the overall weight, this unique feature also amplifies strength without compromising on performance.


Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Spools temperture

Infinite Anti-Reverse

This system has been designed to prevent the reel from spinning backward when a fish is hooked, thus eliminating any need for an anti-reverse switch which can be impractical and unnecessary when engaging bigger fish.


Manual Bail Trip

This feature ensures the highest possible reliability of your bail system, especially when working with large and expensive lures. After all, who wants to see a $50 – $100 lure fly off the end of their line because of an accidental trip? With this feature in place you can rest assured that won’t be happening any time soon!

Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Drive Gear

Digigear Digital Gear Design

Daiwa’s revolutionary digigear design is expertly crafted using a highly precise CNC machine cut gear; this results in superior reel operation that grants an incredible meshing and seamless rotation, as well as strength and sensitivity. Plus, you get a noiseless fishing experience when you use these reels!

Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Reel Body

Rigid Aluminium Body

The strength of this reel is undeniable. When you pick it up, the solid construction and lack of movement will be immediately apparent. We found that there was no play in any part of the reel when we tested it out – a testament to its impressive power!

Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Drag Capability

Machined Aluminium Screw-in Handle 

The importance of a secure, comfortable handle cannot be overstated when it comes to reels the size of Daiwa Saltiga 6500 and larger. The engineered design ensures that there is no movement or wiggling whatsoever through your grip- providing an ideal connection between your hand and the reel for ultimate control.



Daiwa Saltiga Review – Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons of The Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Reels

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Pros:

✔️ High-quality construction: The Saltiga series is known for its rugged and durable design, with features like Magsealed construction and a Monocoque body that can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing.

✔️ Smooth operation: The Zaion Air Rotor and advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) system are designed to provide consistently smooth performance, even when battling hard-fighting fish.

✔️ Versatile: With multiple sizes available, the Saltiga can be used for a wide range of fishing applications, from inshore spinning to offshore trolling.

✔️ Comfortable to use: The machined aluminium handle and other ergonomic features make the Saltiga easy and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.

✔️ Great for braided line: The Saltiga’s design is well-suited for use with braided fishing line, which is becoming increasingly popular among anglers.

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Cons:

❌Expensive: The Saltiga series is known for its high price point, which may be prohibitive for some anglers.

❌Complex design: The Saltiga has a lot of advanced features, which can be confusing or overwhelming for some anglers who prefer a simpler reel design.

Overall, The Daiwa Saltiga spinning reel offers unparalleled quality and versatility for anglers seeking an all-inclusive fishing adventure. While its premium price tag may be off-putting to some, the long list of features makes it worth the investment.



Daiwa Saltiga Review – Price & Value

Price and Value – Is the Daiwa Saltiga Worth the Investment?

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Investing in the Daiwa Saltiga spinning reel is a big step for most anglers, but whether it is worth the cost depends on each individual’s preferences and fishing needs. The high-end nature of this reel certainly comes with a premium price tag, yet it also offers many advanced features that make it an incredibly durable, smooth and efficient product to use – including Magsealed construction, Zaion Air Rotor technology and Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) system.

If you’re looking for a reliable, long-lasting spinning reel that can cope with any fishing environment, the Daiwa Saltiga is one of your best picks. That said, if you don’t require all its advanced features and want to save some money, there are more cost-effective alternatives out on the market.

When it comes down to it, deciding if the Daiwa Saltiga is worth your hard-earned money depends on what you need as an angler. If you are in search of a robust reel that is capable of handling harsher saltwater conditions and provides reliable performance, then splurging for the Saltiga may be worthwhile. On the other hand, if you want something more budget-friendly or don’t require all of its advanced functions – there are plenty of other reels out there that will do just fine!

Overall Verdict:

If you’re looking for a high-end spinning reel that can stand up to the toughest of fishing conditions and offers reliable performance, then the Daiwa Saltiga should be on your shortlist. With its rugged design and advanced features, it’s sure to be a great addition to anglers who are serious about their sport. I would definitely recommend it!



Daiwa Saltiga Review – Available Sizes

What Are The Available Sizes of Daiwa Saltiga Reel?

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The 2020 Daiwa Saltiga spinning reel is available in a range of sizes, each with its own unique features and ideal fishing applications. Here’s a breakdown of the available sizes and their recommended uses:

Daiwa Saltiga 8000-P

This reel is ideal for those who are into jigging with a PE3-4 line and want a reel that can handle all types of jigging techniques. It features a powerful drag system that provides smooth operation, making it easy to handle big fish. The 8000-P is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle and transport. 

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 8000-P: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE4 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 25kg
  • Gear Ratio: 4.8
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 92cm
  • Weight: 645g
Daiwa Saltiga 2020 Spinning Reel - Daiwa Saltiga Review - Lineup

Daiwa Saltiga 8000-H

This reel is designed for casting or jigging inshore and offshore with a PE3-4 line. It features a high gear and powerful crank that provides fast retrieval, making it ideal for covering large areas of water quickly. The Daiwa Saltiga 8000-H is also equipped with a precision machined aluminium handle and knob for added comfort during extended fishing sessions.

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 8000-H

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE4 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 25kg
  • Gear Ratio: 5.8
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 111cm
  • Weight: 655g

Daiwa Saltiga 10000-P

This reel is perfect for jigging deeper water for bigger pelagics. It has a recommended line size of PE4-5 and can spool up to 300m of PE5, making it ideal for saltwater fishing in harsh conditions.

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 10000-P: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE5 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 25kg
  • Gear Ratio: 4.8
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 98cm
  • Weight: 645g
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Daiwa Saltiga 10000-H

This reel is built to suit Kingfish or Tuna SW casting game and has a minimum recommended line size of PE5. It features a high-speed retrieve and powerful drag system, making it ideal for targeting fast and strong game fish. 

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 10000-H: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE5 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 25kg
  • Gear Ratio: 5.8
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 118cm
  • Weight: 655g

Daiwa Saltiga 14000-P

This reel is ideal for deep jigging with PE5-6 line, making it perfect for chasing Kingfish or Amberjack.

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 14000-P: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE6 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 25kg
  • Gear Ratio: 4.8
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 104cm
  • Weight: 655g
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Daiwa Saltiga 14000-XH 

With a minimum recommended line size of PE6 and a capacity of up to PE8, this reel is great for targeting GT, Tuna, and Kingfish. 

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 14000-XH: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE6 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 25kg
  • Gear Ratio: 6.2
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm):134cm
  • Weight: 665g

Daiwa Saltiga 18000-P

Designed for deep jigging with slow pitch or power jerk motion, this reel is suitable for targeting giant fish in all areas of the globe, with a recommended line size of PE6-8. 

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 18000-P: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE8 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 30kg
  • Gear Ratio: 4.5
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 98cm
  • Weight: 875g

Daiwa Saltiga 18000-H

With a recommended line size of PE8 and a capacity of 300m on LC ABS, this reel is ideal for anglers chasing giants who also want to gain distance casting. 

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 18000-H: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE8 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 30kg
  • Gear Ratio: 5.8
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 127cm
  • Weight: 885g

Daiwa Saltiga 20000-H

The largest reel in the series, this one is designed for targeting the biggest Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. With perfectly balanced specs, it offers line capacity, torque, and speed.

Here are the specs for the Daiwa Saltiga 20000-H: 

  • Bearings: 12BB (6CRBB-2MSBB)
  • Capacity PE: PE10 – 300m
  • Max Drag (kg): 30kg
  • Gear Ratio: 5.8
  • Retrieve Per Crank (cm): 143cm
  • Weight: 890g

It’s important to choose the right size for your specific fishing needs and target species to ensure optimal performance and increase your chances of success on the water. The 2020 Daiwa Saltiga spinning reel offers a range of sizes to cater to different fishing needs and preferences, making it a versatile option for saltwater anglers. 



Daiwa Saltiga Review – Where to Buy

Where Can You Purchase a Daiwa Saltiga?

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If you are looking to purchase a Daiwa Saltiga, they can be found online and in-store at many different retailers. It is also important to take into account any offers or discounts that may be available when shopping around for the best price.

Amazon is a great option for finding the Daiwa Saltiga. They often offer competitive prices, free shipping, and a wide selection to choose from. Even better, if you’re a member of Amazon Prime, delivery typically takes only 1-2 days and is completely free! Plus, you can easily find an abundance of customer reviews to help with your decision.

When it comes to reliability, Amazon provides unparalleled peace of mind. Their return policy is streamlined, and their customer service team has always been helpful whenever I needed assistance. The security and convenience of Amazon’s shopping experience is something I highly value. The ability to have any issues fixed quickly during the purchase process makes it even more attractive than in-store retailers, making Amazon my go-to for buying stuff like reels.

For those looking for a brick-and-mortar option, trusted tackle shops such as Tackle Warehouse may carry the Daiwa Saltiga as well as a variety of other fishing accessories. The store offers good customer service and a wide selection of items.



Daiwa Saltiga Review – Alternatives

What Are The Best Daiwa Saltiga Alternatives?

Shimano Stella SW PG Spinning Reel | Best Beach Fishing Reels | Land Based Anglers

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Daiwa Saltiga that have similar price points and features, the only real candidate is the Shimano Stella SW. It’s hard to distinguish which reel is superior as each has its own pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice remains down to your personal preference.

Shimano Stella SW Review - LandBasedAnglers.com

Shimano Stella SW

The Shimano Stella SW is often considered one of the best alternatives to the Daiwa Saltiga because it is a high-end spinning reel that offers exceptional performance and durability. Its construction is of high quality, utilizing materials like aluminium and carbon fibre which makes it strong and lightweight. The Shimano Stella SW features a powerful and smooth drag system that can handle even the toughest saltwater species. This is due to the Cross Carbon Drag system, which provides smooth and consistent drag performance.

Furthermore, the Shimano Stella SW comes equipped with advanced technology such as Shimano’s X-Ship gear system, which increases power and smoothness, and the Silent Drive system, which eliminates any play in the handle for a more precise and responsive feel.

The Shimano Stella SW is also versatile and can be used for a wide range of saltwater fishing applications, coming in a range of sizes and gear ratios to best suit the needs of individual anglers. Overall, the Shimano Stella SW is a top-performing reel that can handle tough saltwater conditions and offers many of the same features as the Daiwa Saltiga.

Read our comprehensive review of the Shimano Stella SW here.



Daiwa Saltiga Review – Final Thoughts

Conclusion

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In conclusion, the Daiwa Saltiga spinning reel is a high-end and versatile reel that is designed to meet the needs of saltwater anglers. It offers exceptional performance, durability, and ease of use, making it an excellent investment for serious anglers who demand the best from their equipment.

With its advanced features like the Magsealed technology, advanced drag system, and Air Rotor, the Daiwa Saltiga provides a smooth and powerful fishing experience that can handle even the toughest saltwater conditions. While it comes with a high price tag, its performance and quality justify the investment.

For those seeking alternatives, the Shimano Stella SW is a great option that offers similar features and performance. And with various sizes available, the Daiwa Saltiga can accommodate a wide range of fishing needs and preferences.

Overall, the Daiwa Saltiga is an excellent choice for anglers who demand the best from their equipment and want to maximize their chances of success in the saltwater environment.


Meet The Author

William O’Reilly is an Australian land-based fishing enthusiast. He discovered his passion for fishing from the shore as a child, when his grandfather would take him out on the water and teach him the ropes.

He encourages others to try land-based fishing and believes it is a unique and sustainable way to connect with nature. He also advocates for responsible fishing practices and conservation. His passion for land-based fishing led him to pursue a career in writing about it, sharing his experiences, knowledge and thoughts about the sport, and inspiring others to appreciate and explore it.

William O’Reilly

Contributing Author



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