First Impressions of Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel arrives as a formidable contender in the world of offshore fishing reels. Boasting Daiwa’s Monocoque Body (MQ) design, a heavy-duty aluminum frame, and a Zaion AIR ROTOR, this reel promises power, durability, and smooth operation. My initial impression is one of robust engineering, hinting at a reel ready to tackle the toughest saltwater predators.
I was in the market for a spinning reel capable of handling large tuna and marlin. My older reel, a Shimano Stella, was starting to show its age after years of battling pelagic giants, and I needed something with a bit more raw power. The Saltist MQ 20000’s advertised MQ body and larger gear size immediately caught my attention.
Unboxing the Saltist MQ 20000 revealed a reel that felt substantial in hand. The aluminum frame exudes quality, and the black finish gives it a sleek, serious look. The rotor spins freely and quietly, and the bail arm feels solid.
I considered the Shimano Saragosa 25000 and the Penn International VI spinning reel before settling on the Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000. While the Saragosa is known for its reliability, the MQ body of the Daiwa promised even greater power. The Penn International VI, while incredibly robust, felt a bit too bulky for my preferred spinning technique.
Initially, I was excited and cautiously optimistic about the Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000. It looked and felt like a serious piece of equipment, but the true test would be on the water. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 on a three-day tuna fishing trip off the coast of Southern California. Conditions were mixed, with periods of calm seas and some choppy water and moderate winds. I paired the reel with a heavy-action Shimano Terez rod and spooled it with 80-pound braid.
The reel performed admirably in all conditions. Casting was smooth and effortless thanks to the Zaion AIR ROTOR, and I was able to achieve impressive distances even in the wind. The drag was incredibly smooth and consistent, providing confidence during long fights.
The only slight issue I encountered was a bit of line twist after the first few hours of fishing. This was quickly resolved by letting out more line behind the boat on the troll without any tackle. Once that was taken care of, there were no further issues with line twist on the rest of the trip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple offshore trips targeting tuna, marlin, and wahoo, the Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the frame or rotor. The drag remains smooth and consistent.
Cleaning the reel after each trip is a breeze. A quick rinse with freshwater and a light application of reel oil keeps it running smoothly. The Magsealed main shaft seems to be doing its job, preventing saltwater intrusion and keeping the internal components protected.
Compared to my older Shimano Stella, the Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 feels noticeably more powerful, especially when fighting large fish. The MQ body and larger gear provide a significant advantage in terms of cranking power. It definitely outperforms my old reel in terms of raw strength and durability, but not necessarily in smoothness.
Breaking Down the Features of Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel
Specifications
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel boasts a number of impressive specifications:
- Monocoque Body (MQ) Design: This design allows for a larger gear to be housed within a more compact frame, resulting in increased power and durability. The MQ body provides a noticeable increase in cranking power compared to traditional reel designs.
- Heavy-Duty Aluminum Frame: This provides exceptional strength and rigidity, ensuring the reel can withstand the rigors of offshore fishing. The aluminum frame minimizes flex and twist under heavy loads.
- Zaion AIR ROTOR: Made from Daiwa’s proprietary Zaion carbon composite material, the AIR ROTOR is incredibly lightweight and strong, resulting in effortless rotation. The lightweight rotor reduces inertia, making it easier to start and stop the retrieve.
- Magsealed Main Shaft: This technology uses a magnetized oil barrier to prevent saltwater intrusion into the main shaft, protecting the internal components from corrosion. The Magsealed design significantly extends the lifespan of the reel.
- Bearing Count: 6+1: The high-quality bearings ensure smooth and consistent operation. The bearings minimize friction and contribute to the overall smoothness of the reel.
- Color: Black: A sleek and professional-looking black finish. The black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and resistant to corrosion.
These specifications translate to a reel that is both powerful and durable, capable of handling the demands of serious offshore fishing. The MQ body, aluminum frame, and Magsealed main shaft contribute to the reel’s overall strength and reliability. The Zaion AIR ROTOR ensures smooth and effortless operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 excels at its primary job: landing large saltwater fish. The smooth and powerful drag provides confidence during long fights, and the large handle allows for plenty of cranking power. It is extremely reliable during long trips and holds up to consistent use.
The main strength is its raw power and durability, perfect for big game fishing. One weakness would be it’s not the smoothest reel on the market.
It meets, and in some ways exceeds, my expectations for a high-end offshore spinning reel. The power and durability are exceptional, but the smoothness could be improved slightly.
Design & Ergonomics
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 is well-built, using high-quality materials. It is hefty, but balanced, and comfortable to use for extended periods.
There’s a slight learning curve to getting the drag settings dialed in perfectly, but the overall design is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service.
It is easy to maintain. A quick rinse and light lubrication after each use is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 comes with a reel bag and a parts diagram. There are no real customization options available for the reel itself.
It is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket braid and monofilament lines, as well as various rod types. It’s also compatible with after-market power knobs.
Pros and Cons of Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel
Pros
- Exceptional Power: The MQ body and larger gear provide unmatched cranking power for fighting large fish.
- Superior Durability: The heavy-duty aluminum frame and Magsealed main shaft ensure long-lasting performance in harsh saltwater environments.
- Smooth Drag: The smooth and consistent drag system provides confidence during long fights.
- Effortless Rotation: The Zaion AIR ROTOR makes casting and retrieving smooth and effortless.
- Reliable: The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 is extremely reliable and can be used on multi-day trips consistently without issue.
Cons
- Not the Smoothest: While powerful, the retrieve isn’t quite as smooth as some other high-end spinning reels.
- Limited Customization: There are limited options for customizing the reel itself.
Who Should Buy Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel?
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel is perfect for serious offshore anglers targeting large tuna, marlin, wahoo, and other pelagic species. It is also well-suited for anglers who fish in harsh saltwater environments and need a reel that can withstand the elements.
Anglers on a tight budget or those who primarily fish inshore may want to consider a less expensive option. Those who prefer the absolute smoothest retrieve possible might also want to explore other high-end spinning reels.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality rod that is properly matched to the reel and the target species. A power knob would also be a worthwhile modification for anglers who want even more cranking power.
Conclusion on Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel
The Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel is a powerful and durable offshore spinning reel that is well-suited for serious anglers targeting large saltwater fish. While it may not be the smoothest reel on the market, its exceptional power, superior durability, and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment.
At $399.99, the price is justified given the reel’s high-quality construction and performance capabilities. The features and technology packed into this reel provide excellent value for anglers who demand the best.
I would definitely recommend the Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 to any angler looking for a reliable and powerful offshore spinning reel. If you’re ready to take on the biggest fish in the sea, this reel is up to the challenge. Go get yours and experience the power and reliability of the Daiwa Saltist MQ 20000 Spinning Reel!