Daiwa Vadel

[stella fella]

Has anyone got any experience with the Daiwa Vadel reels? Particularly in the 4k size. I'm looking for a reel to spin off the stones with, will be chasing everything from snapper & jewies to pigs and kings.

[Plugbar]

What about a BG in the same size ?

[stella fella]

Originally Posted by Plugbar

What about a BG in the same size ?

I actually reckon they're a mint reel, my mate has a 4K but they're ugly af and I'm a superficial, aesthetics loving reel snob lol.

I'm actually having second thoughts about the size now, leaning more towards a 5k and given some of the prices I'm seeing on the '12 catalina/islas I'm actually considering stretching my budget a bit now....

[thekingofgloom]

4500 seagate E is another option. I bought one instead of the saltist and I'm really happy I did. Couldn't agree more on the BG as well. Ugly over rated reel. No smoothness and slop in every moving part.

[Plugbar]

maybe they differ in the different sizes but very happy with my 4500

[Plugbar]

Hey Stella the Tackle Warehouse in Brisbane has Daiwa Vadel reduced to $ 179 ,check out their website. As well the Anglers Warehouse on the Gold Coast has the Daiwa Saltist for $209.

[yellow door 1]

Originally Posted by Plugbar

maybe they differ in the different sizes but very happy with my 4500

Just had a look at the specs for the BG range - that 4500 looks like a beast - 220 grams heavier than the 4000

and heres the Vadel Stats

[Bronco T]

Ive got a BG in a 5000 size had it for about 6 months, can't fault it still tight and quite a smooth reel for the coin outlayed. Bit on the weighty side but feels solid which i like and takes the knocks well and beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say, i can live with there looks have seen a hell of a lot worse looking reels about.

[yellow door 1]

and heres what they look like side by side

[Ratbags]

What's everyone's thoughts on the Nero 4500? I'm looking at Larry's homework and wondering if it's any better for a Nero? Bceeef have them on special for $119 atm.

[mazman]

The bg is definitely much better than the nero's. Been a while since I had a play with one so it's a bit tough to describe but they aren't the nicest out of the box imo, can't imagine what a bit of use would do to them.

[stella fella]

Originally Posted by Ratbags

What's everyone's thoughts on the Nero 4500? I'm looking at Larry's homework and wondering if it's any better for a Nero? Bceeef have them on special for $119 atm.

I wouldn't touch anything based off the old saltist. I'm not sure about the internals, but the nero looks to share the same body.

[stella fella]

I ended up going with a Demon Blood V2 804XH travel rod. It's rated at PE 4-6 so a 4000 is definitely going to be too small, it needs a 5000 at least. I'm thinking now that I may as well spend a tad more coin and get one of the '12 Islas that are on sale.

[mazman]

4500 is a 5000 with a small spool from memory if that helps.
What differences are there between the catalina and isla?

[stella fella]

Originally Posted by mazman

4500 is a 5000 with a small spool from memory if that helps.
What differences are there between the catalina and isla?

Yeah, that's correct. I'm chasing as much capacity as possible, but want to keep it as lightweight as I can as I'll probably end up using it to spin for tuna off the rocks as well.

The Isla is the USDM Catalina, the only difference being the handle knob shape. They didn't sell very well in the US so a lot of them ended up being shipped here. Daiwa Aus actually blocked me from commenting on their FB posts for calling them out when they tried advertising them as a newly developed reel