Surf Casting Reels

[crablante]

Guys (and girls) I may need new reels - the line rollers on my Daiwa Emblem Surf reels have seized (and somewhat bonded) and replacing the parts (potentially) including the bail arms could be costly.

While I wait for Daiwa to get back to me with a price I've been looking at replacement options and ATM I like the look of the Penn Tidal XT.

I like the look of other more expensive reels (e.g. Shimano Bullseye) but don't wanna cough up the Benjamins.

What you guys think? Any other options you think are decent in a similar price range?

 

[Trampster]

Not had any dealings with the Tidal XT, and don't know what the differences are between the Tidal XT & the Surfblaster III, but if you are trying to save a few "Benjamins", the Surfblaster is about £30 cheaper. I've got a Surfblaster I & II and both have been good.
Your other option is to keep an eye out for something quality but 2nd hand, on Gumtree or the bay of E.

Re parts for your Daiwa, have a look at Jim's reel shop.

DAIWA PARTS - Jim's Reel Shop

jimsreelshop.co.uk

 

[tdxs133pm]

Any other options

You could opt for the Shimano Speedmaster.£122.77 with voucher.

Shimano Speedmaster 14000 XSD Surf / Carp Fishing Reel - SPM14000XSD | eBay

The Shimano Speed Master XSD features a series of upgrades to the original design. Now coming with a strong lightweight C14+ mainbody, and utilising their Rigicast technology. They also have upgraded and improved internals with Shimano's Hagane drive gear and silent drive system.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[tdxs133pm]

Any other options

Is this big enough,£119.99 with voucher.I think the Daiwa 5000 is about the same size as the Shimano 14000.

Daiwa 20 Crosscast Surf 5000C QD 45SCW Surf Reel NEW - 20CCS45SCW-5000CQD | eBay

With a front drag style and hand retrieve capabilities, this reel is designed for ease of use. It features a 45SCW Surf design and is suitable for all saltwater fish species. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, this Daiwa reel is a great choice.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[crablante]

Re parts for your Daiwa, have a look at Jim's reel shop.

A quick glance makes me think I'm getting new reels - for example over £2 for a lay line washer

You could opt for the Shimano Speedmaster.£122.77 with voucher.

Is this big enough,£119.99 with voucher.I think the Daiwa 5000 is about the same size as the Shimano 14000.

I'm looking for reels with a one piece bail (because they look cool) - it seems the Tidal XT will be fine. Some on this forum have bought and used it and are quite happy. I suppose I could go for another set of Emblems...

For some reason I thought my line rollers had ball bearings BUT they're bushes - lesson learnt.

 

[goose]

Shimano Saragossa switch comes in various sizes.

 

[Topwater]

It reads to me like you don't need new reels just a few replacement parts and most importantly a better wash down routine at the end of every fishing session. Include applying a drop or two of oil to the line roller. Some line roller bearings are very needy in maintenance, particularly on some of the Shimano spinning reels. Bushings can work well iif cared for, I've got Penn Spinfisher SS reels that are still going strong on original line roller bushings after decades of use

 

[crablante]

Shimano Saragossa switch comes in various sizes.

That is definitely a nice reel, but for surf casting I think there are better options.

It reads to me like you don't need new reels just a few replacement parts and most importantly a better wash down routine at the end of every fishing session. Include applying a drop or two of oil to the line roller. Some line roller bearings are very needy in maintenance, particularly on some of the Shimano spinning reels. Bushings can work well iif cared for, I've got Penn Spinfisher SS reels that are still going strong on original line roller bushings after decades of use

100% - I do wash my kit after every session but didn't realise how much I was neglecting the line roller; rookie mistake

Using vinegar, freezer, and pliers I've managed to disassemble one but the other is still not budging. The bails are the most expensive part so trying very hard to save them but the pliers have done some damage. Still waiting for Daiwa to get back to me, plus going fishing with a mate at the end of next week so probably have no choice but to buy new reels and hope I can save these at a later date without rushing.

 

[crablante]

I came across what looks to be a good deal. I'm not made of money but I NEED to go fishing next week

Penn Tidal XT 7000 Long Cast Surf / Beach Reel - With Spare Spool - 1594964 | eBay

Penn Tidal XT Longcast Reels, a high performance specialist reel series designed specifically with surfcasting in mind. Featuring a super strong lightweight XRC composite main body and rotor and waterproof sealed drag system with Pen's HT-100 carbon fibre washers.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[SirGunner]

Hi @crablante my father in law bought a pair of Tidal XT 8000 reels recently and he loves them. They're light weight, smooth running and the line lay is superb. He was going to buy the 7000 but was advised to go for the 8000 as they're slightly better (can't remember off top of my head exactly the difference but I think it was the gearing ratio for line retrieve, larger line capacity and 1 or 2 more bearings but don't quote me on that). If I was after a new beach casting fixed spool that's what I would go for after trying my father in laws out, unfortunately I have 2 Akios R10 reels that I bought not too long ago so can't justify getting the Tidal XTs just yet lol

 

[Trampster]

I came across what looks to be a good deal. I'm not made of money but I NEED to go fishing next week

Penn Tidal XT 7000 Long Cast Surf / Beach Reel - With Spare Spool - 1594964 | eBay

Penn Tidal XT Longcast Reels, a high performance specialist reel series designed specifically with surfcasting in mind. Featuring a super strong lightweight XRC composite main body and rotor and waterproof sealed drag system with Pen's HT-100 carbon fibre washers.

www.ebay.co.uk

You'd better be quick! Looks like the last one!

 

[SirGunner]

Just had a quick look and I was wrong about the bearings, both sizes have 10 bearings

 

[crablante]

Hi @crablante my father in law bought a pair of Tidal XT 8000 reels recently and he loves them. They're light weight, smooth running and the line lay is superb. He was going to buy the 7000 but was advised to go for the 8000 as they're slightly better (can't remember off top of my head exactly the difference but I think it was the gearing ratio for line retrieve, larger line capacity and 1 or 2 more bearings but don't quote me on that). If I was after a new beach casting fixed spool that's what I would go for after trying my father in laws out, unfortunately I have 2 Akios R10 reels that I bought not too long ago so can't justify getting the Tidal XTs just yet lol

This is really good to know - other threads on this forum have said similar things - they do look solid just based on pictures alone.

You'd better be quick! Looks like the last one!

There's only one left because earlier today I bought a pair

 

[SirGunner]

This is really good to know - other threads on this forum have said similar things - they do look solid just based on pictures alone.


There's only one left because earlier today I bought a pair

They're great reels I'm sure you won't regret it

 

[Topwater]

That is definitely a nice reel, but for surf casting I think there are better options.


100% - I do wash my kit after every session but didn't realise how much I was neglecting the line roller; rookie mistake

Using vinegar, freezer, and pliers I've managed to disassemble one but the other is still not budging. The bails are the most expensive part so trying very hard to save them but the pliers have done some damage. Still waiting for Daiwa to get back to me, plus going fishing with a mate at the end of next week so probably have no choice but to buy new reels and hope I can save these at a later date without rushing.

Put a piece of rubber (like inner tube etc )in the jaws of any pliers to avoid damage. Also soak parts in a 'bath' of suitable oil or diesel etc for a while to encourage release. Heat can help obviously.

Have you called Daiwa UK parts and service? Normally very helpful

 

[crablante]

Put a piece of rubber (like inner tube etc )in the jaws of any pliers to avoid damage. Also soak parts in a 'bath' of suitable oil or diesel etc for a while to encourage release. Heat can help obviously.

Have you called Daiwa UK parts and service? Normally very helpful

Inner tube - good idea - I'll do that instead of using a rag because the teeth on the pliers where getting through.

As for soaking in a bath of oil - I'm not so sure because there's ZERO gap for the oil to penetrate - the components are essentially bonded by oxidation. Vinegar with hot water is what I'm hoping will work...

I've emailed DaiwaUK and in the past they usually respond quite quickly. The problem I may have is the reels are not UK models (I bought them in France) and it could be some parts are not available (like the bails). Now that I've got pair of Penns on the way I can relax and maybe I'll sort this out with Daiwa France/Spain if UK doesn't work out.

 

[Topwater]

Give Daiwa UK at Wishaw a call first if I were you - 08450603603

 

[crablante]

Give Daiwa UK at Wishaw a call first if I were you - 08450603603

Before contacting Daiwa Spain/France? For sure! It's a bit odd they haven't got back to my via email, I gave them the parts numbers and everything...I'll give it a few more day...either way I'm in no rush as the reels will arrive today

 

[crablante]

He was going to buy the 7000 but was advised to go for the 8000 as they're slightly better (can't remember off top of my head exactly the difference but I think it was the gearing ratio for line retrieve, larger line capacity and 1 or 2 more bearings but don't quote me on that).

I was happy to go for the 7000 because I don't need the line capacity but I wonder why he was advised the 8000 is "better"?

The Penn website says the 7000 and 8000 have ratios of 4.8:1 and 4.3:1; is the latter better? Line retrieves are on par at 98 and 100cm.

 

[SirGunner]

I was happy to go for the 7000 because I don't need the line capacity but I wonder why he was advised the 8000 is "better"?

The Penn website says the 7000 and 8000 have ratios of 4.8:1 and 4.3:1; is the latter better? Line retrieves are on par at 98 and 100cm.

Honestly I'm not sure but I think it was the slightly faster line retrieval and the lower gear ratio give slightly more torque when reeling in with larger fish. I'm sure the 7000 will be absolutely fine and the guy in the shop was probably just trying to squeeze another £20-30 out of him