Daiwa Certate LT Reel Review (Pros, Cons, & Who It’s For)
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
It’s reel review time!
The Daiwa Certate LT series of spinning reels are a game-changer for avid saltwater anglers looking for a long-term solution.
These reels are not only a thing of beauty, but also a solid piece of gear that will stand up against constant use and harsh elements.
And of course, they’re not perfect, so you’ll also learn about some of the cons of this reel.
Check it out below!
Daiwa Certate Reel Review [VIDEO]
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Click here to get the Daiwa Certate LT Spinning Reel
Daiwa incorporates their monocoque frame that is an innovative approach to creating the Certate’s design of the reel body.
The solid aluminum body on the Daiwa Certate is tough and ready to perform against your biggest fish.
Also, the gears are bigger and thicker so you’ve got more power and torque.
You’ll actually feel like it takes less effort to bring in a fish.
Of course, the most important feature of this series of reels is the magseal technology.
This ensures your reel is protected from the elements for the life of the reel.
Pros & Cons Of The Daiwa Certate LT
Pros:
- MQ body design
- Heavy-duty aluminum body provides little to no flex
- Magseal technology on the main body and line roller
- Lightweight air rotor and air bail
- Tough Digigear™ digital gear design
- 12x corrosion-resistant bearings ensure reels run smooth
Cons:
- Higher price
- Not easy to maintain yourself (requires a special tool)
Given the price point, this reel may not be for everyone.
But if you are an avid angler and appreciate a quality piece of gear, this is a great long-term investment that will perform for you on the water for years to come!
And if you don’t feel the need to tinker with this reel, it does come with an expedited service warranty.
Daiwa Certate LT Spinning Reel Specs
Daiwa Certate LT 3000-CXH
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Weight: 7.4 oz.
- Braided Line Capacity: 185 yards, 10#
- Max Drag: 22 lbs
Daiwa Certate LT 4000-CXH
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Weight: 8.3 oz.
- Braided Line Capacity: 220 yards, 10#
- Max Drag: 26.4 lbs
Conclusion
Overall, this reel is one of the best on the market and the like-new smooth performance lasts for a very long time!
Daiwa ensures this reel is always protected from the elements and has gone the extra mile when designing this technology.
So, if you are looking to make a long-term investment for consistent performance, the Daiwa Certate LT spinning reel is for you!
You can get this reel from our shop here:
Daiwa Certate LT Spinning Reel
And if you want 20% off your reels, as well as all of the other gear in our shop, click here to join us in the Insider Club.
Have any questions about this series of reels from Daiwa?
Let me know down in the comments!
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Hi, whats the difference between ARK LT series and the LT series?
– Understand ArK is heavier but can load more line comparing 3k size
The ARK is apparently the same as the 2019 Certate LT with the only difference being a special aluminum power knob for more cranking power.
How does the Shimano sustain FJ stack up compared to this? Is the certate just so much better or is it sort of close?
Personally, I think the Certate LT is a step-up above the Shimano Sustain FJ. The Certate LT is more closely compared to Shimano’s Twin Power Series.
Hi Justin,
Thinking about maybe purchasing a Certate LT 4000 cxh once you have more in stock. I’m also thinking about purchasing a high end 7’6” medium power rod to pair with it. Of these four…
– Slot Machine custom rod
– St croix legend tournament inshore
– G Loomis IMX Pro Blue
– G Loomis GCX inshore
which would you recommend in terms of rod balance which I know you guys have talked a lot about?
Great questions, Patrick.
What we’ve learned over the past 18 months as we tested Dozens of Prototypes for our upcoming Slot Machine Custom Rod is that the pursuit of “Rod/Reel Balance” might be misinterpreted. I strongly suggest listening to the Podcast that Joe, Luke and I just released recently where we discuss guide ring size & placement to optimize casting distance with various reel sizes: The Best Inshore Saltwater Fishing Rod Ever??? (saltstrong.com)
I don’t have the exact outer spool diameter for the Certate 4000-CXH, so I can’t speak to the specifics of how it will perform with our Slot Machine Rod, or the other examples you listed by St. Croix and G Loomis. What we have learned is that the Slot Machine Rod will pair best with reels that have an outer spool diameter of ~1.75″-2.25″, which is the sweet spot for maximum casting distance with the guide ring size & placement we used on our reduction guides.
Overall, the best Value Rod for Inshore Members of our Club is the Slot Machine Custom Rod, in which we will be offering a Significant Discount exclusively to our Members of the Club. Aside from the Slot Machine, I think the St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore would be a great option as well, but would suggest choosing a rod that has guide spacing appropriate to match with the Certate 4000.
Hope this information is helpful to you!
This is very helpful, thank you Justin.
Go with Lengend inshore. I have it with the 3000. Landed 44 inch snook with this set up. Best all around set up .
Justin,
How’s the line lay of the Certate LT from factory? Do you need to add any washer to have even line lay top and bottom?
I personally don’t own the Certate LT series myself, but I have a friend that owns 4 of them. The line lay looks perfect on his setups (and he did not need to use shims).
Manufacturers include these shims in every reel they offer (*just in case this were to ever be an issue*). It’s not common, but can happen to any reel, that’s why the shims are provided as a precaution if needed.
Thank you Justin.
great review.can hardly wait to get one.i notice you use the century 7 1/2 foot rod.i have the 9 1/2 century for 1/2-2 1/2 oz.a magnificent rod.why the 7.5 over the 7?does this rod handle 1/8 oz lures?in your opinion what is the sweet spot for your 7.5 foot rod?would the 7 foot perform in a similar manner?thank you,j dupont-ps that century spin rod will go with the 4000 certate.
Hey Jules! I prefer to use 7.5′ Rods over 7′ in almost all situations, especially when fishing Inshore. The 7.5′ allows for further casts and offers you more control over a fish after they’ve taken a lot of line out. A 7′ rod is still a great option, but in terms of casting distance and control over fish at a further distance, the 7.5″ is the superior option.
Justin, thanks for a very thorough and awesome overview of this reel. That one is a thing of beauty!
My pleasure, Matt!
Phenomenal review Justin!! Thanks for giving us some awesome insight on this reel!
Thank you, Sir!
Magnesium is NOT corrosion resistant !
***You are absolutely right, Timothy! That was the ONLY flub-up on my part in this video. I intended to say that Zaion Material was LIGHTER than Magnesium (by 25%), not more Corrosion Resistant. An error on my part! Thank you for catching this.
Great review but please kill the monotonous background music!
Thanks Greg! Note taken.
Wow!!! Pricey….
For sure, the Certate is a pretty penny and steep investment. But it is well worth the investment for an Angler that is exceptionally rough on their gear and wants something that will remain smooth for many years.