Daiwa Legalis LT Reel Review (Pros, Cons, & Who It’s For)
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
It’s reel review time!
The Daiwa Legalis LT series is lightweight, budget-friendly, and has similarities to the Daiwa Fuego.
But is this reel for everyone?
In this video, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of this reel so you can decide if this is a great option for you.
Check it out below!
Daiwa Legalis Reel Review [VIDEO]
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Click here to get the Daiwa Legalis LT
Here are the pros and cons of the Daiwa Legalis LT series of reels:
Pros:
- Range in size options (1000 to 6000 sizes available)
- Very affordable and starts at just under $70
- Overall weight is 7.2 oz
- Air bail and air rotor reduces weight
- Digigear gear system designed to create great power and torque
Cons:
- The handle is not a direct drive so it’s not making direct contact with the gear
- Carbon fiber components are not as rigid as an aluminum body
- Felt washers (over time and catching a lot of fish) will eventually get sticky
- No MagSeal
Here are the detailed specifications for the reel used in this video (Daiwa Legalis LT 2500-XH):
- Gear Ratio 6.2:1
- 5+1 Bearings
- 22Lb Drag
- Line Capacity 250Yd/10Lb
- Weight 7.2oz.
Conclusion
If you are just starting out, want to save some money, or are just interested in trying out a Daiwa spinning reel, this is a great option for you!
You can get this reel from our shop here:
And if you want 20% off of this reel, 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 reel?
Let me know down in the comments!
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Caught 90 cm mackerel by a legalis 6000d, easy
hi! is daiwa legalis 5000/6000 suitable for surf fishing
I don’t feel that it is, personally. The Surf environment can be very harsh, and the Legalis LT does not have any sealing throughout the body to prevent water from making its way inside. The 6000 size is a suitable “size” for most Surf Fishing applications, but I would not use the Legalist LT as a Surf Reel.
In comparison in between DAIWA legalis 5000 lt D and Shimano nexav 5000
which one is better… Mainly for freshwater and frequently for salt also need long spool
Both are excellent options, and offer similar features. The Shimano Nexav does have a longer/taller spool than the Daiwa, which does offer its own set of benefits.
How would you compare the stiffness/rigidity of the frame with this new Zaion V vs. the older plain carbon frame LT models? I assume it isn’t as stiff as the regular Zaion used in the Tatula, but is the Zaion V in the newer Legalis significantly stiffer than the regular carbon frame LT reels?
Really solid question, Mike. I can’t say I notice a difference between the two when it comes to subjective “feel” (they both are very lightweight and the physical material feels the same). But I do think that the rigidity of this newer Zaion V Material is more rigid than the prior LT carbon material.
Thank you. I troll with some sizable weights at times and I was getting alot of flex in the regular carbon frame LT reels reeling them in, so I invested in the Tatula and that was a huge positive difference but now I need a reel with more line capacity and would prefer to not spend so much but still be lightweight. That’s when I noticed the new Legalis in a 6000 size. I’m hoping it has significantly less flex than what I found in the Exceler and other regular carbon frame LT models.
I just got the 3000 D-C is it good enough for a Catfish rig on the river?
That’s tough to say, Josh! I guess it really depends on a lot of things (current speed, type of structure you’re fishing, size of fish, etc.).
These reels can land some quality fish, when used properly. The 3000 is perfect for shallow water scenarios, or if you’re fishing areas without a ton of structure (that would risk you breaking off). But I’d prefer a larger size, either a 4000-6000, if targeting 30lb.+ fish in any sort of heavy current.
You guys do a fantastic job!
I bought a 21 Legal Lt 2500. It looked good. It was light. It was as smooth as my Fuego, but the handle would not stay tight. I had high hopes for the reel, but I couldn’t accept the sloppy handle connection. I returned it. Do they all loosen so quickly?
Keep up the good work! Tight lines.
Interesting! I haven’t experienced that issue before.
I have an Excelor 2500 XH which I really like. Had direct screw in handle like my fuego. Probably only difference in the Legalist
I have a 5” ultralite ugly stik rated for 2-6 lb test that I plan to use as a small river rod. Is a 2000 to large? What’s the size diff b/n the 1000 and 2000 size?
Hey Kevin! From the looks of it, the 1000 and 2000 size Legalis LT are virtually identical to one another. They both have the exact same weight and gear ratio, but there is a larger line capacity on the 2000. That likely means the 2000 is the same size as the 1000. We have not received either of those sizes into Inventory yet (Daiwa has not shipped them to any customers yet), but I feel fairly confident that the 2000 is a carbon copy of the 1000.
Just took my 2500-XH out today, hooked into a good sized redfish and the reel handled it well. Not sure if it was the fish or the reel but a just under slot redfish was pretty easy to work up to the kayak, no issues with the drag despite a ripping current. The fuego is nice but perpetually out of stock, this is a solid alternative so far. I’m using it with 30lb Daiwa grand and 12lb mono backing as a dedicated bottom rig.
Nice work, James! The Legalis is quickly earning its ranks!
2500 D or XH . which do you recommend for inshore soft plastics?
The 2500D-XH Model is the way to go. It’s better to have a higher gear ratio (when possible), than to need it and not have it.