Quick Review Of New Ballistic MQ Spinning Reel [Premium Reel]
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
The video below will show you a quick review of the new Ballistic MQ spinning reel which is an upgrade to a popular reel from Daiwa.
This reel is known for being extremely lightweight and smooth which is a great fit for those of us who throw lures because any savings on weight can make a big difference.
Here’s a quick video showing an introductory review where you’ll see exactly how light it is:
👉 Click here for the New Ballistic MQ (2025 Model)
👉 Click here for the Previous Ballistic MQ (20% Discount)
Specs of New Ballistic MQ
New Ballistic MQ Updates
Here’s what Daiwa lists as the updates for the new Ballistic MQ spinning reel.
AIRDRIVE BAIL
Designed with a smaller diameter, reducing the weight of the front unit, while still providing strength. In comparison to previous light weight models, weight is reduced by 33% (2500 size). The angle of the bail has also been altered, improving line management by guiding the line through the line roller with ease.
AIRDRIVE ROTOR
A newly developed Rotor maintains the strength of previous designs, while significantly reducing weight. a 16% weight reduction from previous light weight models allows for trouble free, flawless rotation.
AIRDRIVE SPOOL
A new spool skirt design to further reduces weight for improved oscillation, less resistance during rotation and better overall balance of the reel.
Conclusion:
This new Ballistic MQ appears to be a very nice reel from initial on the water usage. I have landed multiple overslot reds plus overslot snook with my 3000 sized Ballistic MQ, and it handled them all flawlessly while being very comfortable to cast for long periods of time.
I’ll be sure to make an updated review after I have spent more time on the water with it.
Your Feedback Needed:
Please leave a comment below to share your findings if you’ve had a chance to try out this new reel.
As always, do not hesitate to use the Comment feed for any questions you may have about this reel or if you have any suggestions on features to test out and report on for the next review.
Tight Lines!
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
What rods would you pair the 2500 and the 3000 up with
If price wasn’t an issue, the Slot Machine is the easy answer because it has by far the best performance of any rod I’ve used… for light/medium tackle needs, I go with medium power option. And if medium/heavy needs, I go with the Medium Heavy power one which was shown in this video (both reels fit on both rods).
Thanks to everyone for the experienced comments concerning Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa reels. I do enjoy casting lures with my BG MQ. Looks like this new reel may even be better
This ballistic is definitely as step up from the BG MQ, but it comes with a higher price tag… both options are excellent options for their respective price points.
Luke, would you stick with the 3000 for beach use or move up to the 4000?
I stick with 3000 sized reels when beach fishing because I’m mostly targeting pompano, whiting, redfish, snook, and trout… none of which can peel off over 250 yards of 20 lb line.
I want to buy one.
That looks like a nice reel. Are you thinking about doing a combo deal?
The big reel companies do not like to see their high end reels offered at a discount, so we are not able to offer them in a discounted combo.
For this one, I highly recommend the MH Slot Machine which you get at a big discount where you’ll save $100 as a member. This rod is amazing… super lightweight with great feel while having enough backbone to handle big fish (I landed an 80 lb tarpon with it in 22 minutes a few weeks ago): https://fishstrong.com/products/slot-machine-custom-rod?variant=45695121653934
I went on a guided fishing trip at Marco Island in 1988 and was introduced to the Daiwa 2500 BG. I liked them and bought 2 reels. I lived in Guatemala at the time and over the years have landed 100’s of Mahi up to 25 lbs along with snook and snappers around the mangroves. These reels are still functional and now that I live in Florida I use them when fishing live bait for snappers and sheepshead as well as taking my grandkids bass fishing with shiners. I use the newer version for inshore because they’re lighter and smoother than the 30+ year versions.
Thanks for sharing your findings.
I have used Shimano Stradics for many years. I do clean and oil regularly, but probably not as much as I should. They usually last about 5 to 6 years before getting a little rough and making noise. I bought Daiwa Fuegos last year for grand kids and they have been great.
Thanks for sharing your findings Kurtis!
Nice review!
Thanks Mark!
Luke how much lighter is this reel than the in house Otis 2500? For most of us is the performance that much better than the Otis?
Scott
The Ballistic is lighter than the Otis 2500 (6.7 oz vs. 7.0 oz) which is enough to feel a difference. Plus, the Ballistic has better sealing with their MQ technology plug magseal. The advantage of the Otis is that it is much more affordable and it comes with a 2 year replacement policy that even covers an accidental drop in the water (allowing you to get a replacement for 50% off).
Looks awesome and nice!
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Eduardo!