The New Daiwa Saltist MQ Reel Review (Pros & Cons)
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on September 14, 2021
The NEW Daiwa Saltist MQ has arrived!
This is a lightweight reel with advanced features that will conquer almost all conditions.
But is it the best inshore fishing reel on the market?
Check out the pros and cons in this new review video!
The New Daiwa Saltist MQ Reel Review [VIDEO]
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The Daiwa Saltist MQ is designed to tackle the elements and provide a premier experience for those that want the most out of their inshore fishing reel.
Here is the full, unbiased review (and an on-the-water review is coming soon):
Pros:
- Monocoque Body style (MQ design allows for reduced size and weight of the reel)
- Increased drag and easier to turn the handle
- A smaller compact body makes it a better reel for inshore fishing
- Larger sizes (5000 and 6000) are going to be lighter weight overall
- The aluminum round knob is rare to find and gives you less resistance
- Body and rotor made of Zaion (Zaion is Daiwa’s version of a composite plastic that is very lightweight and more durable than magnesium)
- Magsealed with a magnetized plate that creates low pressure where water and contaminants can’t make their way down the main shaft and into the body of the reel
- Threaded top that sits over the plate of the Magseal
- Light rubber seal at bottom of the main shaft that will also prevent water from going down the main shaft and into the rotor
- 22-lbs of drag on carbon fiber drag stack
- Solid aluminum body in a compact rigid design
Cons:
- This is a pricey reel at $299.99 (but this is a high-quality investment)
- Rigid boot designed for protection but once taken off you can see the main gear and the oscillation can (separate piece not part of the aluminum body)
Conclusion
You can push this reel to the limits.
It is a quality reel that is an investment for an angler that desires a top-tier reel with specific advantages.
The Daiwa Saltist MQ is meticulously designed to be a finesse heavy-duty reel!
This reel is built to last and will withstand most elements.
If you have any further questions about the Daiwa Saltist MQ, ask me down in the comments!!
Daiwa Saltist MQ Spinning Reel
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I’ve got numerous of the mq reels but nothing bigger than 5000 and was wandering if I could just get an 8000mq spool and put it on my 5000 body for yellowfin
The 8000 size shares the same body/main shaft as the 10000 & 14000, so you won’t be able to put an 8k spool on a 5k body.
just got a saltist 2500 mq, will be using for inshore fishing mostly open hook 3-4″ swimbaits and other smaller soft plastics
fishing for schoolie striped bass and sea trout
any suggestions for a rod
I’d take a look at the TFO Tactical Inshore Series, particularly the 7’6″ Medium Power/Fast Action: TFO TAC IS Tactical Inshore Spinning Rods – Salt Strong (fishstrong.com)
Looking Into the MQ 6000. What rod would you recommend for this reel..
Depends what type of fishing you will be doing (Nearshore, Live Bait/Dead Bait, Jigging, etc.)
What kind of rod would you recommend ? for a 2500 series saltist mq. Love all your guys information on fishing cant wait to join the club soon.
Generally speaking, a 7’0″ or even a 7’6″ Medium to Medium-Heavy Power rod would be ideal for this type of 2500 sized reel.
Which size do you think would fit best on a 11 ft St. Croix Seage or a custom 12 ft surf rod?
Tough to say. I personally think at least a 10000 size (or the 14000 if you can find one) would be the best option for a rod of this length. It will offer you greater line capacity than the 5000 & 6000 models, and the larger sizes should be more compatible with the guide ring sizes and spacing on those longer rods (which will help with casting distance).
what is difference between this and ltd
The Saltist LTD is not considered a domestic product for the US Market. The Saltist LTD is more similar to the original Saltist Spinning Reel, which features CRBB (Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings) and a Magseale Line Roller. However the Saltist MQ does not features CRBB—instead they incorporate the MQ (Monocoque) Body Design to help mitigate water intrusion.
I would prefer the newer Saltist MQ over the original Saltist or Saltist LTD simply because the MQ is a much slimmer/sleeker design and much more comfortable to fish with. Both are around the same price USD ($300).
I’m really considering purchasing this reel…..question which size, 2500 or 3000, matches up closest in terms of physical size to a Penn Slammer IV 2500?
The body of the 2500 and 3000 sized Saltist MQ are virtually identical to the each other. The only major differences here are that the 3000 sized reel has a slightly wider & deeper spool, and a wider/larger Rotor to help counterbalance & lay line properly.
So in truth, both sizes would be comparable to the Slammer IV 2500. I personally own the Saltist MQ 3000D-XH in my arsenal and have really enjoyed it.
Saltist 4000 mq Would this be a good reel for striper in the CA delta? Will be on a Tsunami slimwave 7 ft mh 10/30# 1/2 to 2 oz
I suppose it depends on the size of the Striper! The Saltist MQ 4000 can certainly handle 20lb. Braid and when paired with the appropriate rod, you can effectively work up to 2oz lures with the setup.
I have landed very nice 10lb. Triple Tail around heavy structure in 40ft of water using my Saltist MQ 3000, so I’d imagine the 4000 is more than enough for Striped Bass.
Looking to pair with a st Croix legend inshore 7’6 Medium Fast. Would you recommend going with the 2500 or 3000?
GREAT question, Fransisco. What do you plan on using this set-up for? Keep in mind, the 3000D-XH model has a faster gear ratio (6.2:1) and greater line capacity than the 2500, but it is slightly heavier by 0.7oz. I own a 3000 size and love it, I have mine matched to a 7’6″ Medium Power Custom Rod as well. I would suggest the 3000 size as being the most versatile of the two, but if you want some weight savings then the 2500 is the way to go.
Hey Justin, thank you for the prompt response. I plan on using this set up for “schoolie”striped bass in the 18-24” range as well as flounder, in the backbays using artificial soft plastics, spoons, and topwater lures. Debating on using 10-15lb braid with it as well.
Currently have a 3000 Stradic fk that’s basically a 2500 size with a larger spool and looking to get something with more saltwater protection
You’ll do just fine with the 3000 size, especially if you’re used to a Stradic FK. That’s perfect for what you’ve described! I’d go with 10lb. braid to maximize casting distance, because there really isn’t that much of a difference between 10lb. & 15lb. in terms of knot strength or abrasion resistance.
Justin,
How’s the line lay on the Saltist MQ? is it even top and bottom or need to add washer to get an even line lay? Thanks
I own the 3000D-XH model and my line lay is flawless on this reel. Spooled it with 10lb. Daiwa J-Braid x8 Grand in gray light color.
Great to know, thank you Justin. I’m getting the same line except in island blue to match the blue theme.