The New Daiwa Saltist MQ Reel Review (Pros & Cons)
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
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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Click here to get the Daiwa Saltist MQ
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
And if you want 20% off of your Daiwa Saltist MQ, as well as all of the other gear in our shop, click here to join us in the Insider Club.
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Do you think the line roller not having a bearing hurts this reel?
Why do you offer the 6000 but not the 8000? Also i thought there was a discount for members? It seems to be same price for a 6k or 10k as it is anywhere else.
We had to stop giving 20% off of reels because too many retailers were complaining to the manufacturers that they were losing business due to the club.
So we had to switch to giving free line, free spooling of the line, and free shipping for Insider Club members.
As for why we don’t carry any 8000+ sized reels, we simply haven’t had enough demand to stock those sizes since the 6000 holds over 300 yards of 30 lb braid which is plenty to handle most fish that can be caught while inshore fishing.
What species are you after that makes you want to go up to a larger size? Note: Once they go over 6000, the weight goes up by 30% and the price goes up by $30.
What size rod would be perfect for a saltist mq 6000 right now i have her on a 7ft Medium Heavy Fast action Teramar Southeast 20-40lb rated rod
So what is the difference between the mq and saltist mq in the 4000 series
I just got line on my 5000 mq and put it on my st croix rod. But when did my first cast the bail would not flip down when I turned the handle. Very resistive turn. Had to manually flip it down and then it smoothly retrieved the line. Tried a couple of times but bail just won’t go down upon turning handle. What could be wrong? Brand new reel out of the box!
It has a manual bail in the 5000 size and up. Not uncommon in most higher end reels.
Correct.
The power handle snapped off after 8 uses and under a year of ownership and Daiwa would not warranty the reel handle. My friend also has the same reel with the same problem.
Appreciate your comment, Matt. It’s not just about marketing to sell stuff but finding honest critique too!
My handle snapped in half while working a lure the other day and I’ve only had it 9-10. I guess I won’t waste my time with a warranty claim if they won’t honor it. Thanks
If you’re referring to the handle that came on the reel, I’ll be shocked if they don’t replace it.
What is the main gear made of? Previous Saltists hade a pewter gear and that did not last long at all…
The main gear in the majority of Daiwa Reels is made from a Zinc alloy.
Cnc aluminum
On the standard/original Saltist, yes. On the Saltist MQ it is made from a Zinc alloy.
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.)