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
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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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!
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.)
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.