Tsunami SaltX Spinning Reel Review (Pros, Cons, & What Its Best For)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
It’s reel review time!
A few months ago I created a video unboxing the Tsunami SaltX and sharing my initial thoughts on it.
After using it for a few months I now have enough experience to create a full and honest review of how it actually works on the water.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- What type of fishing this reel is best for (and what type of fishing it’s NOT good for)
- The pros and cons of this reel
- What type of rod and line to pair it with
- And more
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty reel, you’re going to love this video.
Tsunami SaltX Spinning Reel Review [VIDEO]
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Click here to get the Tsunami SaltX from our online shop
What Type Of Fishing This Reel Is Best For
I’ve primarily been using this reel for targeting large redfish with cut bait, but it’s also great for surf fishing and tossing heavy jigs around inlets and passes.
It’s bigger than most other 4000 size reels (it’s sized more like a 5000 or 6000 size standard spinning reel), but it’s made for heavy-duty fishing and has a lot of line capacity.
It’s comparable to the Van Staal VR50, just much cheaper.
What Type Of Fishing This Reel Is Not Good For
Since this reel is bigger than most inshore reels of its size, it’s not great for throwing light lures inshore.
You’d quickly get tired and wish you were just soaking a chunk of ladyfish on the bottom,
What Type Of Gear To Pair With It
Since this is a heavy-duty reel, you’ll need a tough rod and strong line to go with it.
I normally use 30 lb. braid, but the 4000 series reel is rated for 15-50 lb. line.
As far as the rod goes, I recommend pairing it with a 7′ 6″ to 8′ medium-heavy power fast action rod.
Specifically, I’ve been using a custom 7′ 10″ Black Pelican Century Weapon (medium-heavy power fast action) and an 8′ St. Croix Avid Inshore (also medium-heavy power fast action).
I prefer the Century Weapon when I’m throwing lures and the St. Croix Avid Inshore when I’m soaking cut bait on the bottom.
Pros & Cons Of The Tsunami SaltX
Pros:
- Strong and smooth drag
- Completely sealed, so it’s good for keeping out water, salt, sand, and other debris.
- Can handle big fish
- Has lots of line capacity
Cons:
- A little on the expensive side (although you can get 20% off if you’re an Insider)
- Not very versatile since it’s too bulky for throwing light lures inshore
Conclusion
After using this reel for several months targeting big fish, I really like it.
It’s heavy-duty and can handle big bull reds and large snook, but since it’s so bulky I’d recommend not using it for throwing light lures inshore.
You can get this reel from our shop here:
And if you want 20% off of it (as well as all of the other products in our store), then join us in the Insider Club!
Have any questions about this reel?
Have you used it before?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who’s looking to get a heavy-duty spinning reel, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Can I use in freshwater?
They’re a bit heavy and large for freshwater but can be used.
I can’t find the reel in the shop.. I’d love to have this 20% discount mentioned in this post 😁
Hey Anthony! Unfortunately we don’t carry them in the shop anymore.
saltx info id love a time update on the tested saltx and more info im looking into buying one soon ill explain what i want to do with it and all its either a saltx or a slammer 4 dx cant decide
I’ve had the reel for 3 years now and it’s still working great! I haven’t had to do any maintenance to it. I just rinse it with freshwater after every trip and dry it off with a rag.
Bought a 4000. The gears failed on the first outing. Reps replaced it with a 6000 and after 4 outings the gears failed. Now they are asking me to send it back to get replaced with my original reel a 4000. Sounds like I got a refurbished 6000 reel as a replacement to keep me quit after waiting a year for a replacement. I am waiting to see what they are going to do now.
Sorry to hear that Anthony!
My 4000 is still going strong. Could be possible that you got a lemon. Also keep in mind these reels are fully sealed so they will not be super smooth like some of the smaller lightweight reels.
**Note: We are not affiliated with any of the companies we review products on. All of our reviews are based on our own experience whether it be good or bad.
Brought 2 4000’s, 1 from salt strong as member GREAT PRICE! Tony great review, 30lb braid on both. Found out that to heavy for kayak back Bay. Use for surf and boat caught big Rockfish out of Chesapeake on it. Much lighter than my 8000 baitrunner oc and stronger drag. Plus it’s is as sexy as a van stal wo the price tag. But it handles anything paired with jigging world nexus mh fast action 7’6 20-50lb. HEADED to VA this June 7 to fish with it.will post pictures
Thank you for the great feedback Brian!
Yes it’s definitely too big for backwater fishing. Built more for surf, pier, jetty fishing. Glad you are getting some good use out of them!