Daiwa SS 1300

[Hunter]

Thinking about buying one of these, have heard great things about the drag system. I want to use this on a 10+1/2' stealhead rod for lindy rigging light line in very shallow water 3-5". Anyone own one of these reels, any info would be greatly appreciated, dont want to purchase any more garbage. Thanks.

[Homer]

They're excellent reels; silky smooth drags and built to last. I (shudder) think I now prefer them to my old Cardinal reels. I have two 1300s that I use for steelhead fishing; I use an SS 700 for walleyes. If you're familiar with the old Cardinals, I'd say that the SS 700 is pretty close to a Cardinal 3, while the SS 1300 is between a Cardinal 3 and a Cardinal 4 (closer to a 4).

[chadk66]

Ditto on the 1300. I have owned one for 15 years and it is one of the finest reels made. When I needed a replacement part I was able to order it online from Daiwa's website and they didn't even charge me. Great drag and ultra smooth. Folding handle and all.

[muskyhigh]

I have a few older ones and they are nice reels. However, if you have been watching them over the past few years you may have noticed the price went down about 50 dollars. I have heard that the quality of things went down a little. In this day and age prics don't seem to go down for no reason, especially that amount. I have a friend who guides on saltwater and he lives on these reels. He was my source. I'm sure they are still a nice reeland all, just something to think about.

[Eyecon]

These are great reels,I own eight of them.I can't even remember how long I've had them.I'm going to pick up two more,I also noticed the price has dropped from $139 to $89.If you don't back reel and rely on your drag,this is the reel for you.This size balances well with most 6 1/2-7 1/2 foot walleye rods.Buy it!

[Hunter]

Im sold, BPS im on my way.

[Homer]

Hunter, I recall seeing your posts on Detroit River fishing. If you're from the Detroit area, you may want to consider getting the reel from Lakeside Fishing Shop in St. Clair Shores or Farmington. They're the same price as BPS, and service after the sale is phenomenal.

I've got no personal stake in Lakeside, just trying to keep the local bait shops in business in this day of conglomerates.

[Ted Gwinn]

Hunter - I agree with those other guys. These reels are really durable. I guide full time (7 days a week). The first year they were out (about '84), I was a member of a pro staff group that included Daiwa. I purchased 10 of these reels over a two year period. That was 16-17 years ago.

I keep telling myself each year, that just as soon as these reels fall apart, I will need to replace them... and I have been saying that each year for the past 10 years. They get used everyday, they get stepped on, dropped, banged, rolled in the dirt, rained on... and they are still operating like new. I have not had one of them go down.

I clean them each year and add a couple drops of oil and a pinch of greese... that is all. I find it amazing!

Because of the longer spool extension on these reels when you turn the crank, the overlaping of the line being picked up falls at an angle where even the super lines don't get yanked down and mixed up with the line beneath it. Also, with the great big drag plates (washers) back in front instead of in the back, this reel's drag is second to none.

Sorry for rambling... and yes, when I got them, I did get a deal. So I might appear to be a little biased, but if they were bad I would be telling you that too. I think these are really neat reels (like somebody said before, they remind me also of the old green Cardinal reels).

Someday, they are going to wear out and I will have to think of replacing them... but I am beginning to wonder if they ever will???

Good luck!
Ted Gwinn

[Beaver]

I was repping Daiwa for Ferguson-Keller back when the SS reels were introduced. Just like the poster before me, I bought quite a few and I am still using the originals to this day. Great reels. Best available at that time. The only thing that I really like about most new reels is the "infinate anti-reverse". That`s the only thing that the SS reels were missing. I don`t know of any other spinning reels that have stood the test of time like the SS `s did. Beav