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I went to my local tackle shop today while at the NJ shore and inquired about the Saltist reel that they had in stock, one the shelves, and altogether in my hands. I went looking for the 4500 size. So here is my analysis of that model. Picture is 6500.
I wanted to give my honest opinion on the way it felt and some pro's cons about my experience holding the 4500, 5000, & 6500 size spinning reel.
FIRST Impression:
-Lightweight
-Graphite feel, due to the matte black color of the frame
-Powerful, muscular feel of the handle arm and its connection to the reel
-Compact
First Inspection:
-I immediately un-winded the drag knob to take off the spool and look at the shaft and drag stack. I went for the cap and to my realization and surprise I found the knob to be "graphite" and "cheap" but lightweight.
-I also notice an "o-ring" installed running along the underside of the knob. There was no hiding it, and I knew it was there to "seal" the drag from the top end.
-I looked at the shaft and to my dismay couldn't find a bearing on the shaft.
-I looked up the bottom end of the spool and wondered how the bottom half of the drag was sealed.
-Digi gear and spool cup alike the saltiga's was sitting on the shaft. I was happy to see that similarity.
-I was told there was an additional washer that came with the reel to ensure a customized line-lay much like the washers Shimano includes as extras in the box.
Second Inspection:
-Following the spool I locked the drag down and took a chance to turn the spool. I noticed the spool fits snug and there is minimal side-play or rocking of the spool while dialed down.
Third Inspection:
-Handle knob and bail arm have one thing in common. Handle Knob has a cheap medium-soft plastic feel. The knob seemed "bearing-less".
-Bail arm seemed like it was plastic but I'm sure is "graphite". There are plastic pieces on the outer-side of both bail arms. The bail arm seemed "saragosa" grade.
-Handle ARM felt great. Felt like a true one-piece design like the Saltiga. The power of such a design was felt as soon as I made some revolutions.
-Bail arm is certainly of the Saltiga following. I liked it. It felt strong and stylish. "Unbreakable"
Cosmetic Appearance:
-The "blue" or "teal" looks alot better in person as some of you have mentioned that online or in pictures it looks awefull. I find that I actually like the blue. It's subtle enough and seems like it fits.
-This is a low-key looking reel. Black itself makes it low key, however the matte finish gives it another appeal. Whether making it look "light" like graphite, or whatever, the matte makes it feel rugged. It's not the bling that attracts your eye to this reel, its the opposite effect.
Detract the pro's and con's out of my initial impression. I think there are some great things coming along with this line. We will certainly know soon enough.
For $209.00 retail, the 4500 has 22lb drag that would be more than enough for the usage you may want in this range spinner. No, not for tuna... but for anything else.
Enoch
I wanted to give my honest opinion on the way it felt and some pro's cons about my experience holding the 4500, 5000, & 6500 size spinning reel.
FIRST Impression:
-Lightweight
-Graphite feel, due to the matte black color of the frame
-Powerful, muscular feel of the handle arm and its connection to the reel
-Compact
First Inspection:
-I immediately un-winded the drag knob to take off the spool and look at the shaft and drag stack. I went for the cap and to my realization and surprise I found the knob to be "graphite" and "cheap" but lightweight.
-I also notice an "o-ring" installed running along the underside of the knob. There was no hiding it, and I knew it was there to "seal" the drag from the top end.
-I looked at the shaft and to my dismay couldn't find a bearing on the shaft.
-I looked up the bottom end of the spool and wondered how the bottom half of the drag was sealed.
-Digi gear and spool cup alike the saltiga's was sitting on the shaft. I was happy to see that similarity.
-I was told there was an additional washer that came with the reel to ensure a customized line-lay much like the washers Shimano includes as extras in the box.
Second Inspection:
-Following the spool I locked the drag down and took a chance to turn the spool. I noticed the spool fits snug and there is minimal side-play or rocking of the spool while dialed down.
Third Inspection:
-Handle knob and bail arm have one thing in common. Handle Knob has a cheap medium-soft plastic feel. The knob seemed "bearing-less".
-Bail arm seemed like it was plastic but I'm sure is "graphite". There are plastic pieces on the outer-side of both bail arms. The bail arm seemed "saragosa" grade.
-Handle ARM felt great. Felt like a true one-piece design like the Saltiga. The power of such a design was felt as soon as I made some revolutions.
-Bail arm is certainly of the Saltiga following. I liked it. It felt strong and stylish. "Unbreakable"
Cosmetic Appearance:
-The "blue" or "teal" looks alot better in person as some of you have mentioned that online or in pictures it looks awefull. I find that I actually like the blue. It's subtle enough and seems like it fits.
-This is a low-key looking reel. Black itself makes it low key, however the matte finish gives it another appeal. Whether making it look "light" like graphite, or whatever, the matte makes it feel rugged. It's not the bling that attracts your eye to this reel, its the opposite effect.
Detract the pro's and con's out of my initial impression. I think there are some great things coming along with this line. We will certainly know soon enough.
For $209.00 retail, the 4500 has 22lb drag that would be more than enough for the usage you may want in this range spinner. No, not for tuna... but for anything else.
Enoch
