The
Team Daiwa Advantage HSTA, A "Supertuned" Remix
(continued)
Drag:
Lately
Daiwa seems to be focusing more on drag refinement rather than sheer power. Many
competing reels of the same size offer drags that are capable of delivering 10
plus lbs. of drag counter pressure. A comparably sized Shimano Curado has 10lbs
of drag pressure and the Abu Garcia Revo series delivered an insane 20lbs plus
lbs. in our tests!
One benefit of the swept handle is
easier access to the drag adjustment
The HSTA is rated for 8.8lbs
of drag and it managed 9.1lbs in our lab at full lock. The drag proved to be
smooth and unswerving in the lab as well as in the field. The drag is more than
enough for largemouth bass, but 10+ lb stripers did test the drag’s maximum
stopping power. Even with the drag buckled down the fish were able to strip line
away a generous amount of line from the drag, albeit it was in consistent and
safe quantities.
Both the cast control knob and
sideplate release knob are now machined
The HSTA makes use of what
Daiwa calls their “Super Seven Disc Drag.” As you might have guessed the drag
makes use of seven fiber composite and stainless steel washers for a combination
of smooth performance and fish control. This system is different than the drag
system found in other Daiwa reels like the TD-X. The TD-X makes use of a seven
disc drag system as well but substitutes the fiber composite washers with teflon
and graphite. The teflon washers actually handle heat a bit better but the end
result of the two systems is near identical drag total pressure.
Unscrew the sideplate knob to
release the sideplate
Durability:
With baitcasters durability really goes hand in hand with reliability. Unlike
saltwater reels that are subjected to a barrage from the elements baitcasters
have to deal with less stressful boat rash, and the majority of issues that
arise from these reels come from internal failures due to stress. The HSTA makes
use of a slew of bearings, in fact when you compare the 10+1 found in this reel
to the 6+1 in the Fuego or Sol you start to understand just how good of a deal
this reel really is. While this reel can be used for light inshore applications
it will necessitate more attention than other Daiwa reels like the Coastal and
the Zillion which make use of more corrosion resistant bearings.
Like most Daiwa reels the
sideplate is constructed from composite
So while it can pull double
duty, and is certainly powerful enough, the reel is still best utilized in fresh
and brackish conditions. Stick to these applications and the reel will last.
Throughout the months that we have fished the TD-A HSTA it has remained smooth,
and doesn’t gum up as much as the more expensive TD-X does. In fact, this reel
is so consistent that it is truly a good choice as a quality all round workhorse
reel.
The inductor could use further
supertuning at the hands of savvy reel upgraders to create an even faster
startup for more distance
Ergonomics: The
original Advantage HST and the HSTA feature the same basic profile so palming
the reel feels very similar, in fact there are many TD-A variants that feel
similar (Coastal, Black Widow, Tierra, etc). Some anglers feel like the
Advantage series is too wide, and it certainly is when compared to reels like
the Sol, but for most anglers it will palm reasonably well simply because it
does sit relatively low on the vast majority of reel seats. The difference in
the new reel is not the profile but the finish. The original HST featured a
matte finish, one that was even more matte than the TD-X series. The Coastal had
a slicker finish due to a layer of corrosion resistant gloss. Turn your
attention back to the HSTA and anglers will find the glossiest reel yet. The
finish is surprisingly durable and doesn’t scratch easily, helping prevent the
early onset of boat rash, however this comes at a price....
Like the original there is also
porting in the frame below the levelwind
Next Section: Ergonomics detailed, and Price explored
