Super high speed gearing in a conventional saltwater
package, the Daiwa Sealine X 50SHV
Date: |
06/16/05 |
Tackle type: |
Reels |
Manufacturer: |
Daiwa |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.83
Introduction: Daiwa Sealine-X reels have long been a popular item for
both surf and offshore anglers chucking the heavy metal. These reels are known
for their casting ability, power, reliability, and aggressive price...and with
the introduction of the 50SHV you can now add "high speed" to the list of
desirable features. The Sealine X 50SHV boasts all the proven features of the
originals with new super high speed gearing capable of a blazing 6.1:1 retrieve.
Daiwa
Sealine Tournament
SLX50 SHV
Specifications |
Weight |
19oz. |
Gear Ratio |
6.1:1 |
Bearings |
3 BB |
Line Capacity (lb/yds) |
30/350, 40/310, 50/220 |
Additional Features |
Super Speed Shaft™,
centrifugal casting brakes, Waterproof high-performance felt
and stainless steel drag, Marine bronze and stainless steel gears - ultra
tough and precision cut, 3-D dynamic balanced aluminum handle, Rod clamp
included |
MSRP |
$134.95 |
Impressions: Daiwa's SealineX reels are prevalent among
saltwater anglers, and the number one reason is simply due to the excellent
value this reel offers. The SealineX reels deliver plenty of performance for
only 135 dollars, and actually excels in a number of categories, delivering
performance well above what you would expect from a sub 150 dollar offshore
reel. I've had experience with the powerful SL-X40HV which is equipped with a
4.9:1 ratio, but the new super fast gearing that the SealineX 50SHV offered
definitely had me keyed up. Here was a reel with plenty of line capacity, the
pedigree of excellent casters, and a super fast retrieve rate that made it ideal
for tossing Wahoo bombs or ripping plugs for Stripers.
|
Familiar
body, new super high speed gearing |
Materials: The SealineX's body as we know it
has been around for years. This lightweight reel weighs only 19.0oz, which is
very light for a reel of this size and capacity. The composite frame and sideplates are all reinforced with aluminum, and all critical areas are shielded
with metal. This combination is corrosion resistant, and able to withstand
direct contact with saltwater. Which is one of the reasons why this series of
reels has become so fashionable among surf anglers on both coasts. The spool on the SealineX
50SHV is a completely anodized high tensile aluminum, which is both very
corrosion resistant and
exceptionally light in weight.
|
Encased
inside are oversized marine bronze and stainless steel gears |
The Field Test: Unfortunately
we were not able to test the SealineX 50SHV for Wahoo, but we were able to fish
the reel in the surf as well as off the deck of our Boston Whaler targeting a variety of
species ranging from Stripers to Halibut. We tested the reels casting ability
when tossing big jerkbaits or Chugs for Stripers and tested the reel's trolling
capabilities with a Megabait swimbait tied on at the end of the line when pursuing
Bay residing Flounder and Butts. In addition we even stress tested the reel
against some of the invading Humboldt Squid.
Complete
Testing Rig for Sealine Tournament
SLX50 SHV Field Tests |
Rod |
GLoomis SWR84 Saltwater Series |
Reel |
Daiwa SealineX 50SHV |
Line |
30 lb. Trilene Big Game Clear |
Casting/Trolling: Fishing for
stripers in the surf takes fortitude, not only does your body need to stand up
to the pounding surf, but your reel also must face an onslaught from the
elements in the form of salt and sand. It is frustrating casting with a reel
that is not capable of putting enough distance between you and your lure, as
your bait simply goes slack as your lure gets caught up in the wash. Luckily for
us the SealineX 50SHV was a superb caster, both in terms of ease of use and
sheer distance and control. The best way to describe casting the SealineX 50SHV
is that this reel feels just like an oversized baitcaster. Casting distance with
30lb line is phenomenal. The shaft completely separates the gear train from the
spool on the outcast, reducing friction to a minimum. Like a baitcaster the SealineX
50SHV does have centrifugal casting brakes, but to adjust these you must remove
4 screws on the left sideplate and pull out the spool. On the plus side this
reduces the chance that any contaminates can enter the guts of the reel, but on
the downside you cannot adjust your brakes in the field. It is unlikely you will
want to modify your brake settings in the field however, and the free spool
adjustment knob can adjust the spool tension so the spool stops without overrun.
Targeting stripers with this reel is made easy as the staggering casting
distance allows you to stand further back, away from the crashing waves.
When fishing off our Boston Whaler we tested the
reel fishing large swimming jigs for stripers as well as trolling swimbaits for
Flounders and Halibut. The reel has an anodized aluminum frame guard which helps
prevent the line from taking any damage when it goes slack, this is a very nice
feature when you are releasing line to troll or drift fish. When trolling you
can engage the click function which will generate a loud audible click warning
when line is drawn.
|
The best
thing about this reel is the fantastic casting ability, it feels like an
oversized baitcaster! |
Next
Section: Retrieve and Drag