Daiwa Conventional Reels: Saltiga, Saltist and Value Star-Drag Buying Guide (2025–2026)
Review method: Researched editorial buying analysis based on daiwa.us listings and prices, Daiwa press releases and the specification tables published by Daiwa dealers (Tomo's Tackle, Johnny Jigs, Chaos Fishing) — not personal field testing. daiwa.us loads its spec tables dynamically, so most per-model numbers come from those dealers. Daiwa publishes maximum drag only, not strike/full settings.
← Conventional Reels Directory · Feature table · Model specifications · 2025–2026 updates · Company overview · New reels · Saltiga · Value and level wind
Daiwa Conventional Reels — features in separate columns
Daiwa's conventional range is built around the Saltiga flagship (lever drag, star drag and jigging), the mid-priced Saltist and value Seagate/Sealine reels. Most premium models use ATD (Automatic Tournament Drag) carbon drags and corrosion-resistant CRBB bearings.
| Family | Role | Drag type | Speeds | Body | Max drag | Bearings | Price range | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saltiga Lever Drag 80 2-Speed | 80-class big game | Lever | 2 | Machined aluminum | 59.5 lb | CRBB (count not found) | $1,499.99 | July 2026 |
| Saltiga G Star Drag 35 | Heavy jigging | Star | 1 | HYPERDRIVE aluminum | 28.7 lb | 8+1 | $799.99 | July 2025 |
| Saltist SD / SD Jigging | Mid-price live bait and jigging | Star | 1 | Aluminum | 17.6–22 lb | 4+1 | $329.99–$379.99 | July 2025 |
| Saltiga 300 | Light jigging, low profile | Star | 1 | Aluminum | 22 lb | 11+1 | $699.99 | Feb 2025 |
| Saltiga Jigging Star Drag 10 / 15 | Slow-pitch and vertical jigging | Star | 1 | HYPERDRIVE aluminum | 22–24.2 lb | 8+1 | $699.99 | 2024 |
| Saltiga Lever Drag | Trolling, stand-up, chunking | Lever | 1 or 2 | Machined aluminum | 26–45 lb | CRBB | $529.99–$899.99 | 2020 |
| Saltiga Star Drag | Live bait, tuna, yellowtail | Star | 1 | Machined aluminum | 17.6–25 lb | 8+1 to 9+1 | $499.99–$569.99 | 2022–2024 |
| Lexa HD 500 | Power casting, inshore/nearshore | Star | 1 | Aluminum | 28–30 lb | 6+1 | $499.99 | Feb 2024 |
| Saltist LW / LW LC | Level-wind trolling and bottom | Star, level wind | 1 | Aluminum | 15.4–20 lb | 4+1 (disputed) | $239.99–$309.99 | 2021–2022 |
| Seagate and Sealine SLW | Value bottom and wire line | Star | 1 | Composite | 15.4–20 lb | 1+1 to 3+1 | $169.99–$209.99 | 2021 |
Selected exact-model specifications
Prices from daiwa.us; ratios, weights, drag and retrieve from Daiwa dealer tables (mostly Tomo's Tackle). Capacities in lb/yards.
| Exact model | Hand | Ratio | Weight | Max drag | Line per crank | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAGLD80-2SPD | Not stated | 3.9 / 1.7:1 | 60 oz | 59.5 lb | 48.6 / 21.6 in | Braid 120/700, 150/550 | $1,499.99 |
| SAGSD35 / 35L | R / L | 5.1:1 | 24.9 oz | 28.7 lb | 41.1 in | Braid 30/660, 65/330 | $799.99 |
| SLTSD40 | R | 6.4:1 | 21.3 oz | 22 lb | 47.4 in | Braid 65/480, 80/350 | $359.99 |
| SLTSD35J | R | 6.4:1 | 21 oz | 22 lb | 47.4 in | Braid 30/660, 65/330 | $379.99 |
| SAG300H / 300HL | R / L | 7.3:1 | 14.81 oz | 22 lb | 39.6 in | Braid 20/370, 30/200 | $699.99 |
| SAGLD40-2SPD | R | 5.8 / 3.1:1 | 26.3 oz | 40 lb | 42.8 / 22.6 in | Braid 65/480, 80/350 | $749.99 |
| SASD40HA | R | 6.4:1 | 21.8 oz | 25 lb | 47.4 in | Braid 40/660, 50/490 | $569.99 |
| LX-HD500-P | R | 6.3:1 | 17.5 oz | 30 lb | 33.4 in | Braid 65/250, 80/200 | $499.99 |
| STTLW40HB | R | 6.4:1 | 23.5 oz | 20 lb | 47.2 in | Braid 40/660, 50/490 | $239.99 |
| SGT30H | R | 6.1:1 | 15 oz | 15.4 lb | 35 in | Braid 40/450 | $199.99 |
2025–2026 updates and current generations
2026: daiwa.us listed the Saltiga Lever Drag 80 2-Speed (SAGLD80-2SPD) on 6 July 2026 at $1,499.99 — the largest Saltiga lever drag, with 59.5 lb maximum drag. Daiwa's “Flagship Collection” release of 11 March 2026 (Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show) named the Saltiga 10/10L jigging reels, the Saltist line and the Lexa 500 among its conventional and jigging highlights, without new specifications.
2025: Daiwa launched the Saltiga G Star Drag 35 (listed 7 July 2025, $799.99), the Saltist SD and SD Jigging (7–8 July 2025, $329.99–$379.99) and the low-profile Saltiga 300 jigging reel (7 February 2025, $699.99).
Not on daiwa.us now: the Saltist Lever Drag 2-Speed and Mangetsu are no longer listed. The “2026 Great Lakes” GL40LC is a $99.99 freshwater line counter, not a saltwater reel.
Daiwa company and conventional-reel overview
Japanese saltwater specialist
Daiwa (Globeride, Japan; US office in Cypress, California) built its saltwater reputation on the Saltiga line, which now spans spinning, lever-drag, star-drag and jigging reels. Saltiga conventionals use one-piece machined aluminum frames, ATD carbon drags and CRBB corrosion-resistant bearings, with a five-year warranty; the newest jigging models add HYPERDRIVE gearing and housing design.
Below Saltiga, the Saltist offers aluminum construction and ATD at mid prices, while the Seagate and Sealine cover budget bottom fishing and wire line.
How to choose
For big game, the Saltiga Lever Drag (now up to the 80 2-Speed) is Daiwa's trolling and stand-up range. For jigging, choose the Saltiga Jigging Star Drag 10/15 or Saltiga G 35 (premium), Saltiga 300 (light, low profile) or Saltist SD Jigging (mid price). For live bait and casting, the Saltiga Star Drag and Saltist SD. The Lexa HD 500 suits heavy casting inshore and nearshore, and the Saltist LW trolling and bottom fishing.
New 2025–2026 Daiwa conventional reels
Saltiga Lever Drag 80 2-Speed — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Daiwa's new 80-class big-game reel.
Read the full Saltiga Lever Drag 80 2-Speed review (123 words)
What is new
Listed on 6 July 2026, the SAGLD80-2SPD extends the Saltiga Lever Drag family into the 80-class used for big tuna and marlin. It has a one-piece milled aluminum frame, an oversized stainless pinion and drive gear and ATD carbon drag.
Specifications
3.9:1 high and 1.7:1 low, 48.6 in and 21.6 in per crank, 60 oz, 59.5 lb maximum drag, mono 80/350, braid 120/700 and 150/550. $1,499.99. Daiwa does not publish strike/full settings or bearing count for this model.
Who should buy it
Crews trolling and fighting giant bluefin, big yellowfin and marlin, who want a modern, relatively compact 80 compared with traditional trolling reels.
Verdict
A serious big-game addition to Daiwa's range, priced against Shimano Tiagra and PENN International 80s.
Official Saltiga Lever Drag 80 2-Speed specifications · Back to comparison
Saltiga G Star Drag 35 — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Premium heavy-jigging star drag.
Read the full Saltiga G Star Drag 35 review (111 words)
Specifications
SAGSD35 / SAGSD35L (right / left): 5.1:1, 41.1 in per crank, 24.9 oz, 28.7 lb maximum drag, 8 CRBB + 1 roller bearing, braid 30/660 and 65/330. $799.99 on daiwa.us (one dealer lists $699.99).
Technology
HYPERDRIVE design: Hyper Armed Housing, Hyper Tough Clutch, HYPERDRIVE DIGIGEAR with three-point contact and Hyper Double Support, plus a clicking UTD/ATD drag, Magsealed bearing housing and a power-paddle or 85 mm T handle. Five-year warranty plus five years of free service.
Verdict
A power jigging reel for heavy jigs on tuna and amberjack, available in left hand. Some dealers also sell the 10 and 15 sizes as “Saltiga G”; Daiwa lists those separately (see below).
Official Saltiga G Star Drag 35 specifications · Back to comparison
Saltist SD and Saltist SD Jigging — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Mid-priced star drag for live bait and jigging.
Read the full Saltist SD and Saltist SD Jigging review (82 words)
Specifications
All 6.4:1 with 4 CRBB + 1 roller bearing. SLTSD20: 39.5 in, 16.6 oz, 17.6 lb. SLTSD30: 16.9 oz, 17.6 lb. SLTSD40: 47.4 in, 21.3 oz, 22 lb, braid 65/480. Jigging versions: SLTSD15J 16 oz, 17.6 lb, $349.99; SLTSD35J 21 oz, 22 lb, $379.99. Standard models cost $329.99 (15/20/30) and $359.99 (35/40/50).
Technology
Aluminum body, ATD carbon drag, CRBB bearings and a centrifugal cast control. The jigging versions are braid-oriented.
Verdict
The best-value Daiwa star drag with metal construction; right-hand only.
Official Saltist SD and Saltist SD Jigging specifications · Back to comparison
Saltiga 300 — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Low-profile light jigging reel.
Read the full Saltiga 300 review (87 words)
Specifications
14.81 oz, 11+1 bearings, 22 lb drag, braid 20/370 and 30/200, level wind, $699.99. SAG300 / SAG300L: 6.3:1, 34.1 in. SAG300H / SAG300HL: 7.3:1, 39.6 in. Listed 7 February 2025.
Technology and use
HYPERDRIVE design, carbon ATD clicking drag, Magseal and CRBB bearings and a zinc anode against corrosion. Daiwa sells it as a saltwater conventional reel, though its shape is low-profile; it suits light and medium slow-pitch jigging where a palmable reel matters.
Verdict
A premium compact jigging reel with left-hand options in both ratios.
Saltiga Jigging Star Drag 10 / 15 — detailed review
Buying role: Premium compact jigging reel.
Read the full Saltiga Jigging Star Drag 10 / 15 review (80 words)
Specifications
Listed on daiwa.us on 3 July 2024 at $699.99. SAGSD10 / 10L: 6.3:1, 37.4 in, 16.4 oz, 24.2 lb drag, 1 Magsealed + 7 CRBB + 1 roller bearing, mono 15/500, 20/380. SAGSD15 / 15L: 6.3:1, 40.5 in, 17.1 oz, 22 lb. Daiwa's March 2026 release named the Saltiga 10/10L among its jigging highlights.
Verdict
Daiwa's most popular size class for slow-pitch and vertical jigging, in both hands. Dealers selling them as “Saltiga G” charge $799.99, so compare prices.
Official Saltiga Jigging Star Drag 10 / 15 specifications · Back to comparison
Daiwa Saltiga lever- and star-drag reels
Saltiga Lever Drag (single and 2-speed) — detailed review
Buying role: Daiwa's trolling, chunking and stand-up range.
Read the full Saltiga Lever Drag (single and 2-speed) review (115 words)
Specifications
Two-speed: SAGLD20-2SPD 6.3/3.1:1, 18.8 oz, 26 lb, $629.99; SAGLD40-2SPD 5.8/3.1:1, 26.3 oz, 40 lb, $749.99; SAGLD50-2SPD 5.8/3.1:1, 29.8 oz, 40 lb, $859.99; SAGLD60-2SPD 5.2/2.3:1, 38.4 oz, 45 lb, braid 100/550, $899.99. Single-speed: SAGLD20H 6.3:1, 17 oz, 26 lb, $529.99; SAGLD40H 6.3:1, 47 in, 25 oz, 40 lb, $699.99; SAGLD60H 6.1:1, 54.3 in, 35 oz, 45 lb, $849.99. SAGLD55JP (jigging, 2023): 5.2:1, 31.4 oz, 45 lb, $899.99.
Notes
All right-hand. Current generation listed in June 2020. Daiwa says the tournament sailfish model has 22 lb maximum drag, while one dealer lists SAGLD50HS at 45 lb — confirm before buying.
Verdict
Compact, high-drag lever reels with long retrieves; strong rivals to Shimano Talica and Accurate Valiant.
Official Saltiga Lever Drag (single and 2-speed) specifications · Back to comparison
Saltiga Star Drag — detailed review
Buying role: Premium star drag for live bait and tuna.
Read the full Saltiga Star Drag review (57 words)
Specifications
All 6.4:1. SASD15H / HL: 39.5 in, 14.3 oz, 17.6 lb, $499.99. SASD30HA: 16.8 oz, 17.6 lb, $499.99. SASD40HA: 47.4 in, 21.8 oz, 25 lb, $569.99. SASD50HA: 22.4 oz, 25 lb, braid 50/630, $569.99. Machined aluminum frame and side plate, five-year warranty plus service.
Verdict
A refined star drag for West Coast and Gulf live-bait fishing.
Official Saltiga Star Drag specifications · Back to comparison
Daiwa mid-range and value conventional reels
Lexa HD 500 — detailed review
Buying role: Heavy-duty casting reel for inshore and nearshore saltwater.
Read the full Lexa HD 500 review (69 words)
Specifications
$499.99, 6 CRBB + 1, braid 65/250 and 80/200. LX-HD500P-P 5.1:1, 27.1 in, 17.4 oz, 30 lb. LX-HD500-P 6.3:1, 33.4 in, 30 lb. LX-HD500H-P / HL-P 7.1:1, 37.7 in, 28 lb (right / left). LX-HD500XH-P 8.1:1, 43 in, 28 lb. Aluminum frame, UTD drag and 120 mm handle.
Verdict
First listed in February 2024 (some press calls it 2025). Good for casting big swimbaits, striper and nearshore work.
Saltist LW and Saltist LW Line Counter — detailed review
Buying role: Level-wind trolling and bottom reel.
Read the full Saltist LW and Saltist LW Line Counter review (48 words)
Specifications
STTLW20HB–50HB $239.99; line-counter versions $279.99–$309.99. STTLW30HB 6.1:1, 35 in, 19.8 oz, 15.4 lb. STTLW40HB 6.4:1, 47.2 in, 23.5 oz, 20 lb. STTLW50HB 24.3 oz, 20 lb. Bearing counts conflict between Daiwa and dealers.
Verdict
An aluminum level wind with good retrieve speed for trolling and bottom fishing.
Official Saltist LW and Saltist LW Line Counter specifications · Back to comparison
Seagate Star Drag, Seagate Levelwind and Sealine SLW — detailed review
Buying role: Value bottom and wire-line reels.
Read the full Seagate Star Drag, Seagate Levelwind and Sealine SLW review (57 words)
Specifications
Seagate Star Drag: composite frame, aluminum spool, brass gears, UTD, centrifugal brake; SGT20H 6.1:1, 14.3 oz, 15.4 lb; SGT30H 15 oz; $199.99–$209.99. Seagate Levelwind SGTLW50H / 60H: 6.1:1, oversize guide for wire line, $189.99. Sealine SLW50H: 6.1:1, 20 lb, $169.99.
Verdict
Inexpensive options for bottom fishing; the Saltist is worth the extra money for regular use.
Official Seagate Star Drag, Seagate Levelwind and Sealine SLW specifications · Back to comparison
Official sources
Prices and listing dates from daiwa.us (checked 6 October 2026). Specifications from Tomo's Tackle, Johnny Jigs and Chaos Fishing dealer tables.
- Daiwa saltwater conventional reels — official
- Daiwa 2026 Flagship Collection release
- Johnny Jigs — Saltiga G Star Drag
Compare manufacturers: PENN · Shimano · Accurate · Avet · Okuma · Seigler · Alutecnos · Fin-Nor · TICA.