Ok, so I decided to add another reel in the "light but strong, all metal inshore spinning reel" category, in the 2500/4000 size. As stated in my review of the Pflueger Supreme, I wanted light, strong, and no graphite! So being long-time fan of Daiwa spinners, I chose to give the Daiwa Sol a try. It met the criteria, but unfortunately had been out of production for a couple of years already. I had to give flea-bay a try and ended up with a "new" 2500 size at a premium price. But after a brief test run in the yard, I decided to return it and keep looking for a 3000 size in order to increase line capacity. I was fortunate enough to get one from a guy on a local fishing forum site, used, but in good condition and at a bargain price. Happily, it came with a brand new extra spool too. After a little cleaning, lubing, tweaking/TLC, this has become my hands-down favorite go-to reel in this category.
On the first few trips, I have already scored with big inlet Snook, offshore Mahi, and pier Spanish Mackerel. By far, the snook gave it the toughest test though; a big 40" bruiser momma snook from Hillsboro Inlet, in the fast-ripping current that runs there. Loaded with Suffix 30lb braid, I have this reel paired up with a Star Stellar Lite, split grip 12-20lb rod, and boy let me tell you, they were made for each other! Tossing heavy lures hundreds of times with this combo does not become the grueling labor that heavier outfits can make it. So on a full moon night, after casting endlessly, the test finally came, THUMP! The reel screamed while its aluminum frame and rotor held steady, without flexing as the fish took off on its first run, using the current to her advantage. Big momma snook headed under the bridge, but the large diameter (stock) felt drag disks soon smoothly brought her to a stop as they generated more than enough power for a reel this size. No drag upgrade needed here! Then, the torque of this Daiwa Sol 3000 became apparent as I inched her closer back to me. A couple more runs, and finally she was at my feet. I carefully lifted the beautiful fish, placing her on the grass to remove the lure. Then, after a brief reviving in the current, off she went to fight another day, and hopefully, to one day give birth to many more of her Snook species.
As good as they are, however, there are some concerns with this and other Daiwa reels in this design class. First, they tend to need careful tweaking for optimal line spooling, and secondly, the anti-reverse is very sensitive to lubricants. You may get one that spools just right, out of the box, but mine needed shims to get it perfect. *Note that the "ABS" spool is actually designed to lay line tapering upwards towards the spool lip. As for the anti-reverse, it is very strong, but never apply any but the lightest of lubes, and do so sparingly. I run my Daiwa reels' rollers with just a thin film of Corrosion-X, or even dry sometimes.
Featuring the extremely fluid "Digigear" design, and a true "floating shaft", the smoothness of the Daiwa Sol 3000 is amazing. The powerful torque of the 4.7:1 retrieve, smooth and strong large-diameter drag, and rigid light aluminum frame/rotor make it capable of taking surprisingly large fish. One final note, this and all Daiwa "ABS spool" design reels have fantastic casting ability with all lines, and are incredible at managing line twist! I have even used them without swivels many times without issue. As much as I love the Pflueger Supreme, don't try this with that reel, it will twist the heck out of the line!
Add it all up, and the Daiwa Sol 3000 has taken top spot in this category and easily made it to... My Favorite Reels!
This was a review of the Daiwa SOL 3000 spinning reel.
