Daiwa SS Whisker reel review

[@daleporter9162]

I bought 2 of the Whisker 1300s in the early 90s. They were made in Japan then. I'm still using those two reels to this day for smallmouth fishing in northern Michigan. I've had several other spinning reels since I bought these, but always go back. They are the best spinning reels ever made.

[@frankracz6736]

Dale Porter, yes smallmouth put up a challenge, and this drag is top for them.

[@GLOCKCOPG23]

Agreed. These reals are tank tough and have staying power for a reason…they last and last.

[@tshaw150]

I bought the whole series (700 to 2600} back in the late 80's because of the ceramic bail roller and drag. I have used them constantly in fresh and salt water.ever since. I lived in Florida for 20 years using them on snook, tarpon, kingfish and barracuda. They never failed. I never maintained them other them rinsing them thoroughly after each salt water trip.I now moved west and still use the 700, 1300, and 1600 on trout and bass. The new spinning reels are definitely lighter but I like the Whiskers heavier weight because they balance better on many of my rods.

[@matthewmarshall7996]

had a 1300 for 20 years. when a new reel breaks, i use the 1300 as a back up until the new reel comes. The low line pickup and wobble are the reasons i don't use it regularly... because it is cumbersome if you are trying to cover a lot of water. works well for jigging in 10-15 of water inshore if you don't want to use a baitcaster. smooth drag and bulletproof.

[@peteryeung111]

I have one of these 1300 size given to me, I’d never cared much about it. Until recently, I used it as a pan fish reel. A 3.5 pounder small mouth took the tiny lure. I tell you, it was the greatest bass fight I’ve ever felt. I was using 4 lb. Fluorocarbon line. The drag was unbelievable, now I’m a true believer. Mine is made in Thailand though, I would love to get a made in Japan one.

[@GLOCKCOPG23]

Don’t believe the “Japan made” is better garbage. It is a fallacy. They are both made to the same tolerances. I own many examples of each since the 80’s and can tell you with complete confidence that they are equally as good as the other. Positively facts. Happy fishing.

[@fedreserv6133]

When they showed up with ceramic line roller, fantastic drag and worm drive, all stacked in lightweight "whisker" body, those SS were really amazing for the time. Production which took 3 decades speaks for itself. However, initial pieces made in Japan were made way better and with smaller tolerances than those from Thailand which lacked smoothness here and there. Not all sizes were matched well and 1300 had small main gear and short handle, which led to quite lack of power on retrieve, although spool capacity is quite decent for the size. 1600 and 2600 were the best overall and still can be used.

[@GLOCKCOPG23]

I have owned many examples of the Japan made, and Thailand made reels….Since the 80s. At least 14 reels or so and I can attest to the fact that there is zero difference in their quality. That is just simply Internet regurgitation. In fact, I know a guy who runs a tackle repair shop and he tends to lean toward the made in Thailand models as being better. I don’t believe that either. They are equally as good as the other, positively. I have never had to do anything but clean and lube infrequently.

[@terryjacob8169]

I have a 700SS that I bought for ultralight spinning here in England. It now gets used mainly for drop shotting and working split shot rigs. Casts a country mile and has a flawless drag. Has helped me land numerous accidental captures of pike in the 30inch plus class. Much better than a comparable 1000 size Shimano, of which I have a couple of Stradic models.

[@simonadventum]

I inherited a 1300 and a 1600, I have used the 1300 bass fishing with a 15lbs braided line....worked great, super smooth gearing, loved it. Just need to get new line for the 1600 now

[@frankracz6736]

Simon Adventum thanks for viewing & the feedback. I'm glad you're enjoying the reels. I subbed your channel & hope the rest of the season goes great for you.

[@RhinoVenturesOutdoors]

This is a great review, Frank. I will definitely consider this reel when I'm ready to buy another for spinning. Since you're in the tackle business, I trust your opinion. Very thorough.

[@frankracz6736]

It's hard to make a convincing argument on such an old-school product, but I tried to push my convictions through-lol. I hope I'll do some more reviews of this type. Thanks!

[@rbiel100]

I have used these since sometime in the 80"s They are bulletproof.....it's a shame people don't go for the 'look' (like you said - old school).........these reels are classic and timeless and unbelievably durable

[@andrewmeyer169]

my uncles’s kept his in shape since 1990. I think no other reel has such a nice look

[@808MoiMoi]

I have been fishing with the Daiwa SS1300 Tournament reels when they first came out in the mid 1980's. Weighing a mere 8.5 oz, my SS1300 can outcast any reel of a similar (2500) size due to its long distance, conical spool. It's precision worm gear which always lays my 8#monofilament line evenly on the spool. No line bunching ever. The oversized front micro-click drag, handles big fish , smooth and steady. It's 5.1:1 gear ratio, is perfect for tossing grubs, lead head jigs, and small poppers.I have many other reels costing much more, but my all-time, "Go To" Reel is still my Vintage Daiwa SS1300 Tournament reel. A Perfect reel? No, but the closest I have found.

[@frankracz6736]

Jeff K I've learned there are many people like you who have paid more for reels, but found they have gotten their dollars worth out of this reel more than any other. Thanks for the feedback.

[@808MoiMoi]

@@frankracz6736 Yes, I am old school...and, I was raised appreciating quality built products that are fair priced. Why would anyone want to change when a reel like this Daiwa "SS" 1300 Tournament continues delivering the high performance. I cannot think of a similar reel that is it's equal...keep up the great reel reviews Frank, I really enjoy watching them!

[@dontravisberry9021]

There is a great feature of the SS series that @frankracz did not mention, and is not mentioned much in the other comments. These reels cast so well not only due to the long, slightly tapered spool, but to the very consistent 5 degree line lay created by the worm drive spool oscillation. It is very difficult for line to "dig in", which can hamper a cast. More importantly, if you use modern braid, the thin braid does not dig in when fighting a fish. If that happens, the great drag goes out the window, and you may lose a good fish. It is interesting that this "old" (but far ahead of its time) reel works so well with the modern superlines. Sadly, not enough people understood these reels, and Daiwa discontinued them.

[@frankracz6736]

Thank you for this pertinent information.

[@tcox8729]

Im going to be getting the 2600 version of this and cant wait to use it

[@markkasick]

I have a 700 and a 1300. Both made in Japan. Probably 30 years old and never ever lets you down.

[@frankracz6736]

Mark, the new Daiwa Lt's have more lbs. more drag, but I had to explain to a couple folks that in no way to they engage like this dual locking system on the Daiwa SS.

[@markkasick]

Frank Racz No reel that I know of welcomes a river dunking or soaking in kayak bilge water like the SS. Modern smooth reels not so much. Plus they are stupid light like you said.

[@ukr1pp3r99]

I use three for my Carp fishing in the UK and even France. Use 15lb line. I can’t stand using large big pits they are too big and heavy and the ss2600s are just fun and bullet proof. Can’t go wrong

[@TheFishingHobby]

Yup they are classic reel that still hold their own still to this day. The Daiwa Black Gold reels (BG10 through BG90) are an even older design that Daiwa is still making to this day that still use Aluminum bodies. Both classics that are still being made because they are workhorses. I had noticed you using that Whisker in videos I don't remember if I commented about it, but I had noticed 👍

[@frankracz6736]

I used to work in a tackle shop that had the Black Golds, but I never sold one. I forgot they still made them. Thanks for sharing-much appreciated.

[@TheFishingHobby]

They are still very popular with people who do saltwater fishing charter services. They are easy to maintain and tough as nails. They use a similar main and pinion gear setup but use an arm/cam oscillation setup where the Whisker uses a tighter pattern worm oscillation setup. The arm/cam setup makes for quicker/easier servicing. They also use 3 stainless ball bearings.

[@frankracz6736]

Great, ya, I looked up the specs. Only the smallest size would be applicable for me, but thanks for the great reminder that it's out there!

[@hobbyoftheday4017]

I have a bg60 that has seen quite a bit of saltwater use including my biggest king mackerel at 25 pounds. They are very popular on the nagshead fishing pier for cobia bucktail jigs. Just classic looking work horse reels.

[@bubbles_and_fishing8042]

this has been my dream reel for 2 years

[@frankracz6736]

Bubbles_and-Fishing I'm glad you liked it.

[@mat8009]

These reels are so good for carp fishing and are actually based on that genre of angling,super tough and reliable reel for a cheap price,couldn't fault them at all.

[@frankracz6736]

Mati Dziekonski, I agree wholeheartedly.

[@Backs4more]

The Ss range of reels were built for spinning. It was Terry Hearn and a few others that started using the SS2600 for carp in the late 90’s. They were never designed for carp and still Army, hence a crap line clip and no quick drag system. I bought my first SS2600 in Singapore in 91, long before they were seen in the UK. I now use 4 for my carp fishing and I have converted the drag, fitted spring line clips, upgraded the bearings, and swapped the worm drive bush for bearings.

[@tommybiker69]

Nice review on what's one of my favorite old timey reels.

[@frankracz6736]

Tom JB I've really grown to appreciate the SS reel throughout the years, and can't wait to use mine in spring. Take care, and thanks for watching.

[@charlesadams1721]

Just found your video. Contrary to some thoughts, the Daiwa SS1300 reel, along with its "brother" the 1600 were introduced in the early 1980's BTW, you're not really supposed to crank the reel handle to close the bail, you're supposed to close the bail by hand. If you close the bail by hand, you'll almost never have the line twist. As to the reel sizes, in the SS Tournament family, there are the: the SS700. SS1300. SS1600, SS2600 reels. ive had four SS1300's two of which I've had since the early 1980's, two 1600's since the mid-80's, three 2600's (for exclusively saltwater use) and in my opinion the best of all, four SS700's which I've had since since the mid-80's. A couple facts about my reels; I've never had to do anything but lube the reels every couple of years, I've changed out the bearings every five years, not because they need it, i just want to try a different bearing for some reason. every 7-10 years for the 700's and 1300's i change out the drag washers. If you go online, you'll find a gentleman from Singapore who started replaceing the nylon bushing a the tail end of the main gear shaft with a ball bearing, it makes it a little smoother , maybe. If the wobble really bothers you, you can get some small pieces of lead and opposite the line roller, you can add weights to help eliminate the wobble. The SS series reels are also the choice of tournament casters, but with new thinking about how best to handle line on a reel spool, you can buy reverse taper spools for these reels from the ACA. Lastly, if you go visit the Florida Keys or the flats of places where bonefish are a prime target, and see what reels the guide have in their boats for all sorts of light fishing, unless they work at a lodge where tackle is provided free to them, they almost all have the Daiwa SS series reels. Oh, the last thing, at least with saltwater guides, the ones I've spoke with still don't trust Instant anti-reverse, they tend to fail and often even in very high quality reels, the inner bearing races of the roller bearing are very thin flexible plastic, which accounts for most of the failures, The SS series which Daiwa attempted maybe 15-20 years ago, had "modernized" features and just didn't hold up.

[@frankracz6736]

Charles Adams, thanks for viewing and the feedback. I never heard about the anti-reverses in saltwater not working properly before.

[@vasco8965]

I got the 1600 size and i f@&#% love it. Its a war machine it last forvever and i only fish in salt water with him and i have no problem its true its a litle old looking reel without the features of the nowadays reels but you dont need it you just need a tough durable gearing and long lasting smooth drag... and thats it many people doesnt know how this reel its so good my fishing buddies laught abou it now they want one but they keep saying its expensive in europe you can get one fro. 180/250€ i bought mine in US for 105 bucks😅😅

[@Enpassantful]

Good review, how many turns of the drag adjuster does it take to get from locked up to free spool mode?

[@frankracz6736]

Joss Cues it's quite a few turns. This is a saltwater drag system, so much smoother than the already smooth Daiwa LT series. The drag engages right away too. Do you play chess? I'm big on it. Thanks for watching my video. I appreciate that.

[@jerseyjoe1677]

Absolutely 100% I have a 1300 and a spare spool from around 1992 I decided to pick up another one and it’s in a time capsule I mean they didn’t even change any color or a single font on the reel or box ! Which is wonderful I’m a firm believer in “ if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” I never even serviced the reel mainly because there are no screws for the side cover . I just back the drag off and rinse with fresh water after fishing I love this reel fir many reasons one being I enjoy using medium to light weight tackle and the 1300 is perfect! Thanks

[@Noizers]

How does this hold up to the Daiwa Fuego LT reels. I know you briefly mentioned it in the video but can you give me more information?

[@frankracz6736]

In a nutshell the Daiwa Fuego has more pounds of drag yet doesn't have as precise a drag.

[@joelohalloran200]

How would you rate the Daiwa GS4000/3000 LTD compared to the Daiwa Whisker SS2260 SS1600?

[@frankracz6736]

Joseph, honestly I'm not familiar w/ the GS reel series.

[@eugenekaszas3689]

Thank you for this great review! I was wondering if you could kind of rank or comment on how this compares to other "whisker" reels like "GS" etc, the bg series, and daiwa legalis or like a shimano sahara in the 1000 sizes. I am looking for a good reel but having a hard time with so many options. (Freshwater btw) Thx!

[@UrbanRedneckOutdoors]

Nice review! How do you like Diawa baitcasters?

[@frankracz6736]

I own the Lexa baitcaster, which is discontinued in the bass sizes; however, for a $99.99 priced reel it's nearly perfect. Their new Tatula SV TWS for under $200 doesn't require you to put your thumb down to stop the spool when adjusted, and is sleek, light, powerful, and well-balanced. Their magnets on the lower-end Daiwa RG/Cabela's Tournament have been used in reels (unchanged) for over 10 years, which says a great deal about their lower-end lines as well. Thanks for the compliment. I'll be sure to check your channel out!

[@UrbanRedneckOutdoors]

Frank Racz Thanks for the info. Keep up the good work!

[@Restin_J_face]

Would it be suitable for lures? Light setup

[@frankracz6736]

J, yes this reel would be suitable for light lures. It's a very light reel for the drag strength. You may want to go w/ the smaller model though for ultra light.

[@dandruff7807]

Can one use braid on the 1300 model? If so what's the maximum line weight?

[@frankracz6736]

Dan Druff I don't see why you couldn't use braid on the 1300 model. I'd ballpark estimate using up to 40 lb. if you thought you needed that, but 30 lb. will cast better, and 20 lb. will cast & handle even better. Ideally I'd recommend the 20 lb. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask. Take care.

[@JoshuaLeClair-c9q]

How would your go head to head with this reel against say a pfluger presidential

[@carnufiasfishing8444]

They look classic, just like they did. When they first came out. Kool video. 🎣😎🎣😎🎣😎🎣

[@frankracz6736]

Felix Martell, yes, they look identical to when they came out. Thanks for viewing & commenting. Take care & tight lines.

[@shennessy1090]

Are these reels suitable for pike fishing?

[@frankracz6736]

Henno, these reels are absolutely suitable for pike fishing. They don't have a baitfeeder, however.

[@PeelingLine]

The aesthetics leaves something to be desired. Looks like a good reel though. I hate the inf anti rev. messes me up everytime I get a new reel. Nice review.

[@frankracz6736]

The functionality outweighs the aesthetics, which I laughed at 11 years ago. The graphite frame doesn't flex. The longcast spool still makes long casts, etc. Try looking at a Daiwa Exceler for $79.99 w/ 22 lbs. drag, little frame flex, butter smoothness, and incredibly tight gearing, truly modern & world class, yet remarkably affordable; however, the drag doesn't have the saltwater specifications of the SS.

[@FixDylann]

Can I fish with 20lb line on this reel

[@frankracz6736]

FixDylann, you could do 20lb. braid, but mono, fluorocarbon, or copolymer would to to thick. On the larger size of this model 20lb. could be an option. They still list the reel on their website. Btw, I subbed your channel. Tight lines.

[@THECATINTHEHAT973]

Hey Frank. What size SS do you recommend for a 9' Ugly Stik for carp fishin'? Thanks- Wally.

[@frankracz6736]

Wally I'd say that either the 1600 or the 2600 will work fine, depending on the lb. line & if you need more line capacity.

[@THECATINTHEHAT973]

@@frankracz6736 I will be running 40 lb Suffix 832.

[@frankracz6736]

No! Put leadcore on it, at least 85 lbs.-lol!

[@MuskyHans]

Nice review of the reel

[@frankracz6736]

Musky Hans thanks so much for the feedback.

[@williamdougie6213]

Mine lay the line evenly on the spool tho

[@frankracz6736]

Sorry for the late reply William Munny, The reel does lay the line evenly well. It's all about The Original Six.

[@itsonlyahobby7412]

Great review. Daiwa good stuff.Thanks for the sub.

[@frankracz6736]

Sure thing Michaels Outdoor Adventures, anytime.

[@carlhazelton1077]

Love my ss1300😄😄

[@frankracz6736]

carl hazelton that's awesome. The reel's so light, versatile, and has that tough saltwater drag.

[@troutaholic8834]

Good video.

[@frankracz6736]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RenanDouradorFISHING]

Nice vídeo👍

[@frankracz6736]

Renan Dourador, as always, thanks for the feedback.

[@jessestanfield-brokencurlo1448]

good stuff man!

[@frankracz6736]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@THECATINTHEHAT973]

Daiwa- best reels on the market. Won't buy anything else.

[@frankracz6736]

Ed I agree. Daiwa has bad ass tough old-school designs, and the best modern technology in their newer products. Thanks for watching.