New Reel

[BadBassWV]

Daiwa T3 Ballistic. Just Picked one up from TW. $109.00 Is this reel any good?? I figured for the money its got to be pretty good.

[cddan]

I picked one up also a month ago. Their handle aren't great easy to replace. Its made of a strange plastic that gives it a hollow feeling. Has a spot on (perfect) anti reverse. Casts very well. The lifting hood and twing is a little gimicky but I really like the real alot. I changed the handle with a bearing supported knob handle from an older reel. I enjoy the 3d breaking. It works real well with braid. For the price it is a fun reel that bombs certain lures really well. To me it feels like the line kinda pinches occasionally during re engagement in the twing. This seems to have corrected itself over time may have been a small imperfection. If I could, call me crazy, I would buy more. Also would like the t3. They are great gimmick reels that I found myself really enjoying. I got the 8.1 ratio and was rippin in a chatterbait, it made it really chatter cause of the reels zaion material(plastic polymer I think). Aside from all that I still really like the reel.

[BadBassWV]

Thanks for you input cddan I figured for $109 I couldn't go wrong.

[bootytrain]

For$109 you get a lot of bang for your buck, but I would never pay retail for it. Pros are, casts good, palms good, brakes very adjustable. Con's for me, feels a tad unrefined, retrieve not powerful enough(I have the 8:0 ratio and it struggled with squarebills.) And sometimes the t-wing doesn't work right cause the line to bunch up on one side.

[cddan]

Yes the 8 to 1 ratio does have very little cranking power. I haven't had the line bunching problem so far. I was able to horse two 5 pound bass in so far but you notice the lack of cranking strength. I ran mono on it for a while and it seemed to rough up the line quick(cheap line) then I switched to braid.

[cddan]

I do fish the reel hard. So far I m surprised. I hope Daiwa trys to tweak these more someday making it more rugged like a tatula but light and palmable. If you use left hand retrieve (cast right) and switch hands you can hit the twing hood to re engage as you switch. Kinda neat feature also.

[BadBassWV]

Thanks guys, I should have mine by monday. I'll fish it Wednesday and Thursday. I have never owned a reel that "Retailed for this much money" I got the 7:1 I'm hoping to use it for Spinner Baits. I'll let you know how it does.

[cddan]

Should work good for spinnerbaits. Yes let us know how you like it.

[BadBassWV]

So I went out the past 2 days and fished my new T3 Ballastic, all I can say is that its the best reel that I have ever owned. This thing is super smooth, fits good in my palm and casts like a champ. I wish in a way I hadn't got it because it makes me want another and lets me know how bad my other reels are, hopefully I can save up the money pretty quick and get another one. I can't think of anything negative to say other than the handle seemed a little small. For what you get, and how mine performed and for $109.00, I can't believe they are not sold out.

[BasskingKeith]

Hmm.. thought about getting one but to me it looked like the T wing would cause a lot of friction on your line when the reel is engaged with any pressure other than your lure (hooked fish). Therefore weakened line in short order. Is that the case? I'm a Daiwa fan too.

[cddan]

Imho I do believe it does add too much friction to the line. I use braid to help with this issue. I have a t3 and don't like it for mono.

[BasskingKeith]

Alright, thanks man. I wanted to get it but you know just because of that and some insight here I more than likely wont. So thanks for your opinion

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There is no inherent defect or advantage for that matter in the T wing. Friction is not a problem any more than conventional level winds. It's just another way to do the job. My guess on the the line stacking is that it occurs primarily with braid due to the limpness causing the line to not be picked up properly.

[Tywithay]

Hmm.. thought about getting one but to me it looked like the T wing would cause a lot of friction on your line when the reel is engaged with any pressure other than your lure (hooked fish). Therefore weakened line in short order. Is that the case? I'm a Daiwa fan too.

The line does not contact the T-wing at all on the T3 reels. There's a round bar on the underside of the hood that pushes the line down into the bottom groove of the T-wing. It doesn't create any more friction  than any other levelwind design during retrieve and has far less friction during casting. I've used mine with mono for over a year, same line the whole time; haven't had a single issue.

[new2BC4bass]

I wish in a way I hadn't got it because it makes me want another and lets me know how bad my other reels are

 

 

I hear ya.  Not that my other reels are bad.  I picked up a couple T3 1016 reels...one used...one new.  Highest MSRP of any of my reels.  They don't make me think I need all $430 reels.  I've got 4 reels that cost me more than the T3s although their MSRP was less.  Can't catch any more fish with an expensive reel than a cheaper reel, but personal satisfaction is higher.  I enjoy quality gear.  Can't afford Steez, DC, etc. even on sale, but no doubt would try them if I could.

 

I got spoiled right from the get-go.  My first 2 b/c reels were Fuegos when TW closed them out.  However, I can honestly say I enjoy my $30 Procaster almost as much.  Good reels need not cost a lot, but do require a little research before buying.

 

I did find out that the T-wing is a pleasure to use.  The braking system on the 1016s is great.  It didn't take long before I'd grab a standard reel, and try to engage the spool with my thumb. 

 

Probably why some people like to use one brand only, but where is the fun in that?