Daiwa T3 Ballistic Baitcaster Reels

[Big Fish Small Pond]

Hey Bass Resource,

I seem to read a lot of mixed reviews on these reels, from your experiences with these reels how would you rate their quality overall for general bass fishing? (Multiple kinds of lures)

[Cgrinder]

Solid reel for the $100 that you can get them for. Positives: Magforce 3D is a great braking system and the reel palms very nicely. Negatives: Spool is so-so, handle is awful (short with riveted knobs), and the reel doesn't feel very refined. Some people like 'em, some people don't. I would suggest looking at the T3-1016, which for only like $90 more gets you a 1016 spool (which is awesome) and a much nicer handle, plus a general sense of refinement.

 

At the end of the day, they cast and reel in fish, so you probably would end up being happy with one.

 

Edit: This is assuming you're a lefty. T W still has 6.3:1 LH T3-1016's for $200.

[masterbass]

I got one of the 8.1's for $110 and was totally happy throwing stuff 1/4oz and up.  Pitching was a little tricky, but casting was awesome.  I noticed the retrieve was a little rough so I replaced a bushing in the drive shaft with a bearing for like $4 and that smoothed it out dramatically.  I eventually bought a 1016 spool for it because I wanted to throw some lighter stuff and this transformed the reel into a pitching/casting machine.  In retrospect, I would've just got the t3 instead, but if I was just using it for t rigs and jigs 1/4 plus then the ballistic was fine for me.  I love the braking system and the low profile is so comfortable to palm.  Some people don't like the t wing sytem but I actually do.  I like to engage the spool with one hand after casting or pitching.

[DogBone_384]

I have a T3 in 8.1:1. & a T3 Ballistic in 6.3:1. They're both well built and cast great. I've only had them for one season so can't comment on long term durability. Mike from Delaware Valley Tackle said they've got a full floating spool and don't need super tuning like my other bait casters.

Overall I like them a lot, but they're not my arsenal favorites, which happen to be Shimano Cores, pretty stiff competition.